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 409 of “Bungalower and The Bus” on Real Radio 104.1 FM, recorded at Cafe Tu Tu Tango on International Drive – which will be open on Christmas day with an all-you-can-eat dining offer.
And don’t miss our Bonus Episode with the folks at Zymarium Meadery where we chat about the science behind mead making and the upcoming Science on Tap beer festival at Orlando Science Center on January 25.
TOP TEN HEADLINES
- State Rep Anna Eskamani announced her intention to run for Mayor of Orlando in 2027.
- During the Holiday Drone Show, several drones went wonky and crashed into the park and crowds of spectators, estimated to have been about roughly 25,000 people.
- Orlando Science Center got a $1 million donation from Dr. Phillips Charities to renovate its CineDome and they have some big plans.
- Last week the Orlando International Airport announced that it would be partnering with over 40 local businesses on new restaurant and retail shops in both Terminal A and B, but it turns out most of them will be operated by third-party puppet companies. Does it matter?
- Orlando City Soccer just released its 2025 regular season schedule. The first match will be against Philadelphia Union on Saturday, February 22.
- Winter Park mayor presenting State of the City Address on January 31.
- A new butcher shop is opening in Audubon Park, and it’ll be run by South Florida meat darlings Meat N’ Bone. They’ll also have a meat subscription service if you’re feeling lonely— I mean hungry.
- OUC approved its controversial PeakSHIFT Plan.
- “Pulse building to be torn down as plans for new memorial move forward.” – Watermark
- “Some Tangelo Park residents concerned about neighboring Orlando missile factory after fire.” – FOX 35
ICYMI – (IN CASE YOU MISSED IT)
- “Jeff Briggs ends tenure with Winter Park Planning Department.” – The 32789
- “Audubon Society hosting Beginners’ Birdwatching Classes in January.” – Bungalower
- “I-4 Parking lot now re-open.” – Bungalower
- “Pat Greene thinks you need to join the City of Orlando Pottery Studio.” – Bungalower
- “Snap! Orlando and founder bid farewell.” – Bungalower
- “Solar Bears Food Fest returns on February 1.” – Bungalower
- “Winter Park issues call for Green Schools Grant applicants.” – Bungalower
- “Downtown building back for sale 10 months after popular entertainment operator bought it.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Party City to close all stores after 40 years in business.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “20 Free and affordable New Year’s Eve events in Orlando.” – Orlando Date Night Guide
- “EPA approves controversial Florida plan for roads made from radioactive byproduct.” – Orlando Weekly
- “What the school resource officer conflict with OCPS means for Winter Park.” – Winter Park Voice
- “Top 10 of 2024: Our Favourite Architecture Projects.” – AZURE
- “The architects who built Miami.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “Kalamazoo to build pre-approved cottages.” – CNU
- “Mexico City to boost mobility, security ahead of FIFA World Cup.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “NYPD car chases are becoming more frequent and more dangerous.” Bloomberg CityLab
HOT EVENTS THIS WEEK
- Monday 12/23: Bad Santa and The Angry Elves (Mills 50)
- Monday 12/23: Dinos in Lights Holiday Show at Orlando Science Center (Ivanhoe Village)
- Monday 12/23: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics (Parramore)
- Monday 12/23: Southern Culture on the Skids at Dirty Laundry (Mills 50)
- Tuesday 12/24: Christmas Eve Celebration at The Morse Museum (Winter Park)
- Tuesday 12/24: Christmas Music Bingo at Tactical Brewing (Baldwin Park)
- Thursday 12/26: 25th Anniversary CFL Kwanzaa Celebration (Winter Park)
- Thursday 12/26: The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show (Ivanhoe Village)
- Thursday 12/26: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Jacksonville (Parramore)
- Friday 12/27: Patton Oswalt – Effervescent (Downtown)
- Friday 12/27: Winter Wonderland White Party at Savoy Orlando (Ivanhoe Village)