Daylight Saving Time Debate, Sanford Airport Expansion, and Women’s History Month Events 📈 Monday Market Update #MMU | March 10, 2025

By Amy Calandrino, Beyond Commercial

This week, we’re covering three major topics shaping Orlando’s commercial real estate (CRE) landscape:

⏰ Daylight Saving Time: Is This the Last Time We “Spring Forward”?
✈️ Sanford Airport Expansion Could Transform Northeast Orlando
🎉 Women’s History Month Events Drive Cultural & Economic Growth

Understanding these trends is crucial for investors, business owners, and real estate professionals making strategic decisions in 2025. Let’s dive in.

⏰ National Spotlight: The Daylight Saving Time Debate—Is Change Coming?

We all lost an hour of sleep this weekend—but could this be the last time we “spring forward”? The Sunshine Protection Act is back in Congress, reviving the debate over whether the U.S. should permanently adopt Daylight Saving Time (DST) or return to Standard Time year-round.

Where Things Stand

  • Sunshine Protection Act (2025) – Reintroduced in January, this bill seeks to make DST permanent nationwide. While it passed the Senate in 2022, it stalled in the House. Its future remains uncertain.
  • State-by-State Decisions – While some states want permanent DST, others prefer year-round Standard Time, leading to a patchwork of time zones if Congress doesn’t act.
  • Public Opinion is Split – Polls show that most Americans want to eliminate time changes, but there’s disagreement on whether DST or Standard Time is better.

Impact on Business & CRE

📈 Retail & Hospitality – Longer daylight hours could boost evening shopping, dining, and outdoor events, increasing demand for retail and entertainment spaces.

🏢 Office & Workforce Productivity – Adjusting work hours across multiple time zones gets trickier if states adopt different policies. International business operations could face scheduling headaches.

💡 Energy Use & Property Management – Studies show mixed effects on energy consumption, impacting commercial property costs. Businesses need to monitor utility expenses and adjust building efficiency strategies accordingly.

📖 Read more about the latest on Daylight Saving Time: NBC News

✈️ Regional Development: Orlando Sanford International Airport Expansion

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is set for a major expansion, creating another convenient travel option for Central Florida residents and visitors. This project could reshape commercial and residential development in Northeast Orlando.

What’s Changing?

  • Terminal & Infrastructure Upgrades – Aimed at improving passenger flow and accommodating more flights.
  • Increased Airline Capacity – More routes and carriers could mean fewer delays and an alternative to busy Orlando International Airport (MCO).
  • Retail & Hospitality Growth – More dining and shopping options for travelers.

How This Impacts Commercial Real Estate

🏡 Housing & Mixed-Use Growth – With the Wekiva Parkway connecting Lake County to Sanford, more professionals and families may relocate to areas like Lake Mary, Oviedo, and Mount Dora, fueling housing demand.

🏢 Office & Industrial Expansion – The airport’s growth makes Sanford a prime spot for logistics, e-commerce, and business headquarters looking for easier airport access.

🛒 Retail & Hotel Development – Expect increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers near the airport to accommodate business travelers and tourists.

📖 Learn more about the Orlando Sanford International Airport expansion: Spectrum News 13

🎉 Neighborhood Spotlight: Women’s History Month Drives Cultural & Economic Growth

March is Women’s History Month, and Orlando is celebrating with a variety of events that also benefit the local economy. From ballet to sports to concerts, these gatherings create increased foot traffic, hospitality bookings, and retail sales.

Key Events & Their Economic Impact

🏛 Cultural Performances & Exhibits

  • Orlando Ballet’s “The Women’s Movement” brings theatrical arts and tourism dollars to the Dr. Phillips Center.
  • “Women in Art” Exhibit at the Orlando Museum of Art showcases female artists, driving attendance and supporting creative sector investments.

🏃‍♀️ Sports & Fitness

  • Women’s 5K Run at Lake Eola attracts participants downtown, benefiting restaurants, cafes, and fitness brands.

🎶 Concerts & Live Music

  • Female-led bands at House of Blues & The Social increase foot traffic in Orlando’s nightlife scene.

Commercial Real Estate Opportunities

🏨 Hospitality & Event Venues – Orlando’s thriving arts and culture scene highlights demand for event spaces and short-term rentals.

🏪 Retail & Restaurant Growth – Foot traffic from events boosts sales, making pop-up shops and boutique storefronts prime investment opportunities.

📖 Explore more Women’s History Month events in Orlando: Visit Orlando

💡 Key Takeaways for CRE & Business Owners

✅ Daylight Saving Time Changes Could Reshape Business Hours & CRE Demand – Keep an eye on legislative updates as they could impact scheduling, energy costs, and property use.

✅ Sanford Airport Expansion Means Growth in Northeast Orlando – Now’s the time to explore investments in office, hospitality, and residential real estate in this emerging market.

✅ Women’s History Month Events Boost Local Business & Hospitality – Cultural and community events create new opportunities for retail, restaurant, and entertainment leasing.

📩 Looking for expert CRE insights? Whether you’re leasing, investing, or developing, these trends directly impact business decisions. Let’s discuss how you can stay ahead of market shifts.

🔗 Read the full update on our website: [Insert Blog Link]

💬 What’s your take? How will these developments affect your industry? Share your thoughts below!

🚀 Let’s go Beyond!

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