DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
New Orlando Health Children's Pavilion Opens Downtown
Orlando Health celebrated the opening of their six-story Orlando Health Children's Pavilion, a 189,000-square-foot outpatient facility located adjacent to Orlando Health Children's Arnold Palmer Hospital. The building brings more than 30 pediatric specialties together in one location and was funded entirely through community philanthropy, giving families a single convenient stop for coordinated care. Learn more about the pavilion here.
Travel + Leisure Co. Earns National Growth Recognition
Business Insider has named Travel + Leisure Co. to its inaugural America's High-Growth Companies 2026 list, recognizing top-performing U.S. public companies for sustained growth, financial strength, and long-term stability. More than 3,000 eligible companies were evaluated using 11 financial metrics across performance, profitability, investor value, and stability. Congratulations, Travel + Leisure Co.! Read more about the recognition here.
Orlando Family Stage Unveils Its 101st Season
Orlando Family Stage announced a full 2026–2027 lineup, opening with "Havana Hop" and continuing through favorites including "Pete the Cat's Big Hollywood Adventure" and "Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Mu(Sequel)." The season also includes the Second Florida Children's Book Festival on February 27 and a yet-to-be-revealed world premiere in March, with every production offering a relaxed, audio-described, and ASL-interpreted performance. Learn more about the full season here.
A New Vision Takes Shape at Dr. Phillips Center
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is proposing a major expansion to meet increasing demand. The Master Plan would grow the campus from 9 to 20 venues, allowing the center to welcome 1.5 million guests annually and offer 1,000 free programs each year. New additions include theaters ranging from 180 to 750 seats, creative and education studios, expanded food service, and additional on-site parking. Learn more about the plan here.
DTO EVENTS
Track Shack's 49th Annual Celebration of Running 5K
The 49th annual Celebration of Running 5K takes place Saturday, August 15 at 7:30 AM at Orlando Cultural Park, launching the 2026-2027 Track Shack Running Series, presented by AdventHealth. Runners can choose in-person or virtual participation, with a finisher medal, chip timing, live DJ, and a free Kids' Run rounding out the morning, followed by a post-race party. Register here!
Holocaust Center Launches New Speaker Series with Van Jones
The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida is bringing Van Jones to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, September 5, at 7 PM for the inaugural Hope & Humanity Speaker Series. The conversation will explore democracy, resilience, and civic responsibility in the community. The series aims to bring influential voices to Central Florida to inspire understanding and hope for a more just future. Get your tickets here.
Cheers to Volunteers: Orlando Main Streets Recruitment Happy Hour
Are you interested in getting more involved with your favorite local business district? The 12 Orlando Main Streets districts invite Orlando residents and business owners interested in volunteering to attend the inaugural Cheers to Volunteers: Orlando Main Streets Recruitment Happy Hour on Tuesday, September 15, from 5:30-7:30 PM at The Plaza Live. Whether you’re interested in serving on a committee, participating in neighborhood events or beautification projects, or looking to aid local businesses with your unique talents – there’s an opportunity to volunteer that fits every interest and time commitment. RSVP for the event here.
DOWNTOWN VOICES
Turns out home is where the tacos are! 🌮 Solita Tacos & Margaritas serves Baja-inspired Mexican cuisine with a menu of wood-grilled tacos, fresh house-made salsas, and shareable appetizers. Whether you're grabbing lunch with coworkers, meeting friends after work, or stopping by for weekend brunch, it's an amazing spot to add to your downtown rotation.
