Orlando celebrates growth beyond theme parks as industry clusters expand
- Orlando celebrated its 150th anniversary with a focus on economic diversification.
- The city has become an epicenter for modeling simulation and training, enhancing its job market.
- Mayor Dyer aims to promote small businesses and culinary experiences as part of Orlando's identity.
Orlando, Florida, marked its 150th anniversary with a renewed focus on diversifying its economy and moving beyond its reputation as a tourism hub. Mayor Buddy Dyer expressed pride in the city's evolution, emphasizing that Orlando aims to create high-quality job opportunities through various industry clusters. Among these clusters, modeling simulation and training stands out as a significant sector where Orlando is recognized as a national epicenter. This area has grown especially due to collaborations with institutions like the University of Central Florida, which has established a research park that fosters innovation and development. The mayor noted that 2025 had seen the city lead the nation in job growth, highlighting the success of small, homegrown companies in driving economic progress. While tourism, spearheaded by attractions like Disney, remains an economic pillar, the city's culinary scene has also thrived, featuring a range of Michelin-rated restaurants that contribute to its cultural diversity. Dyer pointed out that Orlando is particularly known for its Asian cuisine, which has gained recognition, including a notable two-star rating for the restaurant Sorekara. This culinary growth underscores Orlando's multifaceted identity as it embraces a future built on a broader economic foundation, moving confidently beyond its origins rooted in theme park tourism.