News and information from throughout Greater Orlando

By the Numbers

29
The number of incidents of food- and waterborne contaminations reported in Central Florida for 2015, resulting in 123 people contracting food poisoning. The numbers mark a sharp increase from recent years, but a cause hasn’t been determined.

$691
The daily cost of one of the new cabanas that guests can rent at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The cabanas, which are available for the entire day, include lockable storage, electronics-charging stations, sunscreen, insect repellent, food, water, and soft drinks.

1926
The year in which the historic Orlando Amtrak Station opened. In December, the station received an official State of Florida Historical Marker, which was unveiled by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, and other government officials.

1 Million
The amount of fingerling bass that biologists from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission released into Lake Apopka in November and December. The restocking is part of the ongoing restoration process for the once-heavily fished body of water.

2020
The new projected opening date for Orlando International Airport’s planned south terminal expansion. The updated target is a year later than originally anticipated, with officials citing the high cost of steel as the underlying reason.

Hit or Miss

SolarCity, the solar-energy company owned by Elon Musk, has revealed plans to expand its outlet in Clermont, which is the company’s headquarters for Florida operations. The decision came after Florida voters rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that threatened to curtail solar investment in the state.

Universal Parks and Resorts has confirmed that its theme parks in Orlando, California and Japan will be adding Nintendo-themed areas in coming years. The new destinations, which are being created in partnership with the video-game giant behind Mario, Donkey Kong and other popular franchises, will include rides, shops and other features.

Kissimmee’s tourism marketing group, Experience Kissimmee, has announced a new marketing campaign that’s scheduled to debut this month. Titled “We Make Vacations,” the pitch will spearhead Kissimmee’s winter marketing push and promote the community’s importance to Central Florida’s tourism industry.

In November, Orange County commissioners rejected the proposed Sustany development that would have added nearly 2,000 homes to the county’s rural east side. The board, which had previously sided with developers, killed the project with a narrow 4-3 vote after being bombarded with objections from current residents.

Greater Orlando’s first medical-marijuana facility, Winter Garden’s Knox Nursery, made its first deliveries in early December. Furthermore, they’ve announced plans to open a dispensary in Ivanhoe Village. For now, the only products available are non-euphoric strains intended for seizure sufferers, but more will be added in the wake of Amendment 2’s passage.

Barbara Poma, owner of the Pulse nightclub, announced in December she was rejecting an offer from Orlando to purchase the site of the worst mass-shooting in Orlando’s history. Though the property was appraised at $1.65 million, the city had offered her $2.25 million with plans to turn the property into a lasting memorial.

Datebook

WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON WEEKEND
1/4-8
At this year’s Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, participants can choose from half (13.1 miles) or full (26.2 miles) mara – thons, both of which run through Disney’s parks, including Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Times vary, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, prices vary

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS XTREME
1/12-16
Featuring the show’s first-ever female ringmaster, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Xtreme provides hours of fun for all ages. Acts include Robert Stipka & The Desert Goddesses, the Mongolian Marvels, Art on Trampoline, and more.
Times vary, Amway Center, prices vary

CENTRAL FLORIDA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
1/14-15
Regardless of your ancestry, you’re invited to celebrate all things Scottish at the 40th annual Central Florida Scottish Highland Games. Enjoy dancing and archery competitions, heavy athletics, battling knights, weaponry demonstrations, and other attractions.
Times vary, Central Winds Park (Winter Springs), prices vary

Did You Hear?

“The decision truly came just from my heart and my passion for Pulse, and everything it’s meant to me and my family for the last 12 years since its inception. So, I think the struggle was … letting go, and it’s just something I could not come to grips with.”
—PULSE NIGHTCLUB OWNER BARBARA POMA, EXPLAINING HER DECISION TO REJECT THE CITY OF ORLANDO’S $2.25M OFFER TO PURCHASE THE CLUB AND TURN IT INTO A LASTING MEMORIAL