Business
Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh “2015 State of I-Drive”
Orlando, FL – Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh delivered the State of I-Drive at the Wyndham Orlando Resort today, March 11, before an audience of more than 600 citizens, business leaders, realtors and special guests.
According to Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, the economic forecast for International Drive is brighter than ever built on new attractions.
Singh took the audience on a journey by presenting a video to highlight the outstanding achievements of the region over the last 20 years, cited new technology and continuing education for realtors.
The State of I-Drive featured panelists from numerous different areas of the tourism business field that included: Susan Godorov, VP of Marketing and General Manager for Pointe Orlando; Charles Whittall, president and founder of Unicorp, who have been responsible for I-Drive Live, Titanic, I-Shops, and of course, the 425 ft. iconic observation wheel, The Orlando Eye; Alejandro Pezzini, COO of AMP Group and Perfumeland; Rich Larkin, the General Manager of the Wyndham Orlando Resort, Joshua Wallack, COO of Mango’s Tropical Cafe and SKYPLEX fame and also The Honorable Rick Singh, Orange County Property Appraiser . The panel was moderated by Orlando WFTV Channel 9 reporter Shannon Butler.
During the Q/A session a longtime I-Drive business owner voiced his concerned about the lack of marketing to Orange County residents. The panel assured the audience that both tourism and local residents will be part of I-Drive business marketing plan.
Panelist Joshua Wallack, managing principal for Skyplex entertainment complex announced a huge zipline attraction that would pull backward 600 feet in the air to an observation deck, then release guests to travel down 1,500 feet to the ground in SkyPlaza.
Panelist Alejandro Pezzini, the chief operating officer of AMP Group, announce that a 17,000-square-foot unnamed supermarket will be built in the Orlando Crossings Mall, located at the intersection of International and Municipal drives.
Panelist Susan Godorov, VP of Marketing and General Manager for Pointe Orlando discussed the opening of Blue Martini in April.
I-Drive is 21 square miles, 10.5 miles from North to South with 7,700 parcels, and 5,000 businesses that also included $1 billion dollars of current development taking place, an area with a $11.5 billion dollars of market value, that generates $188 million dollars in tax revenue annually.
The Florida National News learned that there’s at least 27 new development I-Drive projects for 2015 and beyond. From Universal Orlando Report’s King Kong Attraction, Mango’s Tropical Cafe and Nightclub Complex, Hollywood Plaza Parking Facility is a 7th story garage that includes a rooftop restaurant and a ground level retail shops, and Citi Lakes Luxury Apartment Homes to just name a few.
Singh thanked the panelist, sponsors and his staff a successful event.
Below is several pictures from the State of I-Drive event.
2015 The State of I-Drive Panelist
2015 The State of I-Drive 600 Citizens attend
Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, local Realtors, and The Honorable Daisy Morales, Orange Soil & Water District Supervisor
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.
