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PHOTOS: Mayors Demings, Dyer Declare December 3 Walt Disney World Day

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(l-r) Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Walt Disney Resort president Jeff Vahle and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings pose for a photo during Orange County Mayor Demings' and Orlando Mayor Dyer's proclaimed "Disney Day" at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Entertainment

160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience

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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.

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Orlando International Fashion Week Partners with Orlando Fringe Festival for 35th Anniversary Avant-Garde Showcase

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Orlando International Fashion Week

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN)Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a new creative partnership with the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival as the festival celebrates its 35th anniversary this May.

As part of the collaboration, OIFW will present a special avant-garde fashion showcase on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., during the two-week festival. The curated runway will feature bold, experimental designs that reflect Fringe’s spirit of artistic freedom, individuality and innovation.

PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES CREATIVE COLLABORATION

Organizers say the partnership reflects a natural alignment between two nonprofit organizations committed to supporting artists and expanding access to creative spaces.

“Fringe and OIFW share a commitment to creating platforms where artists can take risks and express themselves freely,” said Rob Henlon, executive director and co-founder of OIFW. “This collaboration allows fashion to exist within a broader artistic conversation.”

John Payne-Rios, an OIFW advisory board member, added that the partnership strengthens Orlando’s creative ecosystem by bringing together fashion, theater and community engagement.

Festival organizers echoed that sentiment, noting the addition of fashion enhances the Outdoor Stage experience and introduces new artistic energy to the event.

DESIGNER CALL AND MODEL CASTING UNDERWAY

In conjunction with the partnership, OIFW has opened its designer registration call for creatives interested in participating in the Fringe showcase.

Designers are encouraged to submit collections that emphasize:

  • Avant-garde concepts
  • Artistic storytelling
  • Bold, experimental design

Models can also audition for both the Fringe showcase and upcoming OIFW runway shows. Casting calls are scheduled for April 12 and April 19 at CityArts Gallery in downtown Orlando from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The casting is open to ages 4 and up, with no prior experience required.

FRINGE FESTIVAL MARKS 35 YEARS OF ARTISTIC FREEDOM

For 35 years, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has provided an inclusive platform for artists to present original work in an unjuried and uncensored environment. The festival is the longest-running Fringe festival in the United States and returns 100% of ticket sales directly to artists.

Each May, the festival transforms Orlando into a hub of live performances, visual art, music and interactive experiences that celebrate diverse voices and creative expression.

What’s Next for OIFW?

The Fringe collaboration serves as a lead-in to OIFW’s signature summer event, Orlando International Fashion Week Presents: 626 Euphoria, scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the Winter Park Events Center.

Organizers say the upcoming season will continue to focus on:

  • Expanding fashion as a cultural platform
  • Strengthening cross-industry partnerships
  • Elevating emerging and diverse designers

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Trick Daddy Threatens Tiffany Moore Russell Mayoral Race After AKA Show Shut Down

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — A performance by Miami street legend rapper Trick Daddy ended abruptly Friday night during the 73rd South Atlantic Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated after event organizers said the artist ignored agreed-upon performance guidelines.

The incident, which occurred after the conference’s Step and Stroll competition, has sparked debate online about event vetting, audience expectations, and artistic responsibility.

The event was overseen by South Atlantic Regional Director Tiffany Moore Russell, who also serves as the elected Clerk of Courts for Orange County, Florida and is currently a candidate for Orange County mayor.

Conference Performance Ends Early

Conference attendees from across the South Atlantic region gathered in Orlando for the sorority’s five-day leadership and networking event.

Friday evening’s program featured step teams and strolling performances before transitioning to live entertainment. Organizers booked Trick Daddy, the Miami rapper known for hits including “Nann” and “Thug Matrimony,” to perform a curated list of songs.

However, the performance ended mid-set after organizers said the rapper used language and lyrics that violated previously discussed guidelines.

Russell addressed the incident in a statement distributed to conference attendees.

“We met several times with him and his team to detail our requirements, including attire, language, and specific songs,” Russell said. “Unfortunately, our requirements were ignored. The language, lyrics, and comments made by the artist were not acceptable. I ended the performance because of the disrespect for our organization and our brand.”

Viral Video Fuels Online Debate

Videos posted on social media showed audience members reacting with surprise and discomfort during the performance.

In one clip, attendees could be seen leaving the room as the rapper used explicit language and interacted with the crowd in a manner some attendees described as inappropriate for the event.

The video quickly spread online, fueling debate over whether the performer or the event organizers were responsible for the mismatch between the artist and the audience.

Some critics argued the booking itself raised questions about vetting.

Questions About Booking and Vetting

The controversy has prompted broader discussion about event planning and audience expectations.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is one of the nation’s oldest historically Black sororities, known for its emphasis on scholarship, leadership, and community service.

Critics on social media questioned why an artist known for explicit hip-hop lyrics was booked for a conference audience largely composed of professional women and long-time sorority members.

Supporters of the organizers say the issue was not the booking itself but whether the performer honored the agreed-upon content guidelines.

Russell emphasized that the step teams and conference participants represented “creativity, discipline, and excellence,” adding that she regretted the performance overshadowed their work.

Trick Daddy Responds: “They Booked Me, Trick Daddy Dollars” [VIDEO]

Following the incident, Trick Daddy posted a video response denying that he violated the agreement and accusing organizers of damaging his reputation.

Trick Daddy video responding to AKA Director statement telling her not to give him a playlist, this isn’t her wedding and not to defame his characte, according to the video.

the video further that he states that anybody in there that was saddity and sanctified should not have been in there once I grabbed the MF’in mic.

He also referenced Russell’s political ambitions, saying: “I heard you’re running for some type of office or something. I’ll get on you every day until you don’t win. Don’t play with me.”

The comments intensified the controversy as the incident shifted from a performance dispute to a potential political crisis for Russell’s Orange County mayoral campaign.

What Happens Next? Reputation, Politics and Public Reaction

For Trick Daddy, the dispute raises questions about how the controversy could affect his public image and performance bookings.

For Tiffany Moore Russell, the issue arrives as she prepares for a campaign for mayor in Orange County, Florida, potentially drawing political scrutiny to the situation.

Whether the rapper follows through on his pledge to publicly attrack Russell’s mayoral campaign remains unclear.

For now, the moment stands as a cautionary tale about entertainment programming at professional events—where audience expectations, artist identity, and brand reputation must align.

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