Voice & Vent

THIS MONTH, on page 24, we look at six great Central Florida beaches, with three each on the east and west coasts. Which coast do you prefer visiting on beach trips? Share your opinion by visiting OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com ’s Polls section and answering:

“When you go to the beach, are you more likely to head east or west?”

Click on“Vote” to make your choice count.

Next month, we’ll report back on what our readers are thinking. Also, don’t forget to vote for your favorite doctors in our main Reader’s Poll!

Last month, we asked: “When you’re ready for a slice, do you prefer traditional pizza or white pizza?”

80% of you said RED | 20% of you said WHITE

By the Numbers

23,000
Attendance level at the Orlando Pride’s inaugural season opener against the Houston Dash on April 23. The number set a record for the National Women’s Soccer League and further underscores the City Beautiful’s commitment to soccer.

32818
The ZIP code assigned to 670 residents in Ocoee’s Rose Hill subdivision— technically making them part of Orlando in the eyes of the world. The residents have tried unsuccessfully for seven years to get the United States Postal Service to change their code.

$91,000
Total charitable donations raised online in advance of the 21st annual AIDS Walk Orlando, which took place in April benefitting the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida. Orlando is No. 8 in the nation when it comes to the number of HIV infections, and Florida leads all U.S. states.

$1 Million
The monetary gift received by University of Central Florida for its downtown Orlando campus, which is expected to open in August 2018. The gift was provided by BB&T Corporation and left the university with $3 million to fundraise for the expansion.

66 Million
The amount of tourists who visited Orlando in 2015, according to the region’s tourism bureau, Visit Orlando. That number marks a 5.42-percent increase over 2014, the year in which Orlando officially became the premier U.S. tourist destination.

Hit or Miss

In late April, Longwood resident John Newton and a German Shepherd named Maxx were credited as heroes when they helped rescue people from a burning home. After escaping the house, Maxx led firefighters to the locations of a 2-yearold girl and a 4-year-old boy, while Newton, a neighbor, was one of the first on the scene and helped a woman escape the flames.

The University of Central Florida unveiled new uniforms for its football program in May. Created by Nike Football Senior Graphic Designer Josh Iverson, the uniforms include four different white, gold, anthracite and pewter helmets, jerseys and pants that can be mixed into 64 different combinations.

The Disney-area Grand Palisades Resort, which spent seven years in foreclosure, has received new owners, a renovation and a new name. Rechristened as The Grove Resort & Spa, the 878-room resort will begin accepting reservations in June for its expected December opening.

Altamonte Springs resident Jessica McCreery, who lost full parenting rights and access to her infant daughter Penelope Hogarth in 2014, had all rights restored at a judicial hearing in late May. The child was previously placed into foster care after authorities were alerted to the fact that she was dangerously undernourished.

The downtown stadium that was called the Citrus Bowl since 1983 has a new moniker: Camping World Stadium. The rechristening came via an eight-year naming-rights agreement with the Kentucky-based Camping World, which sells recreational vehicles. Financial terms of the deal were not announced.

In May, Sharon Wolfe, wife of Tavares Mayor Robert Wolfe, was arrested on perjury charges stemming from contradictory statements she gave regarding an incident in which Mayor Wolfe discharged a firearm in their home. Earlier this year, Sharon Wolfe received one year’s probation after allegedly battering her twin sister with a fraternity paddle and a ceiling-fan blade.

Datebook

THE SILVER SPURS RODEO
June 10-12

The largest event of its sort east of the Mississippi, and this year’s edition will feature all the classic rodeo events that fans have come to expect. Plus, little cowboys and cowgirls can compete in mutton busting. Times vary, Osceola Heritage Park/Silver Spurs Arena, Kissimmee, $15-$20 (kids free)

LAKERIDGE WINERY’S HARVEST FESTIVAL
June 10-12

Features the ever-popular stomping of the grapes and fun for the entire family. Plus, more than 80 local artists and craftspeople will have work on display, live music can be enjoyed, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Times vary, Lakeridge Winery, Clermont, $2 donations

MASCOT GAMES
June 17-18

Thirty mascots from sports teams across the country will compete in this year’s Mascot Games, including representatives from football, basketball, baseball and hockey. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit New Hope for Kids, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Times vary, Amway Center, Orlando, $12-$35

Tribute: In Memoriam

One of the original assistant U.S. district attorneys for Florida’s Middle District, Kendell Woolridge Wherry, passed away in March. He was 89. In 1966, two years after joining the Middle District, Wherry was tasked with opening the district’s first office in Orlando, and he was still practicing law when the George C. Young U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building Annex opened in 2007.

Did You Hear?

“I want our guys to feel good about what they’re coming out of the tunnel wearing on Saturdays. I think it’s important. It gives you confidence. It makes you feel good, something you can be proud of when you’re sporting the school’s colors. … We’re going to try and provide that as much as we can for our guys.”

—University Of Central Florida Football Head Coach Scott Frost regarding his team’s new uniforms