Skip to content
2.5
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
Pathways Drop-In Center Expansion Breaks Ground to Double Capacity
Pathlight Home celebrated the groundbreaking of a $2.4 million expansion project at the Pathways Drop-In Center, which will double the facility's capacity to serve 100 unhoused individuals daily. Through the Accelerate Orlando Initiative, the project will demolish the existing main building and construct a new two-story facility to provide mental health counseling, meals, showers, laundry services, and substance abuse support for unhoused people with mental illness. The expansion is part of the city's goal to reduce unsheltered homelessness by 50% between 2024 and 2027. Learn more about the project here.IMMERSE Festival Announces Headliners for 2026 Event
Creative City Project has announced the headliner performers for IMMERSE 2026, returning to downtown Orlando February 20-22. Orlando Vocal Collective will deliver a tribute to Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, MESH: The Signal will present a 360-degree immersive dance experience with live drumming and aerial cirque artists, and Blue Man Group will bring their signature high-energy performances throughout the festival weekend. The Architects of Air installation, Arborialis, will open early on February 5 at Seneff Arts Plaza. Click here to plan your trip!

Orlando Magic and AdventHealth Launch Mental Health Campaign
AdventHealth and the Orlando Magic have launched the "You Good?" initiative to encourage conversations about mental health among teen student-athletes, addressing the critical need as research shows 1 in 5 children is impacted by a mental health disorder at any given time. The initiative provides complimentary navigation services to help families coordinate care, schedule appointments, and access mental health resources in multiple languages. Learn more about "You Good?" here.

Holocaust Museum to Preserve Survivor Stories Through AI Technology
The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida is using AI technology to record interactive testimonies from Central Florida Holocaust survivors, including 88-year-old Suzanne Schneider and 94-year-old Harry Lowenstein, who will share their experiences with future generations. Museum visitors will be able to ask questions and receive personalized responses from life-size screens featuring the survivors, creating an intimate educational experience. The Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity is planned to open in the former Orlando Chamber of Commerce building on Orange Avenue in 2027. Learn more about the project here.

DTO EVENTS
Chinese New Year Celebration at Orlando Public Library
The Chinese School of CAACF, Inc. will host a cultural celebration on Saturday, February 7 at 11 AM at the Orlando Public Library to welcome the new year. Attendees will explore traditional Chinese New Year customs and festivities, including cultural demonstrations and educational activities for the whole family in this free community event. Learn more about the event here.

4Roots Farm Breakfast 
The 4Roots Foundation will host a complimentary informational farm breakfast on Tuesday, February 10 at 8:30 AM at the 4Roots Campus. This morning gathering offers an inside look at the urban farm's sustainable agriculture practices, community impact, and educational programs. Register for free here.

UCF Downtown Event Space Showcase
Explore reservation options, room configurations, and catering services at the UCF Downtown Campus on Wednesday, February 12 starting at 1 PM in DPAC 106. This drop-in showcase will feature Aramark catering samples and provide practical insights for planning meetings, receptions, and special events at the downtown campus. RSVP by February 10 here.

Trends in Philanthropy Breakfast
Join Withum for a morning of networking and educational sessions on current not-for-profit industry topics on Wednesday, February 19 at 8 AM at Second Harvest Food Bank. Attendees will explore the latest tax regulations including OBBBA impact, technology and AI integration in giving strategies, and industry trends through interactive sessions and a CEO panel featuring leaders from Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Florida, and U.S. Hunger. Save your seat here.

CHECK-IN CHALLENGE HAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED!
SHOP AND DINE LOCAL FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN BIG
Downtown Orlando Check-In to Win is officially underway! This two week program from the Downtown Orlando Partnership and Downtown Development Board rewards you for supporting local downtown restaurants and coffee shops from now through February 18.

Every visit to a participating location earns you an entry to win gift cards, Orlando swag, and downtown focused experiences. View the full list of prizes here.

HOW IT WORKS
⭐️ Dine at participating downtown restaurants
☕️ Sip at participating downtown coffee shops
📱 Scan the QR code at each location to check in
🎟️ Earn entries with every visit
🗓️ Challenge runs February 4–18

Participation is free and open to the public. Register now to view participating locations and start checking in!

REGISTER HERE

DOWNTOWN VOICES
Looking to upgrade your lunch break? The Downtown Orlando Partnership and Downtown Development Board's Downtown Voices series highlights restaurants and local favorites ready to be discovered. This edition features Mecatos Bakery & Café, a Colombian café serving rich coffee, fresh pastries, and savory favorites like empanadas and tequeños in a welcoming, family-owned atmosphere. It's the perfect combination of authentic flavor and convenient downtown dining and catering since opening in 2020.

Scroll To Top