Business
Earth Day: Rick Singh, Orange County Property Appraiser, rolls out new “green” fleet
ORLANDO, Fla., April 22, 2015 — In celebration of Earth Day, Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh unveiled 30 new Toyota Prius vehicles which will be used by field staff members as they travel Orange County appraising 439,676 parcels. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chris Zaworski, Director for Enterprise Fleet Management, Britt Watty, Account Development Manager for Enterprise Fleet Management, and Thomas Hoang, District Training Manager for Southeast Toyota Distributors, joined Mr. Singh in the announcement.
The sustainable fleet is part of the Orange County Property Appraiser’s commitment to positively managing its impact on the environment and community. Each new Prius will offer significantly better fuel economy and lower emissions than many employees’ personal vehicles. Up until today, employees used their personal vehicles and then submitted for reimbursement from the agency for mileage driven in their personal vehicles.
“Transitioning to an agency-owned fleet advances our sustainability efforts and reduces the wear and tear on our employees’ personal vehicles,” said Rick Singh, Orange County Property Appraiser. “OCPA employees need safe and reliable transportation to conduct their work throughout Orange County. This is a smart long-term investment in our employees, and in the health of our community.”
The move to using the Hybrid Synergy Drive ® Prius also saves tax dollars. The vehicle combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine. They work either together or separately to move the car in the most energy-efficient way. Over the next 10 years, taxpayers will realize a savings of nearly $779,000.
Since the 2004-2005 budget year until 2013-2014, the OCPA spent $1,865,559 on operation of the fleet appraisal staff. Beginning this year and looking ahead 10 years, it is estimated the cost for these employees to do their work will be $1,086,600.
“This approach to field appraiser’s duties is a first for the OCPA and clearly shows a savings in tax dollars along with concern for our customers who will have the security of knowing the vehicle at their door or business is indeed that of an OCPA appraiser because of the vehicle’s markings,” said Singh.
Mr. Singh thanks Orange County and the municipalities in the county where field appraisers live for working with OCPA to establish parking spaces at night, and on weekends, where the vehicles can be safely parked.
Enterprise Fleet Management will provide vehicle registration and a fuel card program that automatically monitors fuel purchases and miles for each vehicle. The OCPA will also use Enterprise Telematics, a web-based application that helps manage fleet operations with real time diagnostic and location data to optimize fleet use, routing, logistics, engine diagnostics and safety. Once the vehicles have reached the optimum point in their lifecycle, Enterprise will leverage its remarketing expertise to auction and resell the vehicles for the OCPA office.
According to Enterprise Fleet Management’s Britt Watty, “Reimbursing employees for mileage in their personal vehicles can be a strain on an organization’s time and financial resources. Fleet programs free up those resources, while offering employees new, well-maintained vehicles that use cleaner vehicle technology.”
Watch for our field appraisers operating the new vehicles in your neighborhood as we can’t be missed!
OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Honorable Regina Hill, Orlando City Commissioner, Honorable Daisy Morales, District Supervisor, Orange Soil & Water Conservation District, and Honorable Laurent Prosper, Consul General for the Republic of Haiti in Orlando
EVENT PHOTOS:
Rick Singh, Orange County Property Appraiser, rolls out new “green” fleet, Fox 35 News, photo by Willie David FNN News
Rick Singh, Orange County Property Appraiser, rolls out new “green” fleet. Newly elected Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor stand next to the 30 vehicle fleet, photo by Willie David FNN News
Rick Singh, Orange County Property Appraiser, rolls out new “green” fleet, Fox 35 News, photo by Willie David, FNN News
Rick Singh, Orange County Property Appraiser, rolls out new “green” fleet, attendees, photo by Willie David, FNN News
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
Entertainment4 days ago160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience
Politics3 days agoGov. Ron DeSantis Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen
Florida5 days agoFormer Property Appraiser Rick Singh Launches Clerk of Courts Bid, Passes on Mayor and CFO Races
Business5 days agoAdventHealth Opens 2026 Community Impact Grants to Address Central Florida Health Needs
Crimes and Courts4 days agoFlorida Creates Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, Appoints Special Prosecutor to Crack Down on Fraud
