Central Florida News
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sign QB Jake Browning, DL A’Shawn Robinson; Tender Contract to RB Sean Tucker
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Friday that the team has signed free-agent quarterback Jake Browning and defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson. The club also tendered a contract to running back Sean Tucker, keeping the young back in Tampa Bay.
BUCCANEERS ADD QUARTERBACK DEPTH WITH JAKE BROWNING
Browning (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) has appeared in 17 career NFL games, including 10 starts, totaling 2,707 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has also added 164 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns during his three NFL seasons.
Since 2023, Browning’s 22 total touchdowns rank as the most among quarterbacks with 10 or fewer starts.
The Folsom, California, native originally entered the NFL as a college free agent with the Minnesota Vikings following the 2019 NFL Draft. He played four collegiate seasons at the University of Washington, appearing in 53 games and completing 958 of 1,483 passes (64.6%) for 12,296 yards and 94 touchdowns.
Browning set school and Pac-12 records with 39 career wins as a starting quarterback and finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting as a sophomore in 2016.
A’SHAWN ROBINSON BRINGS VETERAN PRESENCE TO DEFENSIVE LINE
Robinson (6-3, 320) enters his 11th NFL season after appearing in 143 career games with the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.
The veteran defensive lineman has recorded 500 total tackles, including 37 tackles for loss, along with 37 quarterback hits, 23 passes defended and 15 sacks. Robinson has also forced six fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown.
Since entering the league in 2016, Robinson ranks eighth among NFL defensive linemen in total tackles. He posted one of his most productive seasons in 2024 with Carolina, setting career highs with 43 tackles, eight quarterback hits and 5.5 sacks.
Robinson was originally selected in the second round (No. 46 overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft by Detroit after a standout career at the University of Alabama, where he helped the Crimson Tide win two SEC championships and the 2015 national title while earning consensus All-American honors.
He was also part of the Los Angeles Rams defense that won Super Bowl LVI during the 2021 season.
BUCCANEERS TENDER CONTRACT TO RUNNING BACK SEAN TUCKER
Tucker (5-10, 205) has appeared in 45 career games for Tampa Bay, rushing 151 times for 651 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He has also caught 19 passes for 152 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
During the 2025 season, Tucker became one of only three NFL running backs to record at least 100 rushing yards, 30 receiving yards and three total touchdowns in a single game, accomplishing the feat in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills.
He also earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 6 of the 2024 season after producing 192 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints.
An undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft, Tucker played collegiately at Syracuse University, where he rushed for 3,182 yards and 27 touchdowns across three seasons. His 1,496 rushing yards in 2021 set Syracuse’s single-season program record.
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.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
