DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
Travel + Leisure Co. Celebrates Grand Opening of Downtown Headquarters
Travel + Leisure Co. has officially opened its new global headquarters at 501 W. Church Street, bringing over 900 employees and a $29 million capital investment to downtown Orlando. The world's leading membership and leisure travel company now occupies a 182,000-sq-ft building fully renovated by Interstruct Design + Build, with interiors by CI Group. Amenities include a fitness center, conference center, and café, marking the largest downtown office lease since 2019. Learn more about Travel + Leisure Co. here.
Orlando Chef Earns James Beard Semifinalist Recognition
Reyes Mezcaleria's chef and partner Wendy Lopez has been recognized as a semifinalist for Best Chef: South in the 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards. After 23 years of dedication to her craft, Lopez joins two other Central Florida culinary professionals earning nominations in this year's prestigious awards. Finalists will be announced March 31, with winners celebrated June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Congratulations, Chef Lopez! Read me about the recognition here.
Build Stronger Teams. Build Stronger Communities.
Start the year with a high-impact team-building experience that goes beyond the workplace. Bring your team together on the build site to help build an affordable home. No construction experience is required. Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County provides the training, tools, and support. Engage employees, strengthen collaboration, and demonstrate your company’s commitment to community impact. Volunteer opportunities are available every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Learn more and sign up here.
TLC Engineering Solutions Expands Service Capabilities
TLC Engineering Solutions closed out 2025 with a major growth milestone, welcoming three premier firms to its portfolio: Acoustic Distinctions, Tarantino Engineering Consultants, and Walsh Consulting Group. The strategic additions bring specialized expertise across acoustics and A/V consulting, structural and forensic engineering, and medical equipment planning. With these expanded capabilities, TLC enters 2026 positioned to deliver comprehensive solutions for Central Florida's evolving infrastructure needs. Learn more about TLC's expansions here.
DTO EVENTS
Orange County Mayor's Open House and Job Fair
Explore Orange County Government services and career opportunities on January 24, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Orange County Administration Center. Meet Mayor Demings and your district commissioner while discovering county departments, applying for open positions at the countywide job fair, and enjoying family-friendly activities. Learn more and register here.
Chalk Festival 2026
More than 30 artists will transform City Hall Plaza into a colorful outdoor gallery February 6-7, during the inaugural DTOLive Chalk Art Festival! This free event features live music, 2D and 3D chalk masterpieces, and on-site food and beverages from The City Beautiful Cafe, creating an interactive celebration of local creativity at City Hall Plaza. Plan your weekend here.
Paws in the Park Returns to Lake Eola
Central Florida's favorite pet-friendly tradition is back as Paws in the Park celebrates over 30 years on February 7, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Lake Eola. Bring your furry best friend for costume contests, a lure course, doggie crafts, live entertainment, food trucks, and a beer garden, with proceeds supporting Pet Alliance's work. View more event details here.
Super Bowl Puppy Watch Party
Aloft Orlando Downtown is teaming up with Pet Rescue by Judy for a Super Bowl watch party on February 8, from 2 PM to 9 PM. Guests can bring their four-legged friends to enjoy the big game with lite bites, cocktails, and puppy treats. The pet-friendly celebration combines football excitement with community support for local animal rescue. More details available here.
DOWNTOWN STAKEHOLDERS
The Downtown Orlando Partnership and Downtown Development Board's Downtown Stakeholder series showcases the businesses and people that strengthen our city. Our newest edition features Orlando Health, celebrating 100 years of care and community across Central Florida. Kelly Nierstedt, President of Orlando Regional Medical Center, shares how the downtown campus serves as the region's only Level 1 trauma center for adults and children. The organization continues expanding access to care and investing in the community it has served for over a century.
