Florida
Orlando Police Department Recognizes Officers, Civilian Staff, Community Members in Quarterly Awards Ceremony
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Orlando Police Department recognized the work of officers, professional staff, and community members at its Quarterly Awards Ceremony Wednesday.
The awards ceremony named the 2021 Distinguished Officer of the Year, the 2021 Distinguished Employee of the Year, the 2021 Patrol Officer of the Year, and more. Several residents and businesses in the community also received Good Citizenship awards.
Here’s the shortlist of some of the most notable awards given.
Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon presents Derik Hawkins with his award. Photo: Orlando Police Department.
On October 20, 2021, a student started a trash can fire on the campus of Edgewater High School and walked off, Derik Hawkins, a student observed the fire and utilized his beverage to extinguish the fire before triggering any fire alarms or causing any major disruptions on campus. Due to his quick actions, the School Resource Officer wanted to recognize Derik, he is awarded the Orlando Police Department Good Citizenship Award.
Unit Citation Award – West Alpha Evening Patrol Unit
In the beginning of May 2021, the West Alpha Evening Patrol Unit was tasked with reducing the number of violent crimes occurring in their geographical patrol area.
Through the end of the year, the unit’s proactive enforcement actions resulted in 248 arrests. The unit seized 14 lbs. of cannabis along with 150 grams of methamphetamine and seized $28,000 worth of narcotics.
Their patrol efforts also resulted in the recovery of 22 stolen vehicles. The squad also found plenty of time to engage and get to know the community.
Orlando Police Department Chief Orlando Rolon presents Detective Jaime Glatthorn with her prestigious award. Photo: Orlando Police Department.
Detective Glatthorn assisted in an investigation and her work led to 17 members of the organization being charged with 81 felonies related to money laundering.
SED recovered over 400 pounds of cannabis, and other drugs such as cocaine and heroin, several firearms, and $300,000 in cash.
Detective Glatthorn conducted several financial drug investigations, one case led to the seizure of a Maserati. Her work led to the seizure of 1.7 million dollars of drug dealers’ money in 2021. Detective Glatthorn is also involved in the Orlando community; she is the first to donate her time or engage in department events such as shop with a cop.
Life-Saving Award – Officer Tanner Johnston (BWC Video)
Orlando Police Department Chief Orlando Rolon presents Officer Tanner Johnston his award. Photo: Orlando Police Department.
On November 30, 2021, at 830pm, an officer was flagged down for a possible drug overdose, the unresponsive male was located. The initial officer and responding officers deployed 2 doses of NARCAN to revive the male. Officer Johnston arrived and applied a third NARCAN, the male was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Officer Johnston began CPR, the male showed signs of labored breathing and choking noises. A fourth NARCAN was administered, and CPR was continued.
Award of Commendation – Officer Andrew Hall/ Officer Ashley Lamb/ Officer Baylor Anderson
Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon presents the officers responsible for the nighttime retention pond rescue their award. Photo: Orlando Police Department.
On September 11, 2021, at 1:30 in the morning, officers responded to a vehicle that crashed into a retention pond and was submerged. A witness advised he did not see anyone exit the car. These officers jumped into the murky water to rescue any occupants that may have been trapped inside.
Orlando Police Department Chief Orlando Rolon presents Master Police Officer Monica Only her award. Photo: Orlando Police Department.
MPO Only works in the School Resource Unit, she is assigned to MetroWest Elementary School.
She has been the SRO on campus for 2 ½ years, she continually goes above and beyond what is asked of her.
She created a junior school resource officer program which meets every week with approximately 70 students they discuss police-related topics, she brings in other officers from across the department to talk about their jobs and interact with the kids.
“They’re not just officers when they’re out there,” Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon noted. “They have to be counselors, doctors, mechanics…” He praised the officers who received the awards, sharing with the audience just how much they’re required to learn coming into the job to protect and serve the community.
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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com
Florida
DeSantis’ New Florida Congressional Map Could Spark Lawsuits, Legislative Showdown, and Statewide Protests
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposed congressional redistricting map that could significantly reshape Florida’s representation in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The proposal, released Monday, outlines districts that could favor Republicans in 24 seats, compared to four Democratic-leaning districts. Currently, Florida’s congressional delegation includes 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one vacant seat.
REDISTRICTING PROPOSAL & POLITICAL IMPACT
The governor said the new map reflects Florida’s population changes and fulfills his commitment to mid-decade redistricting. Lawmakers have been called into a special legislative session to consider the proposal.
The map appears to eliminate four Democratic-held seats, including a Tampa-area district represented by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, an Osceola County district held by U.S. Rep. Darren Soto—the first Puerto Rican elected to Congress from Florida—and a Palm Beach-Broward district that could displace U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
The proposal also affects a majority-Black voting district spanning Palm Beach and Broward counties, previously represented by former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, raising concerns about the future of minority representation.
Supporters, including Evan Power, say the map could better align districts with voter distribution. Critics, including Nikki Fried, have called the proposal unconstitutional gerrymandering. Florida law prohibits partisan gerrymandering, setting up potential legal challenges.
Rep. Tray McCurdy, D-Orlando and Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville sit on the Florida Seal in protest as debate stops on Senate Bill 2-C: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State in the House of Representatives Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Rep. Daisy Morales, D-Orlando, joins the protest, holding a sign. The session was halted on the protest. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
LOOKING BACK: 2022 PROTESTS OVER REDISTRICTING
The current debate mirrors tensions from 2022, when Democratic lawmakers staged a sit-in protest on the Florida House floor in opposition to a previous congressional map backed by DeSantis.
Lawmakers including Yvonne Hinson, Angie Nixon, Travaris McCurdy, Felicia Robinson, and Daisy Morales participated in the protest, temporarily halting legislative proceedings.
Morales, a member of the Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee and the only Hispanic lawmaker involved in the sit-in, strongly criticized the map at the time.
“Our democracy is being attacked. The governor eliminating two Black congressional seats is a power grab and it’s wrong,” Morales said in a written statement. “Stripping seats from Black representation is the same as saying the Black voice—the Black vote—doesn’t matter.”
She also warned about potential impacts on Hispanic representation:
“With this map passing, I’m deeply concerned it could target the only Puerto Rican representing Florida in Congress, Darren Soto, to benefit partisan interests. We don’t want to disenfranchise the 1.2 million Puerto Ricans in Florida.”
WHAT COMES NEXT IN 2026
As lawmakers prepare to debate the new proposal, Democrats are expected to push back through legal challenges, legislative opposition, and public advocacy.
The outcome of Florida’s redistricting battle could play a pivotal role in shaping control of the U.S. House and influence the national political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Entertainment
160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.
Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.
HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP
This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.
- Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
- Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
- Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
- Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard
FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES
Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.
In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.
A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.
TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE
Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.
With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.
