Central Florida News
Rep. Demings and Secretary Buttigieg Discuss Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
ORLANDO — Today Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg led a roundtable at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to discuss the Bipartisan Infrastructure law’s impact on Florida. The new law includes more than $283 million for expansion of MCO’s new Terminal C as well as additional funding for Central Florida’s other transportation infrastructure needs.
Said Rep. Demings: “Orlando International Airport is growing thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, which will keep planes flying, keep travelers safe, and ensure that Orlando remains the best place in the world to bring your family, host a conference, or start a business. I fought for the bipartisan infrastructure law because Floridians deserve safe, modern, and efficient airports, highways, and railroads whether they’re traveling for work, school, or vacation.
Congresswoman Val Demings (center, in red), U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (directly behind her), Orlando International Airport CEO Kevin Thibault (left of Sec. Buttigieg) as well as Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (front, left) and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (right of Rep. Demings) head to the 6th level of Terminal C for a press conference at Orlando International Airport to discuss the Bipartisan Infrastructure law’s impact on Florida Friday, October 21, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)
“Central Florida’s economy depends on transportation infrastructure, and this new investment is a huge bipartisan win for Florida. By continuing to expand alternative transportation systems here in Central Florida and around our state, we support not only our world class tourism industry but also our growing and dynamic workforce.”
Background:
Rep. Demings voted for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, citing the need to rebuild Florida’s economy and get people back to work. Said Rep. Demings on the vote, “When we invest in middle class America, when we invest in people who have to go to work every day, America does better.” The legislation included $25 billion over the next five years to improve airports.
Earlier this year, MCO received $50 million from the bipartisan infrastructure law for the Terminal C expansion. The funding will be used for four gates capable of serving either four wide body or eight narrow body aircraft. This was on top of $47 million per year for 5 years (over $233 million total) previously announced for Airport Improvement Projects at MCO.
Rep. Demings also called on the FAA to invest in a replacement building for the Central Florida Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility located at MCO. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included $5 billion to replace Air Traffic facilities, update and upgrade equipment including landing and navigational aids, and improve safety, security, and environmental standards at facilities.
Over the last year the bipartisan infrastructure law has enabled thousands of infrastructure projects around the country, including:
- Historic funding for bridge repair and electric vehicle infrastructure
- Flood Mitigation and Resilient Infrastructure grants to protect Floridians from hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters
- Florida will receive $70 million for projects to mitigate flooding during extreme weather
- Highways, railroad, and rural road funding that keep drivers safe and moving.
- The bill has funded repairs on over 2,400 bridges nationwide to date, as well as 11,000 projects to improve driver, cyclist, and pedestrian safety
- Public transportation expansions that reduce commute times and help families and workers get where they need to go.
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Central Florida News
“Olympic Bronze Medalist Omari Jones Leads 41st MLK Holiday Parade as Grand Marshal”
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Downtown Orlando came alive with vibrant energy as the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade took place on Saturday, January 18, 2025. The parade began at the Downtown Orlando Courthouse and made its way through the city streets, concluding at the picturesque Lake Eola Park.
This year’s parade theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” served as a rallying cry for unity and action. The theme inspired participants and spectators alike to honor Dr. King’s mission by promoting love, nonviolence, and equality throughout their daily lives.
Parade Participants marched down Orange Avenue for the 41st MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Orlando, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III
Leading this year’s parade as Grand Marshal was Orlando native Omari Jones, a Bronze Medal-winning boxer. Jones is one of eight members of Team USA Boxing preparing to secure a spot in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. His presence underscored the importance of perseverance and the power of achieving dreams against all odds.
US Congressman Darren Soto celebrates 41st MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Orlando, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III
The parade featured a dazzling display of colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups celebrating Dr. King’s legacy. Families and attendees of all ages lined the streets to cheer, wave, and take in the festive atmosphere. The event was a true testament to the enduring impact of Dr. King’s message of freedom, justice, and equality.
Senator Carols Smith and Representative Anna V. Eskamani marched down Orange Avenue for the 41st MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Orlando, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III
Attendees were encouraged to go beyond celebration and take intentional steps to uphold Dr. King’s dream in their own lives. The event organizers emphasized the importance of supporting the parade’s mission through sponsorships, vendor opportunities, or active participation in future parades.
As the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade concluded, the sense of inspiration and unity lingered in the air, reminding everyone of the ongoing work to build a just and equitable society.
Central Florida News
Former Haitian Ambassador Dr. Rudolph Moise Reflects on Haiti Earthquake Anniversary and Rescue Efforts
MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – The 15th anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti was commemorated in a solemn ceremony at the statue of Toussaint Louverture at the corner of North Miami Avenue and 62nd Street. The event, organized by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marlene Bastien and the Family Action Network Movement (FANM), honored the lives lost and the heroic efforts of those who provided aid during Haiti’s darkest hours.
Among the distinguished attendees was Dr. Rudolph Moise, former Haitian Ambassador at Large. He joined several South Florida elected officials, community leaders, and residents who gathered to pay their respects and share reflections on the tragedy that claimed the lives of over 250,000 people on January 12, 2010.
Dr. Moise’s First-Hand Role in Rescue Efforts
Dr. Moise highlighted his personal involvement as part of the Miami-Dade Urban Search and Rescue Team dispatched to Haiti immediately after the earthquake. “In 10 days, we pulled 12 people out of the rubble, including two children,” he shared during the ceremony, emphasizing the profound impact of those life-saving efforts.
The emotional gathering provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on the resilience of the Haitian people and the unity demonstrated in the face of such overwhelming loss. Commissioner Marlene Bastien remarked, “This ceremony is a reminder of the strength and solidarity that emerged in the aftermath of unimaginable devastation. We must continue to honor those we lost and support Haiti’s recovery.”
Impact and Legacy
The earthquake, which struck near Port-au-Prince, destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, leaving millions displaced. The heroic efforts of rescue teams, including Dr. Moise and his colleagues, provided hope amid the chaos. Their actions remain a testament to the power of humanity and international cooperation.
Today’s ceremony also served as a call to action for continued support for Haiti’s rebuilding efforts and advocacy for disaster preparedness. Community members shared heartfelt comments, recalling the lives lost and the need to maintain focus on recovery and resilience.
Event Highlights
- The event was attended by several elected officials from across South Florida, including key community leaders and activists.
- Speeches were delivered at the statue of Toussaint Louverture, a symbol of Haitian independence and resilience.
- Personal reflections from attendees highlighted the ongoing emotional and cultural significance of the earthquake.
As Haiti continues its journey toward recovery, events like this remind us of the enduring strength and determination of its people and the critical importance of international solidarity.
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