FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Funding Will Expand Access to Specialized Swim Instruction and Water Safety Education for Children with Special Needs
OVIEDO, Fla. (July 15, 2026) – As DUDA celebrates 100 years of serving communities across
Florida and beyond, the fifth-generation, family-operated real estate and agriculture company is
investing in water safety and inclusion by donating $50,000 to support adaptive swim lessons at
the Oviedo YMCA.
The contribution will strengthen the YMCA of Central Florida’s adaptive aquatics program, which
provides individualized swim instruction for children with special needs. The lessons help
participants develop essential water safety skills while building confidence and independence.
“At DUDA, we believe strong communities are built when everyone has access to opportunities
that help them thrive,” said Tracy Duda Chapman, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at
DUDA. “We know how important water safety is for those who call Central Florida home. We’re
proud to expand access to swim instruction and support a program that can make a meaningful
difference for Seminole County families.”
The funding will provide more than 500 swim lessons, while also supporting expanded program
hours, specialized instructor staffing and training, sensory-friendly supplies, and adaptive
learning resources.
“Water safety is a skill every Central Floridian deserves the opportunity to learn,” said Kevin
Bolding, President & CEO, YMCA of Central Florida. “Through DUDA’s generous gift, we’ll
continue to expand adaptive aquatics programming at the Oviedo YMCA – meeting the needs of
all children with personalized instruction that helps them gain confidence in and around the
water.”
For more information about adaptive swim lessons, including registration, click here.
Founded in 1926, DUDA has spent the last century focused on responsible land stewardship,
innovation and philanthropy, strengthening the communities where its employees and families
live and work.
About DUDA
A fifth-generation family-owned and -operated company headquartered in Oviedo, Florida, with diversified
operations in agriculture and real estate, DUDA celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Land and
assets have always been at the foundation of DUDA’s strength and success, from the first 40 Florida
acres Andrew Duda purchased in the early 1900s to over 45,000 acres owned and leased today across
the U.S. Using good stewardship and land management practices, DUDA strives to achieve its corporate
mission as a diversified enterprise through wide-ranging operations and subsidiary companies in
agriculture, real estate development, and related businesses.
Starting out as a small celery farm in 1926, DUDA’s business operations today include Duda Farm Fresh
Foods, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of celery and other quality fresh and fresh-cut
produce; The Viera Company, a highly regarded community developer with fully-integrated real estate
operations including residential home builder Viera Builders, Duran Golf Club, Viera Commercial
Properties, and Viera Pools and Outdoor Living; Duda Ranches, manager of DUDA’s agricultural
operations including sod, sugarcane, and cattle; and DUDA Commercial Properties, the company’s asset
management portfolio. Guided by a multigenerational leadership team and a family governance structure
grounded in its purpose – To multiply and share God’s blessings – DUDA continues to pursue sustainable
growth and community impact across its many operations.
About the YMCA of Central Florida
Driven by its Christian mission, the YMCA of Central Florida serves as a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit
committed to strengthening the community. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or
where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow
and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s
goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the
importance of connections in and across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake and Marion
Counties. To learn more, visit ymcacf.org and follow on Facebook or Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kate Quinones, 804-714-6500
KateQuinones@costacg.com
Lilly Carrion, 954-600-8860
Lilly.carrion@andbarr.co