Business

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs delivers 2015 State of the County Address

Published

11 years ago

June 13, 2015

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs delivered her 2015 State of the County address at the spectacular Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in the Walt Disney Theater on June 12, 2015.

With more than 750 citizens in attendance, the largest State of the County audience in the history of Orange County, Mayor Jacobs provided dignitaries and citizens with a detailed report on the region’s strong and robust economy that saw rising property values, tremendous job growth, historic record-breaking visitation numbers, outstanding economic achievements and remarkable milestones for the region’s incredible sports and arts and cultural venues.

“The state of Orange County’s economy is strong,” Mayor Jacobs said. “By working together, we are creating history.”

Mayor Jacobs’ capstone announcement outlined a proposal for one of the largest capital investment projects in the history of Orange County, a $300 million initiative called INVEST in Our Home for Life. The funds will be spent on roads, parks, pedestrian safety projects, public and fire safety facilities and affordable family housing in Orange County. INVEST in Our Home for Life will be funded through existing resources thanks to conservative budgeting and an improving economy, not through increased taxes.

“To build a vibrant economy where creativity, innovation and opportunity will flourish, we need to invest now in the infrastructure that future generations will need,” Mayor Jacobs said. “From efficient roads to a healthy environment, it’s our job and our responsibility to invest wisely.”

HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

This year’s address focused on the region’s significant achievements ranging from Orange County’s new multi-modal hub that will historically connect five modes of transit at the Orlando International Airport; new additions at the Dr. Phillips Center; the County’s low 4.7 percent unemployment rate – a staggering drop from the 11.3 percent in 2010; projections of nearly $427 million in countywide property tax revenues for the upcoming fiscal year; advances in transportation including the I-4 Ultimate project and SunRail; and transformational opportunities with the opening of the Orlando Veterans Administration Medical Center and the U.S. Tennis Association complex in Lake Nona.

Orange County is now on the world stage for arts, sports, commerce, trade and family entertainment and publications, including Forbes and The New York Times, have taken notice of the region’s fiscal reliability and growing quality of life enhancements. In fact, the nation’s big three credit agencies – Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services – just elevated Orange County’s credit ratings to historic levels, an extraordinary reflection of its resilient, prosperous and flourishing economy.

This past year, the region also showcased its story of entrepreneurship, high-tech innovation, world renowned modeling, simulation and training cluster, favorable business environment, cutting-edge film and digital media training facilities and thriving Medical City through its new regional branding campaign Orlando. You don’t know the half of it.

TOURISM AND THE I-DRIVE DISTRICT

It’s no coincidence that so many have already taken notice of Orange County’s worldwide reputation. In May, the tourism economy further solidified the region’s position as the No. 1 global destination with Visit Orlando’s momentous announcement of 62 million guests visiting the region in 2014.

In tandem with Orange County’s economic achievements and with the continued growth of its world famous International Drive and the booming Orange County Convention Center, the County is working to create a revitalized vision for the I-Drive District showcasing new dynamic spaces, including pedestrian plazas, dedicated transit lanes and sidewalk enhancements for local residents and guests to enjoy. With the $187 capital improvement project at the Convention Center and by investing in roadways, infrastructure, transportation connectivity and pedestrian projects that enhance the quality of life for citizens and visitors, the region is securing a dynamic future for generations to come.

TRANSFORMING LIVES

Even as Orange County works on its next chapter as the tourism capital of the world, the County is focused on caring for its most vulnerable citizens in transformational ways. Through valued partnerships with the faith and social service organizations, Orange County is lifting longtime homeless individuals, families and veterans on a path of hope and stability. For decades, Orange County has been the leading provider of services for the homeless, budgeting more than $5 million every year. With the Commission on Regional Homelessness and the creation of Orange County’s Family Homelessness Committee, the region has pledged to end veteran homelessness in Central Florida. Orange County also recently launched Open Table bringing homeless families on the path of self-sufficiency.

Orange County is also playing a critical role in other serious struggles. Through its Youth Mental Health Commission Implementation Team, the County is making sure that young people receive the care that addresses behavioral and mental health issues. Keenly aware of the undeniable connection between domestic violence and child abuse, the domestic violence commission was also renamed the Orange County Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Commission in early 2015.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES AND GROWING ONLINE ENGAGEMENT

As Orange County continues to invest in its children and families, citizens are now able to learn about opportunities to give back to the community by using the County’s newest smartphone application, OCFL Serves. This free app places a variety of Orange County service opportunities at the fingertips of citizens and brings volunteering into the digital age. (Android | Apple)

Mayor Jacobs’ commitment to public engagement was again demonstrated with the return of last year’s Social Media Ambassadors who worked to expand the online conversation with the digital community. Joining the Social Media Ambassadors for a special pre-party were digital influencers and community partners who kicked off the conversation before the 2015 State of the County address using the locally created photo booth experience, Gifn. Throughout the Mayor’s speech, these digital influencers promoted the live stream of the event and their favorite highlights. These combined efforts contributed to an outpouring of social media engagement which encouraged residents to become more involved with their local government.

PARTICIPANTS

Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association President and CEO Rich Maladecki provided the introduction and Sisaundra Lewis, a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice” last year, sang the National Anthem. Retired Army Sgt. Juan Velazquez led the Pledge of Allegiance and the colors were presented by Orange County Fire Rescue. First Baptist Church of Orlando Senior Pastor David Uth, Ph.D., delivered the invocation, and classically trained musicians Stephen and Vanessa Huber Weber delivered the preamble.

Business

New AdventHealth Middleton Clinic Brings Pediatric Specialists, Urogynecology Near The Villages

Published

5 days ago

October 30, 2026

FNN NEWS

The 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 ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Gate Link train on an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with palm trees, airport buildings and a control tower behind it.

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 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 ago

October 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

The 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.

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.