Orlando Matters

Tourism is a huge part of Central Florida's economy. Where are visitors coming from? How are tourism numbers looking compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic? How are they looking over the last year? Visit Orlando CEO Casandra Matej joined FOX 35's Ryan Elijah to talk about the numbers, what they mean, as well as some of the exciting projects coming up at the theme parks.

FOX 35's Ryan Elijah sits down with the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce President Krystal Parker.

How is mental health being treated in Florida? Are we seeing more cases -- and why? Tyler Davis, Orlando Health's Behavioral Health President, stopped by Orlando Matters to discuss how Florida's mental health numbers compare to the national numbers, as well as the "stigma" that still exists around mental health.

FOX 35's Ryan Elijah sits down with Florida State Attorney Andrew Bain regarding the criminal justice system, the changes he's implemented, and his response to those who believe its broken. Bain was appointed to Florida State Attorney by Gov. Ron DeSantis after DeSantis suspended then-State Attorney Monique Worrell.

Home sales decreased slightly in Orlando in July, compared to June. Lisa Hill, president of the Orlando Regional Realtors Association, joins Orlando Matters to discuss why. Plus, we get a first look at Beep, an autonomous shuttle coming to downtown Orlando, and new cruises are coming to Florida's Port Canaveral.

Soon enough, people visiting Florida's Space Coast to watch SpaceX's rocket launches to the International Space Station may be able to visit space themselves – or at least the edge of it. Space Perspective is betting on balloons – massive balloons – to lift people to the very edge of space, more than 100,000 feet above the Earth's ground – and the latest venture in commercial space travel and exploration.

On this week's Orlando Matters, we take a look at the economic impacts of Hurricane Idalia, Disney's big investment plans for Walt Disney World and its international theme parks, the latest in politics, and the pros and cons of booking trips and vacations with third-party websites.

After months of construction, Brightline's newest train servivce -- Orlando to Miami -- has launched. We take you inside the terminal and on the train to check out all the amenities and services.

On this week's Orlando Matters, we look at the damage, cleanup, and resources being sent to Florida after Hurricane Idalia. Plus, we get a sneak peek at "Magic Dining" around Orlando.