News and information from throughout our community

BY THE NUMBERS

5 Miles
The length of a newly opened stretch of the Wekiva Parkway. Overseen by the Central Florida Expressway Authority, the new section starts at U.S. Highway 441 and extends to Kelly Park Road, but the parkway itself still has 15 uncompleted miles.

100
The minimum number of legal cases that might be impacted by fingerprint evidence presented by a former Orange County Sheriff’s Office employee who allegedly made mistakes. All told, the employee was involved in nearly 2,000 criminal cases.

$26,000
The monetary amount that 18-year old Orlando resident Daniela Leon Ruz will receive each month from the Florida Lottery for the next 20 years. Ruz bought her winning ticket from a Publix near Lake Eola.

$740,000
The monies authorized by Seminole County commissioners to be paid to 17-92 Five Points LLC for the demolition and redevelopment of the former Flea World site. Despite some resident opposition, only one commissioner voted against the motion.

43.1 Million
The 12-month passenger count reported by Orlando International Airport for June 2016-2017. It marks the highest volume to date for the facility, which has enjoyed a steady increase in monthly passengers for the past three years.

HIT OR MISS

Soccer star Dom Dwyer rejoined Orlando City for the first time in four years, thanks to a trade with Sporting Kansas City. Dwyer last played for the team in 2013, when they were still a United Soccer League (USL) franchise and won the USL championship that year. Dwyer is the only member of that championship squad playingon the current team.

Lucasfilm has announced plans to open a new attraction, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, at Disney Springs. While the opening date and admission cost are to be determined, the attraction is described as an immersive, hyper-realistic experience that will make attendees feel like they are part of their own Star Wars adventure.

Universal Studio’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is getting an update, with the current Dragon Challenge ride scheduled to close on September 4. That attraction will be replaced with a new Harry Potter-themed thrill ride, specifics for which are still pending. It’s expected to open in 2019.

The Orlando Police Pension Board unanimously voted to grant early retirement to now-former Orlando Police Department Officer Gerry Realin, who will collect 80 percent of his $70,000/year salary for life. Realin was on the team of officers that removed bodies from the Pulse nightclub in 2016, and he claimed debilitating PTSD as a result.

In August, City of Orlando officials opened a time capsule that had been found in the controversial Johnny Reb statue after it was moved from Lake Eola Park. The capsule, which was placed inside the statue in 1911, contained several old newspapers, Confederate money, miniature Confederate flags and related items.

The City of Orlando has approved a new panhandling ordinance that no longer requires people to stay inside of painted “blue boxes” on downtown sidewalks while asking for money. However, they are forbidden from approaching people using ATMs, seated in outdoor patio areas or standing in line for an event.

DATEBOOK

FIRST FRIDAY FESTIVAL & ART STROLL
Sep 1
This free sidewalk event is family- and pet-friendly. View and buy the work of more than 70 local artisans while strolling through the heart of beautiful Baldwin Park. Held the first Friday of each month. 5:30-9:30 p.m., Baldwin Park Village Center, free

FLORIDA HOSPITAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS 5K
Sep 16
Benefiting cultural arts organizations in Casselberry through the Track Shack Youth Foundation, this race invites participants to dress as their favorite musical artist. Several local bands will battle it out concurrently. 7:30 a.m., Lake Concord Park, various pricing

MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY
Through Nov 1
Get dressed in your favorite costume for an all-ages event that will include singing, dancing, candy and some familiar grim, grinning ghosts. Be sure to read the rules for costumes beforehand, though. After dark, Walt Disney World, $74 event ticket plus park admission

DID YOU HEAR?

“We must ensure that anyone who wants to live in Orlando can live in Orlando— regardless of their income. That’s why we’re making significant investments in developing and rehabbing quality, affordable housing units.”

—Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Announcing plans for more than 600 affordable housing units during his 2017 State of the City Address in July

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s August 2017 issue.