HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

It’s the end of October and that means the end of Hispanic Heritage Month and looking forward to Native American Heritage Month.

For Leo Gomez, art is more than just using paint and a brush.

For Orange County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Angel Cirino, serving his community is an honor.

Trooper Steve On Patrol conducts a ride-along with News 6 reporter Ezzy Castro.

Next week, you can catch the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Next week, you can catch the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Live music, competitions and art will take over downtown Mount Dora.

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At Calypso Coffee Bar in Apopka, the day starts strong for Natasha and Julisa Lopez.

Orange County Fire Lieutenant Claudia Fernandez has been with the department for 23 years and has responded to hundreds of 911 calls. She explained she’s had to speak Spanish in order to help victims during some of those calls.

Central Florida is an area filled with Hispanic flair, and with that flair comes great food.

The city of Orlando is once again celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a community celebration event and art exhibit.

The “Queen of Salsa” Celia Cruz now has her own Barbie doll, according to an announcement by Mattel.

Over the summer, the hospital launched a program that gives patients the chance to get information through social media all in Spanish.

For many teenage girls, their quinceañera is a time of celebration. But for this week’s Getting Results Award winner, it came at a time of loss and sadness.

‘Monsters in the Morning’ host shares rough journey to broadcasting, big screen success

The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County is officially seeking submission for artists to participate in the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit.

The Hispanic vote in Florida represents 12% of the state’s voters. The question is, will they actually vote?

H-2A visas are designated for people to come to the U.S. and temporarily work in agriculture.

‘Monsters in the Morning’ host shares rough journey to broadcasting, big screen success

World Food Trucks, located in a parking lot off of W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee, is also a popular place for Hispanic vendors.

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez said he has fulfilled his promise to have bilingual Spanish speakers answer the phones in his 911 dispatch center.

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, Disney Springs is continuing to celebrate diversity by highlighting the work of Latino artists on their murals.

It's the music Steven "Esteban" Carrillo said brings the crowds together at Walt Disney World's EPCOT.

News 6 producer discusses how her grandfather helped out migrants through his church for Hispanic Heritage Month

The Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater will play host to “Celebrating Hispanic Voices: An Evening of Spoken Word” at 7 p.m. Friday.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, News 6 reporter Ezzy Castro explains the tradition and culture behind Cafecito and shares her recipe.

First lady Jill Biden says Republican leaders have underestimated the power of women and that it's up to Democrats to make sure the GOP doesn't make that mistake again.

Immigration lawyer, Laura Quintero, with Quintero Fortich Legal, explained what a Temporary Protected Status is, also known as a TPS.

The first annual Latinx Culture and Health Festival will be held in downtown Orlando at Lake Eola next week.

Lorena Pages went from working in the fashion design industry to becoming a full-time social media content creator — using her cats to create funny videos.

Walt Disney World has rolled out special offerings as it celebrates Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month.

Lake Nona will be the place to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing.

Perla and Isabella left their countries at 16 without their parents to follow their dreams. That journey led them to UCF where their work is being recognized internationally.

Maritza Avila-Vazquez took the podium with pride on Thursday in front of members of the Rotary Club in Deltona to shame some history about Hispanic heritage and why she calls the city she was elected in home.

How the 31-day observation and celebration of Hispanic and Latin cultures began

The reception will give guests a chance to meet the artists behind the exhibit, feature the Street Fusion Latin food truck and will include a performance from by the Don Soledad Group.

The Appleton Museum of Art at College of Central Florida is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with free and tickets events from Sept. 15 to Oct. 8.

News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Aquatica Orlando is excited to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month once again with an unforgettable pool party in the #1 rated outdoor water park according to the USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards.

The city of Orlando is looking for local artists to display during Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

While a quarter of Hispanics identify as AfroLatinx and more than half of Hispanics as “mixed race,” according to the Pew Research Center.

A group of students joined the UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub for a panel discussion

Trooper Steve visits Trooper Mom to learn how to make his favorite meal

Tammy Weber De Millar is the director of Flamenco del Sol dance studio in Oviedo, Florida. Although her genetic makeup is Polish, her heart and soul overflows with Spanish culture.

Throughout the years, the National Football League has worked extensively to grow the game of football in Mexico -- from playing a regular-season game each year in Mexico City, to starting up more youth programs in the country to get kids involved from a young age.

Central Florida has seen exponential growth in the last several years, particularly due to Hispanics looking to do business and raise their families here.

Ignacio Saturnino “Lou” Molinet was first Hispanic player to play in the NFL

Many people are always looking to enhance their beauty routine. For the owner of Bettina Cosmetics, she’s not only helping customers with their look, she’s also helping business owners with their success.

Central Florida is home to many Latin and Hispanic markets, but you can find many ingredients at Publix, too.

For many decades, the game of dominoes has been part of Hispanic families, particularly those from the Caribbean.

News 6 Senior Executive Producer of News and Special Projects Angel Blazquez had just what I needed: a recipe for Picadillo.

On Wednesday, 30 Central Florida students were honored during a scholarships awards ceremony hosted by the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro.

It is one of the most famous songs recorded, depicting one of the most famous tragedies in music history.

In the wake of the Pulse tragedy in 2016, five individuals gathered at the Hispanic Federation with a box of Publix fried chicken to discuss how to move forward.

Here's a look at some important holidays and celebrations in Hispanic cultures.

Former pro boxer uses Hispanic heritage to better serve community as firefighter-paramedic

The studio offers beginner and advanced salsa, bachata and hip hop classes to kids, teens and adults, as well as advanced contemporary levels.

The Inspiration4 mission taking place in the midst of Hispanic Heritage Month brought to mind two trailblazing astronauts.

Company's motto is 'Fashion with Purpose'

EPCOT isn’t the only place in Orlando where people can journey through different countries and cultures. Berlitz Language Center also gives residents and visitors the international experience that comes with learning a new language.

Experience different parts of Latinx and Hispanic cultures by trying some of these activities this month.

GuideWell to acquire Triple-S Management

A big part of the Latino and Hispanic communities are celebrities making an impact worldwide, showcasing not just their talents but their roots as well.

One of golf’s more entertaining events, the Ryder Cup, begins on Friday and figures to be a lively and must-see event, once again, for golf and sports fans throughout the world.

Born in New York to Puerto Rican parents, Linnette Johnson said Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder of her roots.

Books that help teach kids about Hispanic and Latin cultures

Adult beverages with something for everyone with a Latin flair

Hispanic Heritage Month is underway and the Orange County Library System is hosting events to celebrate Latinx cultures.

I live for a good sunrise ☀️. And that one pictured above is one I took this morning.

Music, food, fun: events and activities happening around Central Florida to celebrate Latin and Hispanic cultures

The city announced in a news release that from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 it will host various events in celebration of Hispanic cultures.

Imagine coming into work one day like you normally do, but then later on, frantically embarking on a mission in which the success of it might result in your death.

Tom Flores got up during his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech and gave a reason as to why he was the second speaker of all the inductees that night.

UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media’s Hispanic Media Initiative Knightly Latino, a Spanish-television news program, offers a way for students to report on the Hispanic and Latinx community on campus, and broaden their job opportunities by learning more about Spanish-language media. Christina Díaz was on the trip and she says Knightly Latino was one of her most influential classes in college. Christina Díaz reporting for Knightly Latino (Christina Díaz)“It challenged me to get outside my comfort zone while also offering an extremely inviting atmosphere. [WATCH: UCF is third in state with largest Hispanic, Latino student body]“Now more than ever, we need to amplify the voices of immigrants and people of color throughout the United States,” said Kight. For more stories on how the Hispanic community is impacting Central Florida, head to clickorlando.com/hispanicheritage.

Padilla has been cutting hair for 22 years now. He says his Puerto Rican heritage played a huge role in him getting to where he’s at. “What made me start being a barber was growing up around the industry and my grandfather motivating me to follow his steps,” said Padilla. Like the players, he had a daily routine which started very early in the morning. Padilla says his time in the bubble also allowed him time to focus and grow his business.

Most people are used to hearing Hispanic and Latino, some default to Spanish and others are now getting accustomed to the term Latinx. REMEMBER: If they’re from Latin America, they’re Latino or LatinxLatinx(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. REMEMBER: If they speak Spanish, they’re likely HispanicSpanishA Spanish flags flies at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. REMEMBER: If they’re from Spain, they’re Spanish. If they’re not from Spain -- they’re not Spanish.

ORLANDO, Fla. – They say there’s no better way to learn about a culture than to immerse yourself in it -- so this Hispanic Heritage Month, feel the rhythm of the music that dominates in the Latin community. [HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: 56 influential Hispanic-Americans in photos | This Central Florida Latina has the world painted on her skin]Whether you’re a fan of traditional salsa, merengue, Caribbean dancehall or musica urbana -- there’s a song for everyone. Conga by Gloria Estefan, Miami Sound MachineCuban-American singer and now well-known businesswoman Gloria Estefan first found her fame with party-starting hits like Conga. Stand By Me by Prince RoyceA Spanglish twist to a familiar English hit, Dominican-American bachata star Prince Royce has made exclusive appearances in Central Florida. Make sure to check out other Hispanic Heritage Month stories at clickorlando.com/hispanicheritage.

We are also seeing overwhelming confidence in Latino investors who choose to invest in real estate. Veronica Figueroa and her Figueroa Team (Figueroa Team)“We represent clients from all cultures, but what makes our team extremely proud is the representation we have for Latinos from different countries. At Figueroa Team, we have agents from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Romania, Haiti, Jamaica, South Africa and many more places. We are proud to know Latinos trust us as their experts in real estate," said Figueroa. For Hispanic Heritage Month, she’s using her platform to share opportunities for Latinos in the real estate business.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – During the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Raul Pino has become a household name as one of the top medical leaders in Orange County. “I remember her diagnosing pregnancies, treating stomach aches, treating wounds, treating people for headaches or hiccups,” he said. The whole thing is fascinating.”Dr. Raul Pino attending the baptism of one of his children (Courtesy: Dr. Raul Pino, Copyright WKMG, ClickOrlando.com)Pino went to medical school in Cuba and said that’s where he wanted to learn more about treating burn victims. She said, ‘Do not talk, be quiet, they are listening, do not leave, they are waiting for you.’ I almost had instant diarrhea. Dr. Raul Pino with his children (Courtesy: Dr. Raul Pino, Copyright WKMG, ClickOrlando.com)He said a friend told him about a program offered by the United States Embassy by which people who were kicked out of their jobs or were government dissenters could be relocated to the United States.

Real talk: Monday is National Taco Day, and we’ve been brainstorming ways to mark the occasion.

ORANDO, Fla. – Ash Soto says she has the world painted on her body, but she wasn’t always so confident in showing it. The 25-year-old lives with vitiligo, a skin condition in which one’s skin cells stop functioning, causing the person to lose pigmentation. Those with vitiligo are often seen with white blotches or patches of skin that appear with patches of their original skin tone. There’s no way of predicting how much skin will be affected or a proven way to stop it, according to dermatologists. You have to embrace those big hips, vitiligo, or whatever the case may be because your skin tells a story.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Central Florida is one of three Florida universities with the highest number of Hispanic and Latino students. In 2017, UCF’s Latino and Hispanic student body exceeded 25%--a rising number that granted them the Hispanic Serving Institution designation. The significant growth of UCF’s Latino and Hispanic student body led the school to implement culturally responsive practices. For instance, the creation of the Hispanic American Student Association, a Latin American studies major, a Latino caucus and Knightly Latino -- a Spanish language newscast. For La Rosa, it was her grandmother’s advice that has given her the motivation to further her education.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – It’s a moment Sami Haiman-Marrero will forever remember, seeing the name of Roberto Clemente at what was formally known as Stonewall Jackson Middle School. The school, which had a name tied to a Confederate general, was recently renamed after the Latin-American and Caribbean Hall of Famer. It was his story that prompted Orange County School Board Member Johanna Lopez to push for a change. [Roberto Clemente: More than Latin America’s baseball star]Lopez said the majority of students at Roberto Clemente Middle School are Hispanic and 43% are Hispanic in the district. That’s very, very crucial and important in Orange County Public Schools,” Lopez said.

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and what a better way to celebrate than with some flavorful and easy recipes that can be made in an Instant Pot or an air fryer?

In fact, he voted for the first time four years ago and as a Nicaraguan-American, he is looking forward to seeing more Hispanics vote this time around. “Especially around this area we have so many Hispanics so for them to actually go register and go vote it makes a difference. The goal for the campaign is to motivate more Puerto Ricans and Hispanics in Central Florida to cast their vote. “During the 2018 election cycle, Puerto Ricans came out in record numbers in Central Florida,” Alex Barrio with Respecta Mi Gente said. Julian Loaiza, from Colombia, said this is the opportunity for all people to embrace the right to vote.

If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Copyright © 2020 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida has become a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, one of the most influential communities is the Brazilian community. They are investing some serious money in Central Florida so there is a lot of business and investment in real estate and other things,” Almeida said. Pre-COVID, Central Florida was a hot spot for Brazilian tourists -- it wasn’t unusual to see theme parks with large groups from Brazil. And an increasing number of Brazilians are starting to call Central Florida home. “And Central Florida is a big melting pot and I love that about this city how we are so different but yet we’re so blended.”For more Somos Central Florida stories, check out clickorlando.com/hispanicheritage.

“When I first found out that news I was like, ‘This man is really gonna save my life,’” Sean Carmona said. Carmona, a native of South Florida, said once doctors diagnosed him, they soon knew he would need a bone marrow transplant. “When you first hear about that, you know, they tell you about the risks that, you know, sometimes you might not even be able to find a match,” Carmona said. Words really can’t describe how grateful I am to be in this position and to help someone in their lives,” Rivera said. The event will do a showing of the moment Carmona and Rivera met for the first time.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was 23 years old taking the first step in his military career. We have a majority of people enlisted out of this office are Hispanics,” Castillo explained. In fact, Castillo said 22% of Hispanic females and 17% of Hispanic males are serving in the U.S. Army. News 6 was there as Jose Luis Reategui arrived at the recruiting office on Monday morning. Sergeant First Class Isaac Ayala, also a U.S. Army recruiter, is from New York though his parents came from Puerto Rico.

An argument bubbles over which coffee makes the best espresso.

To thousands of migrant farmworkers across five counties in Central Florida, she is their hero. It’s an organization that in normal times provides food, medical supplies and educational services to migrant farmworkers in Osceola, Orange, Polk, Hillsborough and Highland Counties. “Isa has distributed about 800 gallons of milk per week to families all over Central Florida,” Kight said. It’s also why News 6 wanted to feature Jeffers for Somos Central Florida, our Hispanic Heritage Month coverage. I am a Mexican, I am an immigrant woman and people like me, that makes my community - my people - strong.”For more Somos Central Florida stories, check out clickorlando.com/hispanicheritage.

Two Orange County commissioners made a call to action to the Hispanic and Latino communities in an effort to change the statists when it comes to the 2020 U.S. Census. “Just 1970 is when the census actually started counting Hispanics but what we noticed over the years is traditionally African Americans and Hispanic communities are undercounted,” Mayra Uribe, Orange County Commissioner for District 3 said. Orange County government said while people are focused on their jobs, health, and families, they need to be reminded of the importance of responding to the 2020 U.S. census. Orange County government set up seven computer kiosks inside seven different community centers in the county. The centers will be open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Those needing to visit a census location can visit one of the following sites:

PUERTO RICO – On Wednesday, FEMA reported nearly $7.3 billion approved to help rebuild Puerto Rico’s critical infrastructure and historical buildings still damaged from Hurricane Maria in 2017. FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2017, file photo, debris scatters a destroyed community in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. Since Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico can’t seem to catch a break. We have reminders and continue to have reminders about the fragility of the system in Puerto Rico,” Dr. Rivera said. He said the Puerto Rico Research Hub is studying how communities who take people in after major events responded.

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off with countries celebrating independence days.

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off with countries celebrating independence days.

“The Puerto Rican population in Central Florida is huge and continues to grow,” Dr. Luis Martínez Fernández, a UCF history professor and author said. Martínez Fernández estimates about 300,000 Puerto Ricans, or Boricuas as they are called, have called Central Florida home since the 1970s. “Part of it had to do with veterans who were retiring and moved to this area,” Martínez Fernández said. For Martínez Fernández, Hispanic Heritage Month should be a time to look past the stereotypes of Latinos. Somos Central Florida -- We Are Central Florida -- recognizes how history has shaped the heritage here in Florida and the culture that’s creating the future.

DeLAND, Fla. – A DeLand research facility is actively recruiting minority participants for its COVID-19 vaccine trials because study officials said they are currently underrepresented. He’s serving again in hopes of helping researchers find a COVID-19 vaccine. The facility is actively recruiting participants like Rivera and trying to get minorities to take part in the study. Rankin said minorities need to participate so researchers can get a better understanding of how a vaccine can help. “By participating in research like this and then being a Hispanic, what else can I do for my race?,” Rivera said.

As if there aren’t enough reasons to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, simply watching your TV is another great way to pay tribute.