We are proud to highlight inspiring stories of everyday people here in the Orlando area who are overcoming obstacles and defying expectations.

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Bodybuilder Roger Thomas of Daytona Beach says he believes working out and building muscle mass helped him fight off cancer. (Spectrum News/Jesse Walden)

2:49

FLORIDA INSPIRES

85-Year-old bodybuilder from Daytona Beach beats cancer, defies challenges

Roger Thomas credits strength training with tackling some of life's greatest hurdles.

2:49

Volusia County2 days ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Seniors in Hebni's Healthy Soles program gather around a table to watch a cooking demonstration led by one of the organization's co-founders, Roniece Weaver. (Spectrum News)

3:27

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Nutrition-focused Orlando nonprofit celebrates milestone

Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation has granted $750,000 to Hebni Nutrition Consultants Inc., to further its work in the community.

3:27

Orange County2 weeks ago

WOMEN'S HISTORY

Barbara Moore founded Spouse Abuse Inc., in the 1970s to help domestic violence victims get help. The organization now is known as Harbor House and offers a broad number of services to assist domestic violence victims. (Photo Courtesy of Harbor House)

4:13

WOMEN'S HISTORY

Harbor House's work in domestic violence today stands as legacy for feminist pioneer

Barbara Moore founded the organization's predecessor in the 1970s, and it is evolving into a "one-stop shop" for domestic violence assistance.

4:13

Orange County3 weeks ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Tampa Middleton High Senior Rudra Patel, who is a back-to-back STEM Champion, returns to Washington for the national festival. (Spectrum News/Roy De Jesus)

3:18

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Tampa's Middleton High senior STEM Champion returns to Washington

Tampa Middleton High senior Rudra Patel, who is a back-to-back STEM Champion, returns to Washington for the national festival.

3:18

Tampa1 month ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Ronald Bell and other ProjectRISE participants attend their graduation, held at credit union Addition Financial's headquarters in Lake Mary. (Spectrum News/Christopher Hare)

2:26

FLORIDA INSPIRES

ProjectRISE training program readies participants to rejoin workforce

The Sharing Center's ProjectRISE provides social, emotional and financial training.

2:26

Seminole County1 month ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

g to both raise awareness of conservation and inspire others to cultivate their curiosities. (Spectrum News 13/Ben Boocker)

3:11

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Central Florida woman's service project is product of combined passions: art and aviation

While many people search for their purpose in life, fewer have as clear of a vision as a young woman in Apopka.

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Orange County2 months ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

After grooming, Aria Westfall cuddles with a horse named Celestial City in the Second Chances program stable located adjacent to Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala. (Spectrum News)

4:28

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Ocala horse farm gives inmates a purpose and opportunity to grow

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances program allow inmates to care for rescued horses.

4:28

Marion County2 months ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Stroke survivors gather at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando to participate in the STROKESTRA program. The week of workshops culminate with a performance. (Spectrum News/Christopher Hare)

3:03

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Orlando music program for stroke survivors hits all the right notes

In music, the notes make up the melody. But, on one Dr. Phillips Center stage, the melody than emanates from dozens of musicians is the medication.

3:03

Orlando3 months ago

EPIPHANY

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EPIPHANY

Beaded cross maker credits faith for her survival

Denise Ginnis now gives out crosses including during Epiphany.

2:20

Tampa3 months ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Inside the Chabad of Greater Orlando, the building still sits destroyed from a September fire. (Spectrum News)

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Despite a fire destroying their main building, Chabad of Greater Orlando plans to rebuild

Between the building and items inside the Chabad, their losses are well over a million dollars.

Orlando3 months ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

John Humphreys (right) and Jake Polumbo (left) inspect a seaplane they'll be flying in at Jack brown's Seaplane Base in Winter Haven. (Spectrum News)

FLORIDA INSPIRES

High-flying, cave-diving teen from Polk County looks to the stars

After diving in Antarctica, John Humphreys is learning new skills.

Polk County3 months ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

A shirt with the words 'Cedar Key Strong,' denoting the city's resilience through hurricanes Idalia, Debby and Helene. (Spectrum News/Nick Popham)

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Cedar Key business owner turns drive to rebuild into citywide resilience

Down on his luck following Hurricane Helene, a viral plea for help rejuvenated Scott Larsen and the town around him.

Florida3 months ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Looking back at 2024's year in space

The Space Coast remained the epicenter of historic launches and missions.

Brevard County3 months ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Several members of the Lake Mary Little League All-Stars team that won a world championship signed a Louisville Slugger bat for an Orlando Magic charity raffle.

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Little League World Champions adjusting to life as local celebrities

The players have signed a lot of posters with their pictures on them, as well as some bats.

Seminole County3 months ago

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Grace Braswell utilizes custom-made prosthetics to scale a rock wall at Aiguille Rock Climbing Center in Longwood

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Quadruple amputee teenager takes up new hobby: Rock climbing

Grace Braswell uses prosthetics made at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa.

Orlando4 months ago

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Roderick Thomas lost his vision in his last year of law school but has overcome that challenge to clerk for a Seminole County Court judge. He has passed the Florida Bar and continues to pursue his hopes of becoming an attorney. (Spectrum News)

3:41

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Overcoming the odds, visually impaired Central Florida man passes Florida Bar

Roderick Thomas, who is a grandfather, is now looking for a job as an attorney.

3:41

Seminole County4 months ago

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Tom Patti assists Marriott Vacations Worldwide colleague with computer issues, working at the company's Tech Bar. (Spectrum News 13/Christopher Hare)

3:47

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Veteran finds new focus post service via fitness

Running served as therapy and eased vet's transition to civilian life.

3:47

Orlando4 months ago

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Veronica Dailey and her late husband Frank. (Photo Courtesy: Veronica Dailey)

3:06

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Central Florida Neighbors Network providing community, connection and support for seniors

Group of volunteers visit with members to tackle household tasks.

3:06

Orlando5 months ago

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

The Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus recently won second place at the Kansas City Harmony Classic. (Photo courtesy of Debbie Dennis, Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus)

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PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus supports singing sister through loss

The chorus recently won second place in its division at the Kansas City Harmony Classic.

3:45

Orange County5 months ago

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Sierra Smith shows off her gifted hearing aids from a Widex community giveback event. (Photo Courtesy of Citrus Hearing Clinic)

3:31

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Woman gets life-changing diagnosis at Lake hearing center — and a surprise

A hearing aid company's gift proved to be a "blessing."

3:31

Lake County5 months ago

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

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PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Goodwill Scholar shares secrets to success

Ismael Hernandez went from lacking confidence to becoming a self-assured people leader.

2:59

Orlando6 months ago

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Jana Shelfer recently placed fifth at a water-skiing competition in Auburndale. (Spectrum News/Jesse Walden)

3:47

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Orlando woman attacks exciting new challenges after being paralyzed in wreck

Jana Shelfer has built a life as a motivational speaker and competitive water skier after being severely injured as a teenager.

3:47

Orlando6 months ago

PURSUIT UNLIMITED

Wilmar Galvez Alfonso speaks at a NAF convention in Orlando in July 2024. (NAF)

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PURSUIT UNLIMITED

College student aims to become first Puerto Rican female astronaut on the moon

Inspired by her science-teacher mother and years of science fairs, Wilmar Galvez Alfonso Alfonso grew fascinated by space.

3:13

Volusia County7 months ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

45:48

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Catching up with Floridians whose stories inspired us in 2023

From charity and sportsmanship to resilience and bravery, Florida inspires.

45:48

Florida1 year ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Catching up with Floridians whose stories inspired us in 2022

From charity and sportsmanship to resilience and heroism, Florida inspires.

Florida2 years ago

Julie Gargotta

Each Friday morning, Spectrum News 13 and Julie Gargotta will feature Florida Inspires stories. These will highlight inspiring stories of everyday people here in the Orlando area overcoming obstacles in their lives. To submit a Florida Inspires story, use the form below. Be sure to include contact information — including email and phone number and a short explanation of your story.