DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
2024 SPORTYS Winners Announced!
Last night, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission hosted the 2024 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando's Night of Champions, presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, revealing 12 category winners from a field of 68 finalists. The 2024 SPORTYS honored sports business professionals whose contributions and impact have been vital in making Greater Orlando one of the country’s premier sports destinations. Congratulations to the following DOP Members for being recognized:

• Sam Gardner, Florida Citrus Sports – Best in Media, Communications & PR
• Julie Baca, Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride and Inter&Co Stadium – Best in Venue Operations
• Kelly Hyne, Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride – Best in Corporate Partnerships
• Giovanni Duarte, Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride – Best in Sales
• Brodrick Johnson, UCF Athletics – Best in Social Responsibility
• Aurusa Moosani, Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride – Best in Business Operations
• Steve Hogan, Florida Citrus Sports – Executive of the Year
• Chairman’s Award of Excellence – Pat Williams, Orlando Magic

Meet the History Center's New Executive Director Azela Santana
Join the Orange County Regional History Center and the Historical Society of Central Florida in welcoming both organizations' new Executive Director, Azela Santana, on Friday, December 13th, from 4-6pm. Speakers will include Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, Historical Society President, Kristoper Kest, and Director for Orange County’s Community and Family Services Department, Venerria L. Thomas. RSVP before Monday, December 9, 2024.

Dr. Phillips Center to Host Florida's First Cirque Mechanics Winter Wonder Shoppe
Earlier today, Dr. Phillips Center officially kicked off the season with a special media preview of Cirque Mechanics: Winter Wonder Shoppe with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Chief of Staff to Mayor Jerry Demings, Roseann Harrington, and Dr. Phillips Center President & CEO Kathy Ramsberger. Cirque Mechanics Winter Wonder Shoppe, a holiday-themed performance will make its debut on December 12th and feature acrobatics, contortionists, unicyclists, and trampoline wall performers. See photos from this morning's media event HERE!

Holiday Toy Drive Drop Off at Grand Bohemian Hotel
The Grand Bohemian is partnering with the Athlete Connections Foundation for the 2024 Holiday Toy Drive, benefitting the youth of Commissioner Bakari Burns, City of Orlando District 6. Now through Saturday, December 14th, donations can be made in person at Grand Bohemian Hotel or online at bit.ly/acfwishlist. The hotel will also be hosting a Toy Drive Cocktail Party on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 6-9pm. Tickets are $20 per person with the donation of a $20 gift. RSVP here!