Events

Orlando Mayor, City Commissioners, and the Police Chief broke ground on the 43 Million Police Headquarters

Published

11 years ago

June 25, 2015

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, City Commissioners and Police Chief John Mina invite the Orlando community to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Orlando Police Department Headquarters at 10:30 a.m., Thursday morning.

Orlando Police Department’s new headquarters, estimated to cost $43 million, will be located at the corner of South Street and Orange Blossom Trail, where the old Lynx bus depot used to be. Expected to be completed in 2016, the new 96,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will improve department operations, utilize the latest technology and make the department more accessible to the community.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina (below) at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo by Willie David, Florida National News

Orlando Police Chief John Mina at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo by Willie David, Florida National News

The new police station is designed to be inviting to the neighborhood and provide new services that Orlando Police Chief John Mina says the current antiquated building does not have. “It lacks technology. It lacks needs for the handicap. It lacks an openness for our community, so that’s what we’re hoping this new facility brings,” Mina said at the groundbreaking ceremony.

In 1972, Orlando police department opened the current headquarters at 100 S. Hughey Ave., right next to the Amway Center. However, the Orlando Magic has big plans to buy OPD’s land, as well as a parking garage, and turn it into a $200 million entertainment facility filled with offices, shopping and dining space.

The City of Orlando remains committed to working with residents and businesses to keep Orlando’s Downtown and neighborhoods a safe place to live, work and play. Over the last 10 years, the City has made a significant investment in public safety, adding police officers and firefighters, investing in cutting-edge technology and providing state-of-the-art training. Overall crime City-wide is down for six of the last seven years, which equates to a 20% decrease since 2007.

Orlando City Commissioner Robert Stuart speaks with Florida Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales before breaking-ground on the new Orlando Police Department Headquarters. Photo by Willie David, Florida National News

Florida Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales, the only Hispanic currently elected to countywide office in Orange County also took part in the groundbreaking ceremony. “I’m excited about Orlando will have a new police department that would be handicapped accessible and opened for community meetings. This is another step to help bridge better relations between community and police,” Morales said.

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Entertainment

BookNet Fest Returns to Orlando with Bold Conversations and a Love for Storytelling

Published

11 months ago

May 22, 2025

Kareen Kennedy

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Orlando’s vibrant literary scene will take center stage this May as BookNet Fest returns for its 2025 edition. Since 2017, the annual book convention has served as a unique space for readers, writers, and content creators to come together for a two-day celebration of stories and community. This year’s festival runs May 23–24 at the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs® Area, promising dynamic panels, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of literary camaraderie.

A highlight of this year’s event is the support from The New Romantics, a recently opened independent bookstore in Orlando dedicated entirely to romance fiction. The store is quickly becoming a beloved space for fans of the genre and is lending both heart and visibility to this year’s festivities as an official sponsor.

BookNet Fest 2025 is shaping up to be everything some recent book festivals weren’t. Following the chaos of the A Million Lives Book Festival—dubbed the “Fyre Festival of the book community” after attendees took to social media to express frustration over poor planning and mismanagement—many readers and authors are approaching book events with newfound caution. With more than 3.2 million views on the organizer’s TikTok apology and promises of refunds by May 31 from Archer Management, trust in book events is under scrutiny.

But BookNet Fest offers a reassuring contrast. Built by and for the community, the event has a track record of thoughtful programming, transparent planning, and genuine inclusivity. It’s a festival that prioritizes quality over flash—and it shows.

Among this year’s panel highlights:

“Ask a Lawyer: Legal Landmines in the Bookish World” will give attendees a rare chance to hear from professionals on navigating contracts, copyrights, and online publishing risks.
“Reading Under Threat” addresses the rise of book bans and censorship in the United States.
“Sinners and the Power of Black Storytelling” explores cultural legacy and creative innovation through the lens of Black literature.

What sets BookNet Fest apart is its intimate, creator-driven feel. Unlike large-scale expos or influencer-first events, this festival thrives on meaningful connection—between fans and authors, between colleagues and creators, and between people who simply love books.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader, an aspiring novelist, or a BookTok regular, BookNet Fest 2025 offers a grounded, uplifting space to learn, connect, and be inspired.

For tickets and more information, visit booknetfest.com

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

Entertainment

P!NK Brings ‘Summer Carnival’ Tour to Camping World Stadium on November 18

Published

1 year ago

October 27, 2024

Kareen Kennedy

Source: Camping World

Orlando, FL (FNN) – This is a reminder that multi Grammy-Award winner P!NK will be bringing her record-breaking Summer Carnival Tour to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium on November 18, 2024. Joining her for this highly anticipated concert is boundary-breaking artist Maren Morris, known for her dynamic vocals and electrifying performances. Morris will support the final date of P!NK’s tour, stepping in to replace GROUPLOVE.

P!NK’s captivating live performances have generated tremendous fan enthusiasm, solidifying her status as a touring powerhouse.
With nearly 3 million tickets sold and an astonishing $350 million in revenue during last year’s tour across Europe, the UK, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, her 2023 Summer Carnival Tour was recognized as one of the top-grossing tours of the year by Billboard.
Known for her high-energy shows and stunning visual production, P!NK continues to push boundaries and create unforgettable experiences for her fans.

Maren Morris, a Grammy-winning artist, has made waves in the music industry with hits like “My Church” and “The Bones,” blending country, pop, and R&B influences to create her unique sound. Her presence on this tour promises to elevate the concert experience, adding to the excitement surrounding P!NK’s performances.

Tickets for the concert are selling fast, starting at $29.95, but pricing is subject to change based on market demand. All tickets are reserved, and fans can purchase them through the Camping World Stadium box office or at Ticketmaster.com. Please note that all dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice, and applicable taxes, service, handling, and facility fee charges may apply.

Camping World Stadium is located at 1 Citrus Bowl Place in Orlando. For more information about the concert and to stay updated on any changes, visit CampingWorldStadium.com. Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary evening of music and celebration!

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

Business

Kia Center to Host Hiring Events: Join the Winning Team!

Published

2 years ago

October 14, 2024

Kareen Kennedy

Source: Kia Center

ORLANDO, FL — Kia Center, Central Florida’s premier sports and entertainment venue, previously announced their series of hiring events which started on September 30 and will continue on December 9, and January 21, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. These events are designed to attract passionate individuals eager to provide legendary experiences for guests while supporting local sports teams and world-class performances. With a busy calendar featuring Orlando Magic basketball and Orlando Solar Bears hockey, the need for dynamic team members has never been greater.

Job seekers will have the opportunity to explore part-time roles in areas such as guest services, security, food and beverage, and cleaning services, with same-day on-site interviews available. Applicants are encouraged to bring resumes and two forms of identification. Additionally, those attending can apply for positions at nearby venues like Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field. As a bonus, attendees will have a chance to win complimentary tickets to upcoming events, including performances by Simone Biles and Justin Timberlake. For more information, visit KiaCenter.com.

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News

kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com