Business
2016-Model Central Florida International Auto Show Roars into Orlando Thanksgiving Weekend November 26-29
Published
11 years agoon
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Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – The Central Florida International Auto Show takes over Orlando with hundreds of new model vehicles Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day) through Sunday, November 29. Follow the highway carpet through the Orange County Convention Center for an up-close look at the latest cars, crossovers, SUVs, trucks and all that is new in the automotive world. From the all-new Ford F-150 to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the auto show will feature all that is new in showrooms, as well as test drives, ultra-high-end exotics, alternative fuel options, fun for the little ones and more!
For four days, the auto show will transform the convention center into an auto mecca offering consumers the chance to compare hundreds of new models side by side, all under one roof. It’s a place for attendees to sit in the driver’s seats, inspect engines, kick tires, count cup holders, check trunk space, test drive vehicles and take in that new car smell. New models set to turn heads on the show floor include the Honda Civic Sedan, Nissan Titan XD, Buick Cascada, Chevrolet Camaro, Subaru WRX, Volvo XC90 and more.
Go green at the auto show and learn about the variety of fuel savings options available to drivers! From gas-electric hybrids to plug-in electric vehicles, the auto show is the place to ask questions about the latest alternative fuel choices including the hybrid-electric Chevrolet Volt; plug-in electric Volkswagen e-Golf; plug-in hybrid Ford CMAX Energi; and dozens of hybrid options.
Drivers are invited to take their auto show experience from the show floor to the road! Dozens of test drives will be available from 15 manufacturers including Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Jeep®, KIA, Mazda, Nissan, Ram, Subaru and Toyota.
Festivals of Speed returns to the auto show with a rare collection of premier, high-end luxury vehicles and customized rides. Follow the smart phone snaps through the auto show to check out this dazzling collection of exotic rides.
Hometown Heroes will feature a collection of vehicles used by local emergency service professionals to keep locals safe from fire, accidents and natural disasters, as well as giveaways, demos and experiential simulators. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the vehicles up-close, and even snap a selfie! The display will feature a 1929 antique fire engine and ladder truck from the Winter Park Fire Department; a fire engine and fire/EMT ambulance from Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus; a Ford Explorer Raptor from the Winter Park Police Department; and more.
For the first time ever, the auto show welcomes Ace Café, the legendary London “petrolhead” hangout! Check out classic cars, vintage motorcycles and even purchase signature retail items from this pop-up store on the auto show floor!
The Dream Car Photo Contest returns to the auto show! Showgoers are encouraged to snap a selfie next to their dream car at the auto show, and then post to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #OrlandoAutoShow. Participants will be automatically entered to win a gift card!
The auto show will also offer a wealth of activities for the little ones to enjoy! At the Kids Autobahn & Fun Zone, children are invited to hop into mini-electric vehicles and go for a spin on a mini-test track inside the auto show, as well as jump around in the Monster Spider Jump! Kids will also enjoy face painting and balloon art on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5p.m.
On Family Day, Sunday, November 29, all children 12 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and education of wildlife and the natural world, will make an appearance on this special day, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with a few of their favorite animals including lizards, owls and snakes. Families are invited to stop by to see, touch and learn about these amazing creatures!
The SPCA of Central Florida Mobile cruises into the auto show for on-site pet adoptions on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and visit the four-legged friends looking for forever homes!
The Central Florida International Auto Show will be open to the public Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day) through Sunday, November 29, at the Orange County Convention Center (North Concourse Building), located at 9400 Universal Boulevard, in Orlando. Show hours are Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens (62 and older), military (w/any DOD ID) and students (under 21 w/school ID) and $3 for children (ages 7-12). Children 6 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Family Day is Sunday, November 29 and all children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. All attendees will receive a FREE one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine with each online ticket order or box office purchase. For additional information, visit www.AutoShowOrlando.com or follow www.facebook.com/OrlandoAutoShow, @OrlandoAutoShow on Twitter and @OrlandoAutoShow on Instagram. Hashtag: #OrlandoAutoShow.
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Business
New AdventHealth Middleton Clinic Brings Pediatric Specialists, Urogynecology Near The Villages
Published
7 days agoon
October 30, 2026The multispecialty clinic features 24 treatment rooms, pediatric imaging and services designed to bring care closer to Middleton families.
MIDDLETON, Fla. (FNN) — Families in Middleton have a new option for pediatric and women’s specialty care with the opening of the AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic, according to an Oct. 29 news release from AdventHealth.
Located at 2274 Alder Ave., the clinic brings together pediatric primary care, pediatric cardiology, pediatric orthopedics and women’s urogynecology services. The facility includes 24 treatment rooms, a pediatric X-ray room and spaces for children’s heart screenings.
Bringing care closer to families
Middleton, a master-planned community along Central Parkway, is home to approximately 1,200 families and households, many with residents who work in and around The Villages, according to the release.
For Jenny Trew, whose family was the first to move to Middleton, the new clinic could mean fewer long trips for routine appointments. She has been driving nearly an hour to Clermont for pediatric care for her 13-year-old twin sons, Jasen and Jackson.
“Going to the pediatrician usually means pulling both boys out of school, taking time away from work and making a day out of something that should be pretty simple,” Trew said in the release.
Having a pediatrician in the neighborhood will make it easier to balance health care appointments with work, school, sports and other activities, she said.
Dr. Vanessa Carroll, chief medical officer of AdventHealth for Children, said proximity matters when families are seeking care for a sick or injured child.
“Parents don’t want to take their child to just any doctor. They want someone they can trust, right around the corner,” Carroll said in the release. “Because when your child is sick or injured, an hour-long drive can feel even farther.”
Expanding women’s specialty services
The clinic also provides urogynecology services, including care for urinary incontinence and pelvic floor conditions.
The location gives women a nearby option for specialized treatment aimed at improving comfort, health and quality of life, according to AdventHealth.
“Women spend so much of their lives caring for others, and it can become very easy to put their own health last,” Kristen Toth, vice president of AdventHealth for Women, said in the release. “We want women to know there is care here for them, too.”
The clinic brings AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women together at one location to serve families through different stages of life.
Supporting students and schools
Middleton’s early childhood centers, two K-8 schools and high school collectively enroll more than 3,000 students, according to the release.
LeAnne Yerk, principal of The Villages Charter Elementary School, said access to nearby pediatric care supports students’ health and readiness to learn.
“As educators, we see firsthand that a child’s ability to learn, grow and thrive in the classroom is deeply connected to their health and well-being,” Yerk said in the release.
She described the clinic’s proximity to schools as an important resource for students and families, helping connect health care with educational support.
Location and appointments
The AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic is located at 2274 Alder Ave., Middleton, Florida.
To schedule an appointment, call:
- Pediatric primary care: 352-467-7862
- Pediatric cardiology: 352-353-2788
- Pediatric orthopedics: 407-303-5687
- Women’s urogynecology: 407-303-1380
For online appointment information, visit MyMiddletonPediatrics.com for children’s services or MiddletonUrogyn.com for women’s services.
Business
GOAA Highlights Airport Improvements, Approves New Small Business Policies
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 22, 2026Terminal upgrades, parking projects and international connections mark the authority’s fiscal year review.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority highlighted terminal improvements, expanded international connections and parking projects during its fiscal 2026 review, while its board adopted changes to a local business program and announced a new statewide small business initiative.
The updates affect Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, which GOAA operates.
“We are undertaking an ambitious effort to redefine what it means to deliver a world-class airport experience,” GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle said in the authority’s announcement.
“As we welcome more visitors, more airlines, more routes, and new programs, our responsibility is to elevate every part of the journey — making it more welcoming, intuitive, and connected.”
A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Terminal Improvements Focus on Connections and Families
Among the completed projects was an enclosed pedestrian bridge with moving walkways connecting Orlando International Airport’s train station and Terminal C.
Terminal C also opened a new wing serving gates 250–254, providing additional capacity and becoming the new home for Virgin Atlantic’s airport operations.
Three new Family Zones — one in each terminal — offer spaces for children and families to play, read and recharge. GOAA also highlighted improvements to directional signs along airport roads, in parking areas and throughout the terminals.
Parking Expansion and $40 Million Improvement Program
GOAA reported progress on a parking guidance system at Terminal C, with phased activation across all garages planned through mid-2027.
Dedicated employee parking areas are intended to free additional spaces for travelers. Planning is also underway for two new garages expected to add 8,000 public parking spaces over the next few years.
Separately, the authority’s $40 million Beautiful Airports Program targets safety, functionality and appearance across garages, terminals and other airport areas.
Aviation Investments and International Service
The fiscal year review highlighted a $50 million investment by dnata, a $26 million redevelopment by Signature Aviation at Orlando International Airport and groundbreaking for Sky Harbour’s $40 million campus at Orlando Executive Airport.
International service developments included ZIPAIR’s nonstop passenger charter flights between Orlando and Tokyo and Iberia’s launch of nonstop service to Madrid.
GOAA described ZIPAIR’s service as the first passenger charter connection between Florida and the Asia-Pacific region.
Business Policy Changes Broaden Eligibility
The board adopted revisions to GOAA’s Local Developing Business program following research, town halls and discussions with internal experts.
The changes increase the allowable personal net worth threshold and clarify how assets are excluded from that calculation, including primary residence equity, business equity, retirement assets and certain nonliquid holdings.
Business size standards were also revised to account for inflation and increased operating costs. The announcement did not specify the updated financial thresholds.
A new Small Business program will complement the local program and extend eligibility to qualifying businesses throughout Florida. Under the announced framework, participating businesses must fall within 50% of the applicable U.S. Small Business Administration size standard.
GOAA said detailed guidelines for both programs would be posted on its website. Those guidelines will provide businesses with the information needed to assess eligibility.
Business
Florida Restaurant Show 2026: Orlando Event Features Chef Competitions, Pizza Innovation and Restaurant Solutions
Published
4 weeks agoon
October 9, 2026The combined events celebrate their 55th and fifth anniversaries Oct. 25–27 at the Orange County Convention Center, featuring education, culinary competitions and a $5,000 attendee giveaway.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit are marking milestone anniversaries at the Orange County Convention Center, bringing restaurant, pizza and foodservice professionals together Oct. 25–27 for product demonstrations, education, culinary competitions and networking.
The Florida Restaurant Show is celebrating its 55th anniversary, while the Pizza Tomorrow Summit marks its fifth. One registration provides access to both events.
Organizer Restaurant Events announced a total of $5,000 in attendee giveaways during the three-day gathering. Attendees can pick up a ticket at registration for a chance to win.
More Than 400 Exhibitors Showcase Restaurant Solutions
According to organizers, the combined events feature more than 400 exhibitors showcasing food and beverages, equipment, technology and services.
Participating companies include Gordon Food Service, Back of House, PizzaMaster, Horizon Food Brokers, Keg Kraft Beverage Company, Galbani, Florida Dairy Farmers, Stirling Food Systems, Specialty Butter and OGGI Foods.
For operators facing rising costs, staffing challenges and changing technology, the events offer opportunities to compare products, meet suppliers and explore ways to improve efficiency and the guest experience.
Education Addresses Food Costs, Staffing and AI
More than 40 hours of education cover profitability, food costs, operations, marketing, artificial intelligence, staffing, leadership and customer engagement.
Featured programs include Restaurant Management 201 and 301, presented by Darren Denington, founder and operator of Service with Style, and Alison Anne, leader of Restaurant Revolution.
A new program, “The Wizard Behind the Curtain,” presented by Maverick Theory founder Michael Tipps, examines how owners and entrepreneurs develop restaurant concepts and turn ideas into businesses.
A Team Bundle Package offers savings and flexible attendance options for groups of six from the same organization, allowing employees to explore sessions relevant to their roles.
Culinary Competitions Spotlight Professional Chefs
The Sunshine Plate Challenge Arena features more than 30 professional chefs across four American Culinary Federation-sanctioned competitions, organizers said.
The announced schedule includes:
- Sunday, Oct. 25: Student and professional pastry sculpture competitions and the Professional Pork Challenge.
- Monday, Oct. 26: The Professional Seafood Challenge, sponsored by Bar Harbor Seafood.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: The Professional Beef Challenge.
The arena’s Sunday programming also includes the Hospitality School Showdown, featuring culinary faculty and alumni representing four Florida hospitality programs.
Unox sponsors the arena, with product support from Gordon Food Service, Bar Harbor Seafood, Expedition Provisions, Yukan Foods, Pizzacini and Keg Kraft Beverage Company.
Pizza Tomorrow Summit Highlights Industry Innovation
The Pizza Tomorrow Summit features education, demonstrations and competitions focused on the pizza industry.
Its announced Monday programming includes a live taping of the “So You Want to Run a Restaurant” podcast with California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield. The session, sponsored by Back of House, includes a discussion and giveaway of his book, “The California Pizza Kitchen Story.”
The U.S. Pizza Team and Galbani Professionale U.S. are also hosting the 2026 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup. Pizza makers and pizza acrobats compete in culinary and acrobatic events, with grand-prize winners earning a trip to compete at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy.
One Registration Connects Two Industries
By holding the events together, organizers give restaurant operators access to ideas emerging from the pizza industry while connecting pizzeria operators with equipment, technology and education relevant to the broader foodservice market.
The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit conclude Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Orange County Convention Center.
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