Josh Navarro
Orlando, West Palm Beach
Storyteller-Witty 🎭 | Bilingual 🇺🇸🇲🇽🇨🇷 | Former TV Reporter W/ Investigative Edge : WPTV, WROC, KHSL, KVEO | @Floridastate Alum | Views are mine
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Articles by Josh Navarro
City of Wichita Management Fellows Reflect on 2026 LGRC Orlando
Zamaria: Attending the Reimagined Conference: AI on the Edge for Local Government, hosted by ICMA, was both affirming and challenging in the best way. As a scholarship recipient, I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about how artificial intelligence is actively reshaping the local government landscape—and more importantly, how we as public servants choose to respond to it.
Wild Adventures Theme Park Celebrates 30 Years and There Is Still So Much More to Come
Plan Your Visit Now Because Something Big Is Coming If you have been looking for a theme park that feels a little more personal and a little less overwhelming for your family Wild Adventures is exactly the kind of place you want to spend a weekend. It has the heart of a community institution with the ambition of a park that is still growing. Speaking of growing, mark your calendar for Memorial Day weekend.
TWIG Gala Honors Women Shaping Grocery’s Rising Era
An evening of recognition and renewal, the gala celebrated women whose leadership and authenticity are shaping the future of grocery During the TWIG Gala, Progressive Grocer's Gina Acosta delivered a keynote speech that celebrated the individuals who contribute to the success of the grocery industry. The Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) Gala on Nov.
The Prepared Mind Advantage: Tony Sarson's Approach to Leadership
During Grocery Impact 2025, SpartanNash CEO shared lessons from his career on curiosity, trust and the value of learning through mistakes SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarson invited Grocery Impact attendees to rethink their relationship with change so that they can lead boldly and thrive in the unknown. “Being wrong is an undervalued asset.” That was one of the key takeaways shared by Tony Sarson, CEO of SpartanNash, during his session at the Grocery Impact 2025 on Friday.
The Prepared Mind Advantage: Tony Sarsam's Approach to Leadership
During Grocery Impact 2025, SpartanNash CEO shared lessons from his career on curiosity, trust and the value of learning through mistakes SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam invited Grocery Impact attendees to rethink their relationship with change so that they can lead boldly and thrive in the unknown. “Being wrong is an undervalued asset.” That was one of the key takeaways shared by Tony Sarsam, CEO of SpartanNash, during his session at the Grocery Impact 2025 on Friday.
Red Bull’s Ashaunte McLean Urges GenNext Honorees to Lead With Authenticity
The GenNext class of 2025 was celebrated for their innovation, leadership, and impact on the future of grocery at this year’s Grocery Impact Red Bull's Ashaunte McLean provided a motivational speech before this year's GenNext Awards ceremony. “You are the future of grocery.” An inspirational moment from Ashaunte McLean, VP of North America grocery at Red Bull as he addressed the GenNext class of 2025 during Progressive Grocer's Grocery Impact event.
AI in Action, Streamlining Operations and Supporting Teams
Gelson’s Markets and Upshop execs explore AI’s role in transforming grocery operations while keeping the human element front and center Gelson’s Markets CEO Ryan Adams talked with Progressive Grocer's Gina Acosta about Empowering the digitally enabled workforce during Grocery Impact. Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and companies are increasingly integrating it into operations. But what does this mean for businesses and their employees?
DISCUSSION: Leaders Grow Through Mistakes and Vulnerability
Senior leaders from Inmar Intelligence open up about the lessons learned through failure, trust and self-awareness Laura Arnett, SVP of customer excellence at Inmar Executive leaders are often perceived as having it all together, knowing every detail and making all the right decisions. What’s rarely visible is the journey behind that image: the missteps, the challenges, and the failures that shaped who they are today.
Red Bull’s Ashuante McLean Urges GenNext Honorees to Lead With Authenticity
“One thing I’ve seen in my career, and the advice I give you, is that when individuals feel uncomfortable or try to emulate someone else, they lose their authenticity,” he said. “The greatest mentors and teammates I’ve had are those who stay true to who they are in everything they do.” Beneath the banner for the Grocery Impact 2025, dozens of crystal awards glimmered under the green and pink lighting.
Private Labels and Social Media Drive Gen Z Grocery Choices
Loyalty programs, in-store discoveries, and online trends are influencing how the next generation fills their carts Grocery Impact attendees heard from a younger cohort of Gen Z and young Millennials to learn what’s driving their purchasing behaviors. Companies and brands are increasingly focused on understanding the shopping habits and values of Generation Z. This generation places a greater emphasis on value when it comes to spending.
Lead With People, Grow the Business: Kroger’s Women Leaders Share Insights
3 Kroger executives share how empathy, intuitive people skills and active listening create thriving teams and elevate the customer experience Grocery Impact 2025 featured a Kroger power panel of three female leaders. Leading with compassion and a people-first approach can transform a workplace from just a job into something much more meaningful. When leaders prioritize their employees, that positive energy extends outward, enhancing experiences for both staff and customers.
Families Prepare for GalactiCoaster: LEGOLAND Florida’s First Indoor Roller Coaster Revealed
Blending LEGO’s past, present, and future, GalactiCoaster lets kids embark on their own intergalactic adventure Press enter or click to view image in full size In front of the Magnolia Mansion at LEGOLAND Florida, special guests, content creators, and VIPs gathered for a galaxy-sized announcement to kick off the park’s latest reveal.
Fireballs, Bikers, and Havoc's Explosive Debut
Press enter or click to view image in full size The new Throttle show at Howl-O-Scream Orlando at SeaWorld is a can't-miss spectacle, literally fueled by fireballs blasting on stage, bikers tearing across the set, and high-energy dancers pushing the limits to satisfy not only the audience, but Havoc, this year's brand-new icon. The show space sits near the waterfront, directly across from the shark exhibit.
SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream Orlando 2025 Unleashes Havoc in a Runway of Nightmares
Motorcycles, Madness, and Mayhem as Howl-O-Scream Orlando Enters Its 5th Year It appears that Howl-O-Scream Orlando is beginning a new chapter as the event enters its fifth year. To mark the milestone, HOS hosted their first-ever Fashion Show a week ahead of opening night, inviting horror, punk, and alternative fans to walk the blood-red carpet and get a glimpse of what's in store for the next two months. If you came expecting Met Gala gowns or Dragula runway looks (IFKYK), think again.
The Muppets Will Take Over Disney’s Rockin’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios
Ever since I was a kid, I have always been a fan of the Muppets, from their debut on Sesame Street to their original movies. As a former reporter, I suppose Kermit the Frog was my first inspiration to aspire to be a host, and of course Guy Smiley played a role too. Miss Piggy has also been a muse in my life for not putting up with any nonsense. Their comedic timing and clap-backs are legendary, and they hold a special place in my heart as they do for many generations.
When Curiosity Becomes a Threat: A Former Reporter’s Brush With Corporate Insecurity
How pettiness outweighed purpose in an environment that should’ve been about patient impact and storytelling. Curiosity is often hailed as a strength, but in some corporate environments, it poses a threat to the insecure and the backlash can be subtle yet impactful. I have firsthand experience with how this dynamic operates.
Here’s What It’s Like to Ride EPCOT’s New Test Track in 2025
A sleek showroom vibe, smart road tech, and a thrilling speed finale make this Disney World update worth it Walking into the newly reimagined Test Track queue at EPCOT feels less like a theme park attraction and more like stepping into a sleek automotive showroom of the future. While I never got to experience the original queue before it closed down, this update immediately sets a high-tech tone.
Inside SEA LIFE Florida: LEGOLAND’s New ‘Theme Park Under the Sea’ Experience
Discover how LEGOLAND Florida’s newest attraction brings a vibrant underwater world to life through immersive experiences and a mission to inspire ocean conservation. There is a quiet wonder in a cozy underwater world where stingrays glide above you, jellyfish glow like lanterns, and imagination swims freely at LEGOLAND Florida, all thanks to their newest addition of SEA LIFE Florida. Through the shimmering glass, children can connect with sea creatures as they embark on a journey of discovery.
Villains Unfairly Ever After: Inside Disney’s New Theatrical Show At Hollywood Studios
Oversized enchanted mirrors — some appearing fractured like broken fairy tales — float above a dramatic velvet curtain, casting a moody purple-pink haze over the Sunset Showcase Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This setting is a fitting backdrop for “Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” the latest stage show that will open to the public on May 27, 2025. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the cast preview ahead of opening day.
Jury selection begins for Jacksonville man accused of killing ex-girlfriend on Halloween 2017
Jury selection began at the Duval County Courthouse Monday for the Jacksonville man accused of shooting two sisters, killing one, on Halloween five years ago. While Judge Tatiana Salvador was giving instructions to potential jurors, she said in court in the state will not be seeking the death penalty for Chad Absher. He could potentially now face life in prison if he’s convicted of murder.
Gets Real: Latinos key voting bloc in Florida election, rank inflation as biggest issue
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With early voting in full swing, and with less than two weeks to go until the midterm election, Action News Jax is getting real about the top issues among area Latinos. STORY:Jury recommends death for Putnam County man convicted in 2 boys’ murder The increased cost of living continues to be a big issue across our area and with the Latino voting bloc as well.
Florida Poison Control has tips to keep kids safe during Halloween
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Pumpkins, black cats, spider webs and witches can only mean one thing — it’s almost Halloween! To help keep little ghosts and goblins safe while trick-or-treating – Florida poison control wants parents to be mindful of some risks. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The Drug Enforcement Administration has seized “rainbow fentanyl” in 26 cases across the country, including here in Florida.
Florida’s Poison Control Centers issues tips on how to keep your kids safe during Halloween
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s Poison Control Centers celebrated 30 years at UF Health Jacksonville in Hogan’s Creek Thursday morning. It was established in 1989 in response to the overwhelming need for emergency poison information in the state.
The ultimate tailgate experience is underway as RV City opens outside TIAA Bank Field
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Fans from all over the country are showing up In Jacksonville for the Georgia-Florida game. Some RVs and trailers are decorated to reflect their favorite teams. Chris Lucero of St. Augustine has met longtime friends from past years in RV City. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< “One time a year when we get to link up other than being natty dogs and be in Indianapolis together for the national championships this past year,” said Lucero.
Property fraud a real problem in northeast Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Federal Trade Commission found in a 2019 report that the Sunshine State leads the way when it comes to scams of any kind. Now, county clerks in northeast Florida are trying to prevent property fraud schemes devised to steal your home or business. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< “What was once a South Florida issue ... is now quickly becoming a northeast Florida issue,” said Tara Green, Clay County clerk.
Florida Board of Education passes new rule on bathroom and locker room usage in state schools
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Board of Education unanimously voted Wednesday morning on a parental notification rule regarding bathroom policies and proceedings in local school districts. STORY:JSO: Man injured after argument leads to shooting at local gas station Tom Grady, the chair of the Board, said the rule does not mandate what school bathrooms look like or who can use them. Instead, he says it is about parental notification.
The first Historically Black College-inspired elementary school in Jacksonville opens its doors
JACKSONVILLE, Fla — The first Historically Black Colleges and Universities inspired elementary school in Jacksonville open its doors Tuesday morning. School leaders hope this school model can inspire the next generation of learners and leaders. Singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, 80 students formed the inaugural class of the first ever Historically Black Colleges and Universities inspired school near Norwood Avenue in Jacksonville.
Local LGBTQ+ group celebrates “Coming Out Day” at annual breakfast
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville-based LGBTQ+ group JASMYN said it is pride month in the River City, and they are celebrating “Coming Out Day” at their annual breakfast Tuesday morning. This breakfast marks JASMYN’s 16th annual Coming Out Day Breakfast.
Middleburg target in anti-Semitic flyer pile up across Florida
MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — Residents in Clay County are reporting finding racist flyers distributed throughout their neighborhoods. STORY:Tkachuk helps Panthers beat Sabres 4-3 to improve to 2-0-0 Pamela Rese said she has never seen racist flyers like these found on people’s driveways along Lake Asbury Drive in Middleburg in the 30 years she has lived here. “It’s unacceptable,” said Rese. “I don’t know why they are targeting this neighborhood.
Shoppers, local grocery stores feeling the pinch of inflation
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics signals inflation is accelerating again. The consumer price index for September was up 8.2% compared to a year ago. Consumer prices increased 0.4%, impacting your every day groceries. Alyssa Ellis keeps shopping even though she’s feeling the punch in her pocket. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< “One week is like this and the next week it goes up,” Ellis said. “Trying to cut back as much as I can, you know or whatever I can.
Sulzbacher Village gets solar panels, helping the organization save $7,000 a year
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sulzbacher Village in the Brentwood area celebrated the new installments of solar panels Thursday morning. Officials said often times, nonprofits have less access for solar and are financially stretched thin. But this will allow staff to focus on taking care of residents instead of the electric bill. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< There are 126 solar panels on the roof of their building off Springfield Boulevard. It will help save the nonprofit roughly $7,000 a year.
DCPS hires third-party law firm to review grand jury investigation findings
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County Public Schools is working to ensure safety among its students and campuses. On Monday night, the school board approved a resolution to hire a third-party law firm to review the findings of a grand jury investigation, where thousands of criminal incidents were not reported to the state. STORY:Last chance to register to vote in Florida: Here’s what you need to know The school board says the findings of the report came after Gov.
Last chance to register to vote in Florida: Here’s what you need to know
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If you want to vote in the November midterms, Tuesday, Oct. 11 is your last day to register to vote, and there are some big races on the line for voters. STORY: Waters leads sheriff’s race in cash on hand, but new attack ad drawing criticism from faith leaders Residents can register at their respective election offices or at public libraries.
Nassau County road rage shooting leads to two girls shot, both fathers in jail
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — Two girls were shot after a dangerous road rage incident over the weekend in Nassau County, and their fathers were arrested in the case. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Sheriff Bill Leeper said William Joseph Hale, 35, of Douglas, Georgia; and Frank Gillard Allisson, 43 of Callahan were involved in the incident while traveling northbound on U.S. Route 1 Saturday evening, initially coming from the Jacksonville area.
Windy Harbor Golf Course reopens after renovations
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A popular golf course that has been closed all summer has finally reopened. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Friday at Windy Harbor Golf Club, after renovations that have been ongoing since March. Many who came out, like Rita Hammerstad, couldn’t wait to tee off and see the sights. “Sometimes you see the ships go by on the back nine,” said Hammerstad.
Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie to close
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — An all-inclusive Treasure Coast resort with a focus on sports is being sold and ceasing operations. A letter obtained by WPTV states that Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie will be permanently shutting down its operations in September. The sale will also slash 226 jobs that vary from cooks, servers, and child care coordinators.
What does BA.5 subvariant mean to Florida?
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Doctors continue to put pieces of the puzzle together as the COIVD-19 virus continues to evolve. A new omicron subvariant known as BA.5 now makes up a majority of COVID-19 cases across the country, according to the CDC. "It's more transmissible than prior variants, however, we found that it it's less severe than the initial omicron variant," Dr. Joshua Lenchus, Broward Health's interim chief medical officer, said.
Missing girl from Jupiter found safe in Georgia
JUPITER, Fla. — Police said Wednesday that a missing 15-year-old girl from Jupiter was found safe in Georgia. Ashley Reyes-Hernandez was safely located near Chamblee, Georgia, which is northeast of Atlanta. Police said Tuesday that officers were investigating the teen's disappearance, which prompted an Amber Alert. Officials said she was possibly abducted by Oliver Ramos on Saturday from her home on Fourth Street in Jupiter.
Suspect shot in head by Palm Beach Co. deputy expected to survive
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office identified a 20-year-old knife-wielding man who was shot in the head by a deputy Saturday morning near Boca Raton. The suspect, Tzvi Allswang is hospitalized in stable condition and expected to survive his injuries, the sheriff's office said Tuesday. Officials said after Allswang is released from the hospital he will face numerous felony charges.
Cost for July 4 cookout higher than previous year
LANTANA, Fla. — With America’s birthday just around the corner, your celebration menu may be more expensive than the previous year. Experts say two pounds of ground beef is up 36% compared to last year, pork and beans is up 33% and buns are up 16%. WPTV spoke to one shopper who says she’s going to cut back this year. “Not with the way the food is so expensive,“ said Paula Pritchard.
Congressional candidate holds gun with baby strapped to back in campaign ad
LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. — A self-proclaimed "patriot and a Constitutionalist" is running for Congress with the goal of defending the Second Amendment rights of those who live within her district. Melissa Martz is a Republican candidate challenging U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., for his congressional seat in the Aug. 23 primary election.
Palm Beach County places affordable housing bond on November's ballot
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — County leaders tell WPTV there are more than 10,000 housing shortages throughout Palm Beach County and need to build to capacity. Four out of six Palm Beach County commissioners gave the greenlight for a $200 million housing bond to be put on the November ballot. Those who voted for it, like county commissioner Mack Benard, say this bond will help alleviate the housing crunch that so many are facing.
Palm Beach County places affordable housing bond on November's ballot
County leaders tell WPTV there are more than 10,000 housing shortages throughout Palm Beach County and need to build to capacity. Four out of six Palm Beach County commissioners gave the greenlight for a $200 million housing bond to be put on the November ballot. Those who voted for it, like county commissioner Mack Benard, say this bond will help alleviate the housing crunch that so many are facing.
Push to register homeless residents in Palm Beach County to vote
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — There is a push by community groups to register qualified homeless people to vote. Certain locations can be used as an address for those interested in casting a ballot. Cafe Joshua in West Palm Beach is a major homeless advocacy group working to register each and every lost voice. Despite the hardship that homeless communities face every day, many believe there still should be a way for them to exercise their right to vote.
Property owner to stop eviction process on Belle Glade rooming house residents
BELLE GLADE, Fla. — There are new developments Wednesday out of Belle Glade regarding a rooming house where its remaining residents could possibly face evictions after a new property owner acquired it. WPTV got word Wednesday afternoon from County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay that the new property owner will abandon the eviction process in an effort to avoid hurting a resident’s credit. The commissioner had a closed door meeting Wednesday with the city of Belle Glade and the new property owner.
Belle Glade mayor vows to help residents of rooming house
BELLE GLADE, Fla. — The mayor of Belle Glade responded Tuesday to squalid conditions among residents at a rooming house, where about a dozen inhabitants are being evicted. WPTV wanted to know if there were any health or code violations to this particular building and if the city was aware of the living conditions. WPTV asked to speak to the Belle Glade Code Enforcement officer to find answers, but the mayor came out instead to address the issue.
Belle Glade residents fear eviction after new property owners take over
BELLE GLADE, Fla. — People living in an apartment building in Belle Glade are being forced out of their homes after new property owners took over. Some residents have no place to go and are worried the building will get destroyed before they can get out. Jeffery Weston showed WPTV around an apartment building off the 700 block of West Avenue A in Belle Glade on Monday.
Blind graduate of G-Star School of the Arts delivers 'valedictorian' speech from memory
PALM SPRINGS, Fla. — A high school graduate in Palm Beach County is legally blind, but she can clearly see her goals and is aiming for the stars. Elizabeth Cotromano of Riviera Beach stood proudly behind the podium to give the Founder's Courage speech at graduation. It's the equivalent of a valedictorian speech at G-Star High School of the Arts. Getting to this point in her life was a journey. As a child, she was diagnosed with brain cancer, which left her legally blind.
Record high gas prices impact ride-sharing drivers
ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. — The price of unleaded gas is creeping up to that $5 a gallon mark. At a gas station in Royal Palm Beach off Okeechobee Boulevard, it was $4.89 a gallon on Thursday. AAA said Florida’s average is at $4.76. A month ago it was $4.20, and a year ago it was at $2.96. WPTV met up with a Lyft driver who paid more than $5 a gallon for premium gas on Wednesday.
Publix purchases River Bridge Centre in Greenacres for $56.5 million
GREENACRES, Fla. — Publix has purchased a Greenacres shopping plaza that it currently anchors. JLL Capital Markets announced last week that it has closed the $56.5 million sale of River Bridge Centre to the Lakeland-based supermarket chain. Opened in 1986 and renovated in 2005, the shopping center at Forest Hill Boulevard and Jog Road is already home to Publix. Other businesses there include Ace Hardware, Chipotle, Crunch Fitness, Pizza Hut and Ross Dress for Less.
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