CENTRAL FLORIDA, (FNN) — Avelo Airlines is giving Central Florida travelers even more options for affordable travel, announcing today the extension of its flight schedule through mid-February 2026. The announcement arrives just in time for families and travelers to begin planning winter holiday vacations and weekend getaways.

The airline, known for its everyday low fares and reliable service, is offering one-way tickets starting at $39 for flights to nine popular destinations across the country. Reservations are now available at AveloAir.com.

Expanded Service From Six Central Florida Airports

Avelo Airlines continues to expand its footprint in Central Florida, now offering flights out of six airports:

• Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

• Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

• Lakeland International Airport (LAL)

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)

• Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

• Tampa International Airport (TPA)

These expanded services give travelers throughout Central Florida even more convenient options to reach top destinations across the U.S. and the Caribbean.

Nine Destinations Now Available Through February 2026

With this schedule extension, travelers can now book flights through February 10, 2026 to the following cities:

• Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)

• Long Island / Islip, NY (ISP)

• Nashville, TN (BNA)

• New Haven, CT (HVN)

• Philadelphia / Wilmington, DE (ILG)

• Raleigh / Durham, NC (RDU)

• Rochester, NY (ROC)

• San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)

• Wilmington, NC (ILM)

Trevor Yealy, Avelo Airlines Head of Commercial, shared: “It’s time to start planning winter and holiday travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo’s Central Florida flight schedule through mid-February 2026. With Avelo’s everyday low fares and industry-leading reliability, it’s the perfect time for travelers to get a head start on booking their holiday vacations or weekend getaways.”

Stay with Florida National News for the latest updates on travel, tourism, and aviation industry developments across Florida.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Former U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy officially announced her candidacy for Orange County Mayor in a video posted to her social media platforms, marking the beginning of what’s expected to be one of Central Florida’s most closely watched and competitive political races.

Murphy, a Democrat who represented Florida’s 7th Congressional District from 2017 to 2023, enters a race that’s already filling up ahead of the November 2026 election, as current Mayor Jerry Demings is term-limited. She made history as the first Vietnamese American woman elected to Congress. Before her time in office, Murphy served as a national security specialist in the office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

A Crowded Field of Candidates Forms

Murphy joins a growing list of contenders for Orange County’s top elected position. The declared field currently includes entrepreneur Chris Messina, Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell, and Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe.

Murphy’s Campaign Message and Priorities

In her campaign launch video, Murphy emphasized her bipartisan record in Congress and her private sector business experience as key assets she intends to bring to county government.

“Just like you, I’ve got skin in the game, and I’ll work every day to make Orange County the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” Murphy said.

She outlined several policy priorities for her campaign:

• Expanding affordable housing for working families

• Strengthening public safety and community policing

• Investing in education and youth programs

• Enhancing county services

• Diversifying Orange County’s economy by attracting new industries while continuing to support Central Florida’s tourism-driven economy

As of this report, however, official Orange County election records show Murphy has not yet formally filed her candidacy.

US Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) served on the House select committee to investigate the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Photo: Stephanie Murphy

National Spotlight Expected

Murphy’s campaign is likely to draw national attention, not only because of her congressional background but also her role on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

During her time in Congress, Murphy was part of the committee examining the actions of former President Donald Trump and his supporters in the 2021 Capitol riot. Several Florida and Orlando-based Trump supporters were arrested, sentenced, and later pardoned by Trump, the current presdent.

Given Murphy’s involvement in that investigation, her mayoral bid could attract scrutiny and commentary from Trump allies and conservative media outlets, positioning the race as a potential flashpoint in Florida’s political landscape heading into 2026.