Roni Alexis Graham

Football for Florida A&M University is more than just a sport and with the start of the season against Jackson State, it’s finally back in full effect.

The deep roots and history of the game is an experience students cherish long after their time at FAMU. The meaningful traditions that come along with the football games each fall ignite an unexplainable euphoria for the students and the season postponement last year due to COVID-19 has spiked anticipation. For students and alumni, football game

One of this year’s Olympic athletes hails from central Florida. Orlando native Omari Jones has qualified to participate in the 71kg boxing tournament at the Summer 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11.

Jones’ accomplishments are a testament to the hard work he has put in since he was 8 years old. The 21-year-old’s consistency, dedication, and support from his strong circle led to him qualifying for this summer. In March, Omari secured his spot with a 4-1 decision against Nishant Dev at the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy. The new Olympian will be heading to the official training center in Colorado on June 1. He will then take on Paris.

With a start in 2002, Thomas White cultivated the first official women’s wrestling team at Florida A&M University. This was done before any other historically Black college or university.

With a title that holds such great significance, the Rattlers on this team often feel that they are in need of more recognition. With FAMU Athletics not having the team listed on the site, or an official roster, the ladies’ hard work often goes unnoticed.

The lack of support is visible within the university.

In one of the most polarizing elections in modern history, citizens across the nation voted in the middle of a global pandemic and against the backdrop of unprecedented social unrest. For first-time voters, this election was their first time playing a part in making a significant change. After years and years of witnessing injustice, college freshmen were able to take that first step towards being the next great movement.

A few first-time freshmen voters spoke about their thoughts on casting th

A fashion show: one of the most popular ways Florida A&M University is described when it comes to the culture created by the university. With FAMU being a mecca for all things fashion and style, it’s no surprise that the student-athletes bring a captivating flair to the environments they step into.

Anisah Douglas, a senior psychology student, represents athletes with a passion for fashion. Her love for putting together unique pieces allows her to find ways to showcase her distinct style wheneve

Loss of hope, fear of illness, massive unemployment and an uptick in economic concerns have overwhelmed the nation. The global pandemic has brought 67 million cases and over a million deaths. The world is facing the sobering outcome of COVID-19. Society is mourning the lives lost and communities have sunken into despair. All of this is amidst a recurring depression that takes place every year for some as the winter season approaches.

As the winter sets in, for many it is a time for holiday chee

After years of decline, the Seminole Towne Center will be under new management that citizens across Seminole County are eager for.

“The amount of bad press that has surrounded this property has been out there for too long. So, it’s going to be a full rebrand,” developer Justin Kovacsik said. “We’ll probably never utter the words Seminole Towne Center again other than in private conversations.”

Colonial Room & Restaurant in downtown Sanford has been working hard to upgrade and rejuvenate their business, and they are so eager for all of the city to come and visit.

Colonial Room has been serving the community since 1977 and the owner, Michele Simoneaux says she wants the store and restaurant to continue to be a safe place. With some new construction, candy, and crafts, the restaurant is reaching a whole new level for their customers’ pleasure. The interactions seen between the business’s staff truly reflect the feeling of family and they have a hope to share that love with everyone.

Two Sanford natives are making big moves and an impact that will last a lifetime on their community.

After playing college ball at Savannah State, Britt Henderson and Kerry S. Wiggins Sr. came home with a mission and desire to give back. The men partnered up with Clifford Martin of Sanford, and the non-profit Unity Youth Association (UYA) was created.

Last year, a UCF student and his Uber driver were hit head-on by another vehicle driving in the wrong direction. The accident took place on Interstate 4 on October 29, 2023.

Marcus Frutchey, the survivor of the crash, had an emotional reunion with the first responders who acted in saving his life.

Seminole County 4-H, a youth development program in partnership with Seminole County Government and University of Florida IFAS Extension, continues to offer enriching opportunities for youth to learn and grow outside of the classroom. Through hands-on experiences, this youth development program is designed to help children and teens develop valuable life-skills.

A large variety of activities are offered by the program and focus on public speaking, food and nutrition, agricultural science, gardening, and leadership. The non-profit emphasizes these activities aimed at helping young participants discover their interests and passions.

After years of decline, the Seminole Towne Center will be under new management that citizens across Seminole County are eager for.

“The amount of bad press that has surrounded this property has been out there for too long. So, it’s going to be a full rebrand,” developer Justin Kovacsik said. “We’ll probably never utter the words Seminole Towne Center again other than in private conversations.”

Colonial Room & Restaurant in downtown Sanford has been working hard to upgrade and rejuvenate their business, and they are so eager for all of the city to come and visit.

Colonial Room has been serving the community since 1977 and the owner, Michele Simoneaux says she wants the store and restaurant to continue to be a safe place. With some new construction, candy, and crafts, the restaurant is reaching a whole new level for their customers’ pleasure. The interactions seen between the business’s staff truly reflect the feeling of family and they have a hope to share that love with everyone.

The bulk of the Sanford City meeting’s time was focused on the third reading of a new development that homeowners are not happy about.

The Christian Sharing Center has proposed a neighborhood to be located on Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The problem with that is there are homes right next to the area, and the residents don’t want this project in their backyard.

Two Sanford natives are making big moves and an impact that will last a lifetime on their community.

After playing college ball at Savannah State, Britt Henderson and Kerry S. Wiggins Sr. came home with a mission and desire to give back. The men partnered up with Clifford Martin of Sanford, and the non-profit Unity Youth Association (UYA) was created.

Choices In Learning Elementary School (CIL) has been supporting and celebrating the UCF football season in style. Thanks to principal Dr. Rodriguez, the students show off their school spirit in gold and black on designated days, swapping out their usual uniforms for some Knight pride.

Rodriguez beams with pride over the fact that 90% of the school’s staff and teachers are also UCF graduates.

The City of Sanford is about to get a major boost in care and treatment through a new emergency room facility.

At Monday’s city meeting, the CEO of Advent Health Altamonte Springs, Jeff Villanueva, gave Sanford residents an exciting announcement involving new healthcare.

A Longwood neighborhood fears the outcome of hurricane Debby and severe weather after their neighbor clogged the drain pipes with cement. The residents of Shadowbay have been struggling with lack of drainage since their neighbor blocked the only pipe in the area back in March.

The woman sent out a letter stating her plans. “Please be advise that I reside at (Shadowbay address). I am downgrade from all of you in your residential community. At some point in time in the past, a drainpipe was installed in my property, without my permission. It drains the road in front of me and also a number of upgraded houses to whom I am sending a copy of this letter,” she said.

The owner says that the “heroic efforts” of one of the staff members is the reason the initial fire was subdued until the fire department got there.