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Visit Orlando Magical Dining 2024 Breaks Record With 352k Donation To Orange County Charities

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Visit Orlando proudly announces a record-breaking donation of $352,218 to Orange County charities, raised through the 2024 Visit Orlando Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health. This year’s total reflects a 30% increase over 2023 and surpasses the program’s previous record set in 2020.

The program celebrated Central Florida’s diverse culinary scene with $40 and $60 pre-fixe menus at 150 top restaurants, including nine MICHELIN Guide honorees. From every meal, $1 or $2 went directly to local charities, spotlighting the community’s generosity while offering locals and visitors a taste of Orlando’s world-class dining.

Since 2009, Magical Dining has raised over $2.9 million for local charities, with this year’s primary beneficiary being The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, an organization dedicated to helping families recover from hardship and promoting sustainability. The Mustard Seed’s efforts include repurposing over 160,000 mattresses and diverting nearly 4 million cubic feet of waste from landfills.

In addition to the primary donation, Visit Orlando awarded $3,000 grants to nonprofits in each of Orange County’s six commission districts. The recipients, chosen for their innovative contributions to sustainability and community well-being, include:

  • Hope Along the Way – Supporting families through life’s challenges.
  • New Image Youth Center – Empowering youth with educational resources.
  • Next Step Foundation – Promoting recovery and wellness in the community.
  • United Against Poverty – Offering tools to improve lives and livelihoods.
  • WASH Foundation – Advocating for clean water and sustainable practices.
  • CDA “WE Care” – Building strong, compassionate communities.

“Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining not only highlights the culinary talent throughout our region but also strengthens the community by supporting meaningful local causes,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With a record 150 restaurants participating, including 25 new venues and nine MICHELIN honorees, we’re thrilled to see how this program continues to make an impact.”

Visit Orlando 2024 End-of-Year Celebration. Photo by Stephanie Daltirus / Florida National News
This year’s celebration is hosted in partnership with the luxurious Hilton Orlando, a world-class venue known for its elegant event spaces, exceptional service, and prime location in the heart of Orlando. Attendees can expect a memorable experience filled with fine dining, live entertainment, and meaningful networking opportunities.

“We’re thankful for the support of both our local community and visitors,” added Erick Hawkins, chief administrative officer at Orlando Health and Visit Orlando board member. “This record-breaking year showcases how Magical Dining continues to enhance the health and wellness of Central Florida.”

Visit Orlando 2024 End-of-Year Celebration. Photo by Stephanie Daltirus / Florida National News

Top Restaurant Performers

  • Summer House on the Lake: Top Performing New Restaurant ($40 Menu).
  • Chayote Barrio Kitchen: Top Performing New Restaurant ($60 Menu).
  • The Oceanaire Seafood Room: Largest Increase in Meals Served Year Over Year.
  • Seasons 52 – Orlando: Top Performing Restaurant Overall.

With so many dining options, Magical Dining 2024 has solidified Orlando as a culinary destination.

_____________________________________________________________________


 

J Willie David, III and Stephanie Daltirus
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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FNN News Network to Launch New Streaming Platform, Apps, and Podcast Lineup in September 2025

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ORLANDO, FL (FNN) — FNN News Network, along with its flagship outlet Florida National News, proudly announces the next phase of its digital transformation — officially launching in September 2025. Broadcasting from its Orlando headquarters, FNN will unveil a redesigned website, a fully upgraded podcast and show streaming platform, and new mobile apps, delivering a faster, more immersive experience for its growing national and international audience.

EXPANDED PODCAST AND SHOW LINEUP

As part of the digital relaunch, FNN News Network is debuting a diverse new lineup of podcasts and shows, covering news, politics, business, sports, culture, and entertainment. The network is also creating opportunities for new content creators to submit their own podcasts and shows for possible inclusion on the FNN News Network Podcasts & Shows App, launching this fall.

Featured Podcast & Show Lineup:

  • Puerto Rican Heritage Network Podcast
    Celebrating culture, history, and the voices shaping Puerto Rican communities.

  • FNN Sports Zone Podcast
    Where Florida sports, breaking scores, and national sports headlines meet.

  • FNN News en Español Podcast Show
    Noticias, cultura y comunidad — en tu idioma, en todas partes.

  • FNN Politics & Power Show
    Unpacking politics, policies, and the people behind the headlines.

  • FNN Business Network Show
    Your guide to business trends, market insights, and entrepreneurial success.

  • FNN News Sunday Show
    The week’s essential news, commentary, and conversations.

  • FNN Money & Finance Podcast
    Smart money moves, financial news, and wealth-building strategies.

  • FNN Real Estate Podcast
    Covering property trends, market shifts, and real estate insights from coast to coast.

  • FNN Tourism & Travel Podcast
    Discover destinations, travel trends, and tourism stories worth the trip.

  • FNN Good News & Reviews Show
    Spotlighting positive stories, community champions, and product reviews you can trust.

Each program will be available on the enhanced FNNNewsNetwork.com, through official FNN mobile apps, and across major social platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

MEDIA ALLY FUND LAUNCHES TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT NEWSROOMS

A key part of this digital expansion is the launch of the MEDIA ALLY FUND, powered by FNN News Network and Florida National News. This dedicated funding hub is designed to support multi-affiliate, nonpartisan, nonprofit, and independent newsroom members within the FNN network.

The MEDIA ALLY FUND will help sustain diverse, local, and independent journalism by providing resources, grants, and partnership opportunities to affiliated outlets and emerging content creators nationwide. This initiative underscores FNN News Network’s ongoing commitment to strengthen independent media voices and promote credible, community-focused reporting across the country.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FNN NEWS NETWORK AND FLORIDA NATIONAL NEWS

The September 2025 relaunch is just the beginning. FNN News Network plans to expand its on-air coverage with live-streamed news specials, breaking event coverage, and real-time updates from political, sports, and entertainment events across Florida and nationwide.

New interactive features through FNN’s mobile apps will allow users to customize news feeds, watch on-demand shows, and engage directly with reporters and hosts.

An open call for creators and podcast hosts will launch in August 2025, offering opportunities for fresh voices and local talents to join FNN’s growing national platform.

FNN News Network remains committed to delivering trusted, community-centered, and diverse programming that informs, uplifts, and connects audiences from Florida to New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and beyond.

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Business

ALDI Celebrates New Melbourne Store Grand Opening July 10, 2025

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Source: ALDI

MELBOURNE, Fla. (FNN) — America’s fastest-growing grocer, ALDI, continues its Florida expansion with the grand opening of its newly converted store in Melbourne at 961 E Eau Gallie Blvd. The store officially opens its doors on Thursday, July 10 at 8:45 a.m. and will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Grand Opening Celebrations and Giveaways

To mark the store’s debut, ALDI will treat the first 100 customers to an exclusive gift bag filled with ALDI-exclusive products and a chance to win through the ALDI Golden Ticket giveaway program. Shoppers can also enter a sweepstakes for a $500 ALDI gift card throughout the opening weekend.

Source: ALDI

 

At our new Melbourne ALDI store, shoppers will find that every decision we make — from our product selection to store layout — is designed to provide the best products at the lowest possible prices of any national grocer,” said Matt Thon, Regional Vice President for ALDI. “Our customers can save up to 36% on their household grocery bills. As families seek better ways to stretch their dollar, ALDI is providing easier access to affordable, high-quality groceries right here in Melbourne.”

Source: ALDI

 

The ALDI Difference: Low Prices, Quality Products, and Sustainability

The new store highlights ALDI’s commitment to affordability and customer satisfaction, featuring:

  • Low-price leadership: Customers can save nearly $4,000 annually by choosing ALDI-exclusive products over name brands.

  • Exclusive brands: 90% of ALDI’s inventory are its own award-winning exclusive labels, from organic meats and fresh produce to sustainable seafood and specialty cheeses.

  • Sustainability efforts: ALDI remains an industry leader in eco-friendly retail, having eliminated single-use plastic bags in U.S. stores and actively reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Shoppers will also discover weekly ALDI Finds, limited-time seasonal food, home goods, and specialty items.

Online Shopping and Award-Winning Employment

Nearly all ALDI locations, including the new Melbourne store, offer curbside pickup and grocery delivery through shop.aldi.us. Additionally, ALDI’s reputation as a top U.S. employer remains strong, recently earning recognition as one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes for the seventh time in eight years.

For career opportunities at ALDI, visit careers.aldi.us.

For more Central Florida business and community news, visit FloridaNationalNews.com.

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Business

Celebrate Independence Day with Action-Packed Freedom Run at Decision Tactical Sanford

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SANFORD, Fla. (FNN) – Get ready to trade fireworks for firepower this Independence Day weekend at Decision Tactical in Sanford, Florida. Florida National News has learned that the popular tactical entertainment venue is hosting a thrilling Stars & Stripes Freedom Run Challenge on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 — giving participants a bold new way to celebrate freedom, fun, and fierce competition.

Three Back-to-Back Challenges in One Event

For just $50, competitors can take on all three of Decision Tactical’s top courses in one adrenaline-pumping experience:

  • The Competition Course

  • The Range Challenge

  • The Mall Competition Course

Designed to test skill, speed, accuracy, and tactical instincts, the Freedom Run offers guests a chance to push their limits while celebrating the red, white, and blue.

Relax and Recharge at the Bar & Grill

After completing the challenges, participants can wind down at Decision Tactical’s onsite Bar & Grill, featuring limited-time food and drink specials available exclusively during the holiday weekend (additional fees apply). It’s the perfect way to cool off, refuel, and celebrate a day well spent.

Reservations Required

Reservations are required for the Freedom Run and can be booked in advance through the official event page at decisiontactical.com/events/stars-strips-competition.

The event will be held at:

Decision Tactical
430 Towne Center Cir.
Sanford, FL 32771

For more information, visit the event link above.r

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