DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
City of Orlando's 150th Anniversary
In 2025, the City of Orlando is celebrating its 150th anniversary. From its humble beginnings as a small frontier town in 1875, Orlando has grown into a vibrant and diverse community. To celebrate its 150th anniversary, the City of Orlando is planning a year-long celebration filled with community events, historical exhibits, and public art installations. Residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including volunteering, supporting local businesses, and exploring the city's rich history. Click here to learn more and see how you can get involved!

OBJ's 2025 Women Who Mean Business
Earlier this week, the Orlando Business Journal announced its list of 25 female leaders recognized as the 2025 Women Who Mean Business, who will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on May 9, 2025. Among the leaders recognized are DOP Board Members Kelly Hyne, Senior Vice President of Brand Alliances at Orlando Pride & Orlando City, and Jamie Merrill, President & CEO at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. DOP member honorees include Kelly Edmondson, Vice President of Nursing & Patient Care Services at Orlando Health, Dorrie Knizatko, Director of Business Performance at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Inc., Traci Smith, Senior Vice President & Director of Treasury and Strategic Partnerships at Cogent Bank, and Laura Walda, Shareholder at Lowndes. Congratulations!

Support Black-Owned Vendors at Discover Downtown 
Discover Downtown is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting the incredible contributions of their black-owned vendors. Stop by and support Black Bee Honey, a youth entrepreneurship program dedicated to providing pure, local honey while promoting bee conservation and New Image Youth Group, which empowers Orlando’s youth through entrepreneurship and community engagement. When you shop at Discover Downtown, you’re not just supporting local businesses—you’re celebrating the diverse stories that shape our city!

Dean Mead Elects Newest Shareholders
Dean Mead is proud to announce Kathleen M. Hugo and James “Jim” A. Timko have been elected as the firm’s newest Shareholders. As a member of the firm’s Real Estate Department, Kathleen’s practice focuses on real estate sales and acquisitions, leasing, and land development. A member of the firm’s Litigation Department, Jim’s practice focuses on bankruptcy and creditor’s rights and commercial litigation. Click the Shareholder's names above to learn more about them and read the full press release here.