Entertainment
PHOTOS: Mayors Demings, Dyer Declare December 3 Walt Disney World Day
Published
4 years agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings honored Walt Disney World Resort by declaring December 3 “Walt Disney World Day” in an event at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
After the proclamation, a group of Disney VoluntEars helped sort and pack food to be distributed to thousands of families in need throughout Central Florida.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (3rd from right) and Disney VoluntEars pack boxes with food to distribute to needy families during Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida president and CEO Dave Krepcho pointed out that the distribution center was made with the collaboration of the Disney Imagineers, the engineers that create many of the attractions in the theme parks. “They made such an incredible environment that truly inspires,” he said. “When the pandemic broke out, Disney was there first, asking ‘what do you need’ and ‘how can we support you,’ and they were there and kept us strong right from the start, helping us to help the community in such a strong day.”
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida president and CEO David Krepcho speaks during Orange County Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Second Harvest was one of six nonprofits that received $3 million in Walt Disney World donations this past year, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the opening of Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle received the proclamation, saying “it was an honor” to work with nonprofits. “We are fortunate to have been in this community for fifty years,” he added.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (left) and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (right) present their respective “Walt Disney World Day” proclamations to Walt Disney Resort president Jeff Vahle at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Mayor Dyer said that Disney “has had such an impact in Central Florida in so many visible ways, but also in so many not-so-visible ways. We all have a story about Disney, and Disney is all about the power of their stories. Since 1971, Disney has provided hundreds of millions of dollars and hundreds of ‘voluntEAR’ hours for the community.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer speaks during Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Among the donations to the city, Disney has donated to the Walt Disney Amphitheater in Lake Eola, and is one of the founding donors of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Arts. Also, Disney donated a million dollars to help survivors and their families of the Pulse tragedy.
Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and other county and city elected officials pose for a photo with Walt Disney Resort president Jeff Vahle during Orange County Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Mayor Demings remarked that his connection to Disney reaches all the way back to the 70s, when he worked as a cast member. “In serving this community as long as I have, I have seen the countless number of individuals, cast members and other opportunities that Disney has provided to our community to give back. The time spent making magic for guests from all around the world stays with you forever,” he said.
Demings also pointed out how Disney has contributed to the economy of Central Florida, not only donating money but also providing hundreds of thousands of jobs, as well as collecting and distributing 830,000 pounds of prepared, unserved meals through Disney Harvest. “In 2020 alone these donations provided one million meals to residents in need,” he said.
Disney has also donated $100 million through its children’s hospital program, which benefits patients in Orlando Health, Advent Health, and Nemours.
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Juan Carlo Rodriguez is a politics and entertainment writer for Florida National News. He is also the Content Coordinator for FNN News en Español. | info@floridanationalnews.com
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Florida National News Podcast en Español — Tuesdays at 6:30 PM EST!
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Monica HoyosFlorida National News Podcast en Español — Tuesdays at 6:30 PM EST!
Join Co-Hosts Monica Hoyos and Javier Garcia, along with Special Guest Host Maria del Carmen Rodriguez and the production team, for a show filled with fun, excitement, and powerful conversations that inform, inspire, and empower Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida and beyond.
Únete a las Coanfitrionas Monica Hoyos y Javier Garcia, junto a la Anfitriona Invitada Especial Maria del Carmen Rodriguez y el equipo de producción, en un programa lleno de diversión, emoción y conversaciones poderosas que informan, inspiran y empoderan a las comunidades hispanas y latinas en Florida y más allá.
Sintoniza cada semana en los canales de FNN News en Español, Florida National News y FNN News TV en Facebook y en las plataformas de redes sociales para disfrutar de historias que celebran las voces, el liderazgo y la cultura latina.
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OIFW Fall 2025 Brings Fashion, Art, and Entertainment to Downtown Orlando with Exclusive Rooftop and Runway Events
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 20, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has officially announced its Fall 2025 event lineup, promising an extraordinary week of fashion, art, and entertainment across Downtown Orlando. Known for merging creativity, culture, and community, OIFW will showcase local and international designers, celebrity hosts, and captivating live performances at some of Orlando’s most iconic venues.
Sunday, November 9, 2025 – Opening Night at CityArts
Location: CityArts, Downtown Orlando
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Sponsor: Downtown Arts District
Event Host:
Chad Pitt – Radio Personality, “Chad and Leslye in the Morning Show,” Magic 107.7
Fashion Designers:
Tenique Designs
Ellie Paisley Art
Avor + Pazniak
Entertainment:
K.She’ – Singer/Songwriter
London Simone – Contortionist
OIFW kicks off opening night at CityArts, bringing together the best of Orlando’s visual and fashion arts scene in a creative fusion of color, texture, and performance.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Rooftop Fashion Experience
Location: Altira Rooftop Pool + Lounge, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Event Host:
Christina Carmona – Award-Winning Actress and Filmmaker
Fashion Designers:
Betta Novais Designs
Sim Allure
Event Highlights:
Guests will enjoy a luxurious rooftop day party and fashion showcase, complete with live music, curated runway presentations, and the city’s trendsetters mingling under Orlando’s skyline. Drinks and food will be available for purchase.
Sunday, November 16, 2025 – Family and Finale Fashion Events
Location: Eola View, Downtown Orlando
Times: 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
3:00 PM Event Host:
Mimi Mala – Radio Personality, Model, and Host
Fashion Designers:
My Little Matilda
Dillard’s Children
Davenport Fashion Lab
Dillard’s Youth
Celebrity Style Showcase Models:
Pao Pati | Mayra Uribe | Azela Santana | Julia Goolia | Kairy Lopez
Entertainment:
Alyssa Herrera – Singer/Songwriter
Moova Dance – Dance Studio Performance
6:00 PM Event Host:
Sierra Rainge – Media Powerhouse and Brand Strategist
Fashion Designers:
Roszuar | Culture Trees | Artelio | Constella Designs | Dillard’s | Jezra | BAmoryProductions | Sim Allure
Celebrity Style Showcase Models:
Bethany Worley | Mimi Mala | Azela Santana | Daniela Droz | Anntwan Fredrick
Entertainment:
Zaycuatro – Singer/Songwriter
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These closing events at Eola View highlight both family-oriented fashion and Orlando’s rising stars in music, art, and design, offering a grand finale to an unforgettable fashion week.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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Mayors Buddy Dyer and Jerry Demings Join Tribute to James H. Pugh’s Legacy at Dr. Phillips Center
Published
3 weeks agoon
October 12, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts unveiled a stunning new bronze relief sculpture honoring Chairman Emeritus James H. Pugh, Jr., the visionary leader whose commitment and leadership helped turn the dream of a world-class performing arts center into reality. The piece, created by world-renowned sculptor Paul Day, was revealed during a heartfelt ceremony attended by community leaders, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, both of whom shared remarks celebrating Pugh’s remarkable contributions.
A Visionary Who Shaped Orlando’s Cultural Landscape
From 2003 to 2022, James H. Pugh, Jr. served nearly two decades as chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center, guiding the project from concept to completion. His leadership, expertise, and steadfast vision were instrumental in creating one of Orlando’s most iconic cultural institutions.
Alongside his wife, Alexis Pugh, he became the first donor to the project, helping establish the 294-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, a beloved venue that has hosted thousands of regional artists and performances. Under his direction, the Center also opened the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater and the acoustically acclaimed Steinmetz Hall, which Architectural Digest named one of the 11 most beautiful theaters in the world.
A Masterpiece by Renowned Artist Paul Day
Commissioned by longtime friend and arts center donor Neal Dempsey, the bronze relief sculpture was crafted by internationally recognized artist Paul Day, whose works include The Meeting Place at St. Pancras Station in London and A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor at Rollins College.
This new artwork captures the essence of Pugh’s leadership, perseverance, and dedication to the arts, symbolizing the collective effort that brought the Dr. Phillips Center to life. “Jim has been instrumental in bringing this dream and our promise of Arts for Every Life to the region,” said Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center. “His vision and generosity shaped every step of our journey. This sculpture ensures he will always remain part of our story.”
A Lasting Legacy for Future Generations
During the unveiling, Ed Timberlake, Chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of Pugh’s contributions: “Today, we celebrated three powerful forces—transformative vision, unwavering perseverance, and the magic that happens when a community rallies behind a dream. Jim proved that with enough determination and heart, you can turn an ambitious dream into a living, breathing cultural cornerstone.”
Ticketed guests can now view the sculpture on the first tier of the Della Phillips Lobby. The installation was made possible through generous support from Jan & Neal Dempsey, with additional contributions from Valeria & Jim Shapiro and Bill Forness.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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