Here’s our rundown of the top ten things you need to know this week in Downtown Orlando area news. Sponsored by Olde Town Broker
- Ultimate I-4 project plans signature aesthetics along the interstate. The project to reconstruct I-4 will add more than just express lanes. We’ll also get gateway features, aesthetic lighting and fountains. While an exact schedule for the Ultimate I-4 project has not been provided,we do know that construction is scheduled to start this February and last about six-and-a-half years.
- Orlando effort would replace ER visits with housing for homeless. A $6 million donation from Florida Hospital and $4 million from the City will help build permanent housing for the chronic homeless.
- The Sevens breaks ground in the North Quarter district downtown. The new nine-story 333-unit apartment complex includes retail on the first floor and fills one of the last major gaps in the North Quarter of downtown.
- Cloak & Dapper opens men’s general store in Ivanhoe Village. The new shop carries men’s clothing and accessories including boots and bags to sun wear and ties.
- Orange schools won’t let grades slip below 50. The school board formalized a policy that doesn’t allow students in middle and high school to receive less than a 50 at the end of the year.
- Crews begin removing Iconic Merita Bread sign from Downtown South. The sign will be headed to the Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park.
- Like it or not, residents told, coyotes are here to stay. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission told residents that the coyotes aren’t going anywhere. Even when trapped and killed they will be replaced by others.
- City of Orlando Obtains Highest Score on the 2014 Municipal Equality Index. Orlando was one of 38 cities to receive a perfect score on the rankings for LGBT equality.
- The Orlando Weekly checking in on Pig Flyods and says “The quality ’cue at Pig Floyd’s will make you wish you were here.”
- Scott Joseph takes some guests to Soco in Thornton Park to get their take and he stops by RusTeak in College Park where his only complaint was that the service was a little too attentive.
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