Business
Florida Hospital Secures Naming Rights to Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Facility and Business Headquarters
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers // Florida Hospital, which will soon be known as AdventHealth, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers unveiled a new name and logo for the NFL team’s training facility and business offices, which will now be named the AdventHealth Training Center. The team’s headquarters includes a new air-conditioned indoor practice facility, three outdoor practice fields, as well as player areas and administrative offices.
Florida Hospital and the Buccaneers created their unique partnership six years ago when Florida Hospital became the Exclusive Hospital of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The collaboration has enabled the two organizations to promote key health initiatives in the community and this elevated partnership will give Florida Hospital and the Buccaneers even greater ability to identify and tackle important health issues in the Greater Tampa Bay Area.
“We want to make a meaningful difference and lasting impact in the health and wellness of this community and this partnership bolsters the strength and ability we have to do that,” said Mike Schultz, President and CEO, Florida Hospital, the West Florida Division of Adventist Health System. “We are not only investing in the health and wellbeing of our professional athletes, we are investing in and inspiring the next generation. We believe it’s vital for our young people to have a healthy future.”
With the 10-year naming rights deal announced today, Florida Hospital and the Buccaneers also plan to develop a series of educational health and wellness videos pairing Florida Hospital and team experts to address topics such as nutrition and diet, staying hydrated, proper stretching and how to prevent sports injuries. That initiative plays into other existing health and wellness platforms including the Treasure Chests 5K and Fun Run to raise breast cancer awareness, 8 On Your Side Health and Fitness Expo, Bucs Babies, the Back to School Bash which provides free physicals, dental and eye exams, and immunizations to local students, as well as the first ever Faith and Football tournament.
“Today’s announcement is yet another example of the strong partnership we have forged with Florida Hospital over the past six years,” said Buccaneers Owner/Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer. “Together, we have enjoyed success on many community initiatives and this heightened level of partnership allows for even greater opportunities as Florida Hospital transitions into AdventHealth. We take pride in having world-class training facilities and business headquarters and we are equally thrilled to align ourselves with an industry leader such as AdventHealth.”
The AdventHealth Training Center opened in 2006 and immediately set a new standard for team training and business headquarters. The more than 135,000-square-foot main complex is a combination of function, style and space while also offering Buccaneer players the latest in sports medicine and training facilities. Player areas include a spacious 6,600-square-foot locker room, nearly 10,000 square-feet of workout and weight training space, an expansive training room and rehab center featuring three cryo chambers to improve player recovery, and a large, wood paneled team auditorium along with a full complement of position meeting rooms.
Prior to the start of the 2017 season, the team finished construction on a state-of-the-art indoor practice facility. The 100,000-square-foot, air-conditioned structure features a full-sized FieldTurf playing surface, has an indoor clearance of 96 feet and seating for up to 3,500 fans. The AdventHealth Training Center’s indoor facility allows the team to practice year-round regardless of weather conditions and is used frequently for walkthroughs, practices and select training camp practices.
“Here in Florida, weather is always going to be a factor in your ability to prepare your team,“ said Buccaneers Head Coach Dirk Koetter. “Early in the season we are always dealing with very hot, humid weather, lightning delays and even hurricanes, so having an indoor practice facility that ensures you don’t miss practice time is essential to winning. The AdventHealth Training Center indoor practice facility is a real game changer for us in that we now can ensure our players are as well prepared as possible heading into every game.”
Florida Hospital is a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, operating 28 hospitals across the state, delivering whole-person care to millions of patients each year. Adventist Health System, parent company of Florida Hospital and one of the nation’s largest faith-based health care systems, recently announced it will soon become AdventHealth with all of its nearly 50 hospital campuses, including Florida Hospital, adopting the new name and logo beginning January 2, 2019.
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.
