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 387 of “Bungalower and The Bus” on Real Radio 104.1 FM, recorded at Forward/Slash in Winter Park to try their new mezcal/tequila blend – Sin Nombre. Also, we’d like to extend a big welcome to Pat Greene, who is our new Arts and Culture writer. Greene joined the team as our first-ever Resident Reporter, funded by local firm, Interstruct Design + Build.
TOP TEN HEADLINES
- Downtown goers can park in City garages after 11 p.m. again, contrary to a random rule they flexed back in May. In fact, it turns out they gave up on the restrictions just a week or so after it launched but forgot to tell anyone.
- Orlando Fringe Festival clapped back at DeSantis for vetoing the state arts budget and saying it was mostly because of “those sexual festivals.” The non-profit has asked to withdraw its request for funding if it will allow for the budget to be passed.
- A Central Florida-based organization is looking to gift a few hundred AI companion robots to only seniors in the area. They can tell jokes, remind you to take your prescriptions and help you make video calls to family.
- City Hall is considering the expansion of its current Parklet Program in Thornton Park – you know, where they build outdoor seating in a former street parking space, like the one at Burton’s Bar. The other Main Street Districts are poised to get their own programs too.
- Downtown arts instigators CityArts broke ground on its long-awaited Arts Courtyard this week, which will transform an old alleyway into a beautiful new arts plaza in the near future.
- A DeVos-sanctioned pickleball facility is moving into the SoDo District. It’ll have a posh country club feel with food and beverage service too.
- A new Cantonese barbecue shop is the latest tenant to be announced for the under re-development Mills Market, formerly known as Tien Hung Market in the Mills 50 District.
- “Winter Park becomes 1st Central Florida city to partially opt out of affordable housing law.” – WFTV
- “Orange County proposes historic arts investment after DeSantis vetoes millions in arts funding.” – WFTV
- “Regina Hill asks judge for permission to return to home she allegedly bought with victim’s information.” – WESH 2
ICYMI – (IN CASE YOU MISSED IT)
- “City updates progress on safety measures for S.R. 426.” – The 32789
- “City names new Public Art Coordinator.” – Bungalower
- “FDOT closing OBT offramp for two weekends this month.” – Bungalower
- “Local chef testing new wagyu hamba-gu concept with pop-up series.” – Bungalower
- “Morse Museum hosting big sale.” – Bungalower
- “New concept already moving in to former Garden Bistro.” – Bungalower
- “New hip-hop music festival Orlando Only to launch in August.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Orange County schools plans $45 million project near Mills 50.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Powering Up Parramore: Two projects set to transform the downtown area west of I-4.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Gatorland celebrates 100 rescues with new Celebrity Alligator Walk of Fame.” – Orlando Weekly
- “Orange County will bring new electric scooter program to I-Drive.” – Orlando Weekly
- “Altamonte Springs City Library closing shop after 64 years of service.” – Spectrum News 13
- “Overturn the veto”: Orlando and Tampa Fringe leaders pen open letter to Gov. DeSantis.” – Spectrum News 13
- “Brightline offers Taylor Swift fans in Orlando an immersive way to travel to her concert this fall.” – WESH 2
- “Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill appears in court.” – WESH 2
- “Treasure hunters battle for chance to unearth London’s past.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “Helping community leaders Buy Back the Block.” – Brookings
- “Reforming parking by changing one word.” – CNU
- “Civic infrastructure unites Americans.” – Medium
- “The city’s crawling with feral cats.” – NYC Curbed
- “How specialty recyclers are reducing waste.” – Reasons to be Cheerful
HOT EVENTS THIS WEEK
- Tuesday 7/16: “Where the Wild Things Are” at Enzian (Maitland)
- Wednesday 7/17: Camp Cryptid Summer Open House (Winter Park)
- Wednesday 7/17: Wieners and Wine Domu Wine Down (Audubon Park)
- Thursday 7/18: 3rd Thursday with Mugs and Pocket (Downtown)
- Thursday 7/18: Tactical Brewing Running Club 5-Year Anniversary (Badwin Park)
- Friday 7/19: Broadway Rave at The Beacham (Downtown)
- Friday 7/19: Fairy Night at Leu Gardens (Audubon Park)
- Friday 7/19: Le Petite Fete Presents: Blame It On The Boogie (Mills 50)