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Hi there - I'm Kiara Velez, Multi-Media Journalist

I’m a passionate storyteller dedicated to amplifying local voices and reporting factual news for social discussion. I work to raise political debate and push for critical causes through compelling narratives, media outreach, and by conducting interviews with local leaders in Florida. Explore my work and connect with me.

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"One of the great things about journalism is its forensic, investigative, and truth seeking instincts,"

Claire Fox

WKMG •

Wanted: Candidates to run for Central Florida city elections. Why no one is showing up

ORLANDO, Fla. – On Dec. 2, 2024, Ron Wilkie was sworn in as a councilman for the city of Edgewater. By the end of the evening, he had announced his resignation.

Wilkie ran unopposed in August for District 4, taking the seat on Oct. 21 when his predecessor stepped down, rather than finishing his term.

However, Wilkie said he was disheartened by residents harassing his family and employees at his business.

During a meeting where he was sworn in for one final session, Wilkie said he wouldn’t let...
WUCF •

New PBS documentary airing on WUCF shines light on struggles of caregivers

ORLANDO, June 24, 2025 – The new PBS documentary Caregiving will air Tuesday, June 24 at 9 p.m. on WUCF, sharing powerful personal stories that highlight the emotional challenges and everyday triumphs of caregivers across America. Caregiving takes you inside the lives of those fighting for caregivers and explores the urgent need to fix America’s caregiving system at a time when real change is possible.Executive produced by Bradley Cooper, Caregiving tells the heartfelt personal stories of six de...
Alz MindFL •

The Power of Music for Memory and Alzheimer’s Care: Hicks’ Family Story

By Kiara Velez


Music has a powerful and positive impact on people living with Alzheimer’s disease.


For the Hicks family, music is more than a pastime — it’s a language that speaks when words fail.


Jerry Hicks, a lifelong trumpet player in Orlando, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018. Since then, his wife, Chris, has been his primary caregiver, and their daughter, Molly Hicks, has become a passionate advocate in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.


“Music and musical training were so much...
WKMG •

Mental health group moves forward with Sanford free clinic, with state help

SANFORD, Fla. – The Mental Health Association of Central Florida is opening a free clinic in Sanford next year – with a little help from the State of Florida.

The state legislature allocated $125,000–half of MHACF’s original $250,000 request– to support the no-cost and charitable mental health clinic.

Seminole County lacks 100% no-fee providers, which means when it opens, the Sanford clinic will be the sole free service provider for individuals under 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

[R...
Alz MindFL •

Jacksonville Beach Hiker Completes 500-Mile Pilgrimage to Honor Mother and Fight Alzheimer’s

by Kiara Velez


Anne Burris recently completed a 500-mile journey through the extraordinary Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, changing her grief into passion to raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. 


From April 1 to June 8, 2025, Burris hiked from France to the coast of Spain in honor of her mother, Ada, who lived with dementia before passing away in 2017.


For this Jacksonville resident and avid hiker, every step she takes is a tribute to her mom–and a step closer to end Alzheime...
The Apopka Voice •

Apopka Police Department joins federal immigration enforcement amid state push - The Apopka Voice

The Apopka Police Department has quietly entered into an agreement with federal immigration authorities, joining a growing number of Florida agencies participating in the 287(g) program.
According to the ICE.gov website, the 287(g) Program allows a law enforcement agency to enforce certain aspects of U.S. immigration law, expanding the department’s authority to:
The state-forced decision has drawn scrutiny from residents and advocacy groups in Apopka, who fear it undermines trust between police...
The Apopka Voice •

Fear and Resistance: Apopka immigrant communities navigate rising ICE activity, harsh laws, and economic fallout - The Apopka Voice

Click for audio of article
For decades, Apopka thrived as a farming community built to a large extent on immigrant labor. Its roots are blue-collar and agriculture-based. And with The Farmworker Association of Florida headquartered here, nearly 30% of residents are Hispanic.
But now, with recent changes to federal and state laws, there has been an increase in hostility towards immigrants in the community, as well as concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids used to enforce new r...

Throughout her time here, Kiara adapted well to changing communications priorities

and always maintained a positive attitude. She is quick to pick up new processes when

given clear direction and is not afraid to step forward with creative ideas.

I am confident that Kiara will continue to build on the skills she demonstrated here and

that she would be a meaningful contributor to any organization.

Sincerely,

Katrina Scales

Digital Communications Manager | WUCF


"She approached each assignment with the keen eye for what a reader needed to know, generated interview questions that got to the heart of the matter, and exhibited an ability to write the article in the voice needed to not only inform with integrity, but engage the reader, as well."

Denise Connell

The Apopka Voice

Owner | Publisher



"As a result of her networking achievements, connections with new community members, and securing a gift basket donation for a fundraiser, Ms. Velez received high recognition in a corporate email that was distributed to all staff members in the state—a rarity for an intern. Ms. Velez stands out as an exceptional talent and will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to any program or role she pursues. Her contributions will exceed expectations."


Nicole Lesson

The Alzheimer's Association  

Media Relations Manager  

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