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Gatorland at 75: It’s a family business that’s long in the tooth
Before there was Walt Disney World or the Daytona 500 or Interstate 4, there was Gatorland. The roadside attraction, presenting reptiles and “real Florida,” was started by Owen Godwin, and his family continues to run the business, which is now marking its 75th anniversary on South Orange Blossom Trail. Aside from being an Orlando entrepreneur, Godwin could have listed adventurer and ...
Disney welcomes new endangered baby animal
ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is welcoming a new endangered animal to its herd. An addax named Julien was recently born just in time to celebrate Mother's Day. The animal was born to mom Juniper and dad Allen. In a press release, the resort said Juniper was born in 2021, but her mother passed away during the birth due to complications.
Fresh faces: Meet six newbies to Orlando’s International Fringe Festival
There are only so many firsts you will have in your life. Your first words. First step. First kiss. You get the point. They are moments to cherish (even if some you have no recollection of). Someone got to enjoy them. And maybe, if you are lucky, your parents captured that first awkward step on video so they can share it with you. I remember my first Orlando Fringe experience: It was a flop. ...
Leu Gardens director has high hopes one year into her ‘dream job’
One year into her tenure as executive director of Leu Gardens, Jennifer D’hollander has big visions and high hopes for the future of Orlando’s 50-acre botanical oasis. In May 2023, the longtime Orlando resident, who grew up in Winter Park and graduated from UCF, returned to the City Beautiful to take over the position vacated by retired director Robert Bowden, who led Leu Gardens for nearly 30 ...
Endorsement: In a strong field for Orlando Council District 5, Shan Rose stands out
When seven candidates filed to run for the Orlando City Council seat vacated by the suspension of Commissioner Regina Hill, residents of District 5 probably expected a chaotic, hurried campaign that was heavy on rhetoric and short on solutions. Instead, they got the best of surprises: Each of these candidates has done considerable work to prepare for their council run. They are running ...
A closer look at the 7 candidates to represent Orlando’s District 5
An engaged and knowledgeable field of candidates has emerged in Orlando’s District 5, each making the case they’re the best choice to be interim City Commissioner. The seven hopefuls emerged quickly after the downtown and West Orlando-area seat opened up following the indictment of Commissioner Regina Hill. District residents can begin casting ballots on Monday, with early voting set to last ...
Windermere gives updates on 14 projects
The Windermere Town Council hosted a meeting Tuesday, April 23, to hear updates on 14 projects. Because Mayor Jim O’Brien was absent, Mayor Pro Tem Andy Williams filled in to kick off the meeting, while Town Manager Robert Smith led the presentation and gave the updates. LOCAL MITIGATION STRATEGY.
Another hot day with higher chances of rain and lightning storms
Friday’s heat will rival Thursday’s, however, afternoon storms could cool things down. There is a 30 to 40 percent chance of late morning or midday storms with lightning and gusty winds, according to NWS Melbourne. Those storms are likely to develop from north of Kissimmee to Melbourne by the afternoon. They may contain lighting and gusty winds up to 50 mph. Temperatures will stay in the ...
Kissimmee commissioner’s affordable housing proposal: converted garages
The city of Kissimmee is making local strides to cure the region-wide affordable housing shortage problem. The Haven on Vine project, a hotel conversion slated to bring 120 income-based housing units and bridge-to-housing services to Vine Street, is moving forward thanks to a $1.8 million federal Housing and Urban Development grant.
City of St. Cloud reaches settlement with construction company they say caused road issues downtown
ST. CLOUD, Fla. — After tensions grew between the city of St. Cloud and the contractor responsible for Phase 2 of its downtown renovation project, the city accepted a mediated settlement. In February, there were talks of a lawsuit after roads downtown were riddled with issues that impacted businesses...
Calmer skies ahead with lingering heat. How’s Mother’s Day shaping up in Central Florida?
ORLANDO, Fla. – Early Saturday morning, thunderstorms brought some severe warnings, but they’re tapering off as a cold front moves through Central Florida. This afternoon, expect clear skies and less humidity once the front passes. Temperatures will be above normal, hitting 94 degrees in Orlando and the mid-80s along the coast.
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