ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts unveiled a stunning new bronze relief sculpture honoring Chairman Emeritus James H. Pugh, Jr., the visionary leader whose commitment and leadership helped turn the dream of a world-class performing arts center into reality. The piece, created by world-renowned sculptor Paul Day, was revealed during a heartfelt ceremony attended by community leaders, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, both of whom shared remarks celebrating Pugh’s remarkable contributions.

A Visionary Who Shaped Orlando’s Cultural Landscape

From 2003 to 2022, James H. Pugh, Jr. served nearly two decades as chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center, guiding the project from concept to completion. His leadership, expertise, and steadfast vision were instrumental in creating one of Orlando’s most iconic cultural institutions.

Alongside his wife, Alexis Pugh, he became the first donor to the project, helping establish the 294-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, a beloved venue that has hosted thousands of regional artists and performances. Under his direction, the Center also opened the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater and the acoustically acclaimed Steinmetz Hall, which Architectural Digest named one of the 11 most beautiful theaters in the world.

A Masterpiece by Renowned Artist Paul Day

Commissioned by longtime friend and arts center donor Neal Dempsey, the bronze relief sculpture was crafted by internationally recognized artist Paul Day, whose works include The Meeting Place at St. Pancras Station in London and A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor at Rollins College.

This new artwork captures the essence of Pugh’s leadership, perseverance, and dedication to the arts, symbolizing the collective effort that brought the Dr. Phillips Center to life. “Jim has been instrumental in bringing this dream and our promise of Arts for Every Life to the region,” said Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center. “His vision and generosity shaped every step of our journey. This sculpture ensures he will always remain part of our story.”

A Lasting Legacy for Future Generations

During the unveiling, Ed Timberlake, Chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of Pugh’s contributions: “Today, we celebrated three powerful forces—transformative vision, unwavering perseverance, and the magic that happens when a community rallies behind a dream. Jim proved that with enough determination and heart, you can turn an ambitious dream into a living, breathing cultural cornerstone.”

Ticketed guests can now view the sculpture on the first tier of the Della Phillips Lobby. The installation was made possible through generous support from Jan & Neal Dempsey, with additional contributions from Valeria & Jim Shapiro and Bill Forness.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – The numbers are in, and they speak louder than Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue.

More than 6.2 million people tuned in to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on the night of his return: the highest single-night viewership the show has pulled in over a decade. That’s not just impressive; it’s exceptional for a late-night program in today’s fragmented media environment.

But to read this as a mere “ratings win” for Kimmel would miss the real story. What the numbers actually reflect is a surge of public momentum driven not by promotion, not even by controversy alone, but by audience power. This wasn’t about the man with the microphone. It was about the people on the other end of it.

It’s clear now that this wasn’t just an act of viewership, it was a collective show of force. The audience didn’t just watch Kimmel’s return; they validated it. They turned a late-night broadcast into a national media moment, forcing the issue back onto the cultural agenda through sheer participation.

What makes this more than a one-night bump is the way the episode resonated beyond TV. The monologue was clipped, reposted, debated, and dissected – generating tens of millions of views online within hours. The broadcast became a viral node not because of shock value, but because people felt invested in what it represented.

For ABC, this moment underscores both the reward and the risk of public responsiveness. Yes, controversy generated attention but it was the threat of losing consumer trust that truly moved the needle. The spike in ratings proved that viewers weren’t bluffing. Their voices weren’t just loud, they were measurable.

Whether the show sustains those numbers in the weeks ahead remains to be seen. But the September 23 ratings event wasn’t about longevity. It was about leverage. And in this case, the viewers — not the network, not the advertisers, not even the host — held it.

The night will be remembered not for what was said behind the desk, but for what millions of viewers shouted through their actions: we are watching and we expect to be heard.

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – The spotlight is bright, but for Sanford-raised vocalist Yoshihannaa, also known as Yoshi, it’s nothing she can’t handle. As a contestant on Season 28 of The Voice, she’s not just chasing a dream — she’s proving that soulful artistry, grit, and heart can’t be boxed in by geography, grief, or genre.

Though now based in Atlanta, Yoshihannaa’s story is deeply rooted in Central Florida. Family, faith, and community performances shaped her early years.

“I had to stop waiting for someone else to sing my words. The time came to sing them myself.”

As the author of this article, I have had the personal pleasure of witnessing her humble beginnings, performing alongside a pianist at Sunday brunches at the Bohemian Hotel in Orlando. Even then, her voice captivated the room, hinting at the star she was destined to become.

Before the cameras turned on, before her blind audition aired, Yoshi had already lived the kind of story that makes for great music: joy, loss, rebirth. Her emotional original track, “Rainbow Ribbon,” was written as a tribute to her late grandmother — a pivotal moment that pushed her from songwriting behind the scenes into the artist spotlight.

“I realized I had to stop waiting for someone else to sing my words,” she’s shared in interviews. “The time came to sing them myself.” That moment of clarity now resonates with every note she delivers on national television.

Yoshi isn’t new to the hustle. She’s written for others, performed across East Coast cities, and already has original music streaming on platforms — a rarity for many contestants who step into The Voice for their first big break. Her style blends old-school soul with modern edge, drawing comparisons to Jazmine Sullivan, H.E.R., and Anita Baker — all influences she proudly names.

Photo: NBC/The Voice

But what sets Yoshi apart is the weight behind her performance. There’s polish, yes, but there’s also pain, praise, and purpose in her tone. She doesn’t just sing — she ministers.

In Sanford, where pride in local talent runs deep, Yoshihannaa’s rise is being watched with full hearts and full volume. Fans are organizing voting parties, sharing her clips, and reposting her audition with pride. For a community often overshadowed by Orlando’s glittering entertainment industry, Yoshi is a reminder that stars grow quietly — in church pews, backyard showcases, and late-night writing sessions.

Her supporters aren’t just hoping she wins — they’re saying she’s already a success, not because of celebrity, but because she’s representing Sanford with grace, authenticity, and soul.

As she advances through the competition, the stakes rise — but so does the excitement. Whether she walks away with the crown or not, Yoshihannaa has already claimed something more lasting: visibility, validation, and a seat at the table.

For those who doubted her? The voice speaks for itself.

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com