The Business Backdrop

Disney partners with Adobe for AI; Brightline faces ongoing hurdles

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

This week's Business Backdrop takes a look at a new partnership by Disney and Adobe, as well as the latest chapter for high-speed rail operator Brightline.

Technology advances continue to give companies the edge on business, and the region's largest employer, Walt Disney World, entered a partnership to utilize artificial intelligence more. Computer software giant Adobe announced June 16 it would be collaborating with Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development to provide its Firefly Foundry AI services to the company’s theme park design and visualization pipeline. The collaboration is expected to help further improve the theme park's think-tank processes.

Meanwhile, Miami-based Brightline, the high-speed rail system connecting Miami to Orlando, is facing uncertainty, despite a growth in ridership. Faced with a debt issue, the rail operator is considering the bankruptcy protection process to find viable alternative paths to better stability.

To speak more on each subject, Dow Jones News Reporter Kendal Asbury and Senior Staff Writer and Transportation Reporter Ryan Lynch join the Business Backdrop to share the latest on each trend and what it means for each business.

Read the stories behind this episode:

A peek at what's ahead for Port Canaveral

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray joins the Business Backdrop to discuss the state of Central Florida's sea hub. New projects are underway that may be the catalyst for the next big cruise ships sailing the seas. Also, the burgeoning commercial space sector primes more areas of opportunity for the port, as well as other tertiary improvements. Find out what's the latest for Port Canaveral.

Read the stories about this episode:

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/06/06/port-canaveral-cruise-terminal-10-upgrades-ship…

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/05/22/carnival-glory-port-canaveral-upgrades-casino-c…

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/03/25/port-canaveral-turns-down-natural-gas-plant-dea…

New Glenn explosion raises questions about Blue Origin's timeline

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

This week’s Business Backdrop explores a week of ups and downs for one of the region's big commercial space operators: Blue Origin.

In just a few weeks, Blue Origin went from announcing a $600 million capital investment and securing a $188 million NASA contract to making headlines after its New Glenn rocket exploded May 28.

The company remains optimistic it can launch another rocket into orbit by year’s end, though experts have raised questions.

Orlando Business Journal Space Reporter Riley Benson join Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao on The Business Backdrop to discuss more on what she has heard in the days following the New Glenn explosion, as well as how the other activity plays into the future of Central Florida.

Curious about the stories behind The Business Backdrop? Click the links below to catch up.

What's next for Orlando's luxury hotel and travel scene?

Fri, 22 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Tourism Reporter Patricia Tolley joins the Business Backdrop to talk about the fancier side of travel in Orlando. How has the region's hotel scene changed when it comes to luxury travel? Also, Rob DelliBovi, owner & CEO of RDB Hospitality Group shares insight on the changes in the luxury hospitality market, and the indicators that show a boom in the works.

Curious about the stories behind The Business Backdrop? Click the links below to catch up.

What's happening in Winter Garden's historic downtown?

Fri, 08 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

The Business Backdrop dives into one of the hottest topics on Central Florida's west side — Winter Garden's downtown change. The historic downtown has seen a rapid change in real estate ownership that has business owners and residents curious of what comes next. Commercial Real Estate Reporter JC Carnahan joins the show to share more on his findings about Winter Garden's transformation.

Read the stories here:

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/04/21/winter-garden-retail-strategies-plant-street-cr…

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/04/16/downtown-winter-garden-plant-street-bistro-sell…

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/04/02/exchange-winter-garden-plant-street-foundry-ant…

Is this downtown Orlando's future identity?

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

We are sticking in downtown Orlando for this episode of the Business backdrop. Orlando Business Journal Managing Editor Steven Ryzewski has an engaging conversation with First Capital Property Group's Jeré Matheny on activity in the central business district. What are some of the changes? Who's moving in and out of the downtown? Also, what does this spell for the overall region?

From the gridiron to the Moon: Central Florida’s next growth opportunities

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

n this episode of the Business Backdrop, we hit the sports and space sectors of Central Florida. The region is set to welcome another sports franchise in 2027 with the Jacksonville Jaguars coming to town. Also, the Artemis mission from the Space Coast opens a new frontier of opportunities for the region. Staff Writers Riley Benson and J.C. Carnahan join to share their insight.

Want to read the stories? Here are the links:

Jaguars coming to Orlando: https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/04/01/jacksonville-jaguars-camping-world-stadium-nfl.html

Artemis II launch spells big business: https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/04/01/space-coast-nasa-artemis-ii-launch-moon-landing.html

Tunnels in Central Florida? How Elon Musk's Boring Co. concept could work

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

The Boring Co., a tunneling firm by Billionaire Elon Musk, is the name in Orlando that could bring a new transportation concept to Orlando. The firm is working closely with a Universal-created infrastructure district to see how a new system could connect the tourism corridor. Orlando Business Journal Staff Writer Patricia Tolley joins Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao to discuss the topic. Also, Tolley talks with a tunneling expert on how the Boring Co. may approach the project.

The Business Backdrop: How these CFX projects connect Central Florida

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Business Backdrop, Orlando Business Journal Senior Staff Writer Ryan Lynch joins Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao to discuss two major road projects bookending Central Florida. See how Central Florida Expressway Authority projects in Osceola and Seminole counties will provide economic development for those regions. Also, find out how these projects signal future growth and how they play a role in more business.

The Business Backdrop: Inside Icon Park's strategy on new attractions & local appeal

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Business Backdrop, Icon Park CEO and President, Chris Jaskiewicz details the park's vision as a 20-acre entertainment and hospitality destination for locals and visitors, its development origins after the financial crisis, and how the team rebranded in 2019 and navigated Covid-19 by implementing protocols and reopening early as an open-air, gate-free venue. Jaskiewicz discusses strategies focused on affordability, free parking, flexible visit lengths and being easy to work with for corporate events, as well as curating tenants for complementary fit and collaboration. He highlights upcoming and recent additions including Blue Man Group opening in May on the Universal Boulevard side of the complex; Build-A-Bear expanding to a 30,000-square-foot flagship set to open around August; a new Starbucks, plus future attractions like Ripley’s Crazy Golf. The conversation also touches on the impact of Universal’s Epic Universe, Visit Orlando’s role in promoting the region and initiatives like the Michelin Guide, and Icon Park’s outlook for 2026 amid tighter consumer spending by emphasizing value while continuing to add new concepts.

Market moves: How Publix and Trader Joe’s redesign Orlando’s grocery landscape

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Staff Writer J.C. Carnahan dives into the details of how two major grocery chains — Publix and Trader Joe’s — are carving out their own paths in the grocery wars of Central Florida. See how each have expanded their reach and what we hear may be driving both their expansion plans.

Curious about the stories behind the episode? Click here to catch up.

- https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/01/16/publix-windermere.html

- https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/01/02/trader-joes-party-city-waterford-lakes-east-orange.html

Introducing: Business Backdrop

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:30:00 -0400

A new podcast from the Orlando Business Journal. The Business Backdrop pulls back the curtain on Central Florida’s business scene — and the newsroom that covers it.

Every two weeks, Editor-in-Chief of the Orlando Business Journal Richard Bilbao takes you behind the headlines to dive into the story behind the story shaping central Florida’s economy through candid conversations with the reporters who brought it to life. You’ll hear how stories come together, what’s shaping Orlando business, and who’s driving the change.

From real estate to tourism to tech, The Business Backdrop gives you the context, insights, and newsmakers behind the stories that matter most to Orlando’s business community.