Central Florida News
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and LYNX Highlight LYMMO Lime Line Expansion to Better Serve Seniors
Published
2 years agoon

ORLANDO, Fla – Julie Regier, a 92-year young long-time Orlando resident, lives in a downtown senior high-rise and enjoys spending time with friends, catching shows at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and dining locally along Orange Avenue. However, mobility for Regier has become more of a challenge these days, but thanks to the expanded LYMMO Lime Line she now has easier access to all of the amenities at the Beardall Center, North Quarter and SoDo neighborhoods.
On Tuesday, March 28, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer join Regier, City Commissioners, LYNX CEO Tiffany Homler Hawkins, Senior Resource Alliance CEO Karla Radka and senior residents as they embark on a journey through the city to the Beardall Senior Center to celebrate the expanded route with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The expanded Lime Line route is a convenient transit option for the city’s seniors to hop on and off to navigate and explore the downtown area quickly and reliably. This LYMMO expansion aligns with the city’s Livable Orlando Age-Friendly Action Plan and its commitment to ensure Orlando is a “Community for a Lifetime” by implementing age-friendly initiatives, creating happier and healthier residents of all ages.
For those interested in riding, the Lime Line will now run from the North Quarter to LYNX Central Station then southward to the Beardall Senior Center and Lake Lucerne neighborhood with stops at Division Avenue, Anderson Street, Delaney Avenue, Gore Street, Orange Avenue, South Street and Garland Avenue. To further enhance mobility throughout downtown, frequency will also increase on the Grapefruit Line with buses arriving every eight minutes during the weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and every 15 minutes early mornings, nights and weekends.
The fare-free, circulating LYMMO buses were among the first of its kind in the U.S. to have their own dedicated lanes, known as bus rapid transit (BRT). The BRT system is funded by the City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency and has been instrumental in creating an efficient public transport network with its three routes (Lime, Orange and Grapefruit) that connect two downtown SunRail stations, the LYNX Central Station and several neighborhoods around the urban core
Central Florida News
Orange County Launches Month-Long Earth Day Celebration with Eco-Friendly Events
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 2, 2025
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – In honor of Earth Day on April 22, Orange County is transforming April into a month-long celebration of sustainability, conservation, and environmental education. Residents and visitors will have access to a wide range of activities designed to promote eco-friendly practices and raise awareness about protecting natural resources.
Earth Month 2025: A Community Effort to Preserve the Planet
Throughout April, Orange County will host interactive events, workshops, and educational programs aimed at fostering a greener future. The initiative highlights the County’s commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation, and sustainable living.
Key Activities Include:
Eco-Scavenger Hunt: Engage in a fun and interactive challenge to explore nature and sustainability efforts across the county.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Workshops: Learn how to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden using native plants and water-efficient techniques.
Water Conservation Classes: Gain valuable tips on reducing water waste and improving efficiency at home.
Beginner Beekeeping Workshops: Discover the essential role of bees in the ecosystem and learn how to start your own hive.
Oyster Mushroom Cultivation: Learn how to grow your own nutritious mushrooms at home.
Spring Vegetable Gardening: Get expert advice from the University of Florida Orange County Extension Office (UF/IFAS) on growing seasonal vegetables.
Join the Movement for a Greener Future
The month-long Earth Month celebration encourages Orange County residents to take action by adopting eco-friendly habits and participating in educational programs that support sustainability.
For a full list of events and registration details, visit www.ocfl.net/EarthMonth.
Stay tuned to Florida National News for updates on Orange County’s Earth Month 2025 initiatives.
Central Florida News
2026 Orange County Mayor’s Race Heats Up: Tiffany Moore Russell Declares Candidacy
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 2, 2025By
Willie David
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell has officially filed paperwork to run for Orange County Mayor in the 2026 election, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website. Russell, a trailblazing leader in local government, seeks to succeed Mayor Jerry Demings, who will complete his final term in 2026.
Russell’s Historic Leadership in Orange County
Russell is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2014, she made history as the first African American female Clerk of Courts elected in Florida and the first African American Clerk in Orange County. Before that, she served as the District 6 Orange County Commissioner, first elected in 2006 at just 27 years old, making her the youngest commissioner ever elected in the county. She successfully served two terms on the commission, advocating for economic development, public safety, and affordable housing.
As Orange County Clerk of Courts, Russell has led efforts to modernize the court system, improve public access to legal services, and enhance transparency in county government. Under her leadership, the Clerk’s Office has expanded online services, improved efficiency, and increased community engagement through outreach programs.
The Role of Orange County Mayor
The Orange County Mayor is one of the most powerful local government positions in Central Florida, overseeing a $4.4 billion budget and more than 8,000 county employees while serving a population of approximately 1.5 million residents.
With Mayor Demings unable to seek re-election due to term limits, Russell’s candidacy sets the stage for a highly competitive race. Other potential contenders include:
Former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, who previously considered a run in 2014 but later dropped out.
Former U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy.
Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe.
Former Orange County Commissioners Emily Bonilla and Scott Boyd.
Former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Russell’s deep-rooted experience in public service and history-making leadership make her a formidable candidate in the non-partisan race. As the campaign unfolds, voters will look for candidates with strong leadership, financial management expertise, and a vision for Orange County’s future.
Stay connected with Florida National News for updates on the 2026 Orange County mayoral race.
________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Congressman Maxwell Frost Takes Questions on Economy, Education, and Federal Cuts in Orlando Reddit AMA
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 2, 2025
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) took to Reddit’s r/Orlando community this past Friday for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, addressing Central Floridians’ concerns on inflation, federal funding freezes, and the future of the Democratic Party. The discussion garnered over 81,000 views, 1,000 upvotes, and more than 350 comments and questions from local residents.
Congressman Frost on Economic Policy & Rising Costs
One Reddit user asked: Do House Democrats have a plan to offer an alternative to Trump’s economic policy?
Congressman Frost responded:
“We can’t just oppose Trump’s billionaire takeover—we must provide our vision. People don’t want marginal improvements, they want bold, transformational change.
Expanding Medicare so no one must choose between medical bills and rent.
Increasing affordable housing and enacting strong renter protections.
Holding corporations accountable for price gouging and price fixing.
Raising the minimum wage so workers aren’t stuck with $7.25 an hour.We have a popular agenda, and we must fight to reclaim the narrative. While Republicans cover up their SignalGate scandal, Democrats are working to lower costs. I’ve championed price-lowering legislation to reduce property insurance costs, grocery prices, rental fees, and prescription drug costs, including capping EpiPen prices.”
Concerns Over Federal Education Cuts & Public School Support
Another Orlando resident expressed concerns over federal funding cuts to Title I schools, fearing that many students will lose access to free lunch programs.
Congressman Frost, whose mother was a public school teacher for 37 years, responded:
“Florida’s state government is actively working to dismantle public education. Title I funding is crucial for schools serving low-income communities. In February, I marched with fellow members of Congress to the Department of Education’s doors to fight back against threats to public education.
It took Department of Homeland Security officers in body armor to keep us out. That should tell you how serious this is.
Parents, teachers, and school administrators must pressure elected officials at all levels to oppose Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. A strong federal education system is more important than ever.”
Food Insecurity: Second Harvest’s Government Support Cut
A Reddit user voiced concerns over Second Harvest Food Bank losing federal food shipments, which impacts over 300 local food pantries, churches, and shelters that rely on their support.
Congressman Frost assured residents that he is taking action:
“This week, the Trump Administration canceled federal food shipments to Second Harvest, and it’s likely not a temporary cut. Hunger is a devastating crisis, affecting both physical and mental health.
I was able to secure $200,000 for Second Harvest to help offset their energy costs for food storage, but I will continue fighting for more resources to ensure families in our district don’t go hungry.”
Stay Connected with Florida National News for More Political Coverage
For ongoing coverage of Florida politics and policy changes, follow Florida National News (FNN).
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