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.

The nine-day celebration benefits the Orlando Museum of Art and its educational programs.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Festival of Trees will return to the Orlando Museum of Art Nov. 14–22, celebrating its 40th anniversary with designer-decorated trees, visits with Santa, holiday workshops and evening parties.

Presented by the Council of 101, with AdventHealth as platinum presenting sponsor, this year’s festival carries the theme “Forty Seasons of Joy.” Its design inspiration comes from the ruby, a traditional symbol of a 40th anniversary.

The museum will feature more than 50 designer-decorated trees, along with wreaths, tablescapes, holiday vignettes, a Gingerbread Village and a Holiday Boutique, according to organizers.

“Whether you’re bringing the children to meet Santa, gathering friends for a festive night out or finding inspiration for your own holiday decorating, there’s a way to make the season your own at Festival of Trees,” said Elizabeth Benoist, president of the Council of 101.

Hours, Tickets and Museum Support

The festival will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nutcracker Café will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

General admission costs $23 for adults and $15 for children ages 3–12. Seniors, active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators qualify for $15 admission with valid identification.

Guests can purchase designer trees, wreaths and gingerbread creations, enter drawings for tabletop displays and participate in a silent auction. Proceeds support the museum and its educational and lifelong-learning programs.

“We’re excited to welcome guests back for another memorable celebration that supports the Orlando Museum of Art and the important role it plays in enriching our community through art and education,” Benoist said.

Santa Breakfasts and Family Celebrations

Breakfast with Santa returns Nov. 14, 15 and 21 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Families can reserve tables for four, six, eight or 10 guests, with prices ranging from $185 to $460.

The breakfasts include a hot meal, crafts, face painting, photos with Santa, balloon artists and early access to the festival.

The Reindeer Romp Children’s Holiday Party takes place Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with VIP admission beginning at 5:30 p.m. Activities include photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, holiday sing-alongs and reindeer stilt walkers.

Tickets cost $35 per adult or child of any age, or $40 for VIP admission. Dinner will be available for purchase at the café.

Holiday Parties and Evening Events

The celebration begins before the public opening with the Opening Night “TreeView” Party on Nov. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening includes entertainment, food offerings and a ceremonial tree lighting. Guests receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine and two drink tickets; a cash bar will also be available.

Other evening events include:

Decorating, Beauty and Entertaining Workshops

The festival’s workshops offer ideas guests can bring into their own holiday celebrations.

The makeup workshop is limited to 25 guests, who should bring a hand or stand mirror. Participants in Baubles & Branches may bring their own ribbon or use materials provided.

Special-event tickets are priced separately from general admission and include festival admission, according to organizers.

Special Days Honor Seniors and Community Heroes

Salute to Seniors takes place Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering guests ages 60 and older $15 admission and special entertainment.

Heroes Day, scheduled for Nov. 22 during the same hours, offers $15 admission with valid identification to active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators.

New Café Operator Supports Hunger Relief

Plate Above Catering, a catering company of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, will operate The Nutcracker Café this year.

Organizers said the partnership connects the festival’s support for arts education with local hunger relief efforts.

Tickets, special-event details and updates are available at councilof101.org. Follow @FestivalofTreesOrlando on Facebook and @councilof101oma on Instagram.

Separate $250,000 state appropriation will help launch a dual enrollment nursing program.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Bethune-Cookman University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has secured nearly $5.2 million in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration, marking the university’s first funding award from the agency, according to B-CU.

Separately, a $250,000 appropriation from the state of Florida will help launch the university’s new dual enrollment nursing program.

Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding

First HRSA Funding for B-CU

The university described the federal award as a first for the institution. The information provided identifies the College of Nursing and Health Sciences as the recipient but does not specify the award’s programs, spending timeline or anticipated number of participants.

Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding

State Funding Supports Nursing Program

The state appropriation will support the launch of B-CU’s dual enrollment nursing program. It is separate from the nearly $5.2 million in federal funding.