Politics

First Tee–Tallahassee celebrates $300,000 in state budget to expand youth development programs

Published

7 months ago

July 1, 2025

First Tee–Tallahassee is celebrating a landmark achievement: securing $300,000 in the newly signed state budget to dramatically expand its youth development programs throughout the Big Bend.

This crucial funding, championed by Rep. Allison Tant and Sen. Corey Simon and approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis, will enhance the nonprofit’s mission to teach life skills and build character through the game of golf.

A key focus of the new funding will be to expand services for children with special needs, ensuring that all kids, regardless of ability or adversity, have access to the organization’s transformative programs.

“We are deeply grateful to Rep. Tant, Sen. Simon, and Gov. DeSantis for their unwavering commitment to the young people in our community,” said Chuck Urban, president of First Tee–Tallahassee. “This funding allows us to broaden our reach and provide more children with access to life-changing programs that teach confidence, character, and resilience through the game of golf.”

Launched in 2022, First Tee–Tallahassee has experienced rapid growth, already serving hundreds of children annually. The organization has established numerous key partnerships, implementing its curriculum in 14 local schools, training over 55 Leon County physical education teachers, and creating mentorship programs, such as the Watson Links and the Tallahassee Urban Cup.

The money will also go to help maintain the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program, the Girls Golf Locker clothing donation initiative, and special needs programming at Independence Landing and AcadeMe.

This state investment confirms the immediate and measurable impact of First Tee.

Urban emphasized the specific goal of the new funding: “Thanks to this support, more kids across our region — including those with unique challenges — will have the chance to develop lifelong tools for success. We’re not just teaching golf — we’re helping shape the next generation of leaders.”

The investment has been praised as a testament to the powerful advocacy of its legislative champions. Tant is a noted advocate for disability rights, while Simon, a former NFL player, has a long history of supporting youth mentorship initiatives.

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Politics

SeaWorld, Universal announce musical acts ahead of annual food festivals

Published

3 minutes ago

January 19, 2026

May Greene

Universal and SeaWorld have announced the details on one of the best theme park deals of the year: concerts that are included in regular park admission during their annual food festivals.

Both theme parks are bringing in major artists as part of Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval and SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival.

Disney World also welcomes well-known artists and nostalgic favorites to play for theme park guests. But the Mouse has not officially released the 2026 schedule for the Garden Rocks concerts at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The festival runs March 4 to June 1.

Universal’s Mardi Gras concerts kick off Feb. 7 through March 28 on select nights. This year’s lineup features Grammy-winning DJ and producer Zedd, Bebe Rexha, and The All-American Rejects, who are returning for the second year in a row as the concert series’ finale.

The nightly concerts take place following Universal’s Mardi Gras parade featuring elaborate floats and plenty of bead throwing.

At SeaWorld, the music includes KISS rocker Gene Simmons, the Beach Boys, Flo Rida, Fitz and the Tantrums, the Fray and Boyz II Men during the concert series running on select nights from Jan. 31 to May 17.

“This is the biggest and most diverse concert lineup we’ve ever presented as part of Seven Seas Food Festival,” said SeaWorld Orlando Park President Jon Peterson in a statement. “With chart-topping artists, throwback favorites, and every concert included with park admission, we’re delivering one of the best entertainment values in Central Florida.”

The majority of the dates have been announced, although SeaWorld said a few additional acts will be announced later in the year.

Orlando has deep ties to boy band history, which you’ll find at the theme parks’ festival concerts.

You won’t see Justin Timberlake anytime soon playing behind a backdrop of roller coasters. But Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC performs Feb 22 at the Pop 2000 Tour night at SeaWorld. Meanwhile, Kirkpatrick’s former bandmate Joey Fatone teams up with the Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean at Universal Orlando Feb. 21.

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Politics

Tampa Bay Lightning arena agreement worth up to $358.5M heads to Hillsborough County Commission

Published

35 minutes ago

January 19, 2026

May Greene

The revised agreement is intended to secure the Lightning’s long-term presence in downtown Tampa.

Hillsborough County Commissioners are scheduled to consider a $250 million agreement with the Tampa Bay Lightning to expand the county’s financial commitment to renovations at the Benchmark International Arena (formerly known as the Amalie Arena) and extend the team’s lease from June 2037 to June 2043.

The proposed agreement would raise the county’s maximum renovation contribution from $108.5 million to $358.5 million, while requiring the Lightning and Tampa Bay Arena LLC to spend an additional $75 million of their own funds on arena improvements. Under the terms of the deal, the team would be required to pay for renovation work upfront before becoming eligible for county reimbursement.

The revised agreement is intended to secure the Lightning’s long-term presence in downtown Tampa and address ongoing capital needs at the more than 30-year-old county-owned arena.

According to documents for Wednesday’s Hillsborough County meeting, the county’s share of the renovation costs would be financed exclusively through revenue bonds backed by the fifth-cent tourist development tax. To date, the county has paid approximately $91 million under the original arena renovation agreement first approved in 2006.

The agreement also requires Tampa Bay Arena and the Lightning to seek additional financial support from the city of Tampa and the state, though no commitments from either government are included in the agenda item.

The staff report indicates that continued investment is necessary to keep the arena competitive with newer venues and to preserve its role as a major economic driver in the Water Street and Channelside districts.

“Such public benefits include the Arena’s role as a catalyst for small and emerging businesses located in the District, a stimulus for development in the larger area around the Arena, and the host of many esteemed cultural events held in the Suncoast region of the State of Florida,” staff wrote in the report.

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Politics

Patricia Rumph joins crowded race to be first-ever District 7 Orange County Commissioner

Published

2 hours ago

January 19, 2026

May Greene

Patricia Rumph, a retired state corrections department employee, is running for Orange County Commission’s District 7 in August.

“I am running for County Commission because service is not something I talk about, it is something I have lived every day of my life,” Rumph said.

Rumph’s campaign priorities are public safety, investing in strong infrastructure, affordability, and environmental stewardship, she said in a statement to announce her candidacy.

Rumph is joining a crowded field for a two-year term representing District 7 in the nonpartisan race. The other candidates are Selina Carter, Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner, Stacey Gordon-Ali, Framily Support Network co-founder Aaron Lewis, Sonya Shakespeare, and former Orlando City Commissioner Vicki Vargo.

A County Commissioner’s current annual salary is $130,262.

District 7, which covers Maitland, Eatonville, Pine Hills, Orlovista and Fairview Shores in the northern part of Orange County, is one of the two new County Commission seats added after last year’s redistricting.

“As District 7 is formed, this is a moment to build something new and to do it the right way,” Rumph said. “Our residents deserve a commissioner who is present, accountable, and deeply invested in the people who call this district home.”

Rumph’s 30-year career in the Florida Department of Corrections included jobs as Correctional Probation Senior Officer, Human Resources Specialist, and Fiscal Assistant. She retired in 2017.

She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.

“In 2020, Rumph was appointed Orange County’s Inaugural Community Ambassador, a role created to build trust between law enforcement and residents and to lead initiatives focused on reducing gun violence and violent crime,” she said in a press release.

“Prior to that appointment, she served for three years as President of the Pine Hills Community Council and has held leadership roles on numerous county boards and advisory committees.”

She was also named the League of Women Voters of Orange County Grassroots Champion of the Year, noted a press release highlighting her public service.

“From Pine Hills to neighborhoods across District 7, I have worked side by side with residents to make our communities safer, stronger, and more connected,” Rumph said in a statement. “This new district deserves leadership that knows our neighborhoods, listens to our families, and fights for opportunity in every zip code. I am ready to bring proven, community-rooted leadership to the County Commission.”

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