Rising actress Emma Myers, seen here at a press event for “Wednesday” season two, is one of the Orlandoans named in this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list. | 티비텐 TV10, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Forbes 30 Under 30 class of 2026 has dropped, and Orlando showed up ready to shine.
The list measures the 600 most influential young people across a range of industries and once again, a few homegrown pioneers proved The City Beautiful knows how to grow big talent. Let’s meet a few:
Emma Myers, actress known for “Wednesday” and “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” | Born in Orlando, Myers jumpstarted her acting career by stealing strawberries in a Publix commercial. Now, upcoming credits include blockbusters like “The Angry Birds Movie 3.”
Cici Bellis, founder of Cartan Capital | Formerly a Women’s Tennis Association No. 35-ranked player, Bellis founded Cartan Capital to buoy businesses in the sports and health technology markets. It’s already landed a multi-year partnership with the International Olympic Committee.
Joe Sleppy, cofounder of Capacitech Energy | Sleppy’s company is helping power the grids of the future from right here in Orlando, offering tools for tackling increased demand by optimizing space and capturing power surges. Since founding the business in 2016, he has raised $2.5 million through investors and federal R&D programs.
The former Orlando Sentinel site at 633 North Orange Ave. has sat dormant since 2020.
Screenshot via Google Street View
Development
The former Orlando Sentinel site may not be vacant for much longer: Mayor Buddy Dyer announced a “$2 billion transformation” of the downtown property, signaling a project with homes, businesses, and retail space built over the span of a decade. No formal proposal has been filed, so stay tuned for more details. (Orlando Sentinel)
Number
$33.9 million. That’s how much Orange County brought in from tourism — via tourist tax collections — in October, a record for the month. The increase continues a three-year trend, with the latest fiscal year culminating with a record $384.5 million. (Orlando Sentinel)
Parks
Did someone say tourism? Walt Disney World Resort announced its timeline for new additions in 2026, including reopening upgraded rides, a major revamp of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and an interactive game venue in Disney Springs. See the full list.
Open
Walter’s Tavern is now in a soft opening stage in the Packing District’s Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall. Watch the game on the big screen with some craft cocktails inside the new space, which was converted from a century-old warehouse by Interstruct.
Announced
Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalía is headed for a mega world tour, and lucky for us, she’ll be stopping in Orlando. Mark your calendars for Monday, June 8 at the Kia Center — tickets go on sale soon.
Coming Soon
Saucy! by KFC — a new KFC restaurant concept centered on tenders with dipping sauces — will open three new locations in Orlando over the next six weeks. Residents in Waterford Lakes, Winter Park, and Hunters Creek, prepare for 11+ sauces, new menu items, and opening day events. (What Now Orlando)
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Wait until you see number six.*
Finance
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Pets
Cats are naturally mysterious — but their health doesn’t have to be. With Basepaws Cat DNA Test, you’ll uncover your cat’s breed mix, genetic traits, and potential health risks that other tests miss. Get 47% off for Cyber Week and gain science-backed insights into your feline’s health.*
Asked
Asked
Which of these is Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year?
A foaming toilet cleaner that tackles stains, rings, and odors with zero scrubbing. Splash Foam Cleaner offers a hands-free way to achieve a sparkling clean toilet in three easy steps: pour, let it foam, and flush. It’s that easy.
Chances are your social media feeds are filled with Spotify Wrapped 2025, and I’m feeling a little called out by the “listening age” it assigned me — apparently, my listening habits are consistent with a 74-year-old.
Hey, if loving the Velvet Underground is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
