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
DAVIE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his family received a life-changing gift on June 11 when they were presented with a fully refurbished vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
The donation was made possible through a partnership between vehicle donor Allstate, repair partner Crash Champions, and several industry sponsors. The presentation took place at Crash Champions’ Davie, Florida, collision repair center.
Veteran Receives Reliable Transportation
The recipient, Sergio Hernandez, was nominated by the Wounded Warrior Project, one of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
Hernandez and his wife received a refurbished 2018 Toyota RAV4 donated by Allstate and restored by Crash Champions technicians.
“This vehicle is beautiful, super clean, just near mint,” Hernandez said. “Reliability is a huge thing. This will take a burden off our shoulders not having to worry about maintenance or any of the issues we were having with prior vehicles. I’m truly grateful for it.”
From Military Service to Civilian Life
Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 2015, with assignments in South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. During his service, he suffered a back injury that required extensive therapy and rehabilitation.
After leaving the military, Hernandez used GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. However, transportation challenges remained a significant obstacle for his growing family.
With a non-operational vehicle and mounting repair costs, reliable transportation had become a pressing need. The donated vehicle will help Hernandez commute to work, attend family appointments and provide safe transportation for his wife and two young children.
Industry Partners Make a Difference
Allstate has donated more than 300 vehicles through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the program’s largest vehicle donors.
Crash Champions has also played a major role, gifting more than 250 vehicles to individuals and organizations in need through the initiative.
Additional partners supporting the donation included Enterprise, Tire Kingdom, AutoZone, J&A Auto Restore, ATE, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and Cars for Charity.
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.
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