19 Central Florida Executives Build for Affordable Housing on World Habitat Day
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2026) – Nineteen Central Florida executives swapped meetings for tool belts on Monday, Oct. 5, working throughout the morning to install windows and Tyvek house wrap on two homes at Legacy Square, Habitat's newest community in Sanford. The work readies both homes for the next stage of construction. The effort was part of Executive Build 2026, Habitat’s flagship annual fundraising event held each year on World Habitat Day. Legacy Square will feature 19 energy-efficient,
Orlando Health Completes Acquisition Of Alabama Health System, Welcomes Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital
Orlando, FL (Oct. 1, 2026) – Orlando Health today finalized its acquisition of RMC Health System in Anniston, Alabama, officially welcoming the 375-bed hospital, outpatient facilities and specialty practices to its Baptist Health system as Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital. The transition marks an important milestone in Orlando Health’s efforts to expand high-quality healthcare and strengthen the health system’s presence across Alabama. “This is a significant opportunity to increase access to
The Wildest Halloween Bash In Town Returns To The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Halloween is going wild at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens as Zoo Boo Bash, presented by Orlando Health Children’s, returns this October. The family-favorite Halloween party returns for three weekends of not-so-scary Halloween fun. This year’s event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 17-18, 24-25, and October 31. Last admission is at 4 p.m. ALL-NEW THIS YEAR: Zoo Boo Bash will feature special character meet-and-greets throughout the event. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day,
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage & Culture During September’s Sunset At The Zoo, Presented By Orlando Health
Join us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens as we close out the Sunset at the Zoo season, celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture. Presented by Orlando Health, Sunset at the Zoo reopens the Zoo at 5 p.m., giving guests the opportunity to explore the Zoo after hours while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food and special cultural experiences until the sun goes down. Last admission is at 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a lively celebration of Hispanic heritage, culture, and community
Celebrate Native American & Alaska Native Heritage During August’s Sunset At The Zoo
Join us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for the fourth Sunset at the Zoo of 2026, as we celebrate the traditions, stories and cultures of Native American & Alaska Native communities. Presented by Orlando Health, Sunset at the Zoo reopens the Zoo at 5 p.m., giving guests the opportunity to explore the Zoo after hours while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food and special cultural experiences until the sun goes down. Last admission is at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature food
2026 Celebrating Women in Sports Award Winners Announced
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced the five award winners that will be honored during the 2026 Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon & Auction presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. The 8th annual event will be hosted at UCF’s Addition Financial Arena on Wednesday, September 16 at 11:00am. The luncheon will recognize the honorees across three categories: Damu Cherry-Mitchell of Star Athletics LLC, Pennie Parker of Rollins College Athletics, and Audra Romao
Go Sports Announces Finalists For 2026 Celebrating Women In Sports Awards
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is proud to announce 22 finalists for the Women in Sports Leadership and Rising Star Awards as part of the 8th Annual Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon and Auction presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. “Each year, the Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon and Auction gives us the opportunity to recognize the remarkable women who are shaping the future of sports in Greater Orlando,” said Caesar Lopez, Chairman of the Greater Orlando
Orlando Health Begins Construction on New Freestanding Emergency Room in Orange City
Orlando Health is continuing to expand health and wellness services within Volusia County. Construction has begun on a new freestanding emergency room at 2695 Enterprise Road in Orange City, FL. Orlando Health Emergency Room – Orange City will offer a complete range of emergency diagnostic and treatment capabilities including 10 exam rooms, on-site laboratory services, diagnostic imaging with digital X-ray, CT scanning and ultrasound. The 11,600 square foot facility is expected to be completed in
Orlando Health One Of The First In The Nation To Offer New Prostate Cancer Treatment
Orlando Health is now offering a new option to treat patients who have localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Orlando Health is among one of the first health systems in the nation to use this treatment, following FDA approval of the Vanquish System. The water vapor ablation therapy for prostate cancer is an outpatient procedure that received FDA Breakthrough Device designation and is being performed at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital by Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, a board-certified
Central Florida Zoo Celebrates Black & African American Heritage During July’s Sunset at the Zoo
Music, culture, food and community will come together at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for the third Sunset at the Zoo event of 2026. Join us Friday, July 24, as the Zoo celebrates Black & African American heritage, honoring the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black & African American communities through music, art, storytelling, food and interactive experiences. Presented by Orlando Health, Sunset at the Zoo kicks off at 5 p.m. and allows guests to enjoy the Zoo during
Modern Healthcare Recognizes Three Orlando Health Hospitals as Best Places to Work
Orlando, FL (May 11, 2026) – Orlando Health today announced three of its hospitals have been selected as Modern Healthcare Best Places to Work 2026. Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital and Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute each earned the national distinction which recognizes positive work environments. This marks the sixth consecutive year that at least one Orlando Health hospital has been named among Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work, with Orlando Health
Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital is Seminole County’s First Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence
Orlando, FL (June 26, 2026) Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital has been named the first Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence in Seminole County, reflecting its commitment to improving cardiac arrest survival rates, advancing evidence-based care and fostering strong partnerships with local emergency medical services. To achieve this recognition, a hospital must meet and self-attest to the criteria set by the Florida Resuscitation Committee. The criteria include a strong emphasis on community
Central Florida Zoo Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride During June’s Sunset at the Zoo
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is turning up the color, music and summertime fun during the second Sunset at the Zoo,presented by Orlando Health with additional support from the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center. On Friday, June 26, celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride during an evening of family-friendly fun, diversity, inclusion and community. Guests can explore the Zoo after hours while enjoying live music and entertainment, festive food trucks and treats, local vendors and interactive
OCA Opens Second Campus For Neurodivergent Adults and Youth
Today, more than 300 school kids and adults saw an expansion of services aimed at helping them live full and complete lives.OCA (Opportunity, Community, Ability) opened the doors to its second location, taking over a two-story building in downtown Longwood. The additional location will double the capacity of the non-profit, providing services that are currently difficult to find availability for throughout the region.“OCA has committed to providing high-quality, low-cost programming over the past 17 years,”
Casandra Matej, Maria Triscari To Be Honored As Part Of Greater Orlando Sports Commission’s 2026 Sportys Awards
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced the recipients for the Chairman’s Award of Excellence and the Sports Tourism Alliance Award as part of the 2026 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, which airs on WKMG-TV’s ClickOrlando.com on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. The 2026 Chairman’s Award of Excellence is being presented to Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. The Chairman’s award honors a role model in
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Investing In Futures: Spring Grants Focus On Workforce Education
Through grants in higher education, colleges can develop new pathways to help students or expand services and offerings to best serve the community.During the Spring Term at Seminole State College of Florida, several grants were awarded that focused on program advancement, adult education, student services and preparing Seminole County’s future workforce. The following grants totaled over $6 million that will help Seminole State expand access to higher education and prepare workforce-ready
Orlando Health Announces New Hospital and Medical Office Building in Brevard County
Orlando Health today announced plans for a new state-of the-art hospital and medical office building to be built on a planned 40-acre health and wellness campus in Viera. The project, Orlando Health Viera Hospital, will be located in Borrows West between Lake Andrew Drive and I-95, just south of Viera Boulevard in Brevard County. “This is an exciting day for this region and for Orlando Health as we move forward with plans for this state-of-the-art facility,” said Ohme Entin, president of Orlando
Seminole County Fire Department Honors Lifesaving Actions of a Dentist Who Saved Man After Cardiac Arrest on Pickleball Court
The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) recently honored a local dentist and several firefighters for their lifesaving actions that helped save the life of Sanford resident Jeff Kotkin following a sudden cardiac arrest during a neighborhood pickleball game. The ceremony at Fire Station 34 recognized the “Chain of Survival” that led to Kotkin’s remarkable recovery and featured an emotional reunification between Kotkin, the first responders who treated him and the bystander who immediately stepped in
Orlando Health Behavioral Health Hospital Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting, Expanding Access To Behavioral Healthcare Across Greater Orlando And Central Florida
Orlando Health Behavioral Health Hospital today celebrated its official ribbon-cutting, marking the upcoming opening of the new state-of-the-art, 144-bed behavioral health hospital expanding access to high-quality, compassionate care in the Greater Orlando area and across Central Florida. Located at 1452 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Apopka, Florida, the hospital is a joint venture between Orlando Health and Acadia Healthcare that builds on a shared commitment to meeting the growing behavioral health
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Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital Celebrates Mother’s Day with Birth of 1500th Baby
Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital is celebrating Mother’s Day with another major milestone for the Center for Women and Babies with the 1500th birth since the hospital opened in January of 2025. Baby girl Zoe was born to proud parents Ashley and Ian on May 1, 2026. Zoe came into the world weighing in at 5 pounds and 13 ounces. Ashley, Ian and Zoe are all doing well. The Center for Women and Babies at Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital is part of Orlando Health Women’s Institute. With advanced
Sunset At The Zoo, Presented By Orlando Health, Returns At The Central Florida Zoo This Summer
A favorite Central Florida summer event is back at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for more fun and adventure! Sunset at the Zoo, presented by Orlando Health, returns bringing after-hours adventure, culture and community vibes to your summer nights. The Zoo’s popular event takes place on the fourth Friday of every month from May to September. This beloved summer tradition offers guests of all ages the chance to experience the Zoo after hours, with extra time to explore, enjoy themed
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Unveils List Of 65 Finalists For 2026 Sportys Awards
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has unveiled the list of 65 finalists for the 2026 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. Representing 31 organizations throughout Greater Orlando, the finalists were selected by a voting committee made up of members of the GO Sports board of directors. Since its relaunch in 2020, more than 300 finalists have been recognized by the SPORTYS, highlighting the dedication and talent that drive the
Plug and Play Orlando Announces Second Batch of Its Health Innovation Program
Plug and Play Orlando has announced the selection of eleven startups for its second health accelerator program at the GuideWell Innovation Center in Lake Nona, Orlando, FL. The 12-week program kicks off this month and runs through the first week of June, providing participating companies the opportunity to accelerate growth and bring health innovations to market. The program will conclude at the Plug and Play Health Expo on June 3, 2026, in Lake Nona. “We’re proud to welcome this spring’s cohort of
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OCA to Expand into Longwood with Second Campus
New location designed to help meet the growing needs of neurodivergent adults and youth Orlando, Fla. (April 16, 2026) – For too many people in Central Florida, finding services to help their neurodivergent family members is frustrating, overwhelming and near impossible. Help is on the way! This summer, OCA, one of the region’s top non-profits focused on helping neurodivergent individuals and families of all ages, will be opening a second location. The new facility in Longwood will be able to help more
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Announces Dominique Dawes As Featured Speaker For 2026 Celebrating Women In Sports Luncheon & Auction
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is proud to announce that the 8th Annual Celebrating Women in Sports luncheon and auction presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute will be hosted at Addition Financial Arena on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. In addition to Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute returning as the presenting sponsor, Florida Blue is returning as the sponsor of the fireside chat with featured speaker Dominique Dawes. The 2025 edition of the luncheon sold out
Rescue Outreach Mission Featured on Eyewitness News 9
Over the past three years, Bronx House Pizza has been a tremendous partner of Rescue Outreach Mission. One day every year, the Lake Mary staple gives 100 percent of their proceeds to help those experiencing homelessness. The community steps up with leaders and people from across the county coming to order pizza, gift cards, and much more. This year, Orlando Health Lake Mary utilized its company’s 407 Day campaign to not only buy pizzas, but also served them to our guests as well.Read More.
Orlando Health Hosts Volunteer-Focused ‘407 Day’
Orlando Health hosted its second-annual 407 Day on April 7, 2026, to honor the organization’s roots and put its mission of service into action. Orlando Health, alongside local businesses, community members and sports partners, came together to support and strengthen the communities it serves. As part of the service day, Orlando Health hosted 63 various onsite and offsite volunteer projects benefiting different community partners in the various areas where the health system has a presence. Activities
Orlando Health To Acquire Alabama Health System, Expanding Presence And Patient Care In The State
Orlando Health today announced plans to acquire RMC Health System in Anniston, Alabama, expanding the organization’s presence in the state and creating new opportunities to enhance patient care across the region. RMC is a not-for-profit health system that includes a 375-bed medical center, outpatient facilities and specialty practices serving patients throughout Northeast Alabama. Once the acquisition closes, RMC will become part of the organization’s Alabama Region, which includes Baptist Health. The
Orlando Health Uses Interactive Inflatable Colon to Raise Awareness for Cancer Screenings at Lake Mary Hospital
Orlando Health Uses Interactive Inflatable Colon to Raise Awareness for Cancer Screenings at Lake Mary Hospital Link to photos here Orlando, FL (March 24, 2026) –Patients, visitors and Orlando Health team members are getting an up close and personal look at what can happen if someone gets colon cancer. The Orlando Health Cancer Institute, Orlando Health Colon and Rectal Institute and Orlando Health Digestive Health Institute hosted a Colon Cancer Awareness Month exhibit at Orlando Health Lake Mary
Go Sports Announces Date And Opens Nominations For 2026 Sportys
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 12, 2026) – The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has opened nominations and announced the date for the 2026 SPORTYS awards. With Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute returning as the presenting sponsor, the 2026 SPORTYS: Greater Orlando’s Night of Champions will be streamed on WKMG-TV’s website ClickOrlando.com and News 6+ streaming channel on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. EST. A live watch party and Sports Industry Reception will take place that evening in
Orlando Health Opens New Clinic At Dr. P. Phillips Hospital To Target Pelvic Floor Disorders
The Orlando Health Colon and Rectal Institute and Orlando Health Women’s Institute Center for Urogynecology is now open in one clinic on the campus of Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. Both specialties focus on conditions involving the pelvic floor — the complex network of muscles, nerves, and connective tissue that supports the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. This integrated clinic supports multidisciplinary pelvic health care and is the first of its kind within the Orlando Health
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Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital Celebrates One Year Opening with Touching Reunion
Mothers who delivered at Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital Center for Women and Babies this past year, returned to celebrate the hospital’s one year anniversary on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The moms, along with their families and little ones, posed for photos as they enjoyed the hospital’s one year community celebration in Lake Mary. The public enjoyed a fun-filled day of activities which included free health screenings and a car seat safety station, a photo booth and giveaways. “This event
Want to Increase Your Presence with a New Audience? See What These Chamber Members Are Doing
The J. Douglas Williams YMCA is proud to announce its Second Annual J. Douglas Williams YMCA Golf Classic, taking place Monday, March 23, at Heathrow Country Club. This premier community event brings together local businesses, community leaders, and supporters for a day of golf with a powerful purpose—raising funds to support vital YMCA programs that strengthen our community. Thanks to the generosity of our Chamber partners and local businesses, the YMCA raised more than $80,000 at last year’s tournament
Lake Mary Life is Thrilled to Announce the Return of the Nonprofit Showcase Sponsored by Orlando Health
Lake Mary, Fla. – Orlando Health is once again sponsoring Lake Mary Life’s Nonprofit Showcase for 2026, giving Lake Mary Life Publishing a dedicated space to exclusively highlight the remarkable nonprofit organizations that are serving children, families, and individuals in need across our community. “The Nonprofit Showcase is completely unique in Central Florida, and thanks to Orlando Health’s steadfast support, we’re able to shine valuable light on dozens and dozens of local nonprofit groups every
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2026 Soon Come!
Orlando City SC has announced its 2026 regular-season schedule, presented by Orlando Health. The Lions enter their 12th season in Major League Soccer, hosting 17 of their 34 matches at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions’ 2026 campaign kicks off Saturday, Feb. 21, when Orlando City hosts Red Bull New York at Inter&Co Stadium, continuing the Club’s streak of opening every season in Downtown Orlando since joining MLS in 2015. The home opener, presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute,
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West Seminole Council Launches in February
If you're in the West Seminole/East Apopka area, we're rolling out a new area council to help connect you with other business owners and consumers. If you live or work along Semoran Blvd. from Downtown Apopka to the State Road 434/436 intersection, you understand how connected this region truly can be. After all, more than 20,000 people and 1,600 businesses are located between those two local landmarks. That's why we're starting our eighth area council, the West Seminole Council, to bring
Another Shot at Life: HCA Nurse Grateful to Be Alive After Suffering Cardiac Arrest on Basketball Court
Every Wednesday night, 32-year-old HCA nurse Randy Rahming joins friends for a basketball game at Forest Lake Academy. On June 4, 2025, the game began like any other—until Rahming suddenly collapsed on the court after making a basket and going into cardiac arrest. Fellow players, two who were both medical professionals, immediately sprang into action. Dr. Matthew Daulley, an emergency physician at AdventHealth and Sy Gilmore, began hands-only CPR while Ronaldo Green, a physician assistant at Orlando
The Emerald Awards, A Salute To Black Excellence In Seminole County Announces Winners
The Emerald Awards, A Salute to Black Excellence in Seminole County, presented by Breaking Bread Beyond, Inc., and Radiantly Black Lifestyle Magazine is proud to announce the 2025 Award winners. Held on Saturday, November 1, at The Rink at Northland Church, the event was a grand affair, filled with pomp and circumstance. This past summer, a Call for Nominations was issued to the public, inviting nominations for inspiring and high achieving African Americans who live, work, or serve in Seminole County.
Central Florida Executives Unite on World Habitat Day for Affordable Housing Build
On World Habitat Day, leading Central Florida executives demonstrated their commitment to be part of the solution for affordable housing by joining Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka’s Executive Build 2025 — a flagship fundraising and construction event held on Monday, October 6. The event brought together CEOs and business leaders to help build an affordable home for a deserving local family and raise awareness about the urgent need for affordable housing. View photos from Executive Build
Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital is Official Milk Depot for Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida, Inc.
Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital becomes the first hospital in Seminole County to become a milk drop depot for the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida. Mothers who qualify can donate extra breast milk to help nourish premature and at-risk babies in a safe and controlled milk collection point. Recently, Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital received its first donation of 500 ounces of milk from Nicole Wirth of Sanford. Donated milk greatly reduces the incidence of digestive tract infections and many other
