Orlando Unplugged: June News & Updates

Experience the magic of Orlando this June with our curated news roundup, featuring a captivating selection of cultural insights and thrilling events that showcase the city's dynamic spirit. Whether you're a local enthusiast or an adventurous traveler, our roundup serves as your ultimate guide to unlocking the essence of Orlando and immersing yourself in its endless wonders.

Originally published on May 31st, 2024. Updated for accuracy.

Florida Expects Lower Summer Gas Prices, Weather Permitting

Florida anticipates lower gas prices this summer, with the current average at $3.50 per gallon. Prices have dropped slightly from last month, and further decreases are expected, barring disruptions from hurricanes or refinery issues. The hurricane season, starting Saturday, could impact prices. GasBuddy forecasts sub-$3 gas nationally by late year, but local variations will persist, with the Panhandle typically seeing the lowest prices and South Florida the highest. Currently, gas prices range from $3.21 in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach area to $3.69 in the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area. The national average stands at $3.59 per gallon.

The Monroe Celebrates Pride Month with BBQ Drag Bingo

The Monroe is hosting a Pride Month kick-off event on June 1st at its Front Porch venue. The event features Brenda from Bithlo leading five rounds of bingo, accompanied by a barbecue in the scenic Creative Village. Attendees will receive a free welcome cocktail with their ticket, and food will be available for purchase, including ribs, burgers, watermelon, brats, and push-pops. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online.

Bite30 Showcases Orlando's Cuisine with 30+ Days of Special Menus

Starting this week, Bite30 offers over a month of special multi-course dinners for $35 at participating Orlando restaurants. Diners can enjoy dishes from venues like Bites and Bubbles, Bulla, Cress, and more. Cocktail specials from Dano's Tequila and Basil Hayden whiskey are also available. Tagging #Bite30 and the restaurants on social media can win you a restaurant gift certificate. The event runs from June 1st to July 7th at various locations. Visit bite30.com for more details.

Rollins College Proposes Art Museum in Former WP Library

Rollins College President Grant Cornwell has suggested converting the old Winter Park Public Library into a new Rollins Museum of Art. The 33,000 SF building has been vacant since the new library opened nearby four years ago. Previously proposed uses for the building have failed to gain city council approval. Rollins College had planned to build a new art museum nearby, but repurposing the existing library could lower costs significantly. The proposal includes adding 5,000 SF of ground-floor gallery space. The next city commission meeting to discuss this is on June 12th.

Juneteenth Black History Bus Tour in Central Florida

Celebrate Juneteenth with a Black History bus tour hosted by nonprofit Paving Pathways on Saturday, June 15th. The tour explores historic areas like Ocoee, Eatonville, and Parramore, sharing stories of resilience and achievement from historical leaders, local notables, and social justice advocates. The event runs from 8:30AM to 4PM, departing from Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando. Tickets are $50 and available for purchase online.

Kissimmee Launches Pride Month with PrideFest on June 1st

The City of Kissimmee is celebrating Pride Month with the annual PrideFest Kissimmee event at the Kissimmee Civic Center on June 1st. The event celebrates the local LGBTQ community's contributions and fosters awareness. Attendees can enjoy food and craft vendors, local artists, and family-friendly activities. Free parking is available at the Civic Center and Toho Square Parking Garage.

Tom's Watch Bar Opens on International Drive in Orlando

Tom’s Watch Bar, now open on International Drive in Orlando, offers 11,000 square feet of sports bar excitement. Located on the top floor of the Hollywood Plaza Garage, it features a central stadium screen and over 150 additional screens for 360-degree views. Guests can enjoy virtual golf bays, a diverse menu of beers, and sports bar food like tacos, burgers, and wings. The bar also caters to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets and offers a kids' menu. Promising "all the sports, all the time," Tom's Watch Bar covers collegiate, professional, and international sports, plus events and unique sports like the Florida Man Games.

Florida's Home School Voucher Program Set to Double Next Year

Florida's Personalized Education Program, launched in the 2023-2024 school year, is expected to double as applications pour in from home-schooling families seeking funds. Established through a 2023 law, the program provided vouchers for nearly 20,000 students in its first year. For the 2024-2025 school year, it can expand to 60,000 students, with 39,690 applications already submitted and 31,991 vouchers awarded. Administered by Step Up for Students, the program offers funds for educational materials, courses, tutoring, and more. Voucher amounts, typically ranging from $7,000 to $9,000, are funded through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program. Final award amounts will be determined after the state budget is signed by Governor DeSantis.

Florida MMA Fighter Wrangles 8-Foot Alligator with Bare Hands

MMA fighter and veteran Mike Dragich captured an 8-foot alligator barefoot in Downtown Jacksonville, impressing a crowd of spectators. In a video posted to his Instagram, Dragich is seen wrestling the gator, straddling its back, and carrying it with his bare hands. Known for his skills as an alligator trapper, Dragich previously captured a 10-foot alligator outside a Jacksonville elementary school last year.

Jon Taffer Brings Taffer's Tavern to Orlando's International Drive

Renowned for his show "Bar Rescue," Jon Taffer is introducing Taffer's Tavern, a full-service restaurant and bar concept, to Orlando's International Drive this winter. This will mark the chain's first Florida location, promising signature drinks, top-notch service, and a cozy ambience. Taffer's Tavern offers elevated comfort food and tavern classics, including dishes like the all-American cheeseburger and lobster roll. Jon Taffer, known for his expertise in reviving failing bars, founded the restaurant chain in 2020. The series has been a hit since its launch in 2011, documenting Taffer's efforts to reconstruct bars and nightclubs nationwide. Taffer's Tavern has already made its mark in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Washington, D.C., with upcoming locations planned for Gainesville, Las Vegas, and Savannah, Georgia.

Eatonville Among Finalists for Florida Museum of Black History

Eatonville in Orange County emerges as a finalist for the location of the Florida Museum of Black History, alongside St. Johns County and Opa-locka in Miami-Dade County. Chosen from eight options, these finalists will undergo analysis by Florida A&M University’s School of Architecture and Engineering Technology before a May 21st meeting. Sen. Geraldine Thompson emphasizes the importance of selecting a self-sustaining location for the museum. Established by state lawmakers in 2023, the task force aims to showcase various Black cultures in Florida, spanning from the 19th century to the civil rights movement, while also devising a plan for the museum's self-sustainability.

Downtown Orlando Considers On-Demand Shuttle Service

The City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board is exploring the introduction of a new on-demand shuttle service in Downtown Orlando. Proposed by Circuit Transit Inc., the "Ride DTO" program aims to deploy five electric shuttles operating 10 hours a day, seven days a week. The initiative, costing over $595,000 for the first year, aims to improve accessibility and transit options in the downtown area. Once launched, riders would pay just $1 per ride. Circuit would also provide regular reports on service levels and operational data. However, concerns have been raised by some about the efficacy and equity of such microtransit initiatives.

City Food Hall to Launch in The Hall on The Yard

The Hall on The Yard in Ivanhoe Village is set to welcome a new tenant, City Food Hall, as indicated by banners on the vacant tower. City Food Hall, known for its Destin and West Palm Beach locations, plans to expand to Orlando, Gainesville, and Atlanta, Georgia. Renowned for their curated selection of vendors and event programming, City Food Hall also offers TopGolf Swing Suites for entertainment. While details about the opening timeline are not yet available, an official announcement is anticipated from both The Yard and City Food Hall.

United Arts Launches Free Downtown Arts Program

United Arts of Central Florida has initiated a new downtown arts program, fulfilling the city's vision for extraordinary experiences in Downtown Orlando. The program, soft-launched on May 16th, offers free daily arts experiences across the Central Business District. Performance areas include Orlando City Hall, CityArts, 54 West Plaza, and more. Artists participating in the program will be compensated with a minimum of $250 for a two-hour performance. More information on how to sign up for the program is available on the United Arts website.

FusionFest Hosts 7th Annual Culinary Arts Contest

FusionFest is back with its seventh annual Culinary Arts Contest, in collaboration with Valencia College’s Walt Disney World Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality in Creative Village. The event kicks off on June 5th, featuring talented chefs challenged to fuse two cultural cuisines. Guests can experience the dinners over four nights, with each night showcasing different chefs. Attendees can vote for the Audience Choice award, while a panel of judges will also select winners. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online, with limited seating available.

Historic WWI General's Winter Park Home Hits Market

A piece of Winter Park's history is up for grabs as the Spanish Revival home once owned by World War I General Avery D. Andrews is now on the market. Built in 1934 and designed by architect Harold Hair, the estate boasts vintage charm and overlooks Lake Osceola. With four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private boathouse, and several outdoor spaces, including courtyards and balconies, the residence offers a glimpse into the past with arched entryways, exposed stone and brick walls, and hand-painted ceilings. Located at 500 N. Interlachen Ave., this home is a true architectural landmark.

Call for Photo Submissions: City of Orlando's 2025 Historic Preservation Calendar

The City of Orlando’s Historic Preservation Board is seeking photo submissions for its 2025 calendar, themed "College Park." Photographers are invited to submit images of structures at least 50 years old within the College Park neighborhood, encompassing various historical home styles. Both exterior and interior images are accepted, with a preference for areas not included in certain national register districts. Selected photographers will receive a $100 honorarium, sponsored by McCoy Federal Credit Union. The Historic Preservation Board has produced the calendar since 1991. Visit the provided link for more information on submissions.

JEFRË to Create Art Instillation for AdventHealth Innovation Tower

AdventHealth's new Innovation Tower parking garage near Ivanhoe Village will feature a striking art installation by Orlando artist JEFRË. Known for his chrome-encased sculptures worldwide, JEFRË will adorn the garage with large aluminum shapes resembling folded prayer notes and well wishes. These shapes will extend across the facade, serving as canvases for light projections of positive messages. A special lighting and dedication ceremony will follow the installation. This project marks a significant addition to the area, following the construction incident in October 2021.

Orlando CRA Offers Incentives to Lure Travel + Leisure HQ Downtown

Travel + Leisure Co. is considering relocating its headquarters to Downtown Orlando, prompting the city's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to offer enticing incentives. The CRA's High Wage/High-Value Job Creation Program aims to attract companies offering competitive salaries, with incentives extended to the Parramore Planning Area since 2023. Travel + Leisure plans to move 908 jobs downtown and add 102 high-value positions, significantly exceeding Orange County's average private sector wage. The company's estimated $29.4 million build-out could receive up to $4.04 million through the CRA program. The City Council is set to vote on the funding agreement soon, though the new headquarters location remains undisclosed.

Longwood's Most Expensive Listing: Tesla-Powered Mid-Century Gem

Longwood's priciest listing is a waterfront mid-century marvel, boasting Tesla-powered energy independence. Situated at 208 Green Lake Circle, this property spans nearly 4 acres with 130 feet of Lake Brantley shoreline. Originally designed by Winter Park architect Herbert Banks in 1978, the home underwent extensive renovations in 1995 and 2023. Featuring over 6,100 square feet, four bedrooms, and six baths, the residence exudes mid-century charm with sharp angles, soaring ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Notable amenities include a five-car garage with an electric vehicle charging station, a boathouse, and a second-story sun deck. Equipped with Tesla solar power storage panels, this home epitomizes energy efficiency.

CrushYard to Launch Immersive Pickleball Experience in Kissimmee

CrushYard, the pioneer of pickleball "eatertainment," is gearing up to unveil its second corporate location in Kissimmee's Formosa Gardens Village, adjacent to the Margaritaville Resort. Spanning 47,861 square feet at 7840 West Irlo Bronson Highway (US 192), this expansive venue promises family fun with 10 indoor pickleball courts, a gourmet restaurant, full bar, private event spaces, and an arcade. Set for a grand opening in Q4 2024, the establishment aims to cater to both seasoned players and newcomers alike. Matt Manasse, renowned as Pickleball's "Coach to the Stars," expresses excitement about Crush Yard's arrival in Orlando, highlighting its appeal to the local community.

Historic Rosalind Club Property Under Conservation Scrutiny

The City of Orlando is considering safeguarding the historic property at 11 N. Rosalind Avenue in Downtown Orlando with a conservation easement. This 0.34-acre site, housing a 6,373 SF building constructed in 1915, holds significance as the former home of the Ladies Social Club of Orlando, later known as the Rosalind Club. As one of the few remaining structures encroaching into Lake Eola Park, its preservation is paramount. Recent initiatives by the City have focused on preserving such landmarks, including demolishing surrounding homes near the Eola House and clearing space for a new pocket park. Placing a conservation easement on the Rosalind Club property would ensure its protection from potential development for at least a decade, with the possibility of extension by City Council.

Friendly's Set to Celebrate Third Central Florida Location Grand Opening

Friendly's Restaurant is marking the official opening of its third Florida location in Orlando this weekend, signaling a revival for the brand after facing bankruptcy in 2011 and 2020. Acquired by Brix Holdings in 2021, the restaurant chain has undergone remodeling, menu revamps, and expansion efforts. The grand opening event, scheduled for Saturday, June 1st, at 8600 Vineland Ave. #101, promises fun activities like face painting and exclusive offers such as $2 Fribbles for dine-in customers. The first 25 customers will receive a free weekly scoop of ice cream, while the first 100 guests will get a $20 coupon for their next visit. This new establishment joins existing locations in Orlando and Melbourne, showcasing Friendly's commitment to reestablishing its presence in the Central Florida dining scene.

Orlando Implements Late-Night Parking Garage Closure Policy

The City of Orlando, in conjunction with the Orlando Police Department, has initiated a new policy to close downtown parking garages after 11PM. on weekends. This move is part of broader efforts to transition the downtown core towards a family-friendly environment and reduce late-night entertainment. Alongside this change, the city is considering additional regulations on sidewalk cafes, bars, and nightclubs to enhance safety and manage crowds. These measures aim to balance economic vitality with public safety in Downtown Orlando.

Domu Founders Launch Small Food Group for New Culinary Ventures

Sean "Sonny" Nguyen, the renowned chef behind the Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized Domu restaurants, has unveiled Small Food Group, an extension of the Domu Dynasty. This new venture, inspired by Nguyen's culinary adventures in Japan, debuts with Edoboy, a Michelin-recommended standing sushi bar. Small Food Group's upcoming concepts include Rion's Ocean Room, focusing on poke and seafood snacks, and Gyukatsu Rose, specializing in traditional Japanese gyukatsu. Both concepts are set to open in Fall 2024 and early 2025, respectively, with locations yet to be disclosed.

Universal Orlando Introduces Premium Scream Night at Halloween Horror Nights 33

Universal Orlando is granting fans an exclusive opportunity with the inaugural Premium Scream Night event at Halloween Horror Nights 33. Scheduled for August 29th, this limited-capacity event allows guests to experience the frights before the official opening. Attendees will face 10 terrifying haunted houses, five scare zones, and live entertainment, all with shorter wait times and staggered entry. Ticket perks include all-you-care-to-enjoy food, exclusive souvenirs, access to select attractions, and free self-parking. Tickets, priced at $350 (discounted for Passholders), go on sale June 6th. Additional details about this year's Halloween Horror Nights will be unveiled soon.

Florida Tourism Surges in 2024, Setting Record Numbers

Florida's tourism industry soared to new heights in the first quarter of 2024, marking record numbers and a promising rebound from pandemic setbacks. Governor Ron DeSantis announced that an estimated 40.6 million visitors traveled to Florida during this period, with significant increases in domestic and international arrivals. The state saw a surge in overseas travelers, although numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels. The tourism boom reflects Florida's status as a top destination for travelers, with Visit Florida highlighting the state's appeal to both domestic and international visitors. The announcement also revealed a revision of 2023 tourism totals, surpassing previous records and signaling a robust recovery for the industry.

Osceola County to Honor Pulse Shooting Victims with Tribute

Osceola County plans to allocate federal pandemic relief funds to construct a tribute honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. Commission chair Cheryl Grieb confirmed the county's intention to build a dedicated structure at Brownie Wise Park in Kissimmee, emphasizing that it will not serve as a memorial but as a tribute to the victims. Local artist Jefre has volunteered to design the structure, which will be unveiled on June 12th, 2024, the eighth anniversary of the tragedy. The tribute aims to provide a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance for affected families, separate from the site of the shooting. This initiative comes after the dissolution of OnePulse, the nonprofit initially tasked with creating a permanent memorial, shifting the responsibility to the city of Orlando.

Florida Wildlife Commission Chair Proposes New State Bird, Suggests Replacing Mockingbird

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto is advocating for the designation of a new state bird unique to Florida, proposing to replace the northern mockingbird, which is shared with five other states. Barreto aims to revive previous efforts, including a contest with fourth- and fifth-grade students, to select a new avian symbol for the state. Despite past initiatives, the northern mockingbird has retained its status as Florida's state bird since 1927. Bills supporting the scrub jay and flamingo have been proposed in recent legislative sessions, but none have succeeded. The proposal to replace the mockingbird faces opposition, notably from former National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer, who argues for maintaining the mockingbird's status.

SeaWorld Orlando Revives Viva La Música Latin Festival for June Celebrations

SeaWorld Orlando is set to host the lively Viva La Música Latin festival throughout June, featuring five weekends of live musical performances, delectable Latin cuisine, and vibrant cultural celebrations. Held every Saturday and Sunday from June 1st to 30th, the event will showcase renowned Latin artists like Sergio Vargas and Proyecto Uno, performing in the air-conditioned Nautilus Theater. Guests can savor new Latin-inspired menu items, including pinchos, empanadas, paella, and more, while enjoying a tequila tasting experience with 21Seeds. As SeaWorld marks its 60th anniversary, attendees are encouraged to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, indulge in interactive activities, and dance to the rhythms of Latin music.