This is our latest rundown of the top ten things you need to know this week, in Orlando’s downtown “bungalow neighborhoods.” Click HERE to listen to Episode 316 of Bungalower and The Bus on Real Radio 104.1, which was recorded at the newly opened Formaggio and Friends (Instagram | Facebook). a wine and cheese market that we first told you about HERE in September 2022.
TOP TEN HEADLINES
- Walgreens is closing its only location in downtown Orlando and that’s a big hit to the city’s ongoing efforts to seduce other big stores to the Central Business District.
- Almost every major venue in downtown Orlando was hosting an event this past Saturday and nothing really crazy happened (that we know of). The DDB/CRA even used it as an opportunity to pay for an added day of free SunRail services.
- CFX is talking about adding lanes to the 408 in an effort to combat traffic issues in certain parts of the east/west expressway. But as any traffic engineer or urbanist will tell you, more lanes just mean more cars.
- The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival will return on May 16. This also means the outdoor beer garden in Loch Haven Park will be back for two weeks. You’re welcome.
- A long-vacant storefront on Church Street seems to have attracted the attention of a ghost kitchen looking to expand beyond delivery-only service. And yes, it’s tacos.
- The City of Winter Park wants your help naming their new park on Orange and Denning and they’ve pre-selected three options for you to choose from.
- “New charges filed against teen accused of killing Orlando journalist, little girl in Pine Hills shooting spree.” – FOX 35
- “New opening date set for Packing District Food Hall.” – GrowthSpotter
- “The Dish with Brendan O’Connor: It’s an Orlando Brew ha-ha.” – Orlando Magazine
- “Downtown Orlando ensures safety during busy, event-filled weekend.” – WFTV 9
ICYMI – (IN CASE YOU MISSED IT)
- “City Commission to consider East End Market-style incubator for Progress Point.” – The 32789
- “2023 Brechner Speaker Series returns to History Center with focus on music.” – Bungalower
- “Buffalo Bills Shooting Store has left Mills 50.” – Bungalower
- “Tickets now on sale for Winter Park’s 2023 Dinner on the Avenue.” – Bungalower
- “Florida’s controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law could expand.” – CBS Miami
- “Orlando shelter’s longest resident, George, still waiting 100 days later to be adopted.” – FOX 35
- “Floridians are stunned as Orlando housing prices continue to skyrocket.” – Newsbreak
- “Soccer’s Orlando Pride ditches players’ white shorts over period concerns.” – NPR
- “Orange County ready to spend resort tax money again. Here’s how it will decide which new projects to fund.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Tijuana Flats to open 50 more restaurants by 2025.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Amid legal uncertainty, charitable drag pageant exits Dr. Phillips Center.” – Orlando Sentinel
- “Orange County’s Office of Tenant Services opens to assist local renters and landlords.” – Orlando Weekly
- “Orlando Pride is first in National Women’s Soccer League to swap out white uniforms over period concerns.” – Orlando Weekly
- “A hater’s guide to Orlando.” – The Washington Post
- “Watermark Issue 30.05: The Waves.” – Watermark

- “House of the Day: 2/1 Parramore home asking $310,000.”
- “House of the Day: 3/2 Spring Lake home with vaulted ceilings asking $779,900.”

- “Unlocking the “Missing Little” in Toronto’s housing supply.” – Azure
- “The 15-Minute City freakout is a case study in conspiracy paranoia.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “Another blow to City Centers: Retail stores move outward.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “Gen Z’s turn against driving is a mirage.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “There’s a war going on in your local Buy Nothing group.” – Curbed New York
- “The slow retreat of pandemic-era outdoor dining programs continues.” – Planetizen
HOT EVENTS THIS WEEK
- Tuesday 3/7: 2023 Barbecue in the Park (Parramore)
- Tuesday 3/7: Bungalower Drag Bingo and Music Video Dance Party (Baldwin Park)
- Thursday 3/9: Fourth Annual Women’s History Month Breakfast (Downtown)
- Thursday 3/9: Ilena Glazer and Friends at The Plaza Live (Milk District)
- Thursday 3/9: Tasty Trivia Thursdays at Deadwords Brewing (West Orlando)
- Thursday 3/9: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”(Winter Park)
- Friday 3/10: Morse Museum – Spring Friday Nights (Winter Park)
- Friday 3/10: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Atlanta Gladiators (Parramore)
- Friday 3/10: R&Bingo “Back Inside” (Downtown)
- Friday 3/10: Sasha Colby from RuPaul’s Drag Race at Southern Nights (Milk District)