News and information from throughout Greater Orlando

By the Numbers

No. 2
The Orlando-Kissimmee- Sanford metro area’s ranking on Forbes’ list of fastest-growing cities for 2017. The report took into account population growth, employment, wages, economic output and home-price growth.

6,872
The number of computer keys used by Oviedo artist Doug Powell to create a portrait of Star Wars’ Princess Leia, complete with her signature hair buns. The finished work was acquired by Ripley Entertainment, which has previously obtained other pieces by Powell.

No. 3
Metro Orlando’s rank when it comes to a lack of affordable housing, according to a new study released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The study also claims that our area’s affordable-housing shortage is twice as severe as the national average.

$35.5 Million
The revenue reported by Metro Orlando hotels for the weekend of 2017’s Pro Bowl, which was held at Camping World Stadium for the first time. That figure marked an increase of more than $4 million over the same period last year.

$8.5 Million
The amount of money that the federal government will distribute to victims, victims’ families and first responders affected by the Pulse nightclub shooting in June of last year. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime.

Hit or Miss

On March 6, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts broke ground on the final phase of its construction, Steinmetz Hall and The Green Room. Named after high-profile donors Chuck and Marjorie Pabst Steinmetz, the 1,700-seat Steinmetz Hall will host performances by Opera Orlando, the Orlando Ballet and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

In February, the Orange County School Board voted 7-1 to change the name of Robert E. Lee Middle School to College Park Middle School. Supporters of the change argued that having a school named after the confederate general sent the wrong message to the community and particularly to the school’s student body, 60 percent of which are black.

Prior to the start of the 2017 season at their new stadium, the Orlando City Lions debuted the team’s new home jerseys. Featuring a collar for the first time in the team’s history, the new kit also boasts metallic-gold stripes on the shoulders and shorts, while the crest now has a raised metallic-gold design.

After a decade-long dispute, the city of Clermont reached an agreement with local mechanic Wayne Weatherbee, allowing the latter to open a new auto-repair shop across the street from his current business. In exchange, Weatherbee removed inflammatory signs that he had placed on the new business’ lot to draw attention to his long struggle with the city.

Rollins College announced in February it was suspending all six of its fraternities over concerns about high-risk behaviors on the part of fraternity members. The college would not specify said behavior, but did share that the suspension, which is until further notice, does not apply to its sororities.

Winter Park’s iconic Aloma Bowl bowling alley could be headed for the dustbin of history if Orchard Supply Hardware, a subsidiary of Lowe’s, has its way. The company has made an offer for the property and has applied to the City of Winter Park to develop it, with plans calling for a two-story building with approximately 60 parking spots.

Datebook

SPRING FIESTA IN THE PARK
Apr 1-2
Celebrating its 28th year, Spring Fiesta in the Park showcases more than 200 artists and craftspeople for a weekend-long celebration of the arts. This free, pet-friendly event also features food vendors— including a beer and burger garden—live music, a kids’ carnival and more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Lake Eola Park, free

FLORIDA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Apr 20-22
The 17th annual Florida Music Festival features more than 150 bands performing at more than 15 locations throughout downtown. Indoor and outdoor shows will host all genres of music showcasing unsigned artists, which have included past performers Taylor Swift, Third Eye Blind, Pitbull and many others. Times vary, locations vary, free

FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL
Apr 21-30
This Oscar-qualifying, 10-day festival premieres the best in current, independent and international cinema. Film lovers can take in the shows and events around town, mingle with filmmakers and celebrities, and enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and food from the theater’s Eden Bar. Times vary, Enzian Theater, prices vary

Did You Hear?

“This award will reimburse victim services costs for operation of the Family Assistance Center in the immediate aftermath of the [Pulse] shooting, and ensure that victims, witnesses and first responders receive necessary services to help them adjust in the aftermath of violence, begin the healing process, and cope with probable retraumatization.”
—MARILYN MCCOY ROBERTS, acting director of the U.S. Department of Justice’s office for victims of crime, upon announcing her department’s award of $8.5 million to victims of the pulse nightclub shooting

Voice & Vent

THIS MONTH, we celebrate vets and the pets who love them. Which sort of four-legged friend does your family prefer? Share your opinion by visiting OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com’s Polls section and answering:

“When it comes to pets, are you and your family primarily dog people, or are cats more your thing?”

Click on “Vote” to make your choice count.

Next month, we’ll report back on what our readers are thinking.

Last month, we asked: “Do you allow your children to play with interactive smart toys, or are they banned for your kids’ protection?”

43% of you said ALLOWED
57% of you said BANNED

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