Central Florida News
Orlando International Fashion Week Welcomes Esteemed Partner, Build Ventures, to Host The Fashion Designer Competition at Porsche South Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Fashion Week, an Orlando non-profit organization, presents The Fashion Designer Competition on November 3, 2023 at Porsche South Orlando. Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) is a multi-day event that highlights over 30 designers from around the world and goes beyond the runway to provide a platform that nurtures and celebrates the artistry, innovation, and passion of the fashion industry. The Fashion Designer Competition will provide a sophisticated networking and social experience with a runway show and live voting at the event. Guests can immerse themselves in the world of high fashion and luxury cars while participating in choosing a winner of the designer showcase.
This partnership with Build Ventures goes beyond mere sponsorship; it’s a collaboration based on shared values and objectives. While Orlando is widely recognized as a top tourist destination, the value of what Orlando has to offer extends far beyond its world-famous theme parks. Both OIFW and Build Ventures are energized advocates for elevating the status of fashion in Orlando in support of the city’s ascent. Their shared mindset is to elevate the city’s identity by expanding the narrative from theme parks and tourism to one that includes luxury development, sophistication, and artistic brilliance.
“In the vibrant heart of Orlando, we stand at the cusp of a thrilling transformation. Florida is the second most valuable real estate market in the country, and we envision matching that value from an art, fashion and cultural perspective. Supporting OIFW with this event is just one of the many ways Build Ventures is propelling Orlando forward,” said Kait Doulou, Founder and President of Build Ventures.
“We are grateful for the support from Kait Doulou and Build Ventures. Welcoming guests with complimentary champagne will set the tone for what promises to be an evening of elegance. The sponsorship of a signature cocktail hour provides our guests with an experience that matches the talent in the room as we prepare to be dazzled by the designers in the competition,” said Nayrouz Olarte of Orlando International Fashion Week.
ABOUT ORLANDO FASHION WEEK
Orlando International Fashion Week, held October 29 through November 5, 2023, is the premier fashion event held in the vibrant city of Orlando, Florida. Renowned for its thriving arts and cultural scene, Orlando sets the perfect backdrop for this multi-day fashion showcase featuring the collections of over 30 talented designers from around the world. The celebration of fashion transcends the runway, seamlessly blending luxury lifestyle, music, art, charity, the latest trends, education, and diversity & inclusion.
ABOUT BUILD VENTURES
Founded by Kait Doulou, a certified general contractor and licensed real estate broker, Build Ventures is a woman owned general contracting and real estate development and investment firm. Providing vertically integrated construction, real estate, and property management services for the modern investor; Build Ventures offers turkey asset acquisition, horizontal and vertical building services, real estate advising, and project management for housing and hospitality developments.
Contact: Kait Doulou, kait@buildventuresusa.com; For Media Inquiries, please contact Angela Robbins: angela@moxiebrands.com
SOURCE Build Ventures
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
Central Florida News
Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz Files for Mayor, Could Become City’s First Puerto Rican Mayor
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Tony Ortiz, a longtime Orlando city commissioner, former Marine, and former law enforcement officer, has officially filed to run for mayor of Orlando following Mayor Buddy Dyer’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
Ortiz filed his candidacy ahead of the November 2027 nonpartisan mayoral election. If elected, he would become Orlando’s first Puerto Rican mayor.
GROWING FIELD OF CANDIDATES
Ortiz joins a growing field of candidates that includes State Representative Anna Eskamani, who could become Orlando’s first Iranian American mayor if elected, along with Elliot Kahanna and Abdelnasser Luth.
In his campaign announcement, Ortiz emphasized issues affecting residents across Orlando, including housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, transportation, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability.
“As the City of Orlando continues to grow and evolve, residents across the city are increasingly focused on the issues that shape everyday life,” Ortiz stated in his campaign announcement.
LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUNDS RESONATE WITH ORANGE COUNTY VOTERS
Political observers note that Orange County voters have historically supported candidates with backgrounds in local, state, and federal law enforcement or public safety roles.
Examples include Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, former Orange County sheriff; former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, former Orlando police chief; former State Senator Victor Torres, a former NYC Transit Police officer; Maitland City Commissioner Keith Givens, a retired FBI agent; former State Representative Daisy Morales, a former HSI official; Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, a former NYPD officer; and former Orlando City Commissioner Samuel Ings, a former Orlando police officer.
Florida National News Photo
HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATION
Ortiz’s candidacy highlights the continued growth and political influence of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community. If successful, his election would mark a historic milestone for Puerto Rican representation in Orlando city government.
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.
