Orlando’s Southeast Community and Government Center to bring city services closer to fast-growing neighborhoods
Read full article: Orlando’s Southeast Community and Government Center to bring city services closer to fast-growing neighborhoodsWhen completed, the approximately 15,000-square-foot center will serve as a multi-functional hub, designed to meet a wide range of community needs.
This Central Florida city is growing faster than anywhere else in the nation
Read full article: This Central Florida city is growing faster than anywhere else in the nationA recent report has revealed the fastest-growing cities in the United States — and it turns out the top pick is right here in Central Florida.
Former Kissimmee Kmart, Big Lots could become homes, shops under new plan city is considering
Read full article: Former Kissimmee Kmart, Big Lots could become homes, shops under new plan city is consideringKissimmee is ready to revamp what was once a thriving shopping center. On Tuesday night, city staff will present the commission with a proposal to redevelop the old Kmart and Big Lots site on West Vine Street.
In booming Horizon West, fire department makes plans to keep pace with growth
Read full article: In booming Horizon West, fire department makes plans to keep pace with growthOrange County’s government website notes Horizon West is the fastest-growing community in unincorporated Orange County. To keep up with the demand, Kimberly Buffkin, Division Chief for Orange County Fire Rescue, said first responders are stepping up.
Seminole County projects hope to ease Oviedo’s traffic growing pains
Read full article: Seminole County projects hope to ease Oviedo’s traffic growing painsAccording to the county, it’s likely construction on the final phase of the C.R. 419 project won’t begin for a while. It could take up to two years for the design, approvals, and bidding process alone.
Ocoee challenges Florida decision to reject city’s growth plan over new law
Read full article: Ocoee challenges Florida decision to reject city’s growth plan over new lawOcoee is challenging a decision by the Florida Department of Commerce to reject the city’s revised comprehensive plan because of a controversial new state law that limits how local governments deal with growth.
DeLand considers tiny house communities for affordable, minimal living
Read full article: DeLand considers tiny house communities for affordable, minimal livingDeLand is considering allowing tiny-house communities as a way to bring more housing options — and affordable housing options at that — to the city.
How do you solve a problem like Osceola County’s traffic congestion? Meeting to discuss solutions
Read full article: How do you solve a problem like Osceola County’s traffic congestion? Meeting to discuss solutionsThe Central Florida Expressway Authority will meet today to discuss how to manage this rapid growth. On the agenda is a review of Osceola County’s population, which has exceeded projections, and an evaluation of infrastructure needs to alleviate traffic.
Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando acquires 2 nearby properties for future development
Read full article: Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando acquires 2 nearby properties for future developmentDr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando has acquired two nearby properties that it says will help “meet growing demand” and “create new opportunities.”
These 5 Florida ‘boomtowns’ are growing faster than nearly anywhere else
Read full article: These 5 Florida ‘boomtowns’ are growing faster than nearly anywhere elseA LendingTree study published this week has revealed the fastest-growing metros in the U.S. — and it turns out that five of them are in Florida.
Deltona fire chief wants agency upgrades to cut down emergency response times. Here’s what it will cost
Read full article: Deltona fire chief wants agency upgrades to cut down emergency response times. Here’s what it will costDeltona fire officials want to cut fire emergency response times, but say that could take tens of millions of dollars in upgrades. The city is looking to renovate existing fire stations and build several new ones to keep up with rapid population growth.
Florida is the fastest-growing state over the last 4 years, Census says. What should people know about moving here?
Read full article: Florida is the fastest-growing state over the last 4 years, Census says. What should people know about moving here?Florida’s population has grown faster than any other state since 2020. What do you wish people to know before they move to Florida? If you are a recent transplant, what do you wish you knew?
Costco plan for Sanford’s mall has businesses lining up, officials say. Here’s when demolition begins
Read full article: Costco plan for Sanford’s mall has businesses lining up, officials say. Here’s when demolition beginsMost properties like the Seminole Towne Center sit empty — retail relics taking up prime pieces of real estate. For Sanford, the answer may be plans for a new Costco location, but city officials say that’s just the beginning for the old mall site.
Experience Kissimmee aims to boost visitors through ‘gastro tourism,’ value-focused vacations
Read full article: Experience Kissimmee aims to boost visitors through ‘gastro tourism,’ value-focused vacationsKissimmee leaders are working to attract more visitors to the city through new initiatives and research-driven marketing strategies.
This Central Florida city is the fastest-growing place in the nation. Here’s why
Read full article: This Central Florida city is the fastest-growing place in the nation. Here’s whyA recent report has revealed the fastest-growing cities in the United States — and it turns out the top pick is right here in Central Florida.
‘The math doesn’t work:’ Seminole County revises plan for indoor sports venue
Read full article: ‘The math doesn’t work:’ Seminole County revises plan for indoor sports venueAn indoor sports facility could double the number of visitors and revenue Seminole County brings in each year, but commissioners say they may have to scale back their current vision for a state-of-the-art field house and parking deck.
I-4 construction continues near theme parks, promising efficiency but causing delays for drivers
Read full article: I-4 construction continues near theme parks, promising efficiency but causing delays for driversI-4 Beyond the Ultimate aims to enhance the gateway to some of Central Florida’s biggest attractions, making it larger and more efficient.
Osceola County breaks ground on $47 million Reedy Creek Elementary rebuild
Read full article: Osceola County breaks ground on $47 million Reedy Creek Elementary rebuildOsceola County officials broke ground on a $47 million comprehensive rebuild of Reedy Creek Elementary School, a project aimed at expanding the school’s capacity and providing modern learning spaces for students.
From groves to gridlock: Clermont’s population boom comes with growing pains
Read full article: From groves to gridlock: Clermont’s population boom comes with growing painsOnce renowned for its sprawling orange groves, Clermont has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. While the citrus trees have largely vanished, something else is flourishing — the city's population.
Volusia school district accuses DeBary officials of ‘self-serving financial greed’ in latest school site fight response
Read full article: Volusia school district accuses DeBary officials of ‘self-serving financial greed’ in latest school site fight responseVolusia County Public Schools says it will pursue “all available legal remedies” to get a school developed on a piece of land in DeBary, despite threats of legal action from the city.
Florida Senate rejects bill with measure to bypass voter-approved rural boundary rules
Read full article: Florida Senate rejects bill with measure to bypass voter-approved rural boundary rulesA bill containing language that would have allowed property developers to get around county rural boundary requirements failed in the Florida Senate on Thursday. The Senate rejected SB 1080 on a vote of 18 to 19. Nine Republicans joined the 10 Senate Democrats in defeating the bill.
This group tells Florida cities how much growth they need to account for
Read full article: This group tells Florida cities how much growth they need to account forThe Bureau of Economic Business and Research is contracted by the state to tell cities and counties how much growth they need to accommodate in the coming years.
Volusia County approves $4.6M motocross facility proposal near gun club
Read full article: Volusia County approves $4.6M motocross facility proposal near gun clubA controversial proposal to build a new motocross facility in rural Volusia County is set to go before the county council, with a final vote expected after a public hearing.
Frustrated by congestion? Seminole County seeks public input amid plans for future growth
Read full article: Frustrated by congestion? Seminole County seeks public input amid plans for future growthSeminole County has hosted a series of public meetings on growth this week, including one tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oviedo Mall’s community room.
‘Game-changing’ affordable housing community under construction near Epic Universe
Read full article: ‘Game-changing’ affordable housing community under construction near Epic UniverseAs Universal Orlando approaches the grand opening of Epic Universe, a first-of-its-kind affordable housing community is taking shape nearby.
New emergency departments could come to Brevard County amid Rockledge hospital closure
Read full article: New emergency departments could come to Brevard County amid Rockledge hospital closureResponding in large part to the impending closure of Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital, Health First says it’s fast-tracking efforts to build two new freestanding emergency departments in Brevard County.
Stuck in traffic in Marion County? These projects could ease growing pains
Read full article: Stuck in traffic in Marion County? These projects could ease growing painsThe Florida Department of Transportation says a project that will add and extend turn lanes at the I-75 and Highway 484 interchange in the Marion Oaks area is on schedule to be completed by late fall of this year. But there are dozens of other projects in the area.
Orlando becomes fastest-growing large region. Here’s how much it’s grown
Read full article: Orlando becomes fastest-growing large region. Here’s how much it’s grownIt’s widely known that people are increasingly calling Florida home, and according to new data, the Orlando area is a popular choice to plant roots.
Florida Senate bill bans, rolls back voter-approved rural boundary measures
Read full article: Florida Senate bill bans, rolls back voter-approved rural boundary measuresMeasures approved by voters in 2024 to tighten development in rural areas of two Central Florida counties would be banned under a bill currently in the Florida Senate. State Sen. Stan McClain, R-Ocala, is sponsoring SB 1118, which proposes changes to land use and development regulations.
Development planned in Orange County near Florida Everglades headwaters, stokes flooding fears
Read full article: Development planned in Orange County near Florida Everglades headwaters, stokes flooding fearsA proposed housing development on Florida wetlands in Orange Count has sparked concern among nearby residents about potential impacts on wildlife and flooding.
Palm Coast to build new affordable housing under ‘Live Local Act.’ Here’s where
Read full article: Palm Coast to build new affordable housing under ‘Live Local Act.’ Here’s whereA new age-restricted residential community being built in Palm Coast under the "Live Local Act" will bring more affordable housing, according to a news release from the city.
Lake County’s Long & Scott Farms prepares to relocate, but county leaders hope to find a compromise
Read full article: Lake County’s Long & Scott Farms prepares to relocate, but county leaders hope to find a compromiseLong & Scott Farms, a well-known Lake County staple for more than 60 years, is preparing to relocate as its 700-acre property is under contract for development. Lake County leaders are expected to discuss it Tuesday morning.
‘The industry is in a crisis:’ Construction worker shortage delaying projects, driving up costs, experts say
Read full article: ‘The industry is in a crisis:’ Construction worker shortage delaying projects, driving up costs, experts sayThe Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a national trade association representing thousands of construction workers, predicts the industry needs 439,000 additional workers in 2025 alone. For every three people retiring in the industry, just one is being hired.
Sunshine Corridor: Orlando votes on funding to expand SunRail to Orlando International Airport
Read full article: Sunshine Corridor: Orlando votes on funding to expand SunRail to Orlando International AirportThe City of Orlando is casting a crucial vote Monday to help fund a $6 million study for the expansion of SunRail.
More lanes coming to I-4 in Polk, Osceola counties to help reduce congestion. Here’s the timing
Read full article: More lanes coming to I-4 in Polk, Osceola counties to help reduce congestion. Here’s the timingConstruction work will ramp up along Interstate 4 in Polk and Osceola counties to add more lanes and reduce congestion, according to a press release from the Florida Department of Transportation.
Despite slumping sales, prices in Orlando housing market reach all-time highs
Read full article: Despite slumping sales, prices in Orlando housing market reach all-time highsThe median home price in 2024 was $385,000, an all-time high and a 3.9% increase year-over-year. Total sales, though, fell 7.1% compared to 2023, based on data the association pulls from Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties.
What a new high school means for a growing Osceola County school district
Read full article: What a new high school means for a growing Osceola County school districtWith a population boom happening in St. Cloud, the Osceola County School District is looking forward to a new high school that will serve thousands of students
AdventHealth’s strategic response to Central Florida’s growing needs
Read full article: AdventHealth’s strategic response to Central Florida’s growing needsAs Central Florida’s population continues to rise, AdventHealth said it is building for the future to meet the growing healthcare demands of the region.
Orange County considers development moratorium amid flooding concerns
Read full article: Orange County considers development moratorium amid flooding concernsCounty leaders say unchecked construction has contributed to rising water levels and dangerous conditions during storms, leaving residents vulnerable and roadways impassable.
Food hall, condos, more: $50 million mixed-use development to be built in Cape Canaveral
Read full article: Food hall, condos, more: $50 million mixed-use development to be built in Cape CanaveralThe project, Waves District, is a $50 million mixed-use development space that will be built in four phases, according to a press release.

Universal’s ‘epic’ plans to bring affordable housing to the tourist district
Read full article: Universal’s ‘epic’ plans to bring affordable housing to the tourist districtAs Universal Orlando approaches the opening of its largest theme park ever built, a groundbreaking project nearby is set to address the critical need of affordable housing for service and hospitality workers.
Epic Universe development boom: Check out what’s being built near Central Florida’s newest theme park
Read full article: Epic Universe development boom: Check out what’s being built near Central Florida’s newest theme parkIt's been more than 10 years since a new major theme park opened in the Orlando area. Here's what's cooking as Universal nears the grand opening of Epic Universe.
Annexing Veranda Bay would double Flagler Beach’s population. Why residents are worried
Read full article: Annexing Veranda Bay would double Flagler Beach’s population. Why residents are worriedThe developer is asking the city to annex the land where the Veranda Bay development would be built. The developer has already cleared land for housing and commercial space on the East side of John Anderson Highway but is now looking to add more homes on about 900 acres on the West side of John Anderson.
‘It’s changed a lot:’ How a Pine Hills affordable housing complex helped part of the community
Read full article: ‘It’s changed a lot:’ How a Pine Hills affordable housing complex helped part of the communityAlong Silver Star Road in the heart of Pine Hills is where you'll find Hawthorne Park — a 120-unit affordable housing development exclusively for seniors.
Orlando Fashion Square Mall is up for sale. Residents hope it will finally lead to a new chapter
Read full article: Orlando Fashion Square Mall is up for sale. Residents hope it will finally lead to a new chapterA Dallas-based real estate brokerage is helping to sell Orlando Fashion Square Mall, long the subject of redevelopment plans that never came to fruition.
Volusia County Council chair wants to ban new development to slow flooding
Read full article: Volusia County Council chair wants to ban new development to slow floodingResidents in Volusia County suffered serious flooding problems due to Hurricane Milton, but some have grappled with worsening flooding issues in recent years. Some say it is due to overdevelopment.
Orlando delays vote to annex 52,000-acre Deseret Ranch land
Read full article: Orlando delays vote to annex 52,000-acre Deseret Ranch landThe city of Orlando is delaying a decision on whether to annex a piece of east Orange County property until just before the November election, when county voters could approve two charter amendments that will make annexation harder.
‘Leesburg’s time in the crosshairs:’ How The Villages is driving population growth nearby
Read full article: ‘Leesburg’s time in the crosshairs:’ How The Villages is driving population growth nearbyNestled in the heart of Lake County, Leesburg is experiencing a significant surge in both population and development.
Activists fight annexation request from Mormon Church that could expand Orlando
Read full article: Activists fight annexation request from Mormon Church that could expand OrlandoOrlando City Council is deciding on whether or not to grant an annexation request that has many community members and activists upset.
St. Cloud needs new fire, public safety facilities. The question is, how to pay for it
Read full article: St. Cloud needs new fire, public safety facilities. The question is, how to pay for itSt. Cloud city leaders are considering borrowing $90 million to build new a fire headquarters, three new fire stations, as well as a public safety complex.
Commissioners to vote on developing former Titusville golf course into housing
Read full article: Commissioners to vote on developing former Titusville golf course into housingBrevard County commissioners will vote Thursday on a controversial plan to develop a former golf course into a site for hundreds of homes.
Brevard commissioners to vote on controversial plan to develop former golf course into new housing
Read full article: Brevard commissioners to vote on controversial plan to develop former golf course into new housingBrevard County commissioners are voting on a controversial plan to develop a former golf course into a site for hundreds of homes.
Developers sue to block Orange County rural boundary ordinances from November ballot
Read full article: Developers sue to block Orange County rural boundary ordinances from November ballotThe developers behind a controversial proposal to build nearly 1,800 homes near Lake Pickett have sued to block Orange County from letting voters decide whether it should be more difficult to get such projects approved in rural areas.
A mysterious bank vault sits abandoned on this Seminole County road. Here’s why
Read full article: A mysterious bank vault sits abandoned on this Seminole County road. Here’s whyThose who drive deep into Geneva will find a curious sight along the roadway: a decrepit bank vault sitting in a small field of grass.
DeLand SunRail station holds grand opening celebration
Read full article: DeLand SunRail station holds grand opening celebrationA grand opening celebration is planned at the new SunRail station in DeLand just days before service is set to begin, connecting the quaint city to points south, all the way to Poinciana.
Emergency response times fail to keep up with growth in Palm Bay. Here’s how long it’s taking
Read full article: Emergency response times fail to keep up with growth in Palm Bay. Here’s how long it’s takingLonger response times in Palm Bay has the city looking to expand its police and fire, but the city says it doesn't want taxpayers to pay for it.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Here are the new schools opening in Central Florida
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Here are the new schools opening in Central FloridaCentral Florida students will be heading back to the classroom in just a couple of weeks. Some of those students will be walking the halls of brand new campuses.
Orange County nears finalization of Vision 2050 growth plan. How you can still chime in
Read full article: Orange County nears finalization of Vision 2050 growth plan. How you can still chime inOrange County is holding a webinar to explain the progress that’s been made on the updated Vision 2050 plan that will guide growth in the county over the next few decades.
‘Going to be significant:’ New fire station will boost response times in this booming Florida city
Read full article: ‘Going to be significant:’ New fire station will boost response times in this booming Florida cityA new fire station is poised to significantly boost emergency response times for people who live in one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida.
With Riverwalk plans delayed, Port Orange eyes temporary entertainment spot
Read full article: With Riverwalk plans delayed, Port Orange eyes temporary entertainment spotPlans are delayed for a huge riverwalk complex to be built in Port Orange but the mayor told News 6 the city is working on a back-up plan to get entertainment to the area sooner.
Your Florida Daily: Who was Orlando’s longest serving mayor before Buddy Dyer?
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Who was Orlando’s longest serving mayor before Buddy Dyer?Podcast host Katrina Scales hits the road to learn about the eccentric World War II veteran who led the city through the opening of Disney.
‘Our business has dropped 50%:’ Downtown Orlando restaurants struggling amid drop in foot traffic
Read full article: ‘Our business has dropped 50%:’ Downtown Orlando restaurants struggling amid drop in foot trafficAs WKMG Hits the Road to downtown Orlando this week, some business owners told us they're hoping others will do the same.
Florida ‘Hometown Heroes’ program opens door to homeownership. Here’s how it works
Read full article: Florida ‘Hometown Heroes’ program opens door to homeownership. Here’s how it worksIf you've been dreaming of buying a home, but can't swing the down payment, there's a program in Florida that's here to help.
Apopka’s $1.2 billion mixed-use development ahead of schedule
Read full article: Apopka’s $1.2 billion mixed-use development ahead of scheduleWyld Oaks, a massive mixed-use development that's taking shape off State Road 429, will bring a mix of housing, shopping, dining, entertainment, and hotels to Apopka's booming Kelly Park corridor.
Mount Dora leaders vote to move ahead with Wolf Branch Innovation District
Read full article: Mount Dora leaders vote to move ahead with Wolf Branch Innovation DistrictMount Dora leaders have voted to move forward with a plan to place a controversial “employment center district” along State Road 46 with hundreds of apartments and acres of office, commercial and warehouse space.
Number of houses up for sale in Orlando increases, but market stays hot, report shows
Read full article: Number of houses up for sale in Orlando increases, but market stays hot, report showsThe inventory of homes up for sale in the Metro Orlando area rose again in May, and the median home price dropped slightly, according to the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association.
