As part of the Orange County Mayor’s Citizens Academy, I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to explore the inner workings of our local government, gaining insights into the essential services that keep our community thriving. The academy is a dynamic 9-week program that provides participants with a first-hand look at how Orange County operates, offering guided tours of key facilities and engaging discussions with county…

Living in Orange County, Florida, has always been a source of pride for me. The vibrant culture, the welcoming community, and the continuous growth make it an incredible place to live. When I learned about the Orange County Mayor’s Citizens Academy, I was thrilled at the chance to dive deeper into the workings of our local government and gain a better understanding of how our…

Since its inception in May 2008, IDignity has been a crucial lifeline for vulnerable populations in Central Florida, providing essential identification services that enable individuals to lead self-sufficient lives. Founded by members of five downtown Orlando churches, IDignity assists U.S. citizens and legal residents in navigating the complex and often costly process of obtaining personal identification. The Vital Services of IDignity Obtaining proper identification is…

Photo Credit: Lora Rodgers Photography In 1994, an idea was born in the heart of Florida — an idea to change the community for the better. Fast forward to today, the Central Florida Foundation (CFF) celebrates 30 years of transformative work, dedicating resources and expertise to the most pressing needs of the community. This important anniversary marks not just past achievements but also sets the…

Downtown Orlando is set to become a bustling hub of creativity and cultural vitality with the launch of DTO Live, a new arts initiative spearheaded by the City of Orlando's Downtown Development Board (DDB) in partnership with United Arts of Central Florida (UA). This ambitious project promises to bring over 800 performances to the heart of the city, transforming it into a vibrant stage where…

Have you ever heard the saying, "Laughter is the best medicine"? Well, it turns out, there's more truth to this statement than you might think. Laughter, along with the act of stepping out of your comfort zone, can have a profoundly positive impact on your brain's health and overall well-being. As a curator and a comedian, of the annual ENL (Empowering Night of Laughter) Orlando's…

Orlando ranked No. 1 as the Best Sports Business City for Attracting and Hosting Events Press Release: Greater Orlando Sports Commission ORLANDO, Fla. (March 18, 2024) – Sports Business Journal (SBJ) presents its much-anticipated 2024 Best Sports Business Cities (BSBC) rankings, a comprehensive analysis focusing on U.S. cities that have demonstrated recent success in attracting and hosting a diverse array of sporting events. The unveiling of this…

Bringing teams together to find a cure for cancer. Since the game’s inception in 2015, the Cure Bowl has raised over $4.1 million for cancer research. Join the 9th Annual Cure Bowl in Orlando on December 16th, where college football fans, cancer survivors, and the community come together at FBC Mortgage Stadium for a day of inspiration and entertainment. In advance of the 3:30pm kickoff…

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones for a Night of Laughs and Life Lessons Orlando's favorite (and I think only) annual all-female comedy show is back for a sixth year. Orlando is set to witness a spectacular evening of humor and empowerment at the Sixth Annual Empowering Night of Laughter. Scheduled for January 19, 2024, at the Quantum Leap Winery, this event is more than just…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDaT8r0K6DE In the heart of Central Florida, a beacon of hope has steadily shone for three decades. The Homeless Services Network (HSN) has been a cornerstone in the fight against homelessness, dedicated to providing not just temporary relief but long-term solutions. Their mission is simple yet profound: to transform the lives of the most vulnerable, from military veterans and youth to individuals with disabilities, and…