Richard Branson backs Brevard space tourism startup; Live Nation venue, 2-way streets headed downtown; United's $300M airport investment & 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.

A Titusville company has secured an unspecified financial investment — as well as some piloting services — from English billionaire Sir Richard Branson. Space Perspectives, a space tourism startup specializing in stratospheric balloon flight, announced the partnership with the Virgin Group co-founder this week.

For more information on why the world-famous entrepreneur is investing in the Brevard County firm — and how his piloting abilities factor in — check out the full story here.

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State of Downtown Orlando: Mayor champions reimagining of key corridors, Live Nation concert venue

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer gave his annual "State of Downtown" address this week and here are three big takeaways:

• The concert venue that will rise as part of downtown's anticipated Westcourt mixed-use district will be operated by live entertainment giant Live Nation
• Church Street is in for a dramatic reimagining that will encourage pedestrian traffic and events
• Some of the central business district's most prominent roads — including Orange Avenue — will transition from one-way streets to having traffic flow in both directions

Orlando news bites

Don't miss these other top stories:

• It has been a busy week for airport news — especially at Orlando International Airport. Airport officials revealed United Airlines' plans for an investment of up to $300 million there , while its board also began outlining a hiring process to replace outgoing CEO Kevin Thibault . Not be left out, it was also announced that Daytona Beach International Airport would see new investment, as well, in the form of a French airplane manufacturer's plans for a 500,000-square-foot facility there.
• Downtown Orlando's Come Out With Pride — the city's largest single-day event — has a new parade route and new sponsor. Here are the details.
• Universal Orlando revealed its opening date for Epic Universe and ticketing info
• Here's what's next for a 160-acre mixed-use sports complex in Ocoee
• Tupperware creditors face off over pension claims
• Legal powerhouse Morgan & Morgan has sued another Florida law firm. Here's why.

Real estate news of the week

• Skyplex, the 500-foot tower/rollercoaster mashup planned for I-Drive, officially isn't happening — and the land assembled for it has hit the market. Here are the details.
• Florida's home insurance premiums soared more than any other state. These local counties paid the most.
• The owner of several prominent downtown properties — including two much-anticipated developments — has been sued by a contractor for alleged nonpayment.
• City of Orlando may back out of a key component of Florida's Live Local Act. Here's why.
• Retail plaza near Universal, Restaurant Row sells
• Shuttered I-Drive attraction eyed for redevelopment

Restaurant and retail news & notes

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

• 40-ounce beef tomahawks and artisanal cocktails highlight new Orlando restaurant
• Lunch Meet: Cecil's Texas Style Bar-B-Q in-and-out service for business lunch
• Popular local sushi spot moves across town, now open
• These dining hotspots coming to Central Florida in 2025
• How Orlando's TGI Fridays restaurants fared in latest round of closures

On the cover: Doing Business in Volusia County

In this week's special Doing Business in Volusia County edition, Orlando Business Journal looks at the activity and discussions occurring on the coast. Stories range from workforce development to new job creation, transportation infrastructure, residential projects and economic development efforts to draw more future investment to the county. Take a look here — and don't forget to check out our digital e-edition .

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] .