DANIA BEACH, Fl – Casandra Ortiz of Lake Worth was crowned the winner of Tri-Rail’s “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent,” which showcased the vocal talents of twelve young stars under 17. This fifth annual competition was part of Tri-Rail’s “Rail Fun Day,” a free community celebration at Tri-Rail’s Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Station at Dania Beach, which generated record weekend ridership for the commuter rail system.

kids got talent(From left to right) DJ MACK of Y-100, 2nd place winner Devin Shattuck, 1st place winner Casandra Ortiz, and SFRTA/Tri-Rail Executive Director Jack Stephens. Photo credit: Michael Murphy Photography

During Tri-Rail’s “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent,” singers from Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties took center stage, competing for a $500 grand prize, one year contract inclusive of a photo shoot with composite cards courtesy of Posche Models & Talent, and professional studio and music video recordings sessions with MikeSoperMusic and Newborn Studios.

Contestants performed a diverse selection of tunes, from Sam Smith’s “Not the Only One” to Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” A panel of judges scored each contestant based on vocal talents and stage presence: Le P’Ti Club President/CEO Jimmy Moise, Posche Models Owner Tyler Molinari, Broward Cultural Division Assistant Director Jody Leshinsky, NBC 6 Traffic Reporter Kelly Blanco and iHeartMedia’s Connie Loewenthal.

Casandra Ortiz’s performance of “Astonishing” from Little Women was what stole the hearts of the audience and the judges, earning her the winning title and grand prize. Rising star Devin Shattuck of Parkland was awarded first runner-up for his energetic performance of “Jukebox Hero” by Foreigner.

More passengers rode Tri-Rail on Saturday, January 30, 2016 than on any other weekend day in the 27-year history of the system. The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), which operates Tri-Rail, reported that the train carried 8,795 riders on Saturday, many of whom were responding to the annual Rail Fun Day. The passenger count represents a 35 percent increase over the average Saturday ridership of 6,498.

“Rail Fun Day continues to be one of the SFRTA’s most eagerly anticipated signature events. It combines the excitement of a train ride with myriad activities for families to enjoy together,” said Jack Stephens, SFRTA Executive Director. “Every year it just keeps getting bigger and better and of course it helped that Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous winter day.”

Attendees enjoyed interactive games from the Miami Marlins, Xtreme Action Park, FAU Athletics and more. Prizes, giveaways and activities were provided courtesy of Young at Art Museum, Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, Lion Country Safari, Museum of Discovery & Science and many more. Attendees were also treated to stage entertainment performed by Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre, Jus Hip Hop Dance Studio and Dancer's Gallery.

Tri-Rail’s Rail Fun Day was created in 2007, to promote the benefits of the commuter rail system to South Florida families. The event has become an annual tradition for South Florida families to enjoy a free day of fun and entertainment and experience the convenience of riding Tri-Rail to get to work, school and local events and attractions.

For more information about Tri-Rail, visit www.tri-rail.com. For train schedules and more information, call 1-800-TRI-RAIL.

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