Central Florida News
Runway To Hope 2023 Gala Raises Over $1 Million For Children With Pediatric Cancer
ORLANDO, Fla. – As over 2,000 guests cheered on over 100 Central Florida children battling pediatric cancer, over $1 million dollars…and still counting…was raised Saturday night at Runway to Hope’s 11th Annual Spring Soirée!
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings also served as an escort to a younger model currently battling pediatric cancer diagnosis. Photo by Shreyank Tripathi / Florida National News.
Runway to Hope’s 11th Annual Spring Soirée, Central Florida’s largest and most popular charity gala, was hosted this past Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel & Resort, by Orlando’s very own Johnny Magic with special Celebrity Guests Ryan Cabrera and Alexa Bliss. The evening was opened by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and Kissimee Mayor Olga Gonzalez, all taking the stage together to commence the night’s celebration.
This event featured over 100+ incredibly brave children, all of whom are currently battling or have overcome their pediatric cancer, all excited to walk the runway, each one outfitted to match their unique personalities with the help from Runway to Hope’s remarkable volunteers. All outfits were generously donated by the Runway Sponsor for the event, Bloomingdale’s Orlando. All of the “models” made their way down the Runway, to the thunderous crowd approval, hand-in-hand with one of the many national and local celebrities in attendance.
The 90+ celebrity escorts included personalities from each of Central Florida’s local television and radio stations, state and local elected officials, athletes, health care professionals from each of the three Central Florida Children’s hospitals, and many more. Also in attendance were over a dozen of Runway to Hope’s HOPE Ambassadors, whom are some of the extraordinary young men and women who have either surpassed their five year cancer remission mark or have turned 18 years of age. Serving as escorts to the younger models currently battling their own pediatric cancer diagnosis, these young warriors are giving back and serve as an inspiration to others still in treatment.
Other highlights from the evening included special appearances by Central Florida’s very own Congressman, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, as well as wrestler Dean “Mojo” Muhtadi, who energized and entertained the audience as he hoisted Runway to Hope Co-Founder, Mark NeJame, over his shoulders, as they raised additional funds for the cause.
2023 Runway to Hope presenting sponsor Harris Rosen (r) the founder of the Harris Rosen Foundation is speaking with former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News
Runway to Hope was proud to welcome over 100 generous sponsors for the evening. In addition to Bloomingdale’s Orlando, Runway to Hope also welcomed Presenting Sponsors, The Harris Rosen Foundation and Bentley of Orlando. Also responsible for the success of the night were many in-kind sponsors, including 407Creative, The Paper Bar Co., Fun Planners, Fused Fashion, Prive Salon, Atmospheres Florals, as well as others. Hampton Water Rose, Tito’s Vodka, Pepsi as well as Aspire with Us Orlando provided all of the attendees with their pre-function wine, champagne, cocktails, and other beverages. A full list of Sponsors for the evening, please visit RunwaytoHope.org/SpringSoirée.
All Proceeds raised from Runway to Hope’s 11th Annual Spring Soirée as well as other various events hosted throughout the year, including Runway to Hope’s Sparkle & Shine 5k in September, go directly back into the community to fund their year-round Family Assistance Program. Proceeds also go towards bringing new programs and initiatives to the three local children’s hospitals here in Central Florida.
Runway to Hope has announced the date for next year’s Spring Soirée; Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at Rosen Shingle Creek
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
Central Florida News
Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz Files for Mayor, Could Become City’s First Puerto Rican Mayor
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Tony Ortiz, a longtime Orlando city commissioner, former Marine, and former law enforcement officer, has officially filed to run for mayor of Orlando following Mayor Buddy Dyer’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
Ortiz filed his candidacy ahead of the November 2027 nonpartisan mayoral election. If elected, he would become Orlando’s first Puerto Rican mayor.
GROWING FIELD OF CANDIDATES
Ortiz joins a growing field of candidates that includes State Representative Anna Eskamani, who could become Orlando’s first Iranian American mayor if elected, along with Elliot Kahanna and Abdelnasser Luth.
In his campaign announcement, Ortiz emphasized issues affecting residents across Orlando, including housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, transportation, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability.
“As the City of Orlando continues to grow and evolve, residents across the city are increasingly focused on the issues that shape everyday life,” Ortiz stated in his campaign announcement.
LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUNDS RESONATE WITH ORANGE COUNTY VOTERS
Political observers note that Orange County voters have historically supported candidates with backgrounds in local, state, and federal law enforcement or public safety roles.
Examples include Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, former Orange County sheriff; former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, former Orlando police chief; former State Senator Victor Torres, a former NYC Transit Police officer; Maitland City Commissioner Keith Givens, a retired FBI agent; former State Representative Daisy Morales, a former HSI official; Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, a former NYPD officer; and former Orlando City Commissioner Samuel Ings, a former Orlando police officer.
Florida National News Photo
HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATION
Ortiz’s candidacy highlights the continued growth and political influence of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community. If successful, his election would mark a historic milestone for Puerto Rican representation in Orlando city government.
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
