By Jim Carchidi
December 29, 2025
The past 12 months were filled with announcements, grand openings, and the start of transformative projects throughout Central Florida. Orlando generated its share of newsworthy moments and The Orlando Real helped spread the word about a number of them. As we look back on a year of change, we’re re-sharing five of our stories that showcased the city's growth and potential.
Redeveloping the Sentinel site
The Orlando Sentinel property has been vacant since 2020. Plans for its future use were revealed in December. Photo by Jim Carchidi
Five years of speculation over the former Orlando Sentinel site were put to rest on December 2 when Mayor Buddy Dyer announced a $2 billion investment by property owner, Midtown Development, in partnership with international architecture firm, Heatherwick Studio. The goal is to transform the 20-plus-acre site into a vibrant neighborhood that will attract thousands of new residents and dozens of new businesses with unique architecture and a prime location. Details are in the early stages, but are expected to mirror the community-focused developments that both project partners are known for.
GOAA long-term strategy
A series of capital improvements with timelines between five and 10 years were approved at the October GOAA meeting. Image courtesy of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board in October approved plans aimed at growing revenue and upgrading experiences at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). Completion dates range between five and 10 years but some initiatives have already begun, such as upgrading passenger connections from Terminals A and B to Gates 70-129, and the addition of a state-of-the-art Fixed Base Operator terminal and expanded hangar facilities at MCO. Future additions include a 30% increase in revenue generated by commercial activities not directly related to flights, a goal of activating 60% of the vacant State Road 50 properties neighboring ORL by 2035, and the addition of 8,000 public parking spaces at MCO North and South terminals by 2030.
Multimodal O-Line
City council in September approved the development of the O-Line plan for the SunRail corridor into SoDO. Image courtesy of City of Orlando
Orlando city council is moving forward with a plan to improve pedestrian safety and boost economic development along the SunRail corridor between Church and Michigan streets. The “O-Line” concept was first proposed in 2020 as a linear park with greenspace, public art, and new storefronts. Phase 1 will be a multimodal trail on the west side of the train tracks along South Hughey Avenue between Gore and Columbia streets. A $569,000 contract with VHB, Inc. for project engineering was approved at the September 8 city council meeting. Phase 1 designs and construction cost estimates are in development.
Epic debut
The opening of Universal Epic Universe was Orlando's first theme park debut in 25 years. Image courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
The May 22 opening of Universal Epic Universe was a major milestone for local tourism that is still making waves with rumors of an expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic area. The state-of-the-art technology and immersion of its five worlds have been a hit with guests and the industry, winning four Thea awards for outstanding achievement. The park also created 17,500 permanent jobs, and economists predict the park will generate $2 billion in economic impact in its first year with $386 million in state and local taxes, $120 million in property taxes, and $500 million in sales taxes. The Orlando Real presented an overview of the park before its opening. On opening day, we presented a comparison to Universal’s first Orlando theme park opening, 30 years earlier.
Camping World Stadium redesign reveal
Designs were approved for the $400 million Camping World Stadium renovation, which will begin in early 2026 with completion expected in time to host the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2027 season. Image courtesy of City of Orlando
The planned $400 million Camping World Stadium renovation made progress in 2025 with the July reveal of final designs. The additions include expanded seating, a modern exterior, elevated fan experiences, structural improvements, and a retractable concert stage. The upgrades will enable the venue to attract major sports and entertainment events, including hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars 2027 season while their stadium undergoes its own renovation. Central Florida Expressway Authority is also partnering with the city to accommodate additional traffic to and from the stadium with improvements to State Road 408 exit ramps at Tampa Avenue, Orange Blossom Trail, and I4. The project also includes street resurfacing and infrastructure improvements to Rio Grande and Tampa avenues.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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