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 427 of “Bungalower and The Bus” on Real Radio 104.1 FM, which was recorded at Latin Square downtown and then Rogen’s in Mills 50.
TOP TEN HEADLINES
- A spokesperson for Orange County Public Schools confirmed with News 6 last week that hundreds of teachers have received letters stating they won’t be returning to their current positions next year, as the district deals with a drop in enrollment and budget cuts.
- The long-awaited opening of City Food Hall has come. The venue was left vacant following the closure of The Hall on The Yard back in April 2024.
- A massive new climbing facility opening soon in The Packing District in a reclaimed 45,000 SF warehouse property. High Point Climbing will be opening sometime mid-month with a 5,000 SF kid area and the only competition speed wall in Florida.
- Mayor Dyer’s office just launched the search for Orlando’s next Poet Laureate.
- We told you it had sold. Well, White Wolf is open for business under new ownership and never skipped a beat. Find out what the new owner has planned. Yes, they still have cinnamon buns and happy hour from 3-6 p.m.
- “Open Letter from Central Florida Public Media President Judith Smelser on new public media funding developments.” – Central Florida Public Media
- “WUCF mourns the loss of beloved jazz host Alan Rock.” – WUCF
- “Asian cuisine dominates Orlando’s Michelin picks, while some question overlooked eateries.” – WFTV 9
- “Central Florida school districts scramble for students amid enrollment drop.” – Orlando Sentinel
- “Write in your nominations for this year’s Best of Orlando before they close at midnight on Monday, May 5.” – Orlando Weekly
ICYMI – (IN CASE YOU MISSED IT)
- “City of Orlando accepting submissions for the 2026 Historic Preservation Board Calendar.” – Bungalower
- “CFC Arts appoints new executive director.” – Bungalower
- “Cocktails and Screams hosting Goth Prom, May 9.” – Bungalower
- “CRA reveals new downtown mural.” – Bungalower
- “Lake Alert: Department of Health warns of possible toxic algae in Lake Killarney.”
- “Margaret Cho coming to Plaza Live on May 15.” – Bungalower
- “PHOTOS: Game 3 of Orlando Magic playoff run.” – Bungalower
- “PHOTOS: What the fabulous Fabio Galizia saw at MLP Orlando.” – Bungalower
- “Pups Pub closing downtown location.” – Bungalower
- “Solar Bears share dates for second round of home playoff games.” – Bungalower
- “Hit-and-run suspect tracked down by his own iPhone alert after crash.” – FOX 35
- “Trying to keep midges away in Sanford.” – FOX 35
- “Central Florida housing market sees neighborhood among nation’s hottest.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Orlando acquires land from Mormon Church subsidiary in Sunbridge.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “Sanford seeks developers for downtown properties.” – Orlando Business Journal
- “I-Drive land battle heats up as apartment developers outbid hotels for prime sites.” – WFTV 9
- “‘A place to call home:’ Central Florida nonprofit aims to shelter homeless veterans.” – WKMG
- “Crews work to contain 3 brush fires burning in Volusia County.” – WKMG
- “Tangelo Park battles traffic, buyouts as Epic Universe expands nearby.” – WKMG
- “House of the Day: 2/2 Reeves House unit asking $465,000.”
- “House of the Day: 3/2.5 Conway pool home asking $749,990.”
- “Iceland plans for a more volcanic future.” – Bloomberg CityLab
- “The government aims to cut funding for safer streets. Here’s who would be hurt most.” – Grist
- “Want to improve your quality of life? Live in a sunny city that allows its residents time to linger.” –Monocle
- “Year-round roadway dining could come back under ‘Do-Over’ Bill.” – StreetsBlog NYC
HOT EVENTS THIS WEEK
- Monday 5/5: An Evening With Kenny G (Out of Bounds)
- Monday 5/5: Brenda’s Pop-up Drag Bingo (Baldwin Park)
- Monday 5/5: Noche Latina: CINCO DE MAYO! (Milk District)
- Monday 5/5: Pom Pom’s Market (Ivanhoe Village)
- Tuesday 5/6: Orlando Solar Bears Round 2 Home Playoff Game 1 (Parramore)
- Tuesday 5/6: Public Comment at Orange County to Save Split Oak (Downtown)
- Wednesday 5/7: DOP’s Golden Brick Awards (Downtown)
- Wednesday 5/7: Malcolm Todd at The Plaza Theatre (Milk District)
- Wednesday 5/7: Trash 2 Trends presented by Goodwill (Ivanhoe Village)
- Friday 5/9: Ginger Minj from RuPaul’s Drag Race Family Reunion (Ivanhoe Village)
- Fridy 5/9: Goth Prom (Downtown)
