Latest news with #Orlando-area
Politico
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Former Rep. Stephanie Murphy is running for mayor in Florida
Stephanie Murphy, a once-prominent voice for House Democrats' moderate wing, is running for mayor in Orange County, Florida. 'I was proud to represent parts of Orlando in the House of Representatives, where I was ranked one of America's most bipartisan and effective members of Congress,' she said in her announcement Wednesday. 'But before I was ever in Washington, I worked in business, helping companies grow, solve problems and cut through red tape. Now I want to bring that same approach to local government.' Murphy made a surprise announcement in 2021 that she would not seek reelection to her Orlando-area House seat. She had ousted Republican John Mica in 2016 from the seat he had served in for 12 terms. She had helped Democrats develop a strategy to retake the House in 2018, and her retirement sparked concerns from moderate Democrats about the future of the party. At the time, Murphy told POLITICO she was not ruling out a run for other offices in the future. Her decision to leave, she said, was because serving had been a 'personal sacrifice' that was 'hard on my family and my kids.' 'I think it's hard for people in politics and especially in Washington to understand that someone at my age would quote unquote, retire ... without having some sort of scandal or without fear of losing a reelection or without immediately running for another position or job,' Murphy said. 'But really, right now I need to be with my family.' In her mayoral announcement, Murphy cited raising her kids in Orange County, saying she had 'skin in the game.' Much of her announcement video centered around policies for working families, like safer communities and stronger schools.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals Camp Series: The five best LBs of the 2025 regionals
Jeff McCulloch/ The regional stops of the Rivals Camp Series are in the books with the Rivals Five-Star at the Indianapolis Colts' practice facility coming up later this month. Today, we continue our look at the best players at each position through the regional events with the linebackers. Advertisement BEST OF RCS: The five best QBs of the 2025 Rivals Camp Series regionals | Five best RBs | Five best WRs/TEs | Five best OL | Five best DL RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker Jeff McCulloch/ A Louisiana native who wrapped up his junior season without much recruiting traction, Darensburg made the trek to Los Angeles to make a considerable splash at the linebacker spot. The combination of sheer size and power impressed in tight quarters while he also showed he can operate in space while working coverage as well. Advertisement Following the MVP effort, more than a dozen scholarship offers would eventually come in for the late-bloomer. Darensburg eventually made a verbal commitment to South Alabama on June 9. The IMG Academy star worked out at both pass rusher and linebacker during the Atlanta stop of the tour, showcasing grit and overall competitiveness against a loaded field of players. While Forkpa held his own off the edge, he was ultra comfortable at the second level, too powerful for blockers in one setting yet swift and effective while working in coverage. One of the top testers nationally at the position, Forkpa proved it was plenty functional en route to MVP honors near his hometown. Advertisement Those elite traits have Florida, Florida State, Miami, Colorado and others positioning for a potential commitment. Jeff McCulloch/ An elite pass rusher who led the Orlando-area in sacks as a junior, Lafayette has showed more second-level ability as the offseason has rolled on as well. He is plenty capable working off the edge as a third-down specialist, but has shown overall athleticism and lateral ability from an off-ball position as well. The edge talent is so immense a coordinator may not ask for many coverage reps, but the linear speed and physicality Lafayette brings to the table has created a benefit-of-the-doubt with plenty of programs courting his commitment. Advertisement Miami, Oklahoma, Florida and several others are angling for more time from the rising-senior recruit. Jeff McCulloch/ The camp setting isn't the most friendly to the linebacker position, especially in coverage with so much space to operate for running backs on the other side of the ball. Still, Pettijohn pushed against that narrative successfully when it came to that portion of the event. He showcased hip fluidity and comfort in transitioning from one direction to the other, allowing the Texan to make plays against routes both intermediate and deep. Also built to contend in the running game, the balance led to MVP honors at the Dallas RCS stop. Advertisement Pettijohn is hearing from Syracuse and SMU, among others, while adding his most recent offer from Sam Houston State. Jeff McCulloch/ Amid official visits to bluebloods this month, Thomas' name has picked up pace nationally and our staff got that preview at the RCS Dallas stop more than a month ago. The big 'backer stands 6-foot-3 and was once considered more of a pass-rusher, but the camp effort and his subsequent recruitment confirmed a three-down projection. Auburn, Michigan and others have hosted him and Texas is on deck at the end of June.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida Spotlight: Five committed prospects on flip watch
Rivals national recruiting analyst John Garcia Jr. takes a look at five Florida commitments that could be at risk to flip their pledges before the end of the year. MORE: Five committed Southeast prospects on flip watch | Midwest prospects on flip watch CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info A longtime Nebraska verbal commitment and one of the fastest prospects in the country, Bronaugh's stock has soared this spring and it led to a full official visit slate this month. But our eyes are on the first two stops of the tour, a run up to Gainesville to see the Florida Gators two weekends ago and last weekend's return trip to Nebraska. Florida State and Penn State are still on the itinerary the next two weekends and will swing big at the Orlando-area defensive back, but the Gators and Huskers are in a very strong position to contend through a final decision. We're told the two official visits had contrasting elements to them, so could that play into the call with one versus the other? At last check, there is some renewed confidence in Lincoln but this one still has potential twists and turns ahead. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NEBRASKA FANS AT A quietly busy recruitment has been that of the very long-tenured Auburn commitment of late. Gray took official visits to Washington, NC State and Kentucky, many of which were first impressions of the programs in contention. He has long maintained his pledge to the Tigers and looks to return for an official visit this weekend, potentially eliminating the buzz around the flip prospects elsewhere. Gray doesn't do a lot of talking so it's the schedule that has created attention around the polished pass catcher who initially committed to AU way back on New Year's Day 2024. Other programs, including some not on the current itinerary, continue to communicate with the South Florida native so this battle could rage beyond the summer visit window. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH AUBURN FANS AT Michigan got Jennings on board before his offer list suggested he was a national recruit, and it looks like a key element to the North Florida talent remaining on board with the Wolverines at this time. He just wrapped up official visits to perhaps the two biggest threats to Sherrone Moore's program, Miami and Florida, over the last two weekends. Each has personal ties with Jennings, who has family roots in Miami and former teammates at Florida, but others are also pushing to get him to change his mind. He'll see Georgia this weekend before a much-anticipated return to Ann Arbor to close out the visit schedule. Jennings wants to have a final decision public before his senior season kicks off in August. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MICHIGAN FANS AT The least surprising name on this list, Williams continues to hit the road despite his current commitment status. The somewhat surprise flip from Florida to Ole Miss this spring was reinforced with a return trip to Oxford last weekend with his parents in tow for the first time. However, the athletic linebacker is scheduled to be right back in Florida this weekend for the first time since he departed Billy Napier's class of 2026. That official visit may be the most critical of the offseason for Williams, who has also seen Georgia and North Carolina of late. Texas, Florida State and others are also inquiring about the Central Florida talent, who has yet to confirm a shutdown time frame. It may run all the way through the Early Signing Period at this point. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OLE MISS FANS AT Another busy traveler, Wilson is fresh off of a buzzworthy trip to Nebraska, confirmed to be the program in best position to flip him from a Syracuse commitment. Mississippi State, Minnesota and UCF have also hosted him as of this writing, but the Orange is set to get him back on campus for an official visit this weekend. This one seems like the recruitment that could feature a change of plans in the shortest order, though the timing of the return to Central New York could bode very well for Fran Brown and company. Until we hear otherwise, this is NU vs. SU for the blue-chipper, potentially deciding between a pair of programs that recruit the Sunshine State as well as any beyond its borders. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH SYRACUSE FANS AT
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Editorial: Leaders' resolve on Pulse memorial reflects our community's strength
It's time. It's time. It's past time. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings knows the truth of those words more than most. As the county's elected sheriff, he left his home in the pre-dawn hours of June 12, 2016 to rush to the site of downtown Orlando's Pulse nightclub. He'd stay there for nearly 24 hours, working beside his friend John Mina (who was at the time Orlando's police chief) as law enforcement frantically sought to rescue those trapped inside. Demings will likely never forget that night, nor the weeks and months that followed. There are so many more Central Floridians who have horrific memories engraved on their souls. The survivors who huddled and hid as a gunman stalked through the club. The emergency-department staffers who worked tirelessly to save as many lives as they could. The family members who pleaded to know if their sons, daughters, spouses, friends or other loved ones were among the dead. Community leaders like Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan, the county's first openly gay elected official, who rushed to the site and tried to comfort family members' fear and grief. And the millions of Central Floridians who fought to reconcile the knowledge that their home had become the site of the worst mass shooting in the nation's history — up until that point. (Sadly, it's been eclipsed). Those survivors may not need a memorial to recall the horror of those early dawn hours. But they deserve one, especially if it nurtures the lasting changes that brought Orlando-area residents together in anguish and solidarity. That compassion has centered on the LGBTQ+ community that formed the base of Pulse's clientele, and the young Hispanics who came from across Central Florida for a weekly celebration of Latin music. It was an outpouring of acceptance that transcended the political, changing Orlando for good, and for the better. It lives on in many local residents's stubborn resistance to anti-immigrant crusades and attempts to marginalize sexual minorities. The names and faces of the 49 'angels' who died that night should never be forgotten. Nor should the terror of another 53 who were wounded but survived. The psychological scars of those who ran for their lives, or who huddled in hiding while waiting for rescue, also deserve acknowledgement. Most of all, the tragic lessons of this hate crime should be memorialized in the hopes that it avoids a repeat. And the resilience of local residents — their steadfast refusal to let Orlando and its surroundings be redefined by hate — should be celebrated. That's why Orange County residents should applaud the leadership of elected county and city leaders, who are joining forces to insist on (and pay for) a memorial on the site of the nightclub at the corner of Orange Avenue and Kaley Street. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer pushed for the city to take the lead after the collapse of the nonprofit foundation that was supposed to build the memorial. The wait has been infuriating, stretching the boundaries of trust and raising serious questions about what happened to millions of dollars raised toward the ostensible goal of creating a suitable tribute. Local leaders should continue to push — through any means at their disposal — for a thorough audit of OnePulse, the nonprofit that solicited money toward a memorial yet stumbled again and again. But the plans for a $12 million memorial, developed under the guidance of Orlando city government, are heartbreakingly beautiful — a glowing tribute of brightly colored glass, flowing water and the names of those angels who now stand as guardians to this community's resilience, hope and love. Plans unveiled before the County Commission Tuesday show a site that will offer ample opportunity for reflection — both of the tragedy that brought Central Floridians to their knees, and the inspiration leading them to stand together in solidarity and service without prejudice. Commissioners spent nearly two hours discussing the city's request to contribute $5 million toward the cost of the memorial, but the outcome was never seriously in doubt. The biggest point of strife: Who would make the motion to proceed with the donation. Demings took that victory by fiat, and it's hard to criticize his decision. His early, strong leadership almost certainly broke down barriers among more conservative communities that might otherwise have responded to the massacre with silence — or worse. There are still big questions ahead, including a continued probe into the failures of the OnePulse Foundation. City and county leaders should work together to demand answers. Some community members may also criticise the decision to remove most — possibly all — of the nightclub building and its iconic sign as the memorial is constructed. Certainly, their shared financial contribution gives every Orange County resident the right to voice their opinion; for more information, visit But that should not obscure the victory here, and Orange County and Orlando residents should be rightly proud of their elected leaders for insisting that plans for a memorial move forward — despite the delays and abuse of trust. Once again, this community has chosen to transcend tragedy and hatred with hope and unity. It is the right decision, and within two years this city should have a fitting memorial to the sacrifice of young people who only wanted to dance and have fun, without boundaries or prejudice. It is time. It is past time. The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Executive Editor Roger Simmons and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Orlando weekend events: Leu Gardens movie night, CommUNITY Rainbow Run, orchid sale
As Florida's sweltering summer season kicks into full swing, many of the Orlando area's popular outdoor events have already passed for this calendar year or will wait to return until cooler temperatures arrive. However, there are still a number of locally-focused happenings for the community to enjoy the first weekend of June. Central Florida's calendar for the weekend of June 6-8 includes the 9th annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run, a movie night at Leu Gardens featuring 'Toy Story,' a lake cleanup with Central Florida Recon, an orchid sale and a vintage market. Orlando-area art enthusiasts can enjoy the FAVO Art Stroll at Faith Arts Village Orlando and the opening of the 44th Annual Juried Student Exhibition at Crealdé School of Art. Here are ways to enjoy this sunny early summer weekend in Central Florida. This annual running tradition commemorates the strength of the Orlando community in the aftermath of the Pulse tragedy. Runners, joggers and walkers navigate a 4.9K route that goes from Orlando City Hall to Pulse and back in honor of the lives lost on June 12, 2016. The race aims to serve as a testament to Orlando's resilience and love. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Orlando United Pulse Memorial, a project of the nonprofit organization Strengthen Orlando. If you go: The 9th annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run begins at 7:30 a.m. June 7 at 400 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. Registration costs $49 in advance. More information: 'Toy Story' is the cinematic selection for the June movie night at Leu Gardens. Enjoy the film outdoors in a beautiful garden setting during this all-ages event. The gardens open at 7 p.m. and the movie begins around 8:30 p.m. this Friday. Guests can pack dinner and seats, but pets and tents are not allowed. If you go: Leu Gardens' June Movie Night opens at 7 p.m. June 7 at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. Tickets cost $8 per adult and $6 per child (ages 4-17) plus fees. Tickets are not available at the door and seating is first-come, first-served. More information: The Central Florida Orchid Society hosts its 67th annual orchid show and sale this weekend with thousands of plants for sale. Vendors bring offerings for beginners and collectors alike. Visitors can also find door prizes, raffles, expert speakers and demonstrations, American Orchid Society judging and displays over the course of three days at the Florida National Armory in Orlando. If you go: The Central Florida Orchid Society's 67th annual orchid sale and show is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 6-7 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 8 at 2809 S. Ferncreek Ave. in Orlando. Tickets are $5 per day or $10 for the weekend. Children age 13 and younger enter for free. More information: FAVO (Faith Arts Village Orlando) hosts its FAVO Art Stroll Friday and Saturday evening featuring vendors, studio artists and light refreshments. Visitors can also see the opening reception of 'SYNERGY,' a themed art exhibition with art from Marsha De Broske and Diane Martens that celebrates the spirit of the Everglades in gallery 149. Explore the event from 5-9 p.m. June 6-7 at 221 E Colonial Drive in Orlando. More information: Crealdé School of Art's 44th Annual Juried Student Exhibition showcases some of the best student work in painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and fiber arts. The exhibition opens with a reception from 7:30-9:30 p.m. June 6 at 600 St. Andrews Blvd. in Winter Park. More information: Central Florida Recon hosts a cleanup at Lake Formosa this weekend in partnership with the Lake Formosa Neighborhood Association. Pitch in on the water with a kayak or by walking the shoreline to pick up trash this Saturday morning. Volunteers should bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen but other equipment will be provided. The cleanup is from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. June 7 at 1801 Alden Road in Orlando. More information: The Florida Vintage Market lands at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company on Sunday offering curated clothing items from the 2000s. The all-ages event is family-friendly and pet-friendly. Attend the free event from noon-5 p.m. June 8 at 1300 Alden Road in Orlando. More information: Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@ Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at
