New Year's babies: First babies born at Florida hospitals

Central Florida family welcomes New Year's baby

It's special to have a baby any day, but it’s extra special to have it on New Year's. One central Florida family says it is like icing on the birthday cake, welcoming the very first Central Florida baby of the year. Tara Williams explains the moment she and her partner, Dontray Smith, realized their New Year’s celebrations would be different than they expected.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Central Florida hospitals are welcoming the first babies of 2026. 

Both AdventHealth and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies announced the first births at their hospitals for the new year.

AdventHealth 

It's special to have a baby any day, but it’s extra special to have it on New Year's. 

One Central Florida family says it is like icing on the birthday cake, welcoming the very first Central Florida baby of the year. 

Tara Williams explains the moment she and her partner, Dontray Smith, realized their New Year’s celebrations would be different than they expected.

"We didn’t get to see the fireworks so we made some of our own," Tara Williams exclaimed.

Little Amiri Kingston Smith was born at 12:23 am. He is 19 inches long, weighing 7 lbs. and two ounces. 

Amiri Kingston Smith was born at 12:23 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026 at AdventHealth Orlando to parents Tara Williams and Dontray Smith. (Courtesy: AdventHealth)

Tara said his early arrival was very unexpected.

"It's been a whirlwind. I went into Ocala yesterday morning for a check-up on him to make sure everything was okay. We ended the day in Orlando and brought him in, in the New Year."

The baby boy was set to be welcomed by the world on February 1st, but his parents say he didn’t get the memo.

"The baby made it on the first just a month before," Tara said through giggles.

Despite being early, mom and dad are happy to announce that Amiri is thriving.

"He’s doing really well, he’s healthy, we are all happy and that’s all that matters," Tara told OX 35.

Winnie Palmer Hospital

At Winnie Palmer, Hailey Vargas was born at 12:41 a.m., according to the hospital. She weighs 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measures in at 21.5 inches long.

Hailey Vargas was born at Winnie Palmer Hospital at 12:41 on Jan. 1, 2026 to parents Rosairy Berroa and Yessie Vargas. (Courtesy: Orlando Health)

To mark the occasion, the Central Florida Diaper Bank is donating a year's worth of diapers to Hailey's family. 

"Diapers are a basic necessity, and this donation reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring every baby has a healthy start," said Sharon Lyles, executive director of the Central Florida Diaper Bank.