Business
Visit Orlando and Orlando Economic Partnership Unveil Orlando’s New Global Brand: ‘Unbelievably Real’ Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – Visit Orlando, The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, and Orlando Economic Partnership, the economic and community development organization for the region, today announced the launch of one singular, comprehensive and consistent brand to promote the destination and region. The new “Unbelievably Real” brand platform is the product of a first-of-its-kind partnership between the two organizations and was developed to speak to all audiences — leisure visitors, meeting planners, meeting attendees, travel professionals, site selectors, business relocation stakeholders and talent.
“When we combine forces and invest in economic and community development and market Orlando as a destination for tourism and meetings, we can strengthen our brand identity and take the region to the next level,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.
“Our ability to collaborate and join forces allows us to build a better economy, a better experience and a better community for all. Collaboration is built into the DNA of our great city and region,” said City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Our audiences intersect and, in order to have more impact on a consistent basis, we have created a compelling message on the reasons to visit, move or start a business in the Orlando region.”
“With the evolution of the Orlando region, shifts in travel and how people work, and changes brought on by the pandemic, we believe now is the perfect time to bring together our collective resources,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Unbelievably Real combines what is both fantastical and authentic about our unique destination to tell a holistic story.”
“While we may be talking to different audiences such as vacationers, meeting planners and attendees, CEOs considering moving their businesses or employees considering a move to work for one of our companies, research has supported that this new brand can create a connection with all of these groups,” said Tim Giuliani, Orlando Economic Partnership president and CEO.
Based on research and tested with a variety of audiences, the Unbelievably Real global brand’s goal is to highlight the region in a new way that tells a complete Orlando story. A Florida-based team from the marketing agency Razorfish served as the lead creative talent to develop the comprehensive brand.
Photo: Orlando Economic Partnership.
Starting today, tourism-focused advertising showcasing everything from Orlando’s theme parks and attractions to outdoor adventures and world-class dining will run in TV commercials and across digital and social channels to promote summer and fall travel to Orlando. The campaign will also be augmented with outdoor boards in key markets such as New York, Boston and Chicago and promotional programs with NBC, Univision, iHeart and Urban1.
International audiences will follow with the rollout starting at U.S. Travel Association’s IPW conference June 4-8 in Orlando. This fall, a campaign targeting meetings planners and attendees will launch at the IMEX meetings industry show.
Future business and talent recruitment efforts will be featured on InvestOrlando.org, with new storylines and content focused on targeted industries in Orlando through the lens of Unbelievably Real. It will also drive business development meetings held in target markets like San Francisco, Chicago and New York with company executives, entrepreneurs and site selectors. New Unbelievably Real Orlando creative will be installed later this year in high-traffic venues like Orlando International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center.
The Partnership and Visit Orlando also plan to take the united message of Unbelievably Real to New York City, reinforcing Orlando’s new movement to national media.
One of the first examples of the campaign is a mural designed by Orlando-based artist Clark Orr. Under the Unbelievably Real theme, the new mural brings to life how all aspects of the region shine, from tourism highlights like nightly fireworks and adventures on our waterways to innovative technologies such as simulation and rocket launches. The mural is on display on a painted wall in Brooklyn through July and will appear in Orlando in the coming months.
Planned as a multiyear initiative, the two organizations also launched O.U.R. Culture Project (Orlando Unbelievably Real Culture Project), to engage with Orlando residents and cultivate new methods to showcase pride in the Orlando region. Future activities will include the creation of a new symbol for Orlando and the installation of a permanent Orlando sign to become an interactive and iconic backdrop.
The first initiative in the O.U.R. Culture Project is focused on gathering images from those who know Orlando best: its residents. Starting today, Visit Orlando and Orlando Economic Partnership have launched The Unbelievably Real Sweepstakes, where locals upload images on what they feel is Unbelievably Real about Orlando for a chance to win an Unbelievably Real staycation. Entries must be received by May 31, 2022, at OrlandoUnbelievablyReal.com.
Business
YouTube Reinstates Florida National News Channel After 3-Year Ban Amid Congressional Pressure
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — After being silenced for three years and five months, YouTube has officially reinstated the Florida National News (FNN) YouTube channel, marking a major victory for press freedom and independent journalism.
Ban and Removal
In early 2022, YouTube permanently removed the Florida National News YouTube channel for alleged violations of its “misinformation” policy related to COVID-19 and the 2020 presidential election.
The flagged videos came from coverage of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Orlando, where speakers included former President Donald Trump, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, and TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz.
The removal resulted in the loss of nearly 1,900 videos, deletion of 4,717 subscribers, and the erasure of years of journalistic coverage and digital visibility built since the channel’s launch in 2014.
“Outraged is a light emotion I have towards YouTube when this media outlet was permanently removed for simply reporting on a news event,” said J. Willie David III, president of Florida National News. “Our reporters were doing their jobs. What happened was censorship disguised as content moderation.”
– By Florida National News
– By Florida National News
– By Florida National News
By Florida National News
Appeal and Reinstatement
On September 25, 2025, Florida National News filed a formal appeal demanding reinstatement, arguing that the channel had been wrongly penalized for legitimate news reporting.
Shortly afterward, YouTube announced a new policy shift, following a U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committee investigation into whether major tech platforms, including Alphabet Inc. (YouTube’s parent company), had engaged in political censorship or government-influenced suppression of speech.
According to Business Insider, Alphabet confirmed that YouTube would allow previously banned creators to reapply for reinstatement, acknowledging that earlier enforcement efforts may have “overreached.”
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FNN’s reinstatement came as part of this broader change — a turning point in the ongoing debate over social media moderation and free expression.
Harm to the Outlet and Its Reporters
The multi-year ban caused significant harm to FNN’s operations, reporters, and credibility:
Loss of nearly 1,900 videos, erasing years of coverage and community reporting.
Elimination of 4,717 subscribers, severing vital connections with viewers and followers.
Removal from monetization programs, which undermined FNN’s digital revenue and partnerships.
Damage to journalist credibility, as reporters lost access to their published work and public profiles.
David said the ban not only punished his newsroom but also deprived the public of access to unbiased, fact-based journalism.
“This wasn’t just about FNN — it was about silencing independent news voices that didn’t fit a political mold,” he said.
US Congressman Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee
Policy Shift Under Scrutiny
The reinstatement follows growing political and legal scrutiny of Big Tech’s influence over information flow.
A House Judiciary Committee inquiry revealed communications between government officials and platforms regarding removal of certain online content. In a formal letter, Alphabet admitted such coordination was “unacceptable and wrong” and pledged to restore wrongfully removed accounts.
Observers note that YouTube’s new reinstatement process reflects a larger reckoning within the tech industry — one that balances misinformation prevention with the preservation of press freedom and diverse viewpoints.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February – May 2022 | YouTube issued 3 violations in 90 days and permanently removes Florida National News channel following CPAC Orlando coverage. |
| February – Aug. 2022 | FNN files multiple appeals, all rejected under YouTube’s misinformation policies. |
| 2023–2024 | Growing national debate over tech censorship and free speech reaches Congress. |
| September 2025 | Alphabet submits letter to U.S. House Judiciary Committee admitting prior content removals “went too far.” |
| September 25, 2025 | FNN formally refiles an appeal demanding reinstatement of its YouTube account. |
| October 2025 | YouTube reinstates FNN channel — 3 years, 5 months after its removal. |
What’s Next for Florida National News on YouTube
With its channel restored, FNN is launching a renewed digital strategy focused on transparency, engagement, and growth:
Restoring the archive: Re-uploading essential videos and reintroducing popular news segments.
Expanding reach: Leveraging social media platforms to reconnect with former subscribers.
Monetization revival: Relaunching YouTube’s Partner Program to fund newsroom operations.
Compliance and diversity: Ensuring editorial integrity while adapting to evolving platform policies.
“This reinstatement marks not just a return, but a renewal,” David said. “Florida National News is back — stronger, wiser, and more determined to deliver truth-driven journalism that serves the people.”
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#FloridaNationalNews #YouTubeReinstatement #MediaFreedom #TechCensorship #FreePress #YouTubePolicyChange #DigitalNews
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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