Come next fall, we’ll be adding something new to our Kid-Friendly Activities City Guide: the Junior Achievement Eisner Family Dreamers Center.
Thanks to a lead gift from philanthropist Jesse Eisner and support from the Lewis Foundation and Lake Nona, a new experiential learning center by Junior Achievement of Central Florida is headed to Orlando.
Here’s what to expect upon the learning center’s slated opening in August of 2026:
A 13,400-sqft space located in Lake Nona Town Center at One Performance Plaza
JA BizTown, a fully immersive simulated mini city where students can assume real-world roles in business, civics, and government through the local public school system
After-school and summer programming
Hands-on learning experiences that help provide students with skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness
A capital campaign for the center is still ongoing — stay tuned for future updates and announcements.
Events
Events
Wednesday, July 16
Wine & Cheese Pairing | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Good Pour College Park | $48 | Join this guided wine and cheese tasting experience featuring five pairs + a credit to shop at The Good Pour.
Thursday, July 17
The Dude Perfect “Hero World Tour” | 7 p.m. | Kia Center | $37+ | Watch the popular YouTubers make the stage their playground with trick shots, sports challenges, and comedy.
Summer Movie: “Night at the Museum” | 5:30-8 p.m. | Apopka Museum, Apopka | $5 | Watching “Night at the Museum” inside of a real museum? That’s what we call movie magic.
Friday, July 18
Saved By The ‘90s | 7:30 p.m. | House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista | $20+ | Channel your inner ‘90s baby during this cover band’s nostalgic party.
Saturday, July 19
Let’s Laugh About It Comedy Show | 7 p.m. | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts | $47+ | Bring the family to a show packed with jokes, relatable humor, and great vibes.
Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra | 8-10 p.m. | Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, Winter Park | $30 | Music Director Todd Craven will present Bending Lightward, a program of new music for chamber orchestra.
Sunday, July 20
Maitland Dog Days of Summer | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Independence Square, Maitland | Free+ | Bring your furry friend out for a day full of vendors, crafts, food, live music, and canine demonstrations.
Orlando City Council selected Winter Park-based Gomez Construction Company to build the proposed Pulse Memorial project. The city plans to begin construction in June 2026 + hopes to have it completed by summer of 2027. (Orlando Sentinel)
Development
Maitland officials approved final plans for a new public library + upgrades to Quinn Strong Park. The new 20,000-sqft library will be built near its predecessor, with construction expected to begin by April 2026. (WESH)
Coming Soon
Indoor trampoline park Sky Zone will replace the closed Big Lots store at Waterbridge Downs Shopping Center. Stay tuned for the trampoline park’s anticipated opening in spring 2026. (Orlando Business Journal)
Transit
Brightline has plans to extend its high-speed rail service from Orlando to Tampa. The Florida Development Finance Corporation will hold a public hearing tomorrow via telephone conference to receive comments about approving bonds for the extension. You can join by calling 833-928-4609. (WESH)
Open
New upscale Mexican restaurant Jag Cantina is now open in Windermere. The 6,500-sqft restaurant features a private dining room, outdoor patio, and lounge area + offers a full cocktail menu in addition to “modern Mexican” dishes. (Orlando Business Journal)
Biz
Blockchain tech firm Goliath Ventures Inc. is investing over $7 million in the new downtown Orlando headquarters that it acquired in June. The firm’s redesign is set to include upgraded office and conference rooms, a podcast studio and media room, a lounge, and a gym. (Orlando Business Journal)
Post of the Day
What a difference 150 years can make.
Later this month, the City of Orlando will celebrate its 150th anniversary. We’re awe-inspired by this Instagram Reel comparing postcards that depict local spots from the early 1900s to their modern-day counterparts.
Pictured in this postcard is the city’s very first library, the Albertson Public Library — which was founded in 1923 — in front of the Orlando Public library.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Stay safe in these thunderstorms, Orlando. If you’re like me and love to play amateur meteorologist, stay indoors and track lightning sparks in the area with this neat map.
