Things To Do In SW Florida

The year 2025 was one for big stories in real estate and development in the Orlando area — big openings, big deals, and big controversies.

Universal’s Epic Universe opened its gates in May, inviting thousands of guests to experience the delights of Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon. With the park came new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues along Orlando’s world-famous International Drive corridor, driving tourism spending to record highs.

Cities and counties are suing the State of Florida over a law that stifles their ability to regulate new development. And here in greater Orlando, a mayor’s private negotiations with a potential developer exposed a rift with the town council that threatens to stymie one of the region’s most significant infill development projects.

Here are Central Florida’s biggest real estate stories for 2025, as chosen by GrowthSpotter.

STORY OF THE YEAR: Hungerford School sale to Dr. Phillips Charities

In September, the Orange County School Board advanced a land deal involving the historic Hungerford property in Eatonville that would sell it to Dr. Phillips Charities. read more

At the end of another year of answering readers’ real estate-related legal questions, I often reflect on the recurring themes in the questions people ask.

While the specifics of each situation vary, the core issues tend to remain the same. Whether it is about managing relationships, tackling financial hurdles, or making decisions about the future, the underlying threads are often preparation, communication, and perspective.

If there’s one piece of advice I repeat time and again, it’s this: Take a step back and think before you act. In moments of stress or uncertainty, it’s easy to let emotions take the wheel.

But whether dealing with a family disagreement, a career decision, or a financial setback, the best outcomes usually come from a calm, informed approach. Gather the facts. Ask for help if you need it.

And remember, reacting impulsively often creates more problems than it solves.

One area where this advice is especially true is in personal relationships. Misunderstandings and conflicts often arise not because people are inherently at odds, but because expectations are not clearly communicated. read more