Francesca Duarte

Journalist | Photographer | Brand Manager

United States

I’m a journalist, brand manager, and creative storyteller passionate about exploring the ties between lifestyle, culture, and community. Through words, images and shared experiences, I aim to capture the stories that connect us — from local chefs redefining comfort food to events that celebrate creativity and belonging in Orlando and beyond.

Currently, I contribute to The Community Paper as an editorial contributor, event coordinator, and social media manager, helping highlight the voices, people and places shaping the city’s vibrant spirit. I'm published in publications like Mashed, The Takeout and YourTango, where I produced features that blend curiosity, empathy and cultural insight.

A graduate of the University of Central Florida’s journalism program, I’ve built a foundation in storytelling that bridges both print and digital media. Whether I’m behind the camera, conducting interviews or editing content, I bring intention and creativity to every project.

My work is driven by connection — to stories, to people and to the deeper meaning behind what we create and celebrate together.

Portfolio

Social Media Content

Community News

The Community Paper -
06/03/2026
Funding the heART of the community - The Community Paper

Can you imagine a world without art? Without creative expression or cultural identity? Probably not, because our surroundings are immersed in it. From the fine arts to musical theater, art plays a pivotal and fundamental role in the infrastructure of our communities.

The Community Paper -
03/31/2026
Simple ways to live sustainably - The Community Paper

When it comes to our planet, sustainability matters, and a little effort goes a long way when we work together as a collective. This month, we asked our community members about some of the green habits they practice in everyday life.

The Community Paper -
03/02/2026
Wander around the local food scene - The Community Paper

Orlando is one of the most captivating and artistic cities in Florida, buzzing with diverse communities and a vibrant culinary scene. Yet visitors often only associate the city with the Disney-themed parks. For this reason, Tracy Kuch, founder of Wandering Palm Adventures, has made it her mission to teach locals and travelers just how special Orlando really is.

The Community Paper -
10/29/2025
Stuffed with love - The Community Paper

As the year winds down and the air turns crisp, kitchens everywhere begin to hum with a familiar rhythm - simmering pots, clinking spatulas and stories passed from one generation to the next. It's the season of harvest and gratitude - a time when food becomes more than sustenance; it becomes connection.

The Community Paper -
07/20/2025
Pacchioni's: A world of flavor in every bite - The Community Paper

When Daniel Pacchioni launched Pacchioni's World-Inspired Cheesesteaks on Feb. 23 at the Faire of the Dog, he wasn't just opening a food truck - he was telling a story. Inspired by his childhood travels to over 30 countries and his passion for creativity, Pacchioni fused his many worlds into one bold concept: global flavors inside a classic comfort food.

The Community Paper -
06/27/2025
Growing healthier communities - The Community Paper

In kitchens, gardens, farms and neighborhoods across Orlando, three local organizations are redefining how communities connect with food - not just as nourishment but as a path to healing, sustainability and empowerment. From hands-on garden-to-table lessons to regenerative farming education and culturally rooted nutrition programs, The Kitchen House, 4Roots Farm Campus and Hebni Nutrition Consultants Inc.

The Community Paper -
05/30/2025
Brewing deep connection - The Community Paper

Editor's note: Even with a couple of cups of java in you, it would be impossible to fully cover the amazing coffee scene we have in Central Florida. In this issue, we're taking a look at some of the shops and people who are not only making our mornings more bearable but also creating spaces for us to build community, [...]

The Community Paper -
03/02/2025
Learn about where you live - The Community Paper

Ever wondered how your city really works? Who decides which roads get repaired first? How are new parks and businesses approved? And how can you have a say in it all? In today's political climate, many Orlando residents may feel disconnected from city decisions or are unsure how they can make a difference in their communities.

The Community Paper -
12/21/2024
Cultivo Coffee Co: A taste of Puerto Rico on wheels - The Community Paper

At Cultivo Coffee Co, a family-owned Puerto Rican coffee truck, you'll find more than just coffee. You'll find a place that celebrates quality, connection and the joy of coffee culture, inspired by the lush mountains of Jayuya, Puerto Rico. Josiah Candeleria, owner and founder of Cultivo Coffee Co, previously found success with Purple Ocean Superfood Bar, which has expanded to [...]

The Community Paper -
12/23/2024
Kaleidoscope: Thornton Park's newest community hub - The Community Paper

Nestled in the heart of Thornton Park, Kaleidoscope is not just a bar, restaurant or cafe - it's a vibrant third space where community and creativity come together. Felicia Vestal, event manager of The Veranda across the street, officially opened Kaleidoscope's doors in October at 712 E. Washington St.

The Community Paper -
07/27/2024
Cutting back on food waste - The Community Paper

Local businesses are trying something new to help combat food waste and food insecurity by getting involved with Too Good To Go, an app designed to tackle these global issues. Founded in 2015 in Denmark and currently serving Europe and North America, the app connects users with restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores that have surplus, unsold food.

The Community Paper -
07/20/2024
Brewing up a sustainable future - The Community Paper

Attendees brought their own cups for free coffee and pastries while learning about the environmental significance of plastic reduction during Sustainable Sips, a panel discussion held at Retro Roast in Thornton Park on July 11. Keep Orlando Beautiful and the Surfrider Foundation teamed up with local community leaders Alyssa Bolaños, Jaimie Jarlson, Sara Phillips and Ashley Van Stone to inform [...]

The Community Paper -
06/03/2024
Eugene Snowden returns to the stage - The Community Paper

Eugene Snowden performs onstage with backup singer Katie Burkess and his soul band The Legendary JC's at Will's Pub on April 28. (FRANCESCA DUARTE)Local R&B and soul musician Eugene Snowden captivated audiences with his long-awaited return to the music scene on April 27 and 28.

The Community Paper -
04/29/2024
The Melrose Center turns 10 - The Community Paper

This year, the Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation and Creativity, located in the Orlando Public Library, celebrated its 10th anniversary of offering a space for artists, photographers, musicians and creatives alike to practice their craft. Back in 2014, the Orange County Library System created the facility, thanks to the Kendrick B.

The Community Paper -
03/28/2024
Starting at the end - The Community Paper

Janie-Alice Seecharan is a 33-year-old Orlando native and yoga instructor. She founded her business, Ignite Your Flow, virtually and locally in November 2022. But before she did this, she hit a hard reset on her life. Back in 2019, Seecharan had taken all the right steps toward a financially successful future.

The Community Paper -
02/28/2024
Edible Education Experience hosts author - The Community Paper

Flourishing gardens greeted attendees of Katherine Miller's meet-and-greet event held at the Edible Education Experience on Feb. 8. Miller, author of the recently published book "At the Table: A Chef's Guide to Advocacy," discussed her book's important themes surrounding sustainability and advocacy in the food industry.

Food News

The Takeout
12/22/2024
Are Oreos Actually Vegan? - The Takeout

Finding a sweet treat that meets your needs on a vegan diet can be tricky. You might have heard rumors that Oreos are animal product free, but are they vegan?

Entertainment and Pop Culture

Yourtango
YourTango Stories Collection

Francesca Duarte is a writer on the Entertainment and News Team. She's based in Orlando, Florida where she recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Central Florida. She covers lifestyle, human-interest, self, adventure and spirituality topics.

YourTango
07/23/2024
The U.S. State You Live In May Be The Reason Why You're So Sad

An organization called Hidden Housing took to TikTok to share the compelling correlation between elevation and sunshine levels to life-long depression rates around the country. As it turns out, exposure to more mountains and sunlight plays a significant role in an individual's levels of happiness.

YourTango
04/18/2024
6 Unexpected Benefits Of Having Tattoos

The popularity of tattoos has been rising in recent years, and researchers are discovering the physical and emotional benefits they can offer.

Personal & Creative Pieces (Unpublished)

Private Client
Breaking the Cycle

This personal narrative story follows David Elder's life and his hope to one day overcome alcoholism.

Private Client
Life is a Marathon

This profile story follows a bartender and her unique journey moving from NYC to Orlando, FL with plans to open up her own brewery.

Personal Essay
EMO NIGHT

Emo Night is a true story about the different interactions people share at an emo karaoke night.

Personal Essay
In the Shadows of the Night

During a warehouse afterparty, DJs, ravers and dancers come together for a late night of techno music, dancing and good vibes.

Private Client
Yukiko Smith

Yukiko Smith shares the story of her difficult transition moving from her home, Tokyo, Japan, to the U.S.

Private Client
Line Cook by Day, Creative at Heart

Douglas Lowell discusses his creative and musical passions and aspirations during a Q&A while he works his shift as a line cook.

Hard News

NSM.today
03/28/2023
Students find community and create impact through beach cleanup

The sound of tides rising and falling greeted students on Saturday as they gathered at Cocoa Beach, Florida, for a beach cleanup to help mitigate the effects of plastic pollution and protect marine life. Sources: 4 | Word count: 1,023

NSM.today
02/26/2023
ConeXiones holds self-care event to connect students

Nine students attended ConeXiones' first "Self-Care is in the Air" event on Wednesday as part of its "Charla Con Café" series, highlighting the significance of maintaining balance and implementing self-care practices while being a college student. Sources: 5 | Word count: 966

Lifestyle

NSM.today
10/05/2022
Florida teachers struggle to interpret 'Don't Say Gay' law

The bill dubbed "Don't Say Gay" is now officially the law, and Florida districts must cope with its impacts. The first school year is underway, and counties are still unsure of what the legislation means. Sources: 6 | Word count: 1,659

Cannabis News and Culture Magazine
03/10/2022
How Hemp is Helping Decontaminate the Earth

Hemp is cleaning up and absorbing the toxins in contaminated soil in region including Chernobyl. Not only can people use hemp to make clothes, carpets, rope, paper, food and even plastic, but studies say it can also grow in - and clean - contaminated soil.

Cannabis News and Culture Magazine
03/03/2022
Legal Cannabis Industry Employs Nearly Half a Million People and Growing

The 2022 Leafly Jobs Report found that the U.S. cannabis industry has added 250% more jobs in the last five years. Since America's first legal adult-use cannabis stores opened, the cannabis industry has grown at an incredible pace with each passing year.

Cannabis News and Culture Magazine
02/24/2022
Increased Sales from Women Signify That the future of Cannabis is Female

More women are consuming cannabis recently. But why does the plant appeal to females so much? As cannabis becomes more accessible, more women are consuming the plant. Many use cannabis to improve their mental and physical health, such as sexual health, insomnia, PMS, anxiety and menopause.

Cannabis News and Culture Magazine
02/03/2022
MDMA's Effect on Arousal: Does it Really Make Users Horny?

MDMA, also referred to as m olly or e cstasy, is known to enhance feelings of intimacy and connectedness. Can it also enhance arousal? MDMA, aka ecstasy or molly, is often used as a euphoric party drug.

Cannabis News and Culture Magazine
01/27/2022
Cannabis Convictions and Losing the Right to Vote

For many, a cannabis conviction can lead to disenfranchisement or loss of the right to vote. The age-old "stoner" stereotypes have evolved from the silly TV personalities we know, such as Slater from Dazed and Confused, or Smokey from Friday.

Multimedia | Photography

Google
12/09/2023
Sophia Ortiz Graduation Pics

A graduation photo session located at the University of Central Florida shot on a Canon EOS Rebel T6.

Private Client
Headshots

Some professional headshots I shot for Sanford Granite on Canon EOS Rebel T6

Google
Nature | Outdoor

My favorite candid outdoor shots, shot on Canon EOS Rebel T6. Locations: Daytona Beach, FL; Orlando, FL; Apopka, FL; Dawson Springs, KY; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA

Personal
05/15/2023
Home Decor

A home decor-inspired photoshoot featuring elements of interior and landscape design shot on a Canon EOS Rebel T6 in Boca Raton, FL

Private Client
07/11/2022
KJ's Family Shoot

A collection of some wholesome moments I captured for a family photoshoot shot on a Canon EOS Rebel T6 in Orlando, FL

Google
06/14/2021
Product Photography

Some of the work I produced during my time as a product photographer for handmethebag.com, shot on Canon EOS Rebel T6

Google
08/12/2019
Nightlife Photography

A photography gig I shot on a Canon EOS Rebel T6 for Orlando Welcome Week's college party at Knights' Library in Orlando, FL

Google
01/07/2019
Dalilah's 15's Photoshoot

A 15's photoshoot + video blog shot on a Canon EOS Rebel T6 in Washington D.C. and New York, NY