Central Florida News
PHOTOS: CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast Honors Local First Responders
Published
3 years agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez, along with elected officials from Osceola, Orange and Seminole counties joined members of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) for the annual Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld to reflect on the tragic events on September 11, 2001 and honor local first responders Friday. During the ceremony local law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical services and security personnel were recognized for distinguished service in the line of duty.
9/11 survivor Jimmy Brown, retired NYPD officer and FDNY firefighter, shares his 9/11 experience during his keynote at the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA)’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast Friday, September 9, 2023. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.
Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph pours coffee for Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe as her husband Kevin Sutton looks on during CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Friday, September 9, 2023. Photo: J Willie David III/Florida National News.
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma delivers remarks during the CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Friday, September 9, 2023. Photo: J Willie David III/Florida National News.
CFHLA President and CEO Robert Agrusa delivers remarks during the CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Friday, September 9, 2023. Photo: J Willie David III/Florida National News.
Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar converses with other attendees during the CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Friday, September 9, 2023. Photo: J Willie David III/Florida National News.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (center) converses with other attendees during the CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Friday, September 9, 2023. Photo: J Willie David III/Florida National News.
CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Breakfast – (2nd left to right): Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar, Orlando City District 3 Commissioner Robert Stuart, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (center), WESH 2 Anchor Nancy Alvarez, the event’s emcee, look on during the ceremony. Photo: J Willie David III/Florida National News
CFHLA presents Harbour Hope International with a $500 donation during the CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Friday, September 9, 2023. Photo: J Willie David III/Florida National News.
The 9/11 victims at the Twin Towers are honored during CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree Hilton at SeaWorld in Orlando Friday, September 9, 2023. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.
CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Honorees
Lifetime Achievement Award: Lt. James Napier, Kissimmee Police Department
Lt. Napier receives the Lifetime Achievement Award during the CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Friday, September 9, 2023. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.
Life Saving Award: Hospitality: Michael Gifford, Signia by Hiton Orlando Bonnet Creek & Waldorf Astoria
Life Saving Award: Fire Rescue/EMS: Seminole County Fire Department and Seminole County Police Department
Life Saving Award: Law Enforcement: Officer Omar Valle-Torres, Ocoee Police Department
Distinguished Service Award: Lt. Benjamin Wootson II, City of Orlando Fire Department and Master Deputy Luis W. Prosper, Orange County Sheriff’s Office
City of Orlando Fire Lt. Benjamin Wootson II receives the Distinguished Service Award during the CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Friday, September 9, 2023.
Master Deputy Luis W. Prosper receives the Distinguished Service Award during the CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Friday, September 9, 2023.
Heroism Award: Law Enforcement: Deputies Eddie Cruz and Paul LeCompte, Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Orange County Sheriff deputies Eddie Cruz and Paul LeCompte (3rd from right and 2nd from right, respectively) along with fellow deputies, receive the Distinguished Service award during the CFHLA’s 2023 Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld Friday, September 9, 2023.
Over 500 attendees attended the annual event.
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Central Florida News
Temple Hands USF First Loss, 17-13
Published
1 day agoon
October 4, 2026By
NISEY LOU S.Bulls move to 4-1 as Hartline turns attention toward corrections and the week ahead
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida’s unbeaten start ended Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium as Temple defeated the Bulls 17-13. USF struck first behind a Nico Gramatica field goal but went into halftime trailing 10-3 before finding momentum after the break.
USF responded in the third quarter as D.J. Crowther’s one-yard touchdown tied the game at 10.
The Bulls’ defense added a key stop when No. 1 C.J. Hicks recovered a Temple fumble in the end zone. Gramatica later connected from 49 yards to give USF a 13-10 fourth-quarter lead. Temple answered with the defining possession of the night, driving 96 yards before quarterback No. 13 Ajani Sheppard scored on a 34-yard run to put the Owls ahead for good.
Temple’s 96-yard fourth-quarter drive became the turning point in the 17-13 finish.
Joshua Porter sprints for catch with Adrian Laing closing in for Temple. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
USF was unable to answer late, dropping to 4-1. Following the game, head coach Brian Hartline focused on returning to the film, correcting the mistakes that surfaced and making sure the Bulls use the loss to improve heading into the next week.
FINAL: Temple 17, USF 13
Up Next: USF travels to San Antonio to face UTSA on Thursday night.
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Orange County Announces $28,200 Public Art Opportunity at Tangelo Park Community Center
Published
3 days agoon
October 2, 2026Artists and artist teams invited to submit qualifications for artwork at the renovated center in Orlando’s historically Black Tangelo Park community
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Public Art Review Board is seeking artists or artist teams to develop artwork for the newly renovated Tangelo Park Community Center, according to a public art call announcing a $28,200 commission budget.
The request for qualifications invites participation from one or more artists or artist teams. Applications must be submitted through CaFÉ by 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 4, 2026, according to the announcement.
Art Opportunity in a Historically Black Community
The announcement describes Tangelo Park as a historically Black community with a proud heritage. The artwork will be developed for a community center designed to bring residents of different generations together through social services, recreation and community activities.
The center sits within a midcentury modern neighborhood next to Tangelo Park Elementary School and an adjoining outdoor recreation center.
Renovated Center Expands Community Space
According to the announcement, the renovated community center features a multipurpose meeting space, classrooms, a computer lab and offices. The site also includes an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor pool and solar gazebos available for community use.
The center’s primary purpose is to support county social service programs and recreational activities. Its spaces are also intended to accommodate family programs, community gatherings, art exhibitions, festivals and other events.
The announcement describes the facility as a welcoming extension of home, where individuals and families can gather safely and comfortably.
Application Details
The public art call lists the following information:
- Project: Tangelo Park Community Center public artwork.
- Location: Orlando, Florida.
- Seeking: One or more artists or artist teams.
- Commission budget: $28,200.
- Application platform: CaFÉ.
- Deadline: Nov. 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Artists interested in the commission should consult the complete CaFÉ listing for submission requirements and additional project details.
Business
Hola at the Park Set for Oct. 3 in Altamonte Springs; Admission Free
Published
4 days agoon
October 1, 2026Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.
According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.
FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices
Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.
The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.
Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.
Food, Entertainment and Family Activities
The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.
Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.
A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte
Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.
The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
- Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
- Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
- Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
- Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
- Admission: Free and open to the community
- Registration: Not required
Vendor Inquiries
For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.
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