Developers have announced plans to build more than 40 high-rise and midrise condominium projects in downtown Orlando during the past eight years. But most of these projects are stuck in limbo amid the slump in demand; only about a third are open or under construction -- a situation little changed since the Orlando Sentinel surveyed the city center six months ago.

Take a look HERE for a list of the current projects.

Those native to central Florida will no doubt have heard of the future plans to link UCF with the Orlando International Airport (OIA). Southeast Orlando has suffered traffic problems and development due to the notorious "world's largest cul-de-sac" for years, but Mayor Richard Crotty seems to be finally getting plans underway. Here's how it all started - courtesy of orangecountyfl.net

In his 2005 State of the County address, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty revealed a new strategy for Southeast Orange County. Calling this region "Innovation Way," the Mayor plans to create a corridor linking the University of Central Florida to the Orlando International Airport.The northern half of this area already contains high-quality residential communities, academic institutions, and commercial developments. However, the southern portion of Innovation Way is largely undeveloped.Mayor Crotty, Commissioner Linda Stewart, the University of Central Florida, the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, and other important partners in the Innovation Way project hope to retain and enhance high-value jobs and businesses into this region's economy, which will help Orange County continue to lead Central Florida into the 21st century.

The project is moving ahead, in part, because of a $12 million state grant received by the Transportation Regional Incentive Program, or TRIP, which was created last year when the state's new growth management law was enacted.

TRIP funding is providing $12 million -- or half -- of the estimated sum needed for the road project, which involves a 5.5-mile stretch from Avalon Park Boulevard to the Beachline Expressway (State Road 528).

Orange County is picking up the rest of the construction tab.