Author Archives: Kristin Fortier

Orange County adopts plan to guide development and population growth | OBJ

Orange County Adopts Vision 2050: A New Framework for Growth

On June 3, the Orange County Commission approved Vision 2050 and the accompanying Orange Code. These policy changes will guide where and how Central Florida grows over the coming decades. The plan focuses on preserving suburban neighborhoods and natural lands while directing high-intensity development to key areas such as International Drive, the University of Central Florida, Semoran Boulevard, and Downtown Orlando.

With another 500,000 residents expected by 2050, the county is looking to support growth near job centers and reduce the need for long commutes. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings highlighted the goal of creating more workforce housing in locations that are convenient for both workers and employers. Reducing travel times also helps residents keep more of their income.

Daryl Carter, President of Maury L. Carter & Associates, told the Orlando Business Journal that while the plan is not perfect, it creates an opportunity to move projects forward more efficiently. “One thing that kills developers and visionaries is time,” Carter said. “If there’s a way to make things go faster in certain areas, that will really be beneficial.”

As the region adjusts to this new planning framework, we will be tracking how it opens the door for faster, smarter land development in Central Florida.

Read the full article here: https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2025/06/16/orange-county-code-florida-development.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=BN&utm_content=OR&ana=e_OR_BN&j=40307605&senddate=2025-06-16

Orlando real estate veterans bet on this industrial area | OBJ

Orlando’s SoDo district is drawing major attention from local developers aiming to transform the historically industrial area into a vibrant urban hub. Daryl Carter recently acquired property near Kaley Street for $3 million, while Craig Ustler and Adam Wonus are planning a large mixed-use project nearby with hundreds of residential units and retail space. With proximity to I-4, SunRail, and Orlando Health, SoDo is poised to become one of the city’s next major redevelopment zones.
Read the full article from the Orlando Business Journal here: https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2025/06/16/sodo-industrial-downtown-carter-ustler-wonus-kaley.html