Longtime Orlando airport executive Carolyn Fennell to retire

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.

Carolyn Fennell, senior vice president of public affairs and community relations with the Orlando International Airport and a prominent Central Florida businesswoman, plans to retire soon.

Fennell, who has been with the airport since 1980, on Aug. 4 will end her storied career with the region's main air hub.

Before the airport, Fennell had roles with Walt Disney World and ABC News.

Go here for 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

• Sales begin for swanky, secluded new Disney-area community: Most of the property is considered wetlands and classified as a conservation area, so only 15 of the 305 acres can be developed.
• Property for new Outback Steakhouse sells in Seminole County: The restaurant opened in May.
• Local law firm sells its downtown building for big profit: The law office is expected to move out of the building within the next month.

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Orlando news bites

You don't want to miss these other top stories:

• Allegiant Air launches new nonstop flight from Sanford airport: It is one of the primary airlines operating out of the Seminole County airport.
• See Central Florida's odds to land an MLB team: Orlando has stiff competition for a Major League Baseball team. Here are the odds, according to Gambling.com.
• Wells Fargo Bank to lay off more than 100 local workers: It is the third-largest bank in metro Orlando.

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Restaurant news & notes

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

• The Coop by 4 Rivers restaurant in metro Orlando to close: John Rivers first opened the concept in April 2014.
• Fate of Winter Garden Pizza Co. restaurant in limbo after apparent closure: It's noteworthy because it occupies two prime commercial spaces totaling about 4,400 square feet in the heart of downtown Winter Garden.
• See Wine Spectator's top-ranked local eateries to take clients: Its Restaurant Awards represent the world’s only program focused exclusively on restaurant wine service.

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Nominations & Events

Things to put on your busy calendar:

• Time is running out! Nominate now for the 2023 Inno Under 25, which recognizes the top founders, entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders under 25 in Orlando. The deadline is July 21.
• Two weeks left! Nominations being accepted for the 2023 C-Suite Awards, which recognize Central Florida's top CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, CMOs, COOs and others. The deadline is July 27.
• Nominate now for the 2023 Power Players, which honor business leaders and executives helping grow and innovate the way business is done throughout the region. The deadline is Aug. 17.
• Join us for a company picnic-themed luncheon at SeaWorld's Ports of Call to celebrate Central Florida's 2023 Best Places to Work on Aug. 24.
• 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.

• Which of these proposed projects do you think is the priority for TDT funding?
• How often do you do business in Brevard County?
• Will you use Brightline's passenger train service for business travel?

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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].