Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival to Highlight the Town of Ponce – WFTV

The 2022 Puerto Rican Florida Parade and Festival is just days away.

This year’s parade spotlights the southern town of Ponce.

While many of you may think of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, as a vacation destination, local leaders have said there is another port city that attracts tourists and businesses: Ponce.

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When you think of Puerto Rico, Salvador Rovira wants you to think of the city known as the “Pearl of the South.”

“Ponce has a lot to offer,” Rovira said.

READ: Florida’s Puerto Rican Parade and Festival returns to downtown Orlando this month

He’s president of the Puerto Rico Southern Region Chamber of Commerce and he’s spreading the word.

Ponce is known for tourism, education, and a booming healthcare industry.

“We have a very strong healthcare ecosystem in Ponce. We have four hospitals and nearly 750 specialist departments,” Rovira said.

There are also massive incentives for new businesses through the new “Ponce on boarding” program.

“It offers a lot of incentives for people who want to start new businesses there. They pay the rent, they help you with utilities, they help you with taxes,” Rovira said.

READ: Florida Puerto Rican Parade announces 2022 scholarship launch

It’s part of a growing relationship between Puerto Rico and Central Florida, with a new focus on business in Ponce.

So much so that Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is visiting next month.

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Ponce offers calm, unlike the party atmosphere of San Juan. It also has a rich history and unique experiences, like the nearby Bioluminescent Bay.

“The bioluminescent bay is in La Parguera. It is a 30 minute drive from Ponce. It’s awesome. It’s beautiful,” Rovira said.

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Demings will be joined by the Orlando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the trip to Ponce in May.

Eyewitness News is gearing up to bring you live coverage of the 2022 Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival.

From floats to music, the event in downtown Orlando will embrace the culture of Puerto Rico.

You can join us on WFTV Channel 9 for live coverage Saturdays at 11am.

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