Ten Things you Need to Know This Week for April 7, 2014

 Here’s our rundown of the top ten things you need to know this week in Downtown Orlando area news. 

1. SunRail started out last week by letting everyone know they would start with two free weeks in May. This was two weeks later than we thought. We were then easily distracted by the SunRail tours that they did at the SunRail stations. Still two more downtown tours this week.
2. The Dr Phillips Center had an eventful week. First the City walked us through the parking plans for the new center, then the DPC team unveiled the plans for the CNL Arts Plaza (which may or may not have a fountain) and they rounded out the week when their top programing official resigned.
3. The Project DTO task force had their first meeting. Out of it came two new hashtags; #ONo and #OYes. Also, Scott Maxwell says the task force needs to listen to the younger generation and suggest real-time parking signs. Both would be nice.
4. The City Council approved the contract for the Orlando soccer stadium construction. Not too many details but that didn’t stop the OBJ from turning five mundane facts into a photo gallery: 1) 290,00 total square feet; 2) 4,000 square feet club, 4,000 square feet team store, 31,000 square feet of amenity space; 3) 2,500 club seats, 300 suites; 4) 18,000 seating capacity; 5) Bathroom ratios of 1:350 for men 1:250 for women.
5. Also at the City Council meeting, the City of Orlando debuted their new website.
6. And speaking of City Council, there’s an election tomorrow. If you live west of Rosalind Ave in Downtown Orlando there’s a good chance you’re in  District 5. Tomorrow you get a chance to vote for you City Council Member. Mark Schlueb spoke with the candidates and provides a good overview of the three who are running.
7. Orlando has a new police Chief. We told you about the Mayor’s pick for new chief back in February. Last week he was sworn in.
8. In bar news…Barley & Vine Biergarten opened in Milk District and we stopped in for a photo tour.
9. And Will’s Pub & Lil Indies added fully liquor. 
10. The Florida Film Festival is in full swing. The Weekly has a good overview of the festival including movie reviews.

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