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.

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.

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

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.