Entertainment
South Carolina’s Tess Ferm Crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026 in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Miss America Organization proudly announced that Tess Ferm, Miss South Carolina’s Teen, has been crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026. Selected from 52 exceptional delegates representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, Tess impressed judges and audiences alike with her talent, poise, and unwavering commitment to Food Allergy Awareness and Education.
Scholarship Achievement and Education Goals
Tess has earned $58,000 in scholarships through the Miss America’s Teen program. She is a graduate of Porter-Gaud School and will begin her freshman year at Furman University, where she plans to study Psychology. Her long-term goal is to become a Child Life Specialist, using her education to support children and families in need.
Community Service and National Recognition
Her Community Service Initiative, From Fear to Freedom: Food Allergy Awareness and Education, is inspired by her own journey with anaphylactic allergies. Tess is dedicated to building safer, better-informed communities nationwide. For her exceptional advocacy and service, she received the Quality of Life: Teens in Action Overall Award and was honored for her national fundraising efforts with the American Heart Association.
Role Model and Year of Service Ahead
As Miss America’s Teen 2026, Tess will serve as a national ambassador, inspiring young women to dream boldly, lead confidently, and embrace their potential. “Being Miss America’s Teen means representing possibility,” Tess shared. “Teens are not just the future, but the now—ready to lead, to innovate, and to make a difference. This crown is more than a crown—it’s a launchpad.”
Tess advanced through multiple rounds of competition to secure the title, placing ahead of an accomplished Top 5 that included Sara Devolld (1RU, Alaska), Emma Fossum (2RU, Texas), Delaney Higgins (3RU, New Jersey), and Blake Hart (4RU, District of Columbia). Additional semi-finalists included Reagan Moore (GA), Jasmine Wu (CA), Fiona Treiber (IA), Allison Payton (OH), Mila Pearl (OR), and Lynzi Allen (PA).
With her crown, Tess Ferm begins a year of service focused on empowering her peers and amplifying her message: “No dream is too bold, and no voice is too small when it’s used with purpose.”
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Orlando International Fashion Week Announces Second Model Casting and Fall 2025 Lineup
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) energized the city with its first Fall 2025 model casting, held Saturday, September 20 at Afro TV Studios. More than 200 aspiring and professional models attended the high-energy event, which partnered with Urban Fest 360, giving participants the chance to experience 60 featured films during the festival. Several models were immediately cast for upcoming fashion shows, while others were selected for blind skit performances, blending fashion, performance, and entertainment.
Designers, Stylists, and Boutiques in Attendance
Notable industry leaders were on hand to guide models and scout talent, including fashion consultant and leadership coach Carilyn Egleé, Culture Trees Designs with its bold ready-to-wear collections, and designer Ellie Paisley Miller, who brings a social media following of 150,000. Models received hands-on mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to future OIFW showcases and award ceremonies, including the Global Peace Film Festival and Urban Fest 360 Awards.
Upcoming Model Casting – September 28
OIFW announced its second Fall 2025 casting, scheduled for Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM at CityArts Gallery in Downtown Orlando. Models will have another chance to be cast for OIFW runway shows, meet designers, and take part in behind-the-scenes activities. Designers, boutiques, and stylists are also invited to apply via the OIFW website for a chance to showcase collections during the season.
Fall 2025 Fashion Shows and Tickets
Two major events headline OIFW this November:
OIFW Fashion & Art at CityArts – Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Sponsored by Downtown Arts District, the show will merge visual art and high fashion in a single evening.
OIFW Fashion Shows: Eola View – Sunday, November 16, 2025, featuring two full runway productions at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, spotlighting top designers from Orlando and beyond.
Early-bird tickets for both events are available now on Eventbrite, with organizers encouraging attendees to secure seats early for the immersive fashion and art showcases.
Business
Attorney Ben Crump Casts Dark Cloud Over Universal Roller Coaster Ride Safety After Death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The family of 31-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, joined by famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump, held a press conference demanding answers after Zavala’s tragic death on Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe Stardust Racers roller coaster.
Attorney Ben Crump Questions Safety of Universal’s Epic Universe Roller Coaster After Death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala in Orlando, Florida. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News
Zavala, described by loved ones as a lifelong Central Florida resident and “roller coaster freak” who loved theme parks, died last week after becoming unresponsive on the dual-launch coaster, which reaches speeds of 62 mph. The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries” and listed the manner of death as accidental.
Despite those findings, Crump cast doubt on the coaster’s safety protocols, vowing to push for transparency and accountability from Universal Orlando Resort and state investigators.
Family and Attorneys Demand Transparency
During the press conference, Zavala’s parents, and siblings remembered him as independent and active despite a spinal disability that required the use of a wheelchair. “This night, he was fine,” Crump said, noting Zavala had no medical restrictions and had safely ridden other attractions earlier that same day at Epic Universe.
Crump rejected the notion that Zavala’s disability caused his death, instead pointing to the medical examiner’s report of blunt force trauma. “We have to know what happened,” Crump emphasized. He argued that Zavala’s injuries indicated his head may have struck part of the ride or restraints multiple times, leaving him unconscious for much of the ride.
Family, Lawyers Demand Answers in Death of Disabled Man on Universal’s Stardust Racers Ride, Orlando, Florida. Photo by J Willie David, III
Attorney Natalie Jackson, who is also representing the family, echoed that conclusion, citing eyewitness accounts of repeated head strikes. “His disability did not kill him,” Jackson stated firmly. “It was the blunt force trauma.”
Universal and State Investigators Defend Safety Measures
Karen Irwin, president of Universal Orlando Resort, issued a statement saying that the theme park’s internal review found all ride systems functioning normally, with equipment intact and staff procedures properly followed. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services echoed those findings in its initial review.
The park’s accessibility guide warns that riders must be able to maintain upright posture, support their torso and head, and brace with at least one arm during sudden ride movements. Despite this, Universal has closed the Stardust Racers indefinitely while conducting a full safety review with its manufacturer.
Crump, however, insisted that Universal’s review is not enough. He said the family has requested release of maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video footage. The attorneys also plan to hire independent experts in ride safety, design, and operations to conduct their own investigation.
Push for Stronger Theme Park Safety Laws
Crump drew comparisons to his work on the high-profile case of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old who fell to his death from the drop tower at Orlando’s ICON Park in 2022. That case spurred the Tyre Sampson Act, championed by the late Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson, which tightened safety requirements for smaller attractions.
“All we’re asking is that these multi-billion-dollar entities put safety above profits, so no one else dies on their rides,” Crump said. He confirmed to Florida National News that he is already in discussions with Florida lawmakers about expanding safety regulations to include the state’s largest theme parks.
Meanwhile, Zavala’s family is preparing to lay him to rest. His funeral will take place Friday, September 26, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Funerari San Juan Funeral Home on South John Young Parkway in Kissimmee. The public is invited to attend.
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Monica Hoyos and J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – BeBe Shopp, Miss America 1948, continues to inspire and captivate audiences at 95 years old. Known as the oldest living Miss America, Shopp made a historic appearance in Orlando this weekend, gracing the red carpet and stage during the pageant world tour and the crowning of Miss America 2026. Florida National News was on hand to capture the moment and speak with the legendary titleholder, whose elegance, humor, and legacy remain timeless.
Bebe Shopp, Miss America 1948, attends the 2026 Miss America Finals in Orlando, Florida. Photo: J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
A Historic Reign That Changed Miss America
Born Beatrice Bella Shopp on August 17, 1930, in Hopkins, Minnesota, she made history when she was crowned Miss America in 1948. At just 18 years old, she became the first Miss America to be crowned while wearing an evening gown instead of the traditional bathing suit, signaling a cultural shift in the pageant. Her reign marked a pivotal time in American history, as the nation was still recovering from World War II and embracing new symbols of grace, talent, and resilience.
Sharing wisdom and Humor at 95
During red carpet arrivals, Florida National News spoke to Bebe Shopp, who was escorted by the current Miss Minnesota. With a warm smile, Shopp reflected on her life’s journey, telling FNN: “I would like to figure out where did 95 years go.” She proudly shared that she recently celebrated her 95th birthday.
When FNN’s Monica Hoyos complimented her radiant appearance by saying, “I hope to look as good as you when I reach 95,” Shopp playfully reassured her: “You will, you will. Just keep being happy.”
Her joy for the moment was undeniable. When asked how she felt being part of the event, Shopp exclaimed with excitement: “I love it, I love it!” Then, with her signature humor, she added: “To see all of my old sisters—old sisters—no, I’m the oldest!” she laughed, delighting the crowd around her.
Bebe Shopp, Miss America 1948, attends the 2026 Miss America Finals in Orlando, Florida. Photo: J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
An Icon Who Continues to Inspire
Now at 95, Bebe Shopp holds the distinguished title of being the oldest living Miss America, a testament not only to her longevity but also to her continued relevance in American culture. She has witnessed the evolution of the Miss America Organization firsthand, from its early beginnings as a beauty pageant to its transformation into a scholarship competition focused on leadership, service, and empowerment.
Her appearance at the crowning of Miss America 2026 in Orlando reminded audiences of the pageant’s enduring legacy and the importance of honoring those who paved the way. For many, seeing Bebe Shopp on stage was not only a nostalgic honor but also a living reminder of perseverance, elegance, and joy.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
