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 320 of “Bungalower and The Bus” on Real Radio 104.1, which was recorded at Thirsty Topher, Ziggie’s Pizza, AND Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company in Ivanhoe Village.
TOP TEN HEADLINES
- It’s hot and dry out, y’all. In fact, it’s too hot and dry, so Orange County has issued a burn ban, effective immediately. That means no open flames until further notice.
- UCF’s two-week celebration of the arts, aptly named UCF Celebrates the Arts, kicked off this Sunday and will run through April 15 with a dynamic collection of 39 events taking place between now and then. Students from any institution can get $5 off on select events using the code “ILOVEUCF2023.”
- The new Packing District YMCA is now open. We were there for the ribbon cutting so be sure to watch our video tour.
- Lincoln Property Company started the second phase of its Church Street Project with the demolition of the former Ballroom at Church Street last week.
- Advent Health will be erecting a new 14-story hotel/office building in Ivanhoe Village, right on the corner of Princeton and Orange.
- A new “listening lounge” managed to squeeze in its approvals before the recent moratorium on downtown bar permits and we got a tour before they open this month. It’s a cocktail lounge that specializes in vinyl DJs and sexy drinks.
- Shaquille O’Neal is opening a fried chicken restaurant in SoDo later this year called “Big Chicken.” Leaving many wondering why he didn’t call it “Chicken Shaq.”
- Morse Museum’s longtime director, Laurence J. Ruggiero, has passed away.
- United Arts of Central Florida has brought back its popular “Individual Artist Grant” program. Local artists can get up to $5,000 to fund special projects that will “enrich the community of Central Florida by advancing artistic excellence and increasing access to innovative and diverse arts experiences.”
- “Henry Moso of Kabooki Sushi has been named a 2023 James Beard Award finalist.” – Orlando Weekly
ICYMI – (IN CASE YOU MISSED IT)
- “Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive closed indefinitely to vehicular traffic.” – The Apopka Voice
- “LYNX expanding Lime Lymmo run to SoDo.” – Bungalower
- “Orlando Magazine wants to know who makes your favorite tacos.” – Bungalower
- “Thornton Park hosting inaugural Cornhole Challenge.” – Bungalower
- “Florida bill would make restrooms exclusive to males, females.” – DC News Now
- “Alligator mating season: Here are wild encounters we’ve seen recently in Florida.” – FOX 35
- “Brightline President Patrick Goddard reveals No. 1 question he’s asked about Orlando train route.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Disney accused of ‘overreach’ by new Reedy Creek board.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Is Walgreens’ upcoming closure in downtown Orlando a canary in the coal mine?” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Florida House lawmakers want to cut funding for Visit Florida tourism-marketing agency.” – Orlando Weekly
- “Woman files lawsuit after getting trapped in holding cell at Orange County courthouse.” – WESH 2
- “Parramore residents ask for help removing homeless tents from neighborhood.” – WFTV 9
- “Two Orlando women ordered to pay nearly $4 million in restitution to IRS after tax scheme.” – WFTV 9
- “Florida Modern: Toshiko Mori Meets the Sarasota School.” – Azure
- “Girl Scouts revamp real estate for a post-COVID world.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “NYC’s subway booths take new roles as station agents step out.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “Top code reform priorities for the housing crisis.” – CNU
- “Fractional investing is making everyone a landlord… kinda.” – The Hustle
- “Next Steps for the Global Placemaking Movement.” – Social Life Project
- “Social life and how it helps shape the future of our communities.” – Social Life Project
HOT EVENTS THIS WEEK
- Monday 4/3: A Spring Soiree at the Edible Education Experience (College Park)
- Tuesday 4/4: Bungalower Drag Bingo and Music Video Dance Party (Baldwin Park)
- Wednesday 4/ 5: Pantsuit Politics Live at The Abbey (South Eola)
- Thursday 4/6: Hire Day Orlando – OrlandoJobs.com Job Fair (Parramore)
- Thursday 4/6: Movies at the Mennello – “The Art of Making It.” (Ivanhoe Village)
- Friday 4/7: 407 Day – Game Night at the Park (Lake Eola)
- Friday 4/7: Gaelic Storm at The Plaza Live (Milk District)
- Friday 4/7: Gringo Star with The Sh-Booms and The Palmettes (Mills 50)
- Friday 4/7: Leu Gardens Movie Night – “Top Gun: Maverick” (Audubon Park)
- Friday 4/7: Spring Jazz on the Lawn at The Alfond Inn (Winter Park)
