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

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Tragedy struck Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, after a man died following a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The incident has renewed concerns about whether Florida lawmakers should extend safety inspection requirements to include the state’s largest theme parks, which currently conduct their own internal inspections.

The Incident

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, deputies responded to Epic Universe after 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive upon exiting the Stardust Racers roller coaster. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to the Orange County Medical Examiner, Dr. Joshua Stephany, Zavala died from blunt impact injuries, and his death was ruled an accident. However, the report did not provide details on the location or extent of the injuries.

Reaction and Investigation

Theme park consultant Dennis Speigel called the medical findings “pretty shocking,” raising questions about whether the injuries were caused by the ride itself or another factor, such as improper seating.

In a statement, Universal Orlando Resort said:

“We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”

Universal officials added that they could not provide further comment until the investigation concludes.

Florida’s Theme Park Safety Exemptions

Unlike smaller venues and fairs, Florida’s largest theme parks—including Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld—are exempt from state safety inspections. These parks conduct their own safety checks but must still report injuries and fatalities to the state.

In the second quarter of this year, a dozen reports were filed by major parks, including incidents involving older guests with preexisting conditions. At Epic Universe specifically, three separate incidents have already been reported since its May opening, including dizziness, chest pains, and visual disturbances after riding attractions.

Will Florida Lawmakers Seek Stronger Regulations?

The death at Epic Universe has reignited debate over whether Florida lawmakers should expand the Tyre Sampson Act—passed after the 2022 death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson on a drop tower ride—to include major theme parks.

The law currently applies to temporary or non-permanent attractions, requiring stricter reporting, enhanced employee training, and improved transparency. Florida’s largest theme parks, however, remain exempt, a gap critics say poses significant safety risks.

With mounting pressure following Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s death, lawmakers may soon face renewed calls to revisit those exemptions.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s long-running late-night show indefinitely following controversial remarks he made about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision came after Nexstar Communications Group, which operates 23 ABC affiliates, announced it would no longer air Kimmel’s show, citing “offensive and insensitive” comments.

Kimmel, who has hosted the program since 2003, joked on Monday and Tuesday about what he called attempts by “MAGA land” to capitalize on Kirk’s assassination. His monologues drew swift criticism and ignited a broader debate over political discourse, media responsibility, and cancel culture in late-night television.

Nexstar Pullout and ABC’s Swift Response
Nexstar Broadcasting president Andrew Alford said Kimmel’s comments “are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” The company’s decision to pull the show forced ABC’s hand.

There has been no immediate comment from Kimmel. His current contract runs until May 2026.

Political Leaders Respond: Trump Celebrates, White House Weighs In
President Donald Trump praised ABC’s decision on Truth Social, calling it “the courage to do what had to be done.” He also targeted Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, demanding their cancellations and dismissing them as “two total losers.”

White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich echoed that sentiment, posting: “Welcome to Consequence Culture. Normal, common sense Americans are no longer taking the b———- and companies like ABC are finally willing to do the right thing.”

Weaponizing Cancel Culture Against Late-Night Shows
Kimmel’s suspension highlights the growing tension between entertainment, politics, and free speech. For years, Kimmel—like CBS host Stephen Colbert—has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump and Republican leaders. Colbert’s own show is set to end after this season, officially for financial reasons, though some observers question whether politics played a role.

By removing Kimmel from the air, ABC finds itself at the center of a culture war battle over who gets to define the boundaries of comedy and political commentary. His future at the network remains uncertain as both sides of the political aisle debate whether late-night TV has become the newest front in America’s cancel culture wars.