DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
DOP President & CEO Featured on Her Bold Blueprint Podcast
Jill Vaughan, President and CEO of the Downtown Orlando Partnership, joined Christi Ashby and Kate Slentz on the Her Bold Blueprint podcast for a conversation on leadership, career reinvention, and community impact. Jill shared her journey from Michigan to Central Florida, offering insights on career transitions, volunteer leadership, and building the professional relationships that shaped her career. Click here to watch the full episode!
Griezmann's Arrival Marks a New Era for Orlando City SC
Antoine Griezmann's move to Orlando City SC stands as one of the biggest signings in club history, bringing a 2018 World Cup champion and Atlético Madrid icon to Inter&Co Stadium. The French star signed as a Designated Player and will wear #7 for the Lions through the 2027-28 season. Fans can witness the start of his next chapter with his home debut on Friday, July 25, against Nashville SC. Get to know the club's new #7 in an exclusive feature on his journey to Orlando, and secure your tickets here.
Orlando Public Library $18M Renovation
The Orange County Library System is moving forward with an $18 million renovation of the Orlando Public Library's first floor, with construction expected to begin this fall and run for two years. The project will relocate the Children's Library to Library Central for expanded programming and interactive features, while adding new meeting rooms, updated lighting, and refreshed entrance doors. DOP member Borrelli + Partners is serving as lead architect on the project. Read more about the upcoming renovation here.
Visit Orlando Launches AI-Powered Trip Planner
Visit Orlando has introduced OPAL (Orlando Planning Assistance by Locals), a new AI-driven trip planning tool that delivers personalized recommendations and custom itineraries. Now live and available 24/7, OPAL is trained by local experts and combines human-curated knowledge with global travel data covering dining, attractions, and entertainment. The planner joins Visit Orlando's existing lineup of one-on-one consultations and insider planning advice. Learn more about the new tool here.
Dr. Phillips Center Wins NEA Grant for a Concert Celebration
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is one of only 33 organizations nationwide selected for a special National Endowment for the Arts grant honoring the country's 250th birthday. The award will support a free fall concert from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band on October 19 in Steinmetz Hall, making it the only Florida program to receive this particular grant. Free ticket information will be available about a month before the event. Learn more about the award here.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Downtown Orlando Check-In to Win is a two-week challenge from the Downtown Orlando Partnership and Downtown Development Board that rewards you for visiting local restaurants, coffee shops, and downtown favorites. Every check-in earns you entries for a chance to win gift cards, downtown experiences, Orlando swag, and more!
HOW IT WORKS:
⭐️ Dine at participating downtown restaurants
☕️ Sip at participating downtown coffee shops
🛍️ Shop at participating downtown stores
📱 Scan the QR code to check in
🎟️ Earn entries with every visit
🗓️ Challenge Runs: July 13–24
Participation is free and open to the public. Click the button below to learn more and register for the challenge!
DTO EVENTS
Fireworks at the Fountain Marks America's 250th
The City of Orlando will host Fireworks at the Fountain at Lake Eola Park on Saturday, July 4, honoring the nation's landmark 250th anniversary. Festivities kick off at 4 PM with live music, a kids' play zone, and local food and beverage vendors. A fireworks display accompanied with a live performance by the Orlando Concert Band will begin at 9:10 PM. Admission is free for all ages. Plan your visit here.
Craft Preserved Moss Art at 4Roots
4Roots Farm Campus will host a Make & Take: Preserved Moss Art workshop on Monday, July 6, from 6 to 7 PM, where creativity and nature come together. Guests will get a step-by-step introduction to botanical design, learning how to arrange preserved moss with natural materials before assembling their own framed piece to take home. Reserve your spot here.
16th Annual Orlando Women's Conference Set for September
Orange Appeal and AdventHealth for Women will present the 16th annual Orlando Women's Conference on Thursday, September 10, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The day-long event will feature 35 speakers and 35 vendors, along with keynote and breakout sessions, special stage performances, breakfast, luncheon, and a reception. Learn more and register here.
DOWNTOWN VOICES
E. Church Street is home to some of downtown Orlando's favorite spots, making it easy to spend an afternoon exploring, shopping, and grabbing a bite to eat, all on the same block. Stop by Bynx Orlando, Earthy Picks, Eola Pets, and The Greenery Creamery to see what makes this stretch a local favorite! Check them out below 👇
