DOP'S UPCOMING EVENTS
First Friday Coffee | JPMorgan Chase | 9/6/24
Downtown Employee Appreciation Week | Downtown Orlando | 9/9/24 - 9/13/24
State of Downtown | Kia Center | 10/15/24
Golf Scramble | Dubsdread Golf Course | 12/6/24
ConnectDTO 2025 | Downtown Orlando | January - June 2025 | Registration Open Now!
Do you work downtown? Join the Downtown Orlando Partnership for our inaugural Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, presented by the Downtown Development Board. This free come-and-go event will reward downtown Orlando’s dedicated workforce with a fun-filled week of incentives, daily giveaways, live music, employee discounts and much, much more. Complimentary treats and giveaways will be available while supplies last each day, courtesy of DDB and our community partners. So, round up your co-workers for DOP's Downtown Employee Appreciation Week and let us say THANK YOU for being a part of our downtown community!
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
2024 Best Places to Work by OBJ
Today marks Orlando Business Journal's 2024 Best Places to Work luncheon, celebrating the businesses in Central Florida with the best climate, team atmosphere, benefits, and engaged employees. To determine the finalists, OBJ surveyed workers on their workplace's communications and resources, manager effectiveness, team dynamics, individual needs, personal engagement, and trust in leadership. Congratulations to each of the DOP Members and finalists listed below!
- BlueWave Resource Partners
- Fairwinds Credit Union
- Finfrock
- Hanson Construction Inc.
- HKS Architects Inc.
- HuntonBrady Architects
- Orlando Magic
- PCL Construction Services Inc.
- Seacoast Bank
- Visit Orlando
The Best Lawyers in America 2025
Earlier this week, DOP Board Member and Administrative Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, Courtney Keller, was recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. This outstanding recognition showcases the most distinguished attorneys across various practice practice areas in the United States based on a rigorous peer-review process. Click here to learn more and congratulations, Courtney!
Church Street Enhancements
Church Street is in line for some major changes to function as a “festival street” in downtown Orlando, from the SunRail station to Garland Avenue. Part of these changes include the removal of curbs and added landscaping along the 250-foot span that will create a vibrant space for events, drawing more visitors and energizing our local economy. Interstruct has also shared their conceptual design ideas for the potential redevelopment and repositioning of Cheyenne Saloon in order to activate a triangular urban outdoor area on the corner of West Church St and Garland Ave. Read more about these exciting changes HERE!
New Swans Coming to Lake Eola
Last week, City Council approved the purchase of six swans that will make their debut to Lake Eola. According to District 4 Commissioner Patti Sheehan, the purchase will include mated pairs of trumpeter, whooper, and Australian black-necked swans. Sheehan said the new swans are needed after losing some of the Lake Eola population to bird flu and wildlife attacks. We can't wait to welcome in Lake Eola's new swans! Read the full article by The Community Paper to learn more.
DTO EVENTS
Celebrate National Dog Day in DTO!
Did you know National Dog Day is next Monday, August 26? Celebrate the occasion with your furry companion at the many dog-friendly locations in downtown Orlando! Start with a relaxing stroll around Lake Eola Park, where your pup can enjoy the beautiful scenery and open space. Afterward, head over to Pups Pub, a popular spot where dogs are welcome to join you for a beverage and snack. Finish your day with a visit to one of the pet-friendly cafes around the lake for a refreshing treat. It's a tail-wagging good way to celebrate National Dog Day! Visit the Downtown Orlando Pet Life page for even more pup-friendly activities!
Spark the Arts First Thursday Open House
Join United Arts for First Thursday at Spark the Arts Studios on September 5th from 4pm - 7pm! As part of their new partnership with Highwoods Properties, United Arts is committed to turning vacant commercial spaces into thriving artist residencies and galleries. These spaces help local artists flourish and bring workshops and creativity to the heart of our downtown community. Spark the Arts Studios is located at 300 S Orange Ave Ste 150, Orlando, FL 32835 and parking is available in the Bank of America parking garage.
Benefit Concert for the Holocaust Center
Join Opera Orlando for DEFIANT REQUIEM, a benefit concert for the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, on Saturday, September 14th at the Dr. Phillips Center. The work combines the magnificent music of Verdi’s Requiem with video testimony from survivors of the original Terezín chorus and footage from the 1944 Nazi propaganda film about Theresienstadt. All ticket sales will go to the center thanks to sponsorships and underwriting from private donors. Read more and reserve tickets HERE.