Central Florida News
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s State of the City Highlights Flying Cars, Air Taxis, Housing Growth, and Clean Energy Future
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer delivered his 2025 State of the City Address on Tuesday, celebrating the city’s 150th anniversary while laying out bold plans for Orlando’s future. From preparing for flying cars and drone deliveries to tackling the housing shortage and advancing clean energy, the mayor positioned Orlando as a national model for innovation, safety, and sustainable growth.
Florida National News covered the State of the City and learned how Orlando is shaping its future as a “future city,” with Walt Disney World and Epic Universe defining the city’s skyline alongside pioneering investments in advanced mobility.
Delivering the Basics with Excellence
Mayor Dyer stressed that Orlando’s foundation rests on reliable services and public safety. He noted that Orlando invests more in police and fire protection ($406 million) than the city collects in property taxes ($360 million).
Key highlights include:
Crime has reached historic lows, with violent crime down 14%, residential burglaries down nearly 30%, and homicides down more than 50% with all cases solved.
Expansion of nearly 500 miles of sidewalks and 75 miles of bike trails, making Orlando safer and more walkable.
A 99.97% success rate for weekly trash, recycling, and yard waste collection across 189,000 households.
More than 4,600 acres of parks and green spaces, a 25% increase over 20 years.
Nearly 400 online services available through Orlando’s “digital city hall,” streamlining city access for over 75,000 residents.
Investing in Housing and Growth
Orlando’s rapid population growth has outpaced housing supply, creating a shortage of 9,400 units. Mayor Dyer announced Orlando Unlocked, a city initiative designed to expand housing choices through flexible zoning, mixed-use development, and public-private partnerships.
Notable investments:
$75 million committed since 2014 to affordable housing.
More than 3,000 affordable rental units created or preserved.
Assistance provided to 330 homeowners for repairs and to 275 new homeowners with down payments.
Redevelopment projects like the Milk Stacks blending residential and commercial space in the Milk District.
Pioneering Innovation and Future Mobility
Mayor Dyer highlighted Orlando’s role as a leader in future transportation. Orlando is the only city in Florida where planes, trains, and automobiles converge at the airport.
Major projects include:
Extending SunRail to nights and weekends.
Partnering with Universal Orlando and Brightline to advance the Sunshine Corridor, linking the airport, hospitality district, and Tampa.
Preparing to become one of the first U.S. cities to welcome flying cars, air taxis, and drone deliveries—ushering in the future of mobility.
Fiscal Responsibility and Infrastructure
Mayor Dyer emphasized Orlando’s strong financial health, with a millage rate unchanged for more than a decade and a consistently balanced budget.
Upcoming investments include:
A new firefighter training facility and three fire stations.
Stormwater management upgrades in key neighborhoods.
Renovations at Harry P. Leu Gardens and a new 14-acre park in Lake Nona.
Safety and pedestrian upgrades along Corrine Drive.
Building a Sustainable and Resilient Orlando
Mayor Dyer closed his address with a focus on sustainability, announcing that Orlando will meet its 100% clean energy goal for municipal operations by 2027—three years ahead of schedule.
Other green initiatives:
Recycling programs that extend landfill life and conserve land.
$2.5 million annual energy savings from efficiency upgrades across 60 city buildings.
An expanding electric vehicle fleet saving $60,000 annually in fuel costs.
Orlando Wetlands Park serving as a global model for natural wastewater treatment and eco-tourism.
From crime reduction to futuristic air mobility, Mayor Buddy Dyer’s 2025 State of the City positioned Orlando as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and quality of life. With Walt Disney World, Epic Universe, and a bold vision for advanced transportation, Orlando’s skyline and future are set to reflect the city’s legacy of reinvention.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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.
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