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State Senator Geraldine Thompson Hosts Town Hall with Congressman Maxwell Frost, and Attorney Ben Crump August 12, 2023

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State Senator Geraldine Thompson speaks during a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on Opening Day of the 2023 Legislative Session at the Florida State Capitol Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.
State Senator Geraldine Thompson speaks during a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on Opening Day of the 2023 Legislative Session at the Florida State Capitol Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. – Senator Geraldine F. Thompson (D-Orlando) has organized a Speak Out Town Hall Meeting to include Congressman Maxwell Frost and Attorney Ben Crump from 10:00 a.m. until noon on August 12, 2023 at the James R. Smith Center located at 1723 Bruton Boulevard in Orlando, Florida.

Congressman Frost will focus on federal calls to revise Florida’s African American History Standards. Attorney Crump, who recently won a settlement in the 70-year-old Henrietta Lacks cancer cell line taken from an African American woman without her consent, will focus on legal recourse to the African American History Standards. The Speak Out Town Hall will feature descendants of families killed or displaced during the Ocoee and Rosewood Massacres. The descendants have expressed concerns regarding how their ancestors are being possibly portrayed in newly adopted African American History Standards introduced by the DeSantis administration and the Florida Department of Education.

Spokespersons for the Ocoee and Rosewood Massacre descendants who will participate in the Speak Out Town Hall include Pastor Stephen Nunn, a descendant of July Perry who was lynched after he attempted to vote in Ocoee and Mr. Gregory Doctor, a descendant of Thelma Evans Hawkins, a Rosewood Massacre survivor. The families of both massacres were victims of racist mobs. The new Florida African American History Standards related to the massacres direct teachers to highlight violence perpetrated against and by African Americans which some consider a distorted view of these historical events.

Also invited to participate in the Speak Out Town Hall Meeting are students and teachers who will focus on the impact of the new standards on a balanced and inclusive education.

WHO: Senator Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando)

Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10)

Attorney Ben Crump

Descendants of Families Killed or Displaced During the Ocoee and Rosewood Massacres

WHAT: Speak Out Town Hall Meeting

WHEN: Saturday, August 12th, 2023 at 10:00 am

WHERE: Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center

1723 Bruton Boulevard

Orlando, FL

The Town Hall is free and open to the public; however, individuals are encouraged to register to insure adequate seating and instructional material. Individuals who wish to register for the Speak Out Town Hall should call Senator Thompson’s office at 850-487-5015 or email Brien.Michael@FLSenate.gov.

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Central Florida News

Buccaneers to Induct Simeon Rice Into Ring of Honor During Week 13 Game vs. Cardinals

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TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return to Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 30 for a 1 p.m. ET matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, presented by GEICO. The Week 13 game will serve as the team’s Ring of Honor celebration, honoring former defensive end Simeon Rice as the 16th inductee during a halftime ceremony.

Simeon Rice to Be Inducted Into Ring of Honor

Rice, one of the most dominant defenders in Buccaneers history and a key member of the Super Bowl XXXVII championship team, will be honored throughout the game. He will lead the team through the pregame Hallway Walk, and former head coach Jon Gruden will present Rice with his Ring of Honor jacket during halftime. The ceremony will be hosted by Gene Deckerhoff and include members of the Glazer family, Rice family, and fellow Ring of Honor inductees.

The team will also release a Mitchell & Ness Simeon Rice throwback jersey, available at the Buccaneers Team Store.

My Cause My Cleats Spotlight

Nearly 60 Buccaneers players, coaches, and staff will participate in the NFL’s annual My Cause My Cleats campaign, which highlights charitable causes selected by each participant. More than 40 organizations will be represented by customized footwear created in partnership with Stadium Custom Kicks. Now in its tenth year, the league-wide initiative features more than 1,800 participants over a two-week span.

Glazer Family Small Business Fund and Tampa Bay Chef Series

On Sunday, the Buccaneers will continue recognizing recipients of the Glazer Family Small Business Fund. This week’s spotlight features Brian Seymour, owner of the Anna Maria General Store, the only grocery and convenience store on the north end of Anna Maria Island. Following recent storm damage, Seymour and his team supported residents and local law enforcement with donated supplies. Funding from the Glazer Family Small Business Fund helped maintain payroll and inventory during recovery. The program has awarded more than $1.2 million across nearly 300 small businesses in partnership with eight regional chambers of commerce.

As part of the Tampa Bay Chef Series presented by Corona, Week 13 will feature Chef Suz Lara of LARA. Known for her bold, Latin-inspired cuisine, she will prepare a Picadillo Tartar—raw beef tartare mixed with sofrito, smoked olives, capers, and golden raisin mostarda, served on a Cuban bread crostini. The dish will be available in the Hyundai Club (Section 212), Stadium Club (Section 237), and main concourse (Section 108).

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News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Central Florida News

Puerto Rican Chamber President Jorge Figueroa Announces Bid for House District 47 Seat in Osceola County

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Puerto Rican Chamber President Jorge Figueroa Announces Bid for House District 47 Seat in Osceola County

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Jorge Figueroa, president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and a longtime economic advocate, has officially entered the race for the Florida House, seeking to represent voters in the St. Cloud–Osceola County region.

Figueroa said his campaign will center on affordability, property insurance reform, and expanding economic opportunity for working families. His announcement comes as Democrats continue efforts to flip the district after recent unsuccessful attempts, including in House District 47.

“I’m running to make Florida more affordable for working families and small business owners,” Figueroa said. “I grew up in public housing in Puerto Rico and came to the mainland at 16 to chase opportunity. My parents sold everything they owned so I could get an education—a sacrifice that changed my life.”

As president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Figueroa has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, helping small businesses grow and strengthening economic pathways for local families. He said too many Floridians continue to struggle with skyrocketing property insurance costs, unaffordable rent, and rising prices for essentials such as groceries and gas.

The seat—representing a key portion of Osceola County—has become increasingly competitive in recent cycles, and Democrats hope Figueroa’s business background and personal story will energize voters ahead of the 2026 election.

Democrat Anthony Nieves, a former state financial crimes investigator is running again for Florida House District 47 seat.

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Business

La’Tonya Stark Named Vice President of Engagement at Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association

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La'Tonya Stark Vice President of Engagement (Oversees Marketing & Communications, Business Development, Events, Community Relations, Sponsorships & Statistics) for Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News was the first media outlet to learn—during an exclusive one-on-one interview—that La’Tonya Stark has been appointed Vice President of Engagement for the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA), as confirmed by CEO Cliff Long.

In her new role, Stark will oversee all areas of marketing, communications, philanthropy, community outreach, events, and business development for the major real estate trade association. She brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, having served in key roles at major Florida brands including Disney Destinations, Wyndham Worldwide, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations.

Stark also has an extensive military background, serving more than 12 years as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Central Missouri and later completed her master’s degree in administration with a concentration in human resources at Central Michigan University, according to ORRA’s website.

Florida National News Managing Editor Monica Hoyos secured the impromptu exclusive interview with Stark during ORRA’s annual Veterans Day Celebration held at the organization’s World Headquarters in Orlando.

Stark Expresses Excitement About New Leadership Role

During the interview, Stark shared her enthusiasm about stepping into the Vice President of Engagement role, describing it as an opportunity to expand ORRA’s community impact and member engagement. She also highlighted her passion for leadership development and elevating the real estate industry through strong communications and outreach.

A Veteran’s Story: Service, Leadership, and Style

Stark discussed her career in the U.S. Navy, where she refined her public affairs and leadership expertise. She also noted her love for professional fashion, often being recognized as a trendsetter within the industry.

Florida National News captured WWII veteran Sallie Amato’s speech at ORRA’s Annual Veterans Luncheon, where the organization also wished her a happy 102nd birthday. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News.

ORRA’s Growing Support for Military Members

Stark also spoke about ORRA’s commitment to veterans, including the launch of its annual Veterans Day Celebration and the importance of doing business with ORRA. She encouraged veterans and military-connected professionals to join ORRA’s Military Council, which plays a key role in community service and advocacy.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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