Doors to the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center will open at 6:15 a.m. Guests are invited to begin networking upon arrival, with opportunities to connect, engage with community partners, and explore ways to get involved. The Exhibition Hall will open and buffet-style breakfast will be available beginning at 7:00 a.m. The formal program will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m., featuring distinguished local leaders, meaningful performances, and a special celebration of the 2026 Tomorrow’s Leaders contest winners, presented by VyStar Credit Union.

TICKETS

Individual tickets for this event are $70 each, plus applicable fees. Full reserved tables seating ten guests are also available for $700 per table, plus fees. Each attendee must have a ticket for entry. Please include any dietary restrictions and ADA accommodation requests at the time of ticket purchase.

Tickets must be purchased via the "Ticket" tab on this website, or through the Eventbrite page. Tickets WILL NOT be available for purchase on site at the event.

Each attendee will need a ticket for event entry; it is recommended to print all pages included in the PDF attachment from the confirmation email containing tickets. While the QR Codes on the tickets may appear to be the same, they are not. It is important not to print a duplicate ticket of any pages as your guests may have trouble accessing the event. 

🚨 PLEASE NOTE: All sales for this event are final. Eventbrite now uses all-in pricing, meaning the ticket price shown on Eventbrite already includes all taxes and fees. The amount displayed on the Eventbrite purchase page is the total price you will pay—no additional charges at checkout.

 

Tomorrow's Leaders presented by VyStar Credit Union

The 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast commemorates the 97th anniversary of Dr. King's birth by honoring his life-long commitment and achievements toward his dream for social change.

Tomorrow’s Leaders presented by VyStar Credit Union is a component of the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast that looks to recognize and award youth in our community who are exemplifying the philosophies of Dr. King through leadership, community volunteerism and civic responsibility.
 

2026 Tomorrow's Leaders Contest:

This year, each grade level will have a different medium to express their ideas. 
• Elementary School: 4th & 5th Graders will write the traditional essay
• Middle School: 6th – 8th Graders will create a work of visual art.
• High School: 9th – 12th Grader will write and recite poetry.

Elementary School: Essay – 200 words 

Martin Luther King Jr. once said that being brave means moving forward even when things are hard. He also said, “I have decided to stick with love.” This year, we want everyone to remember both of these important ideas with our theme:  

“When Courage Leads, Love Follows.” 

Essay Prompt: 

Explain what this quote means, why it is important, and how it relates to your life or life in general, (in 200 words or less).  

Middle School: Visual Art Topic 

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles.” He also declared, “I have decided to stick with love.” This year, we honor both convictions with a theme that challenges us to act:  

When Courage Leads, Love Follows 

Visual Art Prompt: 

What impact does Dr. Martin Luther’s King Jr.’s declaration have for you or in your community? Create an art piece that illustrates how Dr. Martin Luther’s King Jr.’s statement means to you or in your community. Include a statement (150 words) about your art piece and the impact it represents. Artwork must be an original, two-dimensional piece created by the submitting student. Allowable media include drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, or digital art. 

High School: Poetry 

“When Courage Leads, Love Follows “ 

MLK Jr. once said, “Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles.” He also declared, “I have decided to stick with love.” These words are a powerful reminder that bold leadership demands more than strength; it requires the courage to press forward, the conscience to do what is right, and the heart to lead with love at the center. 

Write a poem that explores how courage and love work together to guide people, communities, or even entire movements through adversity. 

Your poem may: 

• Describe a person who leads with bravery and compassion. 

• Show how love transforms fear into action. 

• Use imagery and symbolism to connect courage and love  

• Be told from your perspective, someone else’s, or even in the voice of courage or love themselves.  

This application has closed, check back for the winners!

PARKING

Complimentary parking for all ticketed guests is provided in the following lots: 

1. Prime Osborn Convention Center West Parking Lot – 1130 W Bay St.
2. Bay St Gravel Lot – 1015 W Bay St.
3. Emerald Trail Lot – 944 W Forsyth St. (Northeast intersection of W Bay St & Lee St) 
4. Water Street Parking Garage – 541 Water St.

Additionally, the JTA Skyway offers a convenient transportation option, with hours of operation Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on Skyway hours and Park-n-Ride options, visit: www.jtafla.com/ride-jta/skyway.