Commissioner blasts mayor's memo on hotel tax spending

Welcome to Orlando Business Journal's weekly LinkedIn newsletter. I'm Managing Editor Susan Lundine, rounding up Orlando business news to keep you in the know when time is short.

Orange County District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe is not pleased with proposals from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on how to spend tourist development tax revenue on key projects.

In an Aug. 21 memo obtained by Orlando Business Journal, Uribe outlined many concerns she has regarding an Aug. 18 memo from Demings that tried to lay out a path on getting projects at the Orange County Convention Center, Camping World Stadium, Amway Center, University of Central Florida and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (DPAC) underway.

She also set her sights on the funding mechanism for Visit Orlando — the region's tourism and marketing bureau.

Click here to see the full story.

And now, on to other big business deals, transactions and activity headlines from the week.

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Real estate news of the week

• Aldi, Winn-Dixie deal: What local footprints tell us about what's next: See how the number and locations of each of the two grocery chains compare in the region.
• Here's what's next for this $1B eastside agrihood project: Momentum for the long-planned, transformative project is ramping back up.
• See inside Winter Park mansion with 'dopamine decor': A local philanthropist has listed the eclectic home, which she self-curated, for sale.

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Orlando news bites

Don't miss these other top stories:

• Sanford airport sues Orlando International air hub: The legal dispute stems off a trademark decision that occurred earlier this year.
• Massive project with homes, hotel, more eyed at prominent office park: See why a growing number of developers want to build mixed-use developments in traditional office parks.
• What's next for Brevard Brightline train station: Local transportation planning leaders have started a study on a potential site in one city.

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Restaurant news & notes

Check out the latest news on popular local places to eat:

• Rise Southern Biscuits opens area restaurant, plans more: The latest Orlando location was announced days after the eatery debuted in Winter Park.
• First Watch opens new Central Florida restaurant: The new 4,255-square-foot location includes an outside dining patio, indoor/outdoor bar and can seat more than 250 people.
• Restaurant chain's CEO dishes on Central Florida expansion: Each new location for the Tampa-based company creates about 25 jobs.

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Nominations & Events

Things to put on your busy calendar:

• Nominate now for the 2023 Veterans of Influence, which?recognizes military veterans who have made a significant achievement in their careers in the past year, have a strong record of innovation or outstanding performance in their work, and are involved in our community. The deadline is Oct. 6.

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Finally ... make your voice heard!

These?OBJ?polls are live. Let us know what you're thinking.

• Will you use Brightline's passenger train service for business travel?
• Should Florida legalize recreational marijuana?

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Closing Note

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That's all for this week's top headlines, and thanks for supporting?OBJ.

This weekly round-up of Orlando business news was compiled by Susan Lundine, managing editor. Questions? Comments? Concerns? News tips? Send them to [email protected].