Dr. Phillips Center sues donor over millions; Bacardi rum heiress sells mansion here; Local biz community reopens after Milton & 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.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts filed a lawsuit against CNL Charitable Foundation in September over an alleged breach of contract regarding payment of more than $3 million.

This week, a spokesperson for Dr. Phillips Center told OBJ it "has not taken the decision to file suit lightly," while a statement from CNL Charitable Foundation on the matter alleges Dr. Phillips Center has demonstrated "a blatant disregard for the rights of a donor."

Here's more on the lawsuit filed in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, as well as the response and affirmative defense filed by the defendant.

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Hurricane Milton: Local biz community moves forward after storm

Hurricane Milton has come and gone, leaving a wake of debris, downed trees, flooding and power outages. Orlando Business Journal has been all over coverage of how the storm is affecting Central Florida's business community — from before the storm up to this moment, as local businesses reopen and regroup:

• Disney lost $547M to hurricanes. Here's the calculation.
• Helene, Milton could thrust Florida's insurance market back into crisis
• Local businesses, governments regroup after storm
• Flying soon following Hurricane Milton? Here's what to know.
• I-Drive hotel guests find calm after storm
• Rosen Hotels to extend discount for storm sufferers

Real estate news of the week

• Bacardi rum heiress sells Disney Golden Oak mansion. Take a look. (PHOTOS)
• See Central Florida's most expensive homes on the market for six months or longer
• Massive industrial facility sells for $55 million
• Law firm buys prominent building near downtown Orlando
• Condo developer's Ch. 11 move stalls project
• Lake Nona apartments near groundbreaking

Orlando news bites

Don't miss these other top stories:

• Global 'dismemberment' of Tupperware possible, say experts
• Flights to these locations, airlines on decline at Orlando International Airport
• Laser Photonics adds jobs, large Lake Mary facility
• Massachusetts tool company to cut jobs, close plant here
• FIFA Club World Cup will bring opportunities for more sports biz here
• Why Orlando Health is spending $1.3 billion on hospital acquisitions
• These Orlando private schools rank among the best in Florida: Report

Restaurant and retail news & notes

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

• See Central Florida's new dining hotspots opening in 2025
• TGI Fridays near Mall at Millenia sued for eviction
• Bath & Body Works to open new location here
• Downtown Orlando's Kia Center welcomes new restaurant
• Wawa tops Buc-ee's, others for convenience storer crown
• The Garden Theatre closes in downtown Winter Garden

On the cover: Apopka 'is the spot'

This week's cover story is all about the development pipeline in the fast-growing Orange County suburb of Apopka. From thousands of housing units to millions of square feet of commercial space, the city has benefitted greatly from its location along Central Florida's toll road beltway.

That and more are available in this week's digital e-edition — so take a look!

LAST CHANCE: Nominate for OBJ's Commercial Real Estate Awards

Now's your chance to celebrate the best in Central Florida real estate for Orlando Business Journal's 2025 Commercial Real Estate Awards. Go here to nominate before the Oct. 18 deadline.

Nominations are welcome from all sources, and companies are eligible for nomination in more than one category. Real estate categories will include five main fields of expertise: industrial, multifamily, land, office and retail.

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].