Downtown readies for Electric Daisy Carnival's economic impact; Big project in works near SunRail station; Orlando's Most Influential Leaders & more

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

One week after a deadly shooting rocked downtown Orlando — a tragedy that led to a since-lifted curfew and restrictions on alcohol sales after midnight — the city is preparing to welcome one of its signature festivals: Electric Daisy Carnival, or EDC.

Though the electronic dance music festival is held at Tinker Field, adjacent Camping World Stadium, its official after-parties are all downtown — and, as OBJ's Sarah Kinbar details, downtown is also where many of its attendees choose to lodge for the evening, leading to a surge in hotel rates there.

For the full story on how EDC and other events in the urban core this weekend — including a Justin Timberlake concert as well as home games for the Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride — are boosting downtown's hotel sector, click here.

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These are Orlando's 2024 Most Influential Leaders

This week Orlando Business Journal shines a spotlight on professionals in the region who lead by example, put their teams first and, as a result, make lasting impacts.

This feature recognizes Central Florida's top leaders who use their influence to make the region a better business community for all.

For full coverage and profiles of our first class of Most Influential Leaders, click here.

Real estate news of the week

• 2,000 homes, retail in works near Sand Lake SunRail station
• Lake land deal portends new development near Eustis
• Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride's ownership seek to develop at Osceola Heritage Park
• Bacardi heiress' recently sold mansion already back on market
• Winter Park may buy property with Michelin-starred restaurant, coffee shop
• In-demand industrial space planned near Florida Mall

Orlando news bites

Don't miss these other top stories:

• Tupperware to close its headquarters, lay off 145 employees
• Orlando Mayor says this will be key to draw Jacksonville Jaguars games in 2027
• City OKs deal ending massive Deseret Ranch annexation
• Keke's Breakfast Cafe has 'coming out party' at Denny's investor day
• Forvis Mazars acquires Orlando accounting firm MSL
• SECO Energy to build $256 million in Central Florida projects
• Hurricanes add pressure to Tijuana Flats’ bankruptcy progress

Restaurant and retail news & notes

Check out the latest news on popular local places to eat, drink, shop and be entertained:

• Luxury cigar bar, wine shop to fill niche in growing Winter Garden community
• Bakery 1908 expands with flagship restaurant near Disney Springs
• Tropix to bring upscale island vibes to downtown restaurant scene
• 'Beach vibes' restaurant chain to expand in Orlando with 10 locations

• West Coast pizza chain to break into Orlando with 10-store franchise deal
• PJ's Coffee brews first Central Florida shop in Kissimmee
• New ownership aims to preserve Sanford Brewing Co. legacy

Nominate now for the OBJ awards programs!

• 2025 40 Under 40 Awards (deadline: Dec. 5, 2024)
• 2025 Women Who Mean Business (deadline: Dec. 20, 2024)
• 2025 Best Places to Work (deadline: April 4, 2025)

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 Steven Ryzewski, associate managing editor. Questions? Comments? Concerns? News tips? Send them to [email protected] .