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 412 of “Bungalower and The Bus” on Real Radio 104.1 FM, recorded at Cloudhop Bakeshop in the SoDo District.
TOP TEN HEADLINES
- The owner of Southern Nights and his partner have been indicted on multiple counts of child pornography. The nightclub and its sister properties have been transferred to new ownership.
- The Michelin Guide has added four more Orlando restaurants to its collection of favorites, per its ongoing agreement with Visit Florida and Friends.
- Orlando Main Streets has joined forces with local breweries to help make the best Orlando Beer Week ever, and the fun kicks off on January 24.
- A new French Brasserie is opening on the second floor of the ghost town that is City Food Hall in Ivanhoe Village. It’s led by some rockstar chefs though so we expect it’ll be delicious.
- Longtime favorite The Aardvark has closed. And they’re blaming their lawyers.
- A new family-friendly cafe space has opened in Mills 50 and it looks like they’ve got Hobbit houses. We will find out if adults can use them for photo ops and let you know.
- Thornton Park just got a new mural of a neighborhood cat. Because, Thornton Park.
- “Editorial collaborative of 10 local news organizations to examine the impact of Florida’s camping ban.” – Central Florida Public Media
- “MegaCon confirms ‘Lethal Weapon’ stars Danny Glover and (uh oh) Mel Gibson as special guests.” – Orlando Weekly
- “How mass deportations might hit Orlando immigrant community.” – Orlando Sentinel
ICYMI – (IN CASE YOU MISSED IT)
- “Mobile Holocaust exhibit stops at Rollins College.” – The 32789
- “Cat Ridgeway releases new music video.” – Bungalower
- “Global Peace Film Festival launches film series at Orlando Science Center.” – Bungalower
- “Jeff’s Bagel Run opening Milk District location.” – Bungalower
- “Local retailers team up to raise funds for California Wildfire Fund.” – Bungalower
- “Orlando launching next phase of reopening Orange Avenue on weekend nights.” – Bungalower
- “Park DTO program extended through December 31, 2025.” – Bungalower
- “Pat Greene wants to show you his ArtCube.” – Bungalower
- “PHOTOS: Orlando Magic versus Minnesota Timberwolves.” – Bungalower
- “The Twisted Handle announces closing date.” – Bungalower
- “Seby’s Pizza in Winter Park. My new favorite local pizza shop.” – Lemonhearted
- “Church zoning moratorium dropped after Liberty Counsel push-back.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Orlando airport plans its first direct flight to Asia.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Public Paychecks: Orlando Magic’s highest paid-players.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “CORRECTION: Shots Bar Orlando open, undergoes ‘more upscale’ remodel.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Current Seafood Counter opening two more stores; June opens in March and more Orlando food news.” – Orlando Weekly
- “Orlando EMT under investigation after female voting comment caught on camera.” – WFTV

- “In a city of sprawl, wildfire evacuation is getting harder.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “These homes withstood the LA Fires. Architects explain why.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “Central Florida homeowners join rising trend, opting out of property insurance.” – Central Florida Public Media
- “One way Trump could help revive rural America.” – Governing
- “Why aren’t there more bollards in US cities?” – Planetizen
HOT EVENTS THIS WEEK
- Monday 1/20: 23rd Unity Heritage Festival in Hannibal Square (Winter Park)
- Monday 1/20: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Atlanta Gladiators (Parramore)
- Monday 1/20: SAW The Musical – The Unauthorized Parody (Church Street)
- Tuesday 1/21: An Evening with Josh Gad (Downtown)
- Wednesday 1/22: USMNT vs. Costa Rica (Parramore)
- Thursday 1/23: The Amazing Acr-Cats Overtake Orlando (Ivanhoe Village)
- Thursday 1/23: Melissa Etheridge at Hard Rock Cafe (Out of Bounds)
- Thursday 1/23: Orlando Magic vs. Portland Trail Blazers (Parramore)
- Friday 1/24: “The Bikinis” (Winter Park)
- Friday 1/24: Gravity Taproom 1 Year Anniversary Party (North Quarter)
- Friday 1/24: Rock the Universe 2025 (Out of Bounds)