Interesting news and information from around our community

Go Figure

3

The number of parking garages Disney Springs will have once a newly announced third garage is complete. The schedule and specifics are to be determined, but the facility is expected to include at least 2,000 spaces and possibly a pedestrian bridge over Buena Vista Drive.

4 Months

The length of a Saturday service test for SunRail, Greater Orlando’s commuter train service. The test, which was scheduled to begin in October, is being paid for by businesses and organizations that could benefit from a permanent expansion, including Florida Hospital and the Dr. Phillips Center.

8 Miles

The length of the State Road 408 extension that was announced in October. The $800 million toll road will extend past the Econlockhatchee River and is being funded by the state, but its earliest expected completion date is 2022.

12

The amount of new rescue units being put into service by Orange County Fire Rescue, among other benefits, as part of Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs’ INVEST in Our Home for Life initiative. The $300 million program is focusing on infrastructure and safety improvements.

$350,000

How much the OneOrlando Fund will give to the families of all 49 people killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting in June. The organization is also providing smaller amounts to hospitalized victims, those who received outpatient treatment, and 182 other Pulse patrons.

Hit or Miss

The Dr Pepper Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Football Championship will take place at Camping World Stadium this year, according to ACC and stadium representatives. The game, which pairs the ACC’s Atlantic and Coastal division champions and was originally slated for North Carolina, is scheduled for December 3.

The organizers of Microsoft Ignite will bring the well-known tech conference to Orlando in 2017. Attracting approximately 30,000 attendees each year, the event spotlights Microsoft’s enterprise products and services, and also provides information-technology training. Pre-registration is already underway.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has announced tentative plans to relocate its global headquarters to the Greater Orlando area. The move from their current digs in Alexandria, Virginia, will result in approximately 40 jobs, but it’s contingent on incentives from Florida and Orange County.

Orange County Public Schools has announced that its newest high school will be named Windermere High School. The name was the top choice of families whose children will attend the school, but it’s ruffling the feathers of civic leaders in nearby Windermere, as the school won’t actually be in its namesake town.

Kissimmee City Commissioner Sara Shaw and her boyfriend were arrested in September on charges of grand theft and fraudulent use of a deceased person’s identification. The arrests followed a year-long investigation. Shaw, who denies any wrongdoing, was subsequently suspended from office by Florida Governor Rick Scott.

In October, the Orlando Predators suspended operations, bringing to a close the Arena Football League (AFL) team’s quarter-century of history. Citing a reduced number of AFL teams and pending disagreements with the league, the team also said that everyone who’s paid for 2017 tickets will be refunded.

Datebook

11/5-6

Join approximately 150,000 other art lovers for the 43rd annual Fall Fiesta in the Park, which supports the Orlando Community and Youth Trust. Attendees can enjoy artists, craftspeople, live entertainment, food vendors and a kids’ play area, and it’s all pet-friendly. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Lake Eola Park, Free

11/5 – 1/8

Bundle up for the City of Winter Park’s annual Winter in the Park ice-skating rink. Skaters are invited to glide, spin and turn as they “chill out. Plus, skates are available for children’s size 9 to adult size 14, and group discounts and private-party rentals are available. 3-9 p.m. Mon-Thu, 3-10 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sat, 12-8 p.m. Sun, Central Park West Meadow, $12

11/19

Benefitting Canine Companions for Independence, DogFest Orlando 2016 invites people and their four-legged friends to walk for a very good cause. Games for dogs and kids will also be available, as will face-painting. To learn more about the initiative, visit CCI.org/DogFest. 9 a.m., Lake Lily (Maitland), Free

3 Things You’ll Learn

Find out who Best Doctors Inc. and our readers named as the Greater Orlando region’s top plastic surgeons. Click Here

Hear from 11 of our local high schools’ top winter sports stars, and read about the accomplishments of many others. Click Here

Learn about Second Harvest Food Bank and the good it does for our community, plus how you can help. Click Here

Did You Hear?

“Long term, [University of Central Florida] will be recognized as one of the major state universities in the country in both quality and size.”

—University of Central Florida (UCF) President John Hitt, when asked about his ultimate goal for the college during his 2016 State of the Campus Address in September. Hitt has been UCF’s president since 1992, and the school has enjoyed tremendous growth in the decades since.

Voice & Vent

This month, we get advice from local experts on pet-boarding or -sitting services during the holidays. Which do you prefer for your four-legged family members? Share your opinion by visiting OrlandoFamilyMagazine’s Polls section and answering:

“When you can’t take your pet on an out-of-town trip, do you prefer to board them, or do you prefer to arrange for a pet-sitter?”

Click “Vote” to make your choice count. Next month, we’ll report back on what our readers are thinking.

In October, we asked:

“Do you send your children to public school, or do you opt for a private-school education?”

58% of you said PUBLIC SCHOOL

42% of you said PRIVATE SCHOOL

Published and copyrighted in Orlando Family Magazine (November 2016).