In this episode of The Orlando Real, Ken Pozek sits down with David Beattie, a former political pollster and current Executive Director of the Florida Research Development Alliance. They unpack the political changes in Central Florida, including the change in voter turnout, AI and data integration, as well as behavior motivations across 63 local races across Orange and Osceola counties with major shifts in open commission seats and upcoming mayoral races.

David shares insights into the evolution of political data, moving away from traditional standalone polling toward modern AI-driven "social listening" and holistic data integration. They explore why local government budgets, like Orange County's massive $9 billion budget, have a far greater impact on residents' day-to-day lives than federal offices, despite suffering from chronically low voter turnout. Tune in as this episode gives a masterclass in how data, authenticity, and local engagement shape the community we live in.

David Beattie is the current Executive Director of the Florida Research Development Alliance, a network of research development and research administration professionals from Florida universities, colleges, and other institutions engaged in research. Together, their goal is to help enable Florida’s research institutions to work together and lead to further investment in Florida’s growing research enterprise. Learn more at www.fl-rda.org This episode is brought to you by The Pozek Group. Thinking of selling or buying a home anywhere in Greater Orlando? We’d love to help! Reach out at https://pozek.com/youtube or email [email protected] to get started.

Major Orlando Projects, Halloween in Orlando, and your Q&A

We sat down with Michelin Star chef, and Orlando legend, Mike Collantes. On this episode of The Orlando Real Podcast, Ken Pozek and Dillon O'Brien sit down with the Michelin chef behind Soseki, Sushi Saint, Perla's Pizza, and the new Nomikai by Sushi Saint coming to ICON Park.Best sushi in Orlando? Best omakase? What's it like to earn a Michelin star? What should you order at Sushi Saint? Is Orlando actually a good food city? Chef Mike Collantes answers all of that and more.Mike Collantes is an acclaimed chef with over 20 years of hospitality experience, best known in Orlando for earning a Michelin star at Soseki Modern Omakase in 2022 and launching Sushi Saint, which received a Bib Gourmand within three months of opening. With four Sushi Saint locations across Florida and New York City and a growing portfolio of concepts under 86 Hospitality Group, he continues to shape the culinary landscape in Orlando and beyond. Learn more at www.mikecollantes.com/ and stay up to date on all of his projects  on Instagram at www.instagram.com/chefmike_collantesThis episode is brought to you by The Pozek Group. Thinking of selling or buying a home anywhere in Greater Orlando? We’d love to help! Reach out at https://pozek.com/youtube or email [email protected] to get started.00:00 Chef Mike Collantes: Who is he and what's his story?01:20 Soseki & Orlando's Omakase Wave02:43 How Did Soseki Win Its Michelin Star?03:26 Why Does a Michelin Star Even Matter?06:22 Building a Restaurant Group08:22 What Is Nomikai by Sushi Saint at ICON Park?09:00 Local Chefs in Tourist Orlando09:33 How Does a Chef Come Up With a New Concept?13:00 Orlando Chefs: Rivals or Allies?13:56 What Does Downtown Orlando Need to Fix?17:11 What Should You Order at Sushi Saint?20:49 How Do You Design a Restaurant?21:38 Modern Sushi vs Tradition24:56 Banana Pizza: Does It Work?28:46 Why Is Orlando's Food Scene Blowing Up?29:25 Sushi Saint vs Soseki: What's the Difference?31:02 Chef Mike's Death Row Meal32:39 What Do Most Chefs Get Wrong About Business?35:16 When Did Orlando's Food Scene Take Off?41:27 Are Developers Pushing Out Local Restaurants?43:09 "Mayor Mike" Fixes Downtown47:00 Will Orlando Get a Three Michelin Star Restaurant?

We're unpacking a ton of news this week from tourism, to e-bikes, to conservation. Come hang out as we discuss all things real estate, theme parks, and LIFE in Orlando.

Almost a million people came through the Dr. Phillips Center this year. Kathy Ramsberger, President and CEO, wants the next million to include those who may have never thought a performing arts center was for them.
In this conversation, we dive into the history, culture, and goals for the future of this Orlando Arts and Culture cornerstone. Including leadership tidbits, challenging the status quo and working tirelessly for more, this is an interview for lovers of the Arts, Orlando and anyone inspired by changemakers.
Kathy Ramsberger is President and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Learn more at www.drphillipscenter.org/ and stay up to date on the latest happenings on Instagram at www.instagram.com/drphillipsctr

With the TDT funds vote coming up, the Orlando Dreamers are swinging for the fences with a BIG ask. At the same time, many municipalities are starting to freeze budgets due to caution over potential revenue loss.

Oviedo Mall Demolished, Orlando Development Opportunity, and new local insights, plus your questions answered!

Join us as we talk about new developments and fun updates to our great city of Orlando!

Today we're covering Florida Housing Affordability Study, Orlando High Rise, and Epic Rumors, plus questions you've sent in over the past few weeks.

Today we're talking Lake Eola Food Hall, Orlando Earthquake, and New Developments for our area. Come hang out!