







DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
Beth Hobart Named OBJ Businesswoman of the Year
The Orlando Business Journal has named DOP Trustee, Beth Hobart of Mainframe Real Estate, as its Businesswoman of the Year, recognizing her professional excellence and community impact both inside and outside the real estate market. In 2025 alone, Hobart closed nearly $30 million across 50 transactions with a women-led team, getting most homes under contract in less than 10 days while serving as the primary advisor for every client. Read the full story here.
Visit Orlando's Winter Doesn't Exist Campaign Generates Over 1 Billion Impressions
Visit Orlando launched its Winter Doesn't Exist campaign across U.S. and Canadian markets, targeting cold-weather audiences during peak travel-planning months and generating more than 1 billion impressions, millions of web sessions, and a 45% engagement rate. The integrated campaign spanned outdoor placements, broadcast integrations, social influencers, and live activations including, the annual Orlando Family Fun Day at Bryant Park in New York City. The effort reinforced Orlando's position as a top warm-weather destination during one of the coldest winters on record.
City of Orlando Improving Pedestrian Safety at Mills 50 Crosswalk
The City of Orlando Transportation Department is designing and constructing a new pedestrian crosswalk on Mills Avenue at Canton Street, featuring a center refuge island, curb extensions, ADA ramps, and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons to improve safety and visibility for pedestrians in the Mills 50 Main Street District. The improvements will shorten crossing distances, reduce vehicle conflict points, and support the City's Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Learn more about the project here.
See Something? Say Something With the Clean & Safe App
Every day, the Downtown Ambassadors and Clean Team are on the ground keeping Downtown Orlando safe, polished, and welcoming for the thousands of people who visit, work, and live here. Whether it's pointing you to your next favorite restaurant or keeping every block looking its best, their work makes Downtown a better place for everyone. See something that needs attention? The Clean & Safe app makes it easy to report it.
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DOWNTOWN STAKEHOLDERS
For more than 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida has supported children and families across the region, including a long-standing presence in downtown Orlando. Jamie Merrill, President and CEO, shares how the organization creates safe, supportive spaces where youth can learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships. She also highlights the role the clubs play for families, providing after-school care, meals, and a reliable environment where students can succeed, and why staying closely connected to the downtown community remains central to the mission.


