DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
Westcourt Development Moves Forward in Orlando
The $500 million Westcourt development in Orlando is moving forward as developers begin submitting construction permits, with groundbreaking expected in late 2025 and completion by 2027. Spanning 8.4 acres just north of the Kia Center, the mixed-use project will include a hotel, luxury apartments, office and retail space, and a Live Nation events venue, creating an estimated 3,400 jobs. Modeled after other sports-adjacent developments, Westcourt is expected to be a key addition to downtown Orlando’s entertainment district and contribute to the local economy. Read more about the developments here.
Orlando Pride Receives Three Ballon d’Or Nominations
Orlando Pride has made history as the first non-European team to receive three Ballon d’Or nominations in a single year, including Women’s Club of the Year and players Marta and Barbra Banda. The Ballon d’Or, presented annually by France Football, honors the very best clubs and players in the world, with winners to be announced at the gala in Paris on September 22. These nominations highlight both the team’s achievements and Orlando’s growing prominence on the global soccer stage. See the full list of nominees here.
2025 AIA Florida Gold Medal
We are pleased to congratulate Nathan Butler, Partner and Office Director at HKS and former DOP Board Chair, on receiving the 2025 AIA Florida Gold Medal. This is the highest honor the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects awards, recognizing a lasting impact on the profession through distinguished service and community engagement. Congratulations to Nathan and all of this year’s nominees and winners! View the full list of honorees here.
OBJ's 2025 Most Influential Leaders
Orlando Business Journal’s Most Influential Leaders Class of 2025 highlights Central Florida professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership across industries from business services to hospitality, technology, and the arts. We’re proud to recognize DOP members Jason and Sue Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group, Kevin Miller of Addition Financial, Jim Adamczyk of Fairwinds Credit Union, and Justin Muchoney of Central Florida Community Arts for their inclusion on this prestigious list. Check out the complete 2025 class of business leaders here.
Validation Institute's Benefits Advisor of the Year
Donovan Pyle of Health Compass Consulting has been named Benefits Advisor of the Year by the Validation Institute, recognizing his innovative work helping employers maximize their healthcare investments. The award highlights his expertise and dedication to improving organizational financial and physical health. He is also set to release his new book, Fixing Healthcare, this November, with a complimentary Executive Summary available online. Congratulations, Donovan! Learn more about the award here.
DTO EVENTS
Ivanhoe Workshop: Integrating AI Into Your Business
Join the Ivanhoe Village Economic Vitality Committee on August 21 for a hands-on workshop with Zach Perlmutter, founder of “Code Meets Bagel” and Business Development Director at GTN. Learn how small businesses can use AI with simple tools and automations to save time, boost profits, and streamline operations. Networking and refreshments start at 5:30 PM, and the workshop kicks off at 6:00 PM. RSVP for free!
Hiring Event at Orlando Health
Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center is hosting a hiring event on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM in the hospital’s Multipurpose Rooms C & D. The event is recruiting for allied health and nursing positions, giving candidates the chance to connect directly with hiring teams. Interested applicants can register here.
15th Annual Orlando Women’s Conference
The Orlando Women’s Conference returns Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Presented by Orange Appeal magazine, the event unites leaders for a day of keynotes, breakout sessions, SHEtalks, and networking. The Downtown Orlando Partnership is a proud sponsor, with President & CEO Jill Vaughan moderating the morning panel, “The Future: Downtown.” Panelists include DOP members Charlotte Ustler, Vice President of Ustler Development, Sherry Gutch, Director of Placemaking at the City of Orlando, Azela Santana, Executive Director of the Orange County Regional History Center, and Dr. Shanta Barton-Stubbs, Executive Director of New Image Youth Center, who will discuss the city’s growth, critical issues, and what lies ahead for the City Beautiful. Don't miss out — secure your tickets today!
Whether you're a business, resident, or visitor to the Central Business District, we want to hear from you!
Your feedback is essential as we evaluate the impacts of the nighttime economy, specifically about safety, events, and policing in this district
What’s working? What’s not? Your insights will help guide future decisions that affect the district.
DOWNTOWN VOICES
Gitto’s Pizza has been serving downtown Orlando since 2013 with hand-tossed classics, cheesy calzones, hearty pastas, and a rotating “Creation of the Day” that keeps locals coming back. This video, part of our Downtown Voices series in collaboration with the Downtown Development Board, takes you inside this Orlando favorite. 
Check it out below!
