City of Orlando
Flag Seal
Nickname: The City Beautiful
Motto: "Built for Families, Made for Memories"[1]
Location in Orange County and the state of Florida
U. A nickname is a Name of an entity or thing that is not its Proper name. A motto (from the Italian word motto, meaning witticism sentence is a phrase meant to formally describe the general motivation or intention of a social group Orange County is a County located in the US state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA. Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the S. Census Map
Coordinates: 28°32′01″N 81°22′6.72″W / 28.53361, -81.3685333
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Orange
Government
- Mayor	Buddy Dyer (D)
Area
- City	101. Wikipedia talkFeatured lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below -->This list of countries, arranged alphabetically The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The political units and divisions of the United States include The 50 states (four of these being officially styled as Commonwealths) which are typically Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the ImageFlorida counties mappng|thumb|right|400px|Florida counties (clickable map poly 42 38 86 40 79 44 74 47 71 55 69 69 74 72 76 87 77 90 87 97 87 102 87 108 78 111 77 115 80 117 Orange County is a County located in the US state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA. A mayor (from the Latin māior, meaning "greater" is a modern title used in many countries for the highest ranking officer in a municipal government John Hugh "Buddy" Dyer (born August 7, 1958) is mayor of Orlando, Florida, first elected in 2003 The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. A city is an Urban area with a large Population and a particular Administrative, Legal, or Historical status 0 sq mi (261. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. 5 km²)
- Land	93. To help compare different Orders of magnitude and geographical regions we list here areas between 100 km² and 1000 km² 5 sq mi (242. 2 km²)
- Water	7. 5 sq mi (19. 3 km²)
Elevation	98 ft (34 m)
Population (2006)
- City	220,186
- Density	2,180. The elevation of a Geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point often the mean sea level. A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International A city is an Urban area with a large Population and a particular Administrative, Legal, or Historical status Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 06/sq mi (842. 01/km²)
- Metro	2,693,552
Time zone	EST (UTC-5)
- Summer (DST)	EDT (UTC-4)
Area code(s)	321, 407
FIPS code	12-53000[1]
GNIS feature ID	0288240[2]
Website: www.cityoforlando.net

The city of Orlando is a major city in central Florida, USA and is the county seat of Orange County, Florida. A metropolitan area is a large population center consisting of a large Metropolis and its adjacent zone of influence or of more than one closely adjoining neighboring central The Eastern Time Zone ( ET) of the Western Hemisphere falls mostly along the east coast of North America and the west coast of South America UTC−5 is the Time offset used in the North American Eastern Time Zone during Standard time and in the North American Central Time Zone during Daylight saving time ( DST The Eastern Time Zone ( ET) of the Western Hemisphere falls mostly along the east coast of North America and the west coast of South America UTC−4 is the Time offset used in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone in Canada in winter and the North American Eastern Time Zone during A telephone numbering plan is a plan for allocating Telephone number ranges to countries regions areas and exchanges and to non-fixed telephone networks Area code 321 is the Area code serving Brevard County Florida. 407 Area code is the Area code for the Orlando metro area including all of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties as well as small portions Federal Information Processing Standards ( FIPS) are publicly announced standards developed by the United States Federal government for use by all non-military The Geographic Names Information System ( GNIS) is a database that contains name and locative information about more than two million physical and cultural features located throughout A city is an Urban area with a large Population and a particular Administrative, Legal, or Historical status Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A county seat is a term for an Administrative center for a County, primarily used in the United States. Orange County is a County located in the US state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA. It is also the principal city of Greater Orlando. Greater Orlando, alternatively known as the Orlando Area or Metro Orlando, is the third most populated metropolitan region in the state of Florida, and The Orlando-Kissimmee MSA is Florida's third-largest metropolitan area, behind Miami and Tampa. The Tampa Bay Area, or Tampa Bay, after the body of water it surrounds is the second most populated metropolitan region in the state of Florida, the Orlando is also home to the University of Central Florida, which is the second largest university in Florida in student enrollment and has the 6th largest enrollment in the nation.

The city is well known for the many tourist attractions in the area, in particular the nearby Walt Disney World Resort, which is located in Lake Buena Vista about 20 miles (32 km) south of Orlando city limits via Interstate 4. The State University System of Florida ( SUS, or SUSF out-of-state is a system of universities governed by the Florida Board of Governors Walt Disney World Resort is the most visited and largest recreational resort in the world containing four Theme parks two Water parks twenty-three themed hotels Lake Buena Vista is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. Interstate 4 (I-4 is a 13230-mile (21291 km intrastate Interstate Highway located entirely within the state of Florida, United States. Other notable area attractions include SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort. History Milton C Shedd, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Millay brought SeaWorld to life yet that was not the initial idea Universal Orlando Resort is a Theme park Resort in Orlando Florida. The region sees an estimated 52 million tourists a year. Orlando has the second largest number of hotel rooms in the country (after Las Vegas, Nevada), and is one of the busiest American cities for conferences and conventions with the Orange County Convention Center, the country's second largest in square footage. Las Vegas ( Spanish: "The Meadows" is the most populous City in the state of Nevada, the seat of Clark County, and an internationally The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC is the primary public Convention center for the Central Florida region It is also known for its wide array of golf courses, with numerous courses available for any level of golfer. Despite being several miles away from the main tourist attractions, Downtown Orlando is undergoing major redevelopment with a number of residential and commercial towers. Downtown Orlando Florida is far removed from the famous attractions that draw tourists to the region

The city symbol is the fountain of Lake Eola and the current mayor is Buddy Dyer. Lake Eola is a small Lake in Downtown Orlando, Florida, located at in Summerlin Park (commonly yet mistakenly called Lake Eola Park John Hugh "Buddy" Dyer (born August 7, 1958) is mayor of Orlando, Florida, first elected in 2003

History

Lake Lucerne in c. 1905

Historians date Orlando's name to around 1837, when a soldier named Orlando Reeves allegedly died in the area during the war against the Seminole Indian tribe. Year 1837 ( MDCCCXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common According to one tale on the origin of the name of Orlando Florida, Sentinel Orlando Reeves was an American soldier who was killed during the Seminole War The Seminole are a Native American people originally of Florida and now residing in Florida and Oklahoma. For indigenous peoples in the United States other than Hawaii and Alaska see also Native Americans in the United States. It seems, however, that Orlando Reeves (sometimes Rees) operated a sugar mill and plantation about 30 miles (50 km) to the north at Spring Garden in Volusia County, and pioneer settlers simply found his name carved into a tree and assumed it was a marker for his grave site. A Sugar Refinery or sugar Mill is a Factory which refines sugar from various organic sources like sugar cane or beets into a Fundamentally a plantation is usually a large Farm or estate, especially in a tropical or semitropical country on which Cotton, Tobacco They then referred to the area as "Orlando's grave" and later simply Orlando. A memorial beside Lake Eola designates the spot where the city's namesake fell. Lake Eola is a small Lake in Downtown Orlando, Florida, located at in Summerlin Park (commonly yet mistakenly called Lake Eola Park

During the Second Seminole War, the U.S. Army established an outpost at Fort Gatlin, a few miles south of the modern downtown, in 1838. The Seminole Wars, also known as the Florida Wars, were three conflicts in Florida between various groups of Native Americans collectively known as The United States Army is a military organization whose primary mission is to "provide necessary forces and capabilities. But it was quickly abandoned when the war came to an end.

Prior to being known as its current name, Orlando was known as Jernigan, after the first permanent settler, cattleman Aaron Jernigan, who acquired land along Lake Holden by the terms of the Armed Occupation Act of 1842. Aaron Jernigan ( September 14, 1813 – August 25, 1891) was the first settler of what is now Orange County But most pioneers did not arrive until after the Third Seminole War in the 1850s. The Seminole Wars, also known as the Florida Wars, were three conflicts in Florida between various groups of Native Americans collectively known as Most of the early residents made their living by cattle raising. A ranch is an area of landscape including various structures given primarily to the practice of ranching the practice of raising grazing livestock such as Cattle

Orlando remained a rural backwater during the Civil War, and suffered greatly during the Union blockade. Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South The Union Blockade refers to the naval actions between 1861 and 1865 during the American Civil War, in which the Union Navy maintained a massive effort on the The Reconstruction Era brought a population explosion, which led to the city's incorporation in 1875.

The period from 1875 to 1895 is remembered as Orlando's Golden Era, when it became the hub of Florida's citrus industry. Citrus is a common term and Genus of Flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, originating in tropical and subtropical southeast regions of But the Great Freeze in 1894-1895 forced many owners to give up their independent groves, thus consolidating holdings in the hands of a few "citrus barons" who shifted operations south, primarily around Lake Wales in Polk County. The Great Freeze refers to the winter of 1894 - 1895, especially in Florida where the brutally cold weather destroyed much of the nation's Citrus Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 10194 at the 2000 census Polk County is a County located in the US state of Florida. As of 2000 the population was 483924

The Wyoming Hotel in c. 1905

There were a couple of notable homesteaders in the area, including the Curry family. Through their property in east Orlando flowed the Econlockhatchee River, which travelers crossed by fording. The Econlockhatchee River ( Econ River for short is a North -flowing blackwater tributary of the St A ford is a place in a Watercourse (most commonly a stream or River) that is shallow enough to be crossed by wading on Horseback or in a wheeled This would be commemorated by the street's name, Curry Ford Road. Also, just south of the airport in the Boggy Creek area was 150 acres (0. 61 km²) of property homesteaded in the late 1800s by the Ward family. This property is still owned by the Ward family, and can be seen from flights out of MCO southbound immediately on the south side of SR-417.

Orlando, as Florida's largest inland city, became a popular resort during the years between the Spanish-American War and World War I. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All The city was also host to several SKEET, which serves as the basis for its hospitals today.

In the 1920s, Orlando experienced extensive housing development during the Florida Land Boom. The Florida land boom of the 1920s was Florida 's first Real estate bubble, which burst in 1925 leaving behind entire new cities and the remains of failed development Land prices soared. During this period several neighborhoods in downtown were constructed, endowing it with many bungalows. A bungalow (બંગલો baṅglo, बंगला baṅglā) is a type of single-storey House that originated in India. The boom ended when several hurricanes hit Florida in the late 20s and by the Great Depression. A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a low pressure center and numerous Thunderstorms that produce strong winds and Flooding

During World War II, a number of Army personnel were stationed at the Orlando Army Air Base and nearby Pinecastle Army Air Field. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Some of these servicemen stayed in Orlando to settle and raise families. In 1956 the aerospace/defense company Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) established a plant in the city. Martin Marietta Corporation was founded in 1961 through the Merger of The Martin Company and American-Marietta Corporation. Lockheed Martin ( is a large multinational Aerospace manufacturer and advanced technology Company formed in 1995 by the merger of Orlando AAB and Pinecastle AAF were transferred to the United States Air Force in 1947 when it became a separate service and were redesignated as Air Force Bases (AFB). In 1958, Pinecastle AFB was renamed McCoy Air Force Base after Colonel Michael N. McCoy Air Force Base (1940-1947 1951-1975 is a former United States Air Force base located 10 miles (16 km south of Orlando, Florida. W. McCoy, a former commander of the 320th Bombardment Wing at the installation, killed in the crash of a B-47 Stratojet bomber north of Orlando. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout In the 1960s, the base subsequently became home to the 306th Bombardment Wing of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), operating B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, in addition to detachment operations by EC-121 and U-2 aircraft. The Strategic Air Command (SAC was both a major command and a "specified command" in the U WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

Orlando is close enough to Patrick Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and Kennedy Space Center for residents to commute to work from the city's suburbs. Patrick Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base located between Satellite Beach and Cocoa Beach, in Brevard County, Florida The Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS is a detachment of the 45th Space Wing (45 SW Patrick AFB provides headquarters functions from the 45 SW a major airfield The John F Kennedy Space Center ( KSC) is the NASA Space vehicle launch facility and Launch Control Center ( Spaceport) on It also allows easy access to Port Canaveral, an important cruise ship terminal. Port Canaveral is a major cruise and cargo Port located in Brevard County Florida. A cruise ship or cruise liner is a Passenger ship used for pleasure voyages where the voyage itself and the ship's amenities are part of the experience Because of its proximity to the Space Coast near the Kennedy Space Center, many high-tech companies have shifted to the Orlando area. The Space Coast is a region in the US state of Florida around Kennedy Space Center, where the U The John F Kennedy Space Center ( KSC) is the NASA Space vehicle launch facility and Launch Control Center ( Spaceport) on

Lucerne Circle in c. 1905

Perhaps the most critical event for Orlando's economy occurred in 1965 when Walt Disney announced plans to build Walt Disney World. Walter Elias Disney (December 5 1901 – December 15 1966 was a multiple Academy Award -winning American Film producer, director, Screenwriter Walt Disney World Resort is the most visited and largest recreational resort in the world containing four Theme parks two Water parks twenty-three themed hotels Although Walt had considered the regions of Miami and Tampa for his park, one of the major reasons behind his decision not to locate there was due to hurricanes. A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a low pressure center and numerous Thunderstorms that produce strong winds and Flooding Orlando's inland location, although not free from hurricanes, exposed it to less threat than the coast. The famous vacation resort opened in October 1971, ushering in an explosive population and economic growth for the Orlando metropolitan area, which now encompasses Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties. Orange County is a County located in the US state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA. Seminole County is a County located in the US state of Florida and part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA. Osceola County is a County located in the US state of Florida. Lake County is a County located in the state of Florida, United States. As a result, tourism became the centerpiece of the area's economy. Tourism is Travel for Recreational or Leisure purposes The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel Orlando is consistently ranked as one of the top vacation destinations in the world, and now boasts more theme parks and entertainment attractions than anywhere else in the world. Theme park is the generic term for a collection of rides and other Entertainment attractions assembled for the purpose of entertaining a large group

Another major factor in Orlando's growth occurred in 1962, when the new Orlando Jetport, the precursor of the present day Orlando International Airport, was built from a portion of the McCoy Air Force Base. McCoy Air Force Base (1940-1947 1951-1975 is a former United States Air Force base located 10 miles (16 km south of Orlando, Florida. By 1970, four major airlines (Delta Air Lines, National Airlines, Eastern Airlines and Southern Airways) were providing scheduled flights. Delta Air Lines Inc ( is a United States Airline based and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Eastern Air Lines was a major United States Airline that existed from the late 1920s until 1991 Southern Airways was a Regional airline operating in the United States from its founding by Frank Hulse in 1949 until 1979 when it was folded into McCoy Air Force Base officially closed in 1975, and most of it is now part of the airport. McCoy Air Force Base (1940-1947 1951-1975 is a former United States Air Force base located 10 miles (16 km south of Orlando, Florida. The airport still retains the former Air Force Base airport code (MCO).

In addition to McCoy Air Force Base, Orlando also had a naval presence with the establishment of Naval Training Center Orlando on the former Orlando AFB in 1968. McCoy Air Force Base (1940-1947 1951-1975 is a former United States Air Force base located 10 miles (16 km south of Orlando, Florida. The newest of three Naval Training Centers in the United States providing training to recruits, as well as being a base for selected post basic training programs for enlisted personnel, NTC Orlando also conducted nuclear power training for commissioned officers and the base had a prominent presence in the area. In 1993, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission ordered that NTC Orlando be closed, along with a companion installation, NTC San Diego. Base Realignment and Closure (or BRAC) is a process of the United States federal government directed at the administration and operation of the Armed NTC Orlando continued in a diminished capacity until the base closed for good in 1999 with the last graduates of the base's Naval Nuclear Power School leaving in December of 1998. Naval Nuclear Power School is a Nuclear engineering school operated by the U The former base has been developed into tracts for upscale housing called Baldwin Park. Other than Reserve and National Guard activities, the Orlando area's remaining military presence is the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division/Naval Support Activity Orlando, located just east of the city limits in the Central Florida Research Park. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division ( NAWCTSD) of the US Navy is located in Orlando FL in the University of Central Florida The U. S. Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI), the U.S. Marine Corps' Program Manager for Training Systems (PMTRASYS) and the U. S. Air Force's Agency for Modeling and Simulation are also collocated at that location.

Lake Eola in 1911

The SunTrust Center, the tallest building in Orlando at 441 ft (134 m), was built in 1988. SunTrust Banks Inc ( is an American Bank holding company. The largest subsidiary is SunTrust Bank The next tallest buildings are the Orange County Courthouse (1997, 416 ft (127 m). This article is for the new Orange County Courthouse For the old courthouse see Orange County Courthouse - Old (Florida. /127 m), the Bank of America Center (Formerly Barnett Plaza, 1988, 409 ft (125 m). Banc of America Securities Bank of America () is the largest bank by asset and second largest commercial Bank by deposits and Market capitalization in United Barnett Bank, founded in 1877 eventually became the largest Commercial bank in Florida. /123 m), Solaire at the Plaza (2006, 359 ft (109 m). /109 m) and the Orlando International Airport ATC Tower (2002, 346 ft (105 m). Air traffic control ( ATC) is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct Aircraft on the ground and in the air /105 m). The VUE at Lake Eola, currently under construction, will become the second-tallest building in Orlando upon completion at 426 ft (130 m) tall, but with 35 stories it will have more stories than the SunTrust Center. ^{[3] [4]} The SeaWorld SkyTower, at 400 ft (122 m) tall, is the tallest tower in Orange County outside Orlando proper. History Milton C Shedd, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Millay brought SeaWorld to life yet that was not the initial idea There are also several tall transmission towers in Orange County, the tallest of which is the WFTV transmission tower in Christmas at 1,617 ft (491. For the defunct television station in Duluth Minnesota, see WFTV (Duluth. Christmas is a Census-designated place and an unincorporated area in Orange County, Florida, United States. 6 m) tall.

In the hurricane season of 2004, Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne battered the Orlando area, causing widespread damage and flooding and impeding tourism to the area. Hurricane Charley was the third named storm the second Hurricane, and the second major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane Frances was the sixth named storm, the fourth hurricane, and the third major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane Jeanne was the tenth named storm, the seventh hurricane, and the fifth major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. A flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land a deluge

Geography

Topography

Orlando is located at 28°32′1″N, 81°22′33″W (28. 533513, -81. 375789). ^[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 261. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census 5 km² (101 mi²). The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. 242. 2 km² (93. 5 mi²) of it is land and 19. 3 km² (7. 5 mi²) of it (7. 39%) is water. Orlando is, on average, 106 feet (32 m) above sea level.

Climate

Orlando has a warm and humid subtropical climate, and there are two major seasons each year. The subtropics are the zones of the Earth immediately north and south of the tropic zone which is bounded by the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Climate encompasses the temperatures humidity rainfall atmospheric particle count and numerous other meteorogical factors in a given region over long periods of One of those seasons is hot and rainy, lasting from May until October (roughly coinciding with the Atlantic hurricane season). The following is list of Atlantic hurricane seasons. The Atlantic hurricane season is the period in a year when hurricanes usually form in the Atlantic Ocean The other is a cooler season (November through March) that brings more moderate temperatures and less frequent rainfall. The area's warm and humid climate is caused primarily by its low elevation and its position relatively close to the Tropic of Cancer, and much of its weather is affected by the movement of the Gulf Stream. For the novel by Henry Miller, see Tropic of Cancer (novel. The Tropic of Cancer, or Northern tropic, is one of five The Gulf Stream, together with its northern extension towards Europe the North Atlantic Drift, is a powerful warm and swift Atlantic Ocean current that

During the height of Orlando's very humid summer season, temperatures rarely fall below 70 °F (21 °C), and daytime highs average in the 90s (32-37 °C). Although the city rarely records temperatures over 100 °F (38 °C), extreme humidity often pushes the heat index to over 110 °F (45 °C). The heat index ( HI) is an index that combines Air Temperature and Relative humidity in an attempt to determine the human-perceived equivalent The city's highest recorded temperature is 102 °F (39 °C), set in 1998. During these months, strong afternoon thunderstorms occur almost daily. These storms are caused by air masses from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean colliding over Central Florida, and they often bring high wind, damaging hail, heavy rainfall (sometimes several inches per hour), and violent lightning. The Gulf of Mexico ( Spanish: Golfo de México) is the ninth largest Body of water in the world Wind is the flow of Air or other Gases that compose an Atmosphere (including but not limited to the Earth's) Hail is a form of precipitation which consists of balls or irregular lumps of ice (hailstones Rain is Liquid precipitation. On Earth it is the condensation of atmospheric Water vapor into drops heavy enough to fall often making it to Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of Electricity, which typically occurs during Thunderstorms and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or

During the winter season, humidity is lower and temperatures are more moderate, and can fluctuate more readily. Average nighttime lows in January are around 50 °F (10 °C), and average daytime highs are about 72 °F (22 °C). Temperatures rarely reach below 32 °F (0 °C), though the city can drop below freezing once or twice a year. Because the winter season is dry and most freezing temperatures occur after cold fronts (and their accompanying precipitation) have passed, Orlando experiences no real snowfall. Although no measurable amount of snow has ever fallen (though areas just west recorded up to 2" in 1977), trace amounts were officially observed on December 23, 1989, and trace flurries of ocean effect snow were also reported in nearby coastal Brevard County on January 24, 2003. Events 962 - Byzantine-Arab Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops stormed the city Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) Lake-effect snow is produced in the winter when cold Arctic winds move across long expanses of warmer lake water providing energy and picking up Water vapor which freezes Events 41 - Gaius Caesar (Caligula, known for his eccentricity and cruel Despotism, is Assassinated by his disgruntled Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. [2]

The average annual rainfall in Orlando is 50. 1 in. (128 cm), most of it occurring in the period from June to September. The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International The months of December through May are Orlando's driest season. During this period (especially in its later months), there is often a wildfire hazard. During some years, fires have been severe. In 1998, an El Niño condition caused a usually wet January and February, followed by drought throughout the spring and early summer, causing a record wildfire season that created Greater Orlando's first instances of unhealthy air quality alerts. El Niño-Southern Oscillation ( ENSO; commonly referred to as simply El Niño) is a global coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon

Orlando has a considerable hurricane risk, although it is not as high as it is in South Florida's urban corridor or other coastal regions. A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a low pressure center and numerous Thunderstorms that produce strong winds and Flooding Since the city is located 42 miles (68 km) inland from the Atlantic and 77 miles (124 km) inland from the Gulf of Mexico,^[6] hurricanes usually weaken before arriving. Storm surges are not a concern since the region is 100 ft (30 m) above sea level. Despite its location, the city does see strong hurricanes. During the notorious 2004 hurricane season, Orlando was hit by three hurricanes that caused significant damage, with Hurricane Charley the worst of these. TemplateHurricane season single. -->The 2004 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 2004 and lasted until November 30 2004 Hurricane Charley was the third named storm the second Hurricane, and the second major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. The city also experienced widespread damage during Hurricane Donna in 1960. Hurricane Donna in the 1960 Atlantic hurricane season was a Cape Verde-type hurricane which moved across the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico

NOTE: The record high of 102 °F (39 °C) was recorded at Orlando International Airport, and is available from AccuWeather.com. (historical data from July is only visible in July and August unless you buy into their premium services) WeatherBase only uses historical data recorded at Orlando Executive Airport. Both airports have official National Weather Service recording stations. The National Weather Service ( NWS) once known as the Weather Bureau is one of the six scientific agencies that make up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Neighborhoods

House in the Lake Eola Heights Historic District

Orlando has many neighborhoods ^[7] within city limits:

Metropolitan Statistical Area

Orlando is the hub city of the Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area, colloquially known as "Greater Orlando" or "Metro Orlando". Greater Orlando, alternatively known as the Orlando Area or Metro Orlando, is the third most populated metropolitan region in the state of Florida, and The area encompasses four counties (Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake), and is currently the 27th-largest metro area in the United States with a 2007 Census-estimated population of 2,032,496. Orange County is a County located in the US state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA. Osceola County is a County located in the US state of Florida. Seminole County is a County located in the US state of Florida and part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA. Lake County is a County located in the state of Florida, United States. See also Metropolitan Statistical Area, Core Based Statistical Area Table of United States Core Based Statistical AreasThe United States Census Bureau has defined

When Combined Statistical Areas were instituted in 2000, Orlando was initially joined together with The Villages, Florida, Micropolitan Statistical Area, to form the Orlando-The Villages, Florida, Combined Statistical Area. Table of United States Combined Statistical AreasThe United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB defines micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas. For the Memorial Villages see Bunker Hill Village, Hedwig Village, Hilshire Village, Hunters Creek Village, Piney Point Village Table of United States Combined Statistical AreasThe United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB defines micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas. In 2006, the metropolitan areas of Deltona (Volusia County) and Palm Coast (Flagler County) were added to create the Orlando-Deltona-Daytona Beach, Florida, Combined Statistical Area. Deltona is a city located in southwestern Volusia County Florida. The Palm Coast Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area is a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA consisting of Flagler County in the state of Florida Flagler County is a County located in the US state of Florida. ^[8] This new larger CSA carries a total population (as of 2007) of 2,693,552. ^[9], and carries three of the 25 fastest-growing counties in the nation--Flagler ranks 1st; Osceola, 17th; and Lake, 23rd. ^[10]

The metro area is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, and the surrounding counties, such as Polk, Brevard and Marion, are also seeing high growth rates. Polk County is a County located in the US state of Florida. As of 2000 the population was 483924 Brevard County is a county located in the US state of Florida, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Marion County is a County located in the US state of Florida.

Suburbs

Demographics

As of the census^[1]of 2006 estimate, there were 220,186 people, 80,883 households, and 42,382 families residing in the city. Mount Dora is a US city in Lake County, Florida. As of July 1 2006 the U Eustis is a city in Lake County, Florida, United States. The population was 15106 at the 2000 census Tavares is a city in central Florida in the United States. It is the County seat of Lake County. Leesburg is a city in Lake County, Florida, United States. The population was 15956 at the 2000 census For the Memorial Villages see Bunker Hill Village, Hedwig Village, Hilshire Village, Hunters Creek Village, Piney Point Village Eatonville is a town in Orange County, Florida, six miles north of Orlando. Maitland is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 12019 at the 2000 Winter Park is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. Altamonte Springs is a City in Seminole County Florida, United States. Sanford is a city in and the County seat of Seminole County, Florida, United States. Deltona is a city located in southwestern Volusia County Florida. Longwood is a city in Seminole County, Florida, USA. The population was 13745 at the 2000 census Bunnell is a city in Flagler County, Florida, United States. The population was 2122 at the 2000 census. Lake Mary is a city in Seminole County, Florida, United States. Casselberry is a city in Seminole County, Florida, United States. Oviedo is a city in Seminole County, Florida, United States. The population was 26316 at the 2000 census Winter Springs is a city in Seminole County, Florida, United States. New Smyrna Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. Palm Coast a city in Flagler County, Florida, United States. As of 2006 the population recorded by the U Ocoee is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. According to the 2000 census the city proper had a population of 24391 Winter Garden is a city located west of downtown Orlando in western Orange County Florida. Gotha is a Census-designated place and an unincorporated area in Orange County, Florida, United States. Windermere is a town in Orange County, Florida, in the United States. Clermont is a western suburb of Orlando in Lake County, Florida, United States. Oakland is a town in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 936 at the 2000 census Bushnell is a city in Sumter Bithlo is a Census-designated place and an Unincorporated community in Orange County, Florida, United States. Union Park is a Census-designated place (CDP in Orange County, Florida, United States. Wedgefield is a Census-designated place and an unincorporated area in Orange County, Florida, United States. Orlando is a major City in central Florida, USA and is the County seat of Orange County Florida. Lake Buena Vista is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. Celebration Florida is a Census-designated place and an unincorporated master-planned community in Osceola County in the U Citrus Ridge, often called Four Corners, is a Census-designated place in Florida, located at a Quadripoint formed by Lake, Dr Phillips is a Census-designated place and an unincorporated area in Orange County, Florida; commonly known as a Suburb of Orlando Florida Edgewood is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 1901 at the 2000 census Belle Isle is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. Kissimmee (kɪˈsɪmi with the accent on the second syllable is a city in Osceola County, Florida, United States. Poinciana is a Census-designated place (CDP in Osceola and Polk counties in the U Meadow Woods is a Census-designated place and an unincorporated area located in southern Orange County Florida between Orlando International Airport and St Cloud is a city in Osceola County, Florida, United States. Harmony is an unincorporated, award winning Master-planned community near St Holopaw Florida is a small Unincorporated community in Osceola County, Florida, United States. Yeehaw Junction is an unincorporated community in Osceola County, Florida, United States. A census is the procedure of acquiring information about every member of a given population The population densitywas 767. Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 9/km² (1,988. 9/mi²). There were 188,486 housing units at an average density of 365. 4/km² (946. 4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 61. 10% White, 26. 70% African American, 1. 43% Asian, 0. 34% Native American, 0. 08% Pacific Islander, 5. 41% from other races, and 2. 54% from two or more races. 17. 79% of the population was Hispanicor Latinoof any race. Non-Hispanic Whites made up 50. 8% of the population. ^[11]The city has large Puerto Rican, Colombian, Venezuelan, Haitian, and Vietnamesecommunities (among others), as well as a growing number of British(mostly English) residents. Puerto Ricans in the United States (also referred to as the "Puerto Rican Diaspora," " Nuyorican " "Stateside Puerto Ricans" "mainland Colombian Americans are citizens of the United States who trace their nationality or heritage from the South American nation of Colombia. Venezuela (ˌvɛnəˈzweɪlə) officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (Spanish República Bolivariana de Venezuela) is a country on the Haitian Americans are Americans of Haitian heritage or immigrants born in Haiti who achieve United States citizenship A Vietnamese American (người Mỹ gốc Việt is a resident of the United States who is of Vietnamese heritage The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The English people (from the adjective in Englisc) are a Nation and Ethnic group native to England who predominantly speak English There were 80,883 households out of which 24. 5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32. 4% were married couples living together, 15. 4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47. 6% were non-families. 35. 0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8. 5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2. 25 and the average family size was 2. 97. In the city the population was spread out with 22. 0% under the age of 18, 10. 7% from 18 to 24, 37. 3% from 25 to 44, 18. 6% from 45 to 64, and 11. 3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 94. 0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91. 3 males. The median incomefor a household in the city was $35,732, and the median income for a family was $40,648. The median household income is commonly used to provide data about geographic areas and divides households into two equal segments with the first half of Households earning less Males had a median income of $30,866 versus $25,267 for females. The per capita incomefor the city was $21,216. Per capita income means how much each individual receives in monetary terms of the yearly income generated in the country About 13. 3% of families and 15. 9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27. The poverty threshold, or poverty line, is the minimum level of Income deemed necessary to achieve an adequate Standard of living in a given country 0% of those under age 18 and 12. 6% of those age 65 or over. Orlando is also home to one of the nation's highest population percentage of GLBTpeople. LGBT (also GLBT) is an initialism referring collectively to Lesbian, Gay, bisexual, and Transgender / transsexual According to a study by UCLA, 7. The University of California Los Angeles (generally known as UCLA) is a public research university located in Westwood Los Angeles, California, United 7% of Orlando's population is gay, lesbian, or bisexual and with 5. 7% of the entire metropolitan population, it ranks 9th in the nation. ^[12]

Languages

As of 2000, 75. 43% of all residents spoke English as their first language, while 16. English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States A first language (also mother tongue, native language, arterial language, or L1) is the language a human being learns from birth 60% spoke Spanish language, 1. 93% spoke Haitian Creole, 1. Haitian Creole language ( kreyòl ayisyen) often called simply Creole or Kreyòl ( pronounced) is a language spoken in Haiti 33% spoke French, and 0. French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people 99% of the population spoke Portuguese as their mother language. Portuguese ( or língua portuguesa) is a Romance language that originated in what is now Galicia (Spain and northern Portugal. A first language (also mother tongue, native language, arterial language, or L1) is the language a human being learns from birth ^[13]

Culture

Like Florida cities Miami and Tampa, Orlando has a large and increasing number of Latino residents living in the city. Orlando is home to one of the nation's largest and most rapidly growing Puerto Rican communities (particularly its metropolitan area). Puerto Ricans in the United States (also referred to as the "Puerto Rican Diaspora," " Nuyorican " "Stateside Puerto Ricans" "mainland A metropolitan area is a large population center consisting of a large Metropolis and its adjacent zone of influence or of more than one closely adjoining neighboring central This is reflected by the abundance of mainly Puerto Rican-themed restaurants and radio stations. Spanish-language music, such as Reggaeton and Salsa, are common on Orlando radio stations. Reggaeton (also spelled reggaetón, and known as reguetón and reggaetón in Spanish) is a form of urban music which became popular This article is about radio broadcasting for other uses see Radio (disambiguation. The Orlando Magic basketball team is the only team in the NBA to have a Latin Night, which is geared towards the Hispanic population in the area. The Orlando Magic is a professional Basketball team based in Orlando Florida. Throughout the city, many Puerto Rican flags can be found on or near buildings, including car dealerships. The city's local newspaper, The Orlando Sentinel, publishes a weekly all-Spanish newspaper called El Sentinel. The Orlando Sentinel is the primary Newspaper of the Orlando Florida region The Orlando-Central Florida area is home to the most affluent Puerto Rican families in the United States, followed by Los Angeles and Texas. Wealth derives from the old English word "weal" which means "well-being Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Many Puerto Ricans have relocated to Central Florida, mainly to the Orlando-Kissimmee area. Central Florida is the central region of the United States state of Florida, on the East Coast The short air travel distance from Orlando to Puerto Rico, similar climate and job opportunities have attracted many Puerto Ricans to choose Orlando-Kissimmee. Orlando also has many residents of Cuban descent, largely refugees or their children from the Cuban Revolution. Cubans (Cubanos are people inhabiting or originating from Cuba. According to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, a refugee is a person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race The Cuban Revolution refers to the revolution that led to the overthrow of the United States proxy ruler General Fulgencio Batista 's regime on January 1,

Orlando has an even larger African-American population. African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa The city is located within six miles (10 km) of the suburb Eatonville, Florida, the first all-black town to be incorporated in the United States. Eatonville is a town in Orange County, Florida, six miles north of Orlando. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the

A thriving Vietnamese quarter called "Little Vietnam" or "Little Saigon" exists in the Colonialtown district of Orlando. The Vietnamese people (người Việt or vi ''người Kinh'' are an Ethnic group originating from what is now northern Vietnam and southern China. This article deals exclusively with the Vietnamese communities within the United States of America; for other communities outside Vietnam refer to the Overseas Vietnamese ^[14] The neighborhood has become a landmark in the city of Orlando and consists of numerous restaurants, groceries, and merchants offering imports from across Asia such as music, videos, collectibles, et al. The heart of the district is the intersection of East Colonial Drive/HWY50 and Mills Ave, also known as the "Vi-Mi" district. The Orlando Vietnamese community has its roots in war refugees seeking a new life in America after the fall of Saigon. Notable pro-democracy activists, such as Thuong Nguyen Cuc Foshee, who was just recently released from prison in Vietnam, call Orlando their home. Thuong Nguyen Cuc Foshee is a Vietnamese American who was held without formal charge by the government of Vietnam after her arrest in September 2005 on accusations Several local and statewide media groups serve the Orlando Vietnamese and Asian communities, notably the online and in-print Asia Trend Magazine, and Saigon Moi magazine. Magazines, periodicals or serials are Publications generally published on a regular schedule containing a variety of articles, generally

Entertainment and performing arts

The hip hop music scene, metal scene, rock music scene, Reggaeton and Latino scene, are all active within the city, which is largely home to the Florida Breakbeat movement. Hip hop music, also referred to as rap music, is a Music genre typically consisting of a rhythmic vocal style called rap which is accompanied with Rock music is a genre of Popular music often though not necessarily employing Electric guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. Reggaeton (also spelled reggaetón, and known as reguetón and reggaetón in Spanish) is a form of urban music which became popular Florida breaks, also referred to as Florida breakbeat, Funky Breaks, and Tampa Breaks, is a Genre of Breakbeat music which as the Orlando has also been called Hollywood East because of numerous cinematic enterprises in the area. ^[15]

The Universal Studios globe

Until recently, Walt Disney Feature Animation operated a studio out of Disney/Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney World Resort is the most visited and largest recreational resort in the world containing four Theme parks two Water parks twenty-three themed hotels Feature Animation-Florida was primarily responsible for the films Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and the early stages of Brother Bear and contributed on various other projects. Universal Studios's Soundstage 21 is home to The TNA Impact Zone, but Nickelodeon Studios, which through the 90s produced hundreds of hours of GAK-filled game shows targeted at children, no longer operates out of Universal Studios Florida. Universal Studios (sometimes called Universal Pictures or Universal City Studios) a subsidiary of NBC Universal, is a major Global American TNA Impact! (official typeset " TNA iMPACT! " is a Professional wrestling Television program produced by Total The Florida Film Festival in nearby Maitland is one of the most respected regional film festivals in the country and attracts budding filmmakers from around the world. In addition, the implosion of Orlando's previous City Hall was filmed for the movie Lethal Weapon 3. Lethal Weapon 3 is a 1992 buddy cop action - Comedy film directed by Richard Donner and starring Mel Gibson Orlando's indie film scene has been picking back up since Haxan Film's The Blair Witch Project (1999) and a few years later with Charlize Theron winning her Academy Award for Monster (2003). A Florida state film incentive has also helped increase the amount of films being produced in Orlando and the rest of the state.

The Orlando Metropolitan Area is also home to a substantial theatre population. Several professional and semi-professional houses and many community theaters dot the area including Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Repertory Theatre (Central Florida's only Professional Theatre for Young Audiences), Orlando Theatre Project, Starlight Dinner Theatre, Mad Cow Theatre, Theatre Downtown, The Osceola Center for the Arts, Winter Park Playhouse, Theatre Winter Haven, IceHouse Theatre, and Seaside Music Theatre. Orlando also hosts the Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival every summer. Disney also a cast theater company known as S. T. A. G. E. as well as Encore, a cast choir and orchestra whose annual charity concerts have raised thousands of dollars. In addition, the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center brings national tours through town on a regular basis. Each spring, local theaters and downtown venues play host to the Orlando International Fringe Festival, which draws touring companies from all around the world as well as readings and fully staged productions of new and unknown plays by local artists. Also in the spring, Darden Restaurants sponsors a Festival of New Plays, hosted by Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival.

Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando's Culture Coast consists of Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach and includes many cultural attractions including the Museum of Arts and Sciences, Atlantic Center for the Arts, Southeast Museum of Photography, Ormond Beach Art Museum, plus numerous galleries and shops located in the quaint downtown districts of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and New Smyrna Beach. Cinderella ( French: Cendrillon, Slovak: Popoluška, German: Aschenputtel, Spanish: Cenicienta This article is about the Theme park at Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney World Resort is the most visited and largest recreational resort in the world containing four Theme parks two Water parks twenty-three themed hotels The Museum of Arts and Sciences, often referred to as the MOAS, is a Museum in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Mission Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA is a nonprofit interdisciplinary artists’ community and arts education facility dedicated to promoting artistic excellence by providing The Southeast Museum of Photography is located in Daytona Beach, Florida, on the campus of Daytona State College. This area really is like Orlando's cultural district on the beach.

Tourism

See also List of amusement parks in Greater Orlando

For tourist information, see Wikitravel:Orlando. This is a list of Amusement parks around Orlando, in Orange County Florida.

The Orlando area is home to a wide variety of tourist attractions, including the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Walt Disney World Resort is the most visited and largest recreational resort in the world containing four Theme parks two Water parks twenty-three themed hotels Universal Orlando Resort is a Theme park Resort in Orlando Florida. SeaWorld Orlando is a Theme park near Orlando Florida. It is owned and operated by Busch Entertainment Corporation, a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch The Walt Disney World resort is the area's largest attraction with its many facets such as the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Downtown Disney. This article is about the Theme park at Walt Disney World Resort. Epcot is a Theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. The park is dedicated to international Culture and technological Innovation. Disney's Hollywood Studios is a Theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney's Animal Kingdom is a Theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Typhoon Lagoon is a Water park located at the Walt Disney World Resort. Blizzard Beach is a Water park located at the Walt Disney World Resort. SeaWorld Orlando is a large adventure park that features numerous zoological displays and marine animals alongside an amusement park with roller coasters and water park. Universal Orlando, like Walt Disney World, is a multi-faceted resort comprising Universal Studios Florida, CityWalk, and the Islands of Adventure theme park. Universal Studios Florida is an Amusement park located in Orlando Florida. Universal CityWalk is the name given to the entertainment and retail districts located adjacent to the theme parks of Universal Parks & Resorts. Universal's Islands of Adventure is a Theme park located in Orlando, Florida.

Shopping malls

Orlando has become one of the fastest growing retail markets in the USA with at least five major upscale department stores opening last year alone and more than 50,000,000 square feet (4,650,000 m²) of shopping space in Central Florida. ^[16]

• The Florida Mall is the largest mall in Orlando, one of the largest single-story malls in the USA at over 1,849,000 sq ft (171,800 m²) with over 250 stores, seven anchor department stores, and the Florida Mall Hotel & Conference Center tower. The Florida Mall is a large enclosed Shopping mall in Orlando Florida.
• The Mall at Millenia is a contemporary two-level upscale shopping mall, including the world-famous department stores of Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus. The Mall at Millenia is an upscale contemporary indoor Shopping mall located in Orlando Florida just off of Interstate 4 (Exit 78 at Conroy Bloomingdale's (or Bloomie's) is a chain of upscale American Department stores owned by Macy's Inc Macy's is a chain of mid-range American Department stores Its Flagship store in Herald Square, New York City has been billed Neiman Marcus is an upscale specialty retail Department store, operated by the Neiman Marcus Group in the United States. The mall is also home to Blue Martini, a popular trendy lounge and night club. In addition, IKEA Orlando opened adjacent to the mall on November 14, 2007. IKEA is a privately-held international home products retailer that sells flat pack Furniture, accessories bathrooms and kitchens at retail stores around the world
• Orlando Fashion Square Mall is the nearest indoor shopping mall to Downtown Orlando. Downtown Orlando Florida is far removed from the famous attractions that draw tourists to the region The mall features 4 anchor department stores and a 14-screen Premiere Cinema theater.
• Festival Bay Mall on International Drive is home to stores, a skate park, and a theater. Festival Bay Mall at International Drive is an enclosed Shopping mall located on International Drive in Orlando Florida, United States. The Ron Jon Surf Park is currently under construction.
• Pointe Orlando is a 2-story outdoor mall on International Drive that features many shops, restaurants, and nightlife including a Regal Cinemas and IMAX experience.
• Prime Outlets Mall is an indoor and outdoor outlet mall on International Drive. The mall has recently been re-constructed and caters primarily to tourists.
• Orlando Premium Outlets is an outdoor shopping outlet mall that hosts many designer stores.
• Waterford Lakes Town Center is an outdoor mall on Orlando's east side located at Alafaya Trail, Lake Underhill Road and The East-West Expressway (State Road 408) Waterford Lakes has many stores and restaurants and features a 20-screen movie theater. The mall is popular with students who attend the University of Central Florida.

Museums

• The Orlando Museum of Art is Orlando's largest modern art museum. Located in Loch Haven Park, the museum has ongoing exhibitions of American portraits and landscapes, American impressionist works, and art of the ancient Americas. Impressionism was a 19th-century Art movement that began as a loose association of Paris -based Artists exhibiting their art publicly in the 1860s In 2003, the museum hosted the world-renowned full exhibition of the famous glass sculptor, Dale Chihuly. Dale Patrick Chihuly (b September 20, 1941 in Tacoma Washington, U
• Orlando Science Center, is a 207,000 square foot (19,000 m²) hands-on learning center with hundreds of interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Images surround visitors on the giant screen of the Dr. Phillips CineDome. Other attractions include the Body Zone, teaching health and fitness, as well as an observatory. The center has the largest refracting telescope in Florida. A refracting or refractor telescope is a dioptric Telescope that uses a lens as its objective to form an image In 2007 the Orlando Science Center hosted the nationally-renowned exhibit "Our Body, The Universe Within" featuring real human corpses.
• The Morse Museum of American Art, located in nearby Winter Park, houses the world's "most comprehensive" collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany, among its permanent exhibits. Louis Comfort Tiffany ( February 18, 1848 &ndash January 17, 1933) was an American artist and designer who worked in the decorative arts It includes Tiffany art glass, jewelry, pottery, and the chapel interior designed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. There is also an exhibit on the Tiffany home, and American paintings from the 19th century. The museum was founded in 1942.
• The Orange County Regional History Center Features exhibits and artifacts from the earliest days of the region to the modern day. Includes information on everything from the time of the Seminole Indians to the founding of the city to the Civil Rights era to the Disney period to today. The Seminole are a Native American people originally of Florida and now residing in Florida and Oklahoma.
• Mennello Museum of American Art features a variety of American Art exhibits, mostly from the 20th century. The museum is located in Loch Haven Park.
• Cornell Fine Arts Museum, situated on the campus of Rollins College, located in nearby Winter Park, features significant loans, recent acquisitions, and items from the Cornell's renowned permanent collection. Rollins College is a liberal arts college located in Winter Park Florida, United States, a suburb of Orlando Florida. Admission is free.
• Harry P. Leu Gardens, which is an inner city oasis covering 50 acres (20,000 m²) and features colorful annuals, palms, an orchid house, a floral clock and a butterfly garden. The Harry P Leu Gardens are semi-tropical and tropical gardens in Orlando Florida, USA. Botanically an annual plant is a Plant that usually germinates, Flowers and dies in one Year. Arecaceae or Palmae (also known by the name Palmaceae, which is taxonomically invalid or commonly palm tree) the palm family is a family of Flowering A floral clock or flower clock may be one of two things A large decorative Clock set into a Flower bed in a Park or other A butterfly is an Insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a
• Arboretum of the University of Central Florida is an arboretum and botanical garden located in the heart of the University of Central Florida main campus in East Orlando. The Arboretum of the University of Central Florida is an Arboretum and Botanical garden in Orlando, Florida, USA.
• The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida is a non-profit museum and education center dedictated to the Holocaust during World War II. The Holocaust (from the Greek el ''ὁλόκαυστον'' (el-Latn holókauston holos, "completely" and kaustos, "burnt" also known as

Other attractions in the Greater Orlando area

• Blue Spring State Park, which is the winter home of large numbers of Florida manatees that come upstream from the St. Johns River to bask in the warm 72 °F (22 °C) waters of the springs. For the similarly-named state park in Alabama see Blue Springs State Park Blue Spring State Park is a State park located west of Manatees ( family Trichechidae, Genus Trichechus) are large fully aquatic Marine mammals sometimes known as sea The St Johns River (officially Saint Johns River, but commonly spelled St Canoeing, swimming and fishing are popular activities at Blue Springs. Canoeing is the activity of paddling a Canoe for the purpose of recreation (also called a float trip Sport, or transportation. Swimming is the movement by humans or animals through Water, usually without artificial assistance For the computer security term see Phishing. Fishing is the activity of catching Fish.
• Blue Man Group at the Sharp Aquos Theatre, located in Universal Citywalk, brings the music, humor, and excitement of the Blue Man Group to Orlando in this new 1,015 seat venue. Blue Man Group ( Blue Man, BMG) is a creative organization founded by Phil Stanton Chris Wink and Matt Goldman it is centered on a trio of mute performers called
• Bok Tower, located in Lake Wales, Fla. BOK Tower, formerly One Williams Center is a Skyscraper in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• Central Florida Zoological Park, located in Sanford, Fla. on Lake Monroe. This 100 acre (400,000 m²) zoo is home to a butterfly garden, herpetarium, and numerous tropical animals. The zoo originally started as a collection in the Sanford Fire Department, but grew into a regional zoo in 1975. It is currently in the planning stages of expansion and renaming the facility to "Zoo Orlando at Sanford".
• Church Street Station, a multi-level shopping mall and entertainment center that once featured an abundance of specialty shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Orlando (ACL station redirects here For the post-1926 ACL Orlando station see Orlando (Amtrak station. Purchased in the late 1990s by TransContinental Talent owner Lou Pearlman, it is now virtually defunct, as the area suffered in post-9/11 tourist-industry slump. Louis Jay Pearlman (born June 19, 1954) was known in the 1990s entertainment business for being the manager of famous American Boy bands the The area is being redeveloped with residential condominiums. Now closed due to bankruptcy and is due to be bought over.
• Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba, in Downtown Disney West Side, features its renowned blend of acrobatics and special effects with more than 70 artists from around the globe performing in a custom-designed, 1,671-seat theater. Cirque du Soleil (French for "Circus of the Sun" in English sɜrk duː soʊˈleɪ is an entertainment company La Nouba is a Cirque du Soleil show which like most Cirque du Soleil shows is a circus-like performance featuring acrobats gymnasts
• Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, an amusement park opened in 1936 located in Winter Haven, Fla. Cypress Gardens is a theme park near Winter Haven Florida in the United States. This park features beautiful botanical gardens, 40 rides, 5 roller coasters and a water park. It is most famous for it lovely southern belles and world-renowned ski shows.
• Discovery Cove, a resort that is part of the SeaWorld Adventure Park complex. Discovery Cove is a theme park near Orlando Florida where guests can interact with a variety of marine animals most notably Bottlenose dolphins. Some attraction features are tropical fish in a coral reef, snorkeling with stingrays, and interacting with birds in an aviary, as well as swimming and playing with dolphins during a half-hour session.
• Gatorland houses thousands of alligators and crocodiles. Gatorland is a Theme park and Wildlife preserve located along South Orange Blossom Trail in Orange County Florida. for differences between alligators and crocodiles please see Crocodilia An Alligator is a Crocodilian in the Genus A crocodile is any Species belonging to the family Crocodylidae (sometimes classified instead as the Subfamily Crocodylinae) A few of Gatorland's residents have made wrangling appearances in movies, television shows and commercial spots. The 54 year old park combines a petting zoo, bird sanctuary, mini-water park, eco-tour and outdoor entertainment, including daily alligator wrestling.
• Hard Rock Café is the Orlando location of the famed restaurant chain with the typical HRC music memorabilia. Hard Rock Cafe was founded in 1971 by Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, and their first Hard Rock Cafe opened near Hyde Park Corner in London, There is also Hard Rock Live, a 3,000-capacity live music venue, and the Hard Rock Hotel, a resort hotel with a California-style restaurant called "The Kitchen". It is one of eight worldwide, and one of three in Florida. (Miami and Tampa are the other two. )
• The Holy Land Experience is a biblical themepark and museum complex. The Holy Land Experience is both a themed exhibit (no rides and a biblical museum located on 15 acres in Orlando, Florida.
• International Trolley and Train Museum features 14 model railroad trains with sound and lighting traveling through an indoor garden with 12 foot (4 m) high mountains, waterfalls, and more than 30 trestles and tunnels. Also on display are toy trains from the 1920s to the present. Visitors can catch a ride in a California Victorian-style half open/half closed trolley or the 5/8 replica of an 1880 locomotive (a Mason Bogey) with its passenger cars.
• Kennedy Space Center is 45 minutes from Orlando and south of Daytona Beach. The John F Kennedy Space Center ( KSC) is the NASA Space vehicle launch facility and Launch Control Center ( Spaceport) on Visitors can tour launch areas, see giant rockets, "train" in spaceflight simulators, and much more. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open every day except Christmas Day and certain launch days. Apart from the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Space Center bus tours run every 15 minutes with stops at an observation gantry and the Apollo / Saturn V Center. Other guided tours include NASA Up Close, Cape Canaveral: Then and Now, and Lunch With An Astronaut. Combo tickets offer maximum access admission, plus one guided tour.
• The Kerouac House, in the College Park neighborhood of Orlando, is where writer Jack Kerouac lived during the time his novel On the Road was published and released, making him a national sensation and Beat Generation icon. Jack Kerouac ( March 12 1922 &ndash October 21 1969) was an American Novelist, Writer, Poet, and On the Road is a novel by American writer Jack Kerouac, written in April 1951 and published by Viking Press in 1957. He lived in the house with his mother Gabrielle from July 1957 to the spring of 1958, and wrote his three-act play, The Beat Generation, a 51-chorus poem called Orlanda Blues, and the novel The Dharma Bums during his time there. In 1997, the Kerouac Project of Orlando formed, and restored the Kerouac house. It is now a haven for aspiring writers who can live in the house as they create their own work.
• The World's Largest McDonald's PlayPlace, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and International Drive, looks like a fry box from the exterior. The interior features an arcade with 60+ games with prize redemption, a 1950s room, a waterfall and a gift shop. The Bistro Gourmet at McDonald's features chef-prepared food, such as panini and deli sandwiches, pasta, soup, desserts, and hand-dipped ice cream, plus the standard McDonald's menu.
• Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine
• Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, in Kissimmee. Mary Queen of the Universe National Shrine is located in Orlando Florida at 8300 Vineland Avenue This is the article on the Medieval Times dinner theater chain Kissimmee (kɪˈsɪmi with the accent on the second syllable is a city in Osceola County, Florida, United States. Six brave knights on horseback compete in tournament games, jousting, and sword fighting while guests dine on a medieval-style banquet.
• Old Town, in Kissimmee, features eight restaurants, fifteen amusement park rides and 75 shops along its brick-lined streets. Classic car shows every Friday and Saturday feature hundreds of vintage automobiles. Admission and parking are free.
• Orlando Public Library, the main downtown library of the Orange County Library System, which features 15 locations system wide. Situated on an entire city block in the heart of downtown Orlando, the library is an epicenter for arts and cultural events, educational and entertainment resources, and solitude.
• The Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium is located in a building artfully constructed to appear as if it were collapsing to one side, which may be a sly reference to central Florida's infamous sinkholes. Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a franchise founded by Robert Ripley, which deals in bizarre events and items so A sinkhole, also known as a sink, shake hole, swallow hole, swallet, doline or Cenote, is a natural depression Visitors can explore bizarre artifacts, strange collections, weird art/hobbies and interactive exhibits in sixteen odd galleries. It is one of 27 Ripley museums in ten countries. Robert LeRoy Ripley ( December 25, 1890 - May 27, 1949) was an American Cartoonist, Entrepreneur and amateur
• Wonder Works A funhouse located on International Drive. Can be easily identified as an upside down white building.
• Wekiwa Springs State Park, which comprises around 7,000 acres (28 km²) of wild Florida. The springs pump out 42 million gallons of crystal clear water a day. Popular activities at the park include canoeing, swimming, picnicking and fishing.
• World of Orchids, featuring thousands of blooms in an enclosed tropical rainforest. World of Orchids is a working greenhouse shipping orchids and other plants nationwide. A greenhouse covers nearly an acre (4,000 m²), and in this controlled climate of warm, humid air some 1,000 orchids are displayed in a natural jungle setting, with streams, waterfalls, and squawking parrots. World of Orchids also has a 1,000 foot (300 m) long boardwalk meandering off into nearby wetlands. Admission is free.
• Wet 'n Wild - Orlando A large waterpark located just minutes from Universal Studios on International Drive
• Orlando Welcome Center Tourist Information Center for Orlando Florida theme parks and attractions. Wet 'n Wild - Orlando is one of two parks within the Wet 'n Wild chain the other being in Greensboro NC International Drive (often abbreviated I-Drive) is Orlando Florida Theme park information and discount tickets.

Sports

Orlando is home to the Orlando Magic, an NBA pro basketball franchise that plays at Amway Arena in downtown Orlando. The Orlando Magic is a professional Basketball team based in Orlando Florida. Basketball is a team Sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m Amway Arena (formerly known as the Orlando Arena, TD Waterhouse Centre, and The Arena in Orlando, and colloquially known by the nickname of O-Rena Led by Shaquille O'Neal, the Magic made it to the NBA Finals in 1995. Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (born March 6 1972 frequently referred to simply as " Shaq " is an African American Professional basketball The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June Orlando's Amway Arena, opened in 1989 is already one of the oldest arenas in the NBA. It will be replaced around 2010 by the $480-million Orlando Events Center. The Orlando Events Center is a sports venue that is under construction in Orlando, Florida, United States. The WNBA's Orlando Miracle played four seasons at Amway (1999-2002) before moving north to become the Connecticut Sun. The Connecticut Sun are a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA team based in Uncasville Connecticut. The Connecticut Sun are a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA team based in Uncasville Connecticut.

Pro baseball has been played in Orlando since 1919, primarily in the Class A Florida State League, until the Orlando Twins joined the AA Southern League in 1973. The Florida State League is a Class A Advanced Minor League Baseball league which operates in the state of Florida. The Southern League is a Minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. Tinker Field, named for baseball hall-of-famer Joe Tinker, is a historic baseball stadium next to the Citrus Bowl, currently out of use. Tinker Field is a Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It is primarily used for Baseball, and was the home field of the Orlando Rays Baseball is a Bat-and-ball Sport played between two teams of nine players each Joseph Bert Tinker ( July 27, 1880 - July 27, 1948) was a Major League Baseball player and manager. It was formerly the spring training home of the Minnesota Twins (and the Washington Nationals/Senators before them) and the AA Southern League affiliates of the Twins, Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the Regular season. The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Chicago Cubs are a Professional Baseball franchise based in Chicago, Illinois. The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball franchise based in St In 2000, the Orlando Rays moved from Tinker Field to Cracker Jack Stadium at the Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex is a 220 Acre (89 ha) athletic complex located in the Walt Disney World Resort. Despite having a beautiful new ballpark (which also serves as spring training home of the Atlanta Braves), the Rays drew poorly at Disney and moved to Montgomery, Alabama for the 2004 season. The Montgomery Biscuits are a Minor league baseball team based in Montgomery Alabama. The stadium has been mostly empty ever since, although it did play host to first-round (Pool D) games in the 2006 World Baseball Classic and a three-game series between the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Texas Rangers in 2007. The 2006 World Baseball Classic was the inaugural tournament between national baseball teams that included players from The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball franchise based in St The Texas Rangers are an American professional baseball team based in Arlington Texas, United States, representing the Dallas-Ft Orlando is currently the largest metropolitan area in the United States without a pro baseball team.

The Citrus Bowl is the home of the Capital One Bowl (formerly the Florida Citrus Bowl) and the Champs Sports Bowl (formerly the Tangerine Bowl). The Florida Citrus Bowl (formerly Orlando Stadium, Tangerine Bowl and the Citrus Bowl) is a Stadium in Orlando Florida, The Capital One Bowl is an annual College football Bowl game played in Orlando Florida at the Citrus Bowl, and previously known as the The Champs Sports Bowl is an annual College football Bowl game that is played in Orlando Florida. It also hosts regular-season football games for Jones High School, as well as the annual Florida Classic played between the NCAA Division I-AA Football teams from Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University. American football, known in the United States and Canada simply as football, is a competitive Team sport known for mixing strategy with Jones High School is located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood in the urban heart of Orlando, Florida at 801 S Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, commonly known as Florida A&M or FAMU, is a historically black university located in Tallahassee Bethune-Cookman University or simply BCC (as it was formerly called or BCU (as it is called as of Feb The University of Central Florida (NCAA Division I-A) played its regular season games at the Citrus Bowl through the 2006 season, until the construction of a new stadium on the UCF campus, Bright House Networks Stadium. Bright House Networks Stadium is a 45301-seat Stadium in Orlando Florida. UCF plays college sports at the highest level. The National Collegiate Athletic Association ( NCAA, often pronounced "N-C-Double-A" is a voluntary association of about 1200 institutions conferences organizations

Professional football in Orlando in goes back to the 1960s, when the Orlando Panthers played in the minor-league Continental Football League. The Continental Football League was an American football league played in North America from 1965 through 1969. The Panthers won two CPFL titles in 1967 and 1968, but folded with the league after the 1969 season. In 1974, the World Football League was formed, and a franchise originally planned for Boston, then moved to the Washington D. C. area, wound up in Orlando as the Florida Blazers. The World Football League was an American football league that played in 1974 and part of 1975. Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D The San Antonio Wings was a team that played in the World Football League for the 1975 season Despite playing before sparse crowds at the Citrus Bowl and not getting paid for weeks at a time, the Blazers won their division with a 14-6 record and qualified for the first (and only) WFL championship game, losing to the Birmingham Americans, 22-21. The Birmingham Americans were the most successful of the World Football League franchises The franchise was relocated to San Antonio for the 1975 season, then quietly expired with the league in October of that year.

Since then, Orlando has hosted several pro teams in short-lived leagues. In 1985, the USFL's Washington Federals shifted to the Citrus Bowl and were re-named the Orlando Renegades. For the proposed "New USFL" see United States Football League (2010. The Orlando Renegades was a professional American Football The Orlando Renegades was a professional American Football Despite a 5-13 record, the Renegades were one of the eight teams that stayed in the USFL for its projected fall season in 1986, but the league folded before any games were played that year. Next came the Orlando Thunder, a charter team in the World League of American Football in 1991 and 1992. The Orlando Thunder was a member of the World League of American Football from 1991 to 1992 (known as NFL Europe from 1995 onwards NFL Europa was an American football league which operated in Europe from 1991 until 2007. They lost the World Bowl to the Sacramento Surge in 1992. The World Bowl was the American football Championship game of NFL Europa, similar to the Super Bowl of the National Football League. The Sacramento Surge was a professional American football team that played in the WLAF in 1991 and 1992. Like all of the other the American-based teams, the franchise was dropped in the World League reorganization of 1995. Then came the Orlando Rage, a member of the infamous XFL who, like the other teams, played at the Citrus Bowl. Orlando Rage is a name used by two different American football teams based in Orlando Florida: one was originally part of the failed XFL begun by The XFL was a professional American football league that played for one season in 2001 The Rage had the XFL's best record at 8-2, but were upset in the playoffs, and the XFL folded. (The Orlando Rage name has since been revived in the semi-pro Southern States Football League). The Southern States Football League ( SSFL) is a late winter-spring semi-pro American football league with all of its teams based in Florida. The Citrus Bowl was originally slated to host some of the games for the Florida team in the All American Football League beginning in 2008, but Team Florida will play their games in Gainesville, Tampa and Jacksonville instead. The All American Football League is a proposed professional American football league Gainesville is the name of several places in the United States of America: Gainesville Alabama Gainesville Florida,

The Citrus Bowl also hosted an NFL team -- a fictional one, the Orlando Breakers, who were featured in the last two seasons of the television sitcom Coach. The National Football League ( NFL) is the largest professional American football league. Coach is an American television Sitcom that aired for nine seasons on ABC from 1989 to 1997 Coach is an American television Sitcom that aired for nine seasons on ABC from 1989 to 1997 The team was a plot device to reflect the 1995 addition of the Jacksonville Jaguars to the real-life NFL. A plot device is an element introduced into a story solely to advance or resolve the plot of the story

In arena football, the Orlando Predators have been one of the Arena Football League's flagship franchises since entering the league in 1991. The Orlando Predators are an Arena Football League team based in Orlando Florida that was founded in 1991 The Arena Football League (AFL was founded in 1987 as an American football indoor league. Playing at Amway Arena, the Predators have won seven divisional titles and two Arena Bowls, in 1998 and 2000. The ArenaBowl is the Arena Football League 's championship game

In the 1990s, ice hockey became popular in Orlando, perhaps due to large influx of northerners to the city. Ice hockey, often referred to simply as hockey, is a team Sport played on Ice. In the 1993-94 NHL season, the Tampa Bay Lightning played four "home" games at the Orlando Arena, with a 1-2-1 record. The Tampa Bay Lightning is a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa Florida. Amway Arena (formerly known as the Orlando Arena, TD Waterhouse Centre, and The Arena in Orlando, and colloquially known by the nickname of O-Rena The Orlando Solar Bears, of the now-defunct International Hockey League, were formed in 1995 and were very successful, making the playoffs in each of its six seasons and qualifying for Turner Cup Finals twice (losing both times) before finally taking the title in 2001. The Orlando Solar Bears were a Professional Ice hockey team based out of Orlando Florida that played their home games at the TD Waterhouse Centre The International Hockey League (IHL was a minor Professional Ice hockey league in the United States and Canada from 1945 to 2001 The Turner Cup was the championship trophy of the International Hockey League 's annual playoffs Unfortunately, that was the IHL's final season, and the Solar Bears folded. In 2002, the Atlantic Coast Hockey League was formed with Orlando hosting one of the charter franchises, the Orlando Seals, which won their Commissioner's Cup in 2003; this made Orlando the only Florida city with two hockey championships. ACHL redirects here For the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom see Judicial functions of the House of Lords. The Florida Seals was a minor league Ice hockey franchise a member of the Southern Professional Hockey League The Seals moved to the World Hockey Association 2 in 2003, then the Southern Professional Hockey League in 2004. The World Hockey Association 2 was an Ice hockey league created at the instigation of the organizers of the proposed recreated World Hockey Association to serve as The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL is a low-level professional Ice hockey league with teams located in the southeastern United States. The City of Orlando revoked their lease for the present Amway Arena, however, forcing them to sit out the 2004-05 season. They moved to Kissimmee and became the Florida Seals in November 2004. Kissimmee (kɪˈsɪmi with the accent on the second syllable is a city in Osceola County, Florida, United States. The team resumed play in the 2005-2006 season, playing home games at the Silver Spurs Arena, making it to the President's Cup Finals before losing to Knoxville. The current Silver Spurs Arena is an 8000-seat (10500 seat max capacity multi-purpose Arena in Kissimmee Florida. The Presidents Cup is a series of men's Golf matches between a United States team and an International Team representing the rest of the world less Europe The Knoxville Ice Bears are a professional Ice hockey team The team competes in the Southern Professional Hockey League. Then on January 4, 2007, the Silver Spurs Arena abruptly booted the Seals due to unpaid rent, forcing the franchise to fold. There will be no pro hockey in Orlando in 2007-08.

In soccer, the Citrus Bowl hosted games for the FIFA World Cup '94 and the 1996 Summer Olympics. The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in the United States from June 17 to July 17 1994 The 1996 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad and unofficially known as the Centennial Olympics, were an International The Orlando Lions were a member of the third incarnation of the American Soccer League in the late 1980s/early 1990s. ASL/APSL The first Orlando Lions were formed as an inaugural franchise of the third incarnation of the American Soccer League in 1988 The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional Soccer leagues in the United States. The Orlando Sundogs were a minor-league soccer team in the A-League that played in the Citrus Bowl, disbanding after their season in 1997. The Orlando Sundogs were an American Soccer club that played in the A-League in 1997. History In 1996 the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues established the new Select League consisting of its strongest teams from its professional FIFA Presently, two lower-division soccer teams call Orlando home: the Premier Development League's (PDL) Central Florida Kraze, and Ajax Orlando. The Kraze won the PDL Championship in 2004, while Ajax (pronounced EYE-acks) is the only American subsidiary of global soccer power Ajax Amsterdam of the Dutch Eredivisie (professional soccer league). Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax ( also referred to as AFC Ajax, or simply Ajax, is a professional football club from Amsterdam The Eredivisie ( English: Honorary Division) is the highest football league in the Netherlands. Indoors, Orlando gained an expansion franchise in the Major Indoor Soccer League, the Orlando Sharks, for the 2007-08 season. The Major Indoor Soccer League was the top professional Indoor soccer league in the USA. The Orlando Sharks are a US Indoor soccer team that began play in the Major Indoor Soccer League for the 2007 - 2008 season

Orlando is also the home to the NBA Pre-Draft camp, the MLB Draft, the MLB Winter Meetings, and the NFL Annual Meeting, and since 2005, the PSP World Cup paintball tournament. The First-Year Player Draft, also known as the Rule 4 Draft, is Major League Baseball 's primary mechanism for assigning amateur baseball players from high schools

The Orlando Citrus Bowl was also home to WWE Wrestlemania XXIV in 2008. The Florida Citrus Bowl (formerly Orlando Stadium, Tangerine Bowl and the Citrus Bowl) is a Stadium in Orlando Florida, World Wrestling Entertainment Inc ( WWE) is a publicly traded privately controlled integrated media (focusing in Television, Internet, WrestleMania XXIV was a Professional wrestling Pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE which took place on March 30 2008 at

Media

Newspapers

• Orlando Sentinel
• Orlando Business Journal
• Orlando Weekly
• El Sentinel
• The Orlando Times
• Living Orlando
• El Nuevo Dia
• La Prensa
• The Central Florida Future
• The Pine Hills News
• Watermark

Radio

AM

• WFLF 540 AM, Fox News Radio - Talk radio††
• WDBO 580 AM, Talk radio†*
• WORL 660 AM, SRN - Talk radio
• WQTM 740 AM, Spanish music
• WEUS 810 AM, oldies
• WTLN 950 AM, Christian Radio
• WDYZ 990 AM, top 40 - Radio Disney†
• WHOO 1080 AM, ESPN Radio - Sports radio
• WAMT 1190 AM, ABC Radio (news) and Fox News Radio (talk shows) - Talk radio
• WRLZ 1270 AM, Spanish music
• WWFL 1340 AM, Adult contemporary music
• 1700 AM, Radio MCO (Orlando International Airport Information)

FM

• WPOZ, 88. The Orlando Sentinel is the primary Newspaper of the Orlando Florida region The Orlando Weekly is a weekly independent paper distributed in the Greater Orlando area of Florida. El Nuevo Día ( The New Day) is a main newspaper written in Spanish based in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico and distributed daily throughout Puerto Rico Fox News Radio is an American Radio network programmed by Fox News Channel. Talk radio is a Radio format containing discussion about topical issues WDBO (580 AM) is a Radio station broadcasting a News Talk Information format Talk radio is a Radio format containing discussion about topical issues WORL (660 AM) is a Radio station broadcasting a News talk format A registered nurse (" RN " is a health care professional responsible for implementing the practice of Nursing through the use of the Nursing Talk radio is a Radio format containing discussion about topical issues WQTM is the Callsign for an AM Spanish-language Radio station in Orlando Florida, United States. WEUS (810 AM) is a Radio station that was broadcasting ABC Radio 's True Oldies format from 01/2006 - 06/2008 before a recent change in ownership Oldies is a generic term commonly used to describe a Radio format that usually concentrates on Top 40 music from the 1950s 1960s and 1970s (about 1955-1977 WHIM (AM redirects here For the Rhode Island stations that once used the WHIM calls please see WLKW and WPMZ. Christian radio is a Radio format that focuses on transmitting programming with a Christian message. WDYZ is a Radio Disney station serving the Orlando Florida market The Top Forty or Top 40 is a music industry shorthand for the currently most-popular songs in a particular genre. Radio Disney is a radio network based in Dallas Texas in the United States broadcasting music and other content targeted at Children and young WHOO is the Callsign for 1080 WHOO - Orlando's ESPN, an AM Sports Radio station in Orlando Florida, United ESPN Radio is an American sports Radio network. It was launched on January 1, 1992 under the original banner of "SportsRadio Sports radio (or sports talk radio) is a Radio format devoted entirely to Discussion and Broadcasting of sporting events. WAMT (1190 AM) is a Radio station broadcasting a News/Talk format ABC Radio Networks, known as ABC Radio for short is an American Radio network. Fox News Radio is an American Radio network programmed by Fox News Channel. Talk radio is a Radio format containing discussion about topical issues WRLZ (1270 AM) is a Radio station broadcasting a Spanish Christian Contemporary music format WWFL (1340 AM) is a Radio station licensed to Clermont Florida, USA serving the Lake County area Adult contemporary music, frequently abbreviated AC, refers to styles of popular music that ranges from "lush Sixties pop often vocal -based and rooted in WPOZ (Positive Hits Z883 is a radio station broadcasting Contemporary Christian Music at 88 3 FM, Union Park, Contemporary Christian†
• WMYZ, 88. Contemporary Christian Music (or CCM; also by its religious neutral term " inspirational music " is a genre of Popular music which is WPOZ (Positive Hits Z883 is a radio station broadcasting Contemporary Christian Music at 88 7 FM, Clermont, Contemporary Christian†
• WKTO, 88. Contemporary Christian Music (or CCM; also by its religious neutral term " inspirational music " is a genre of Popular music which is WKTO (889 FM) is a Radio station broadcasting a Contemporary Christian format 9 FM, Edgewater, Religious
• WLAZ, 89. A religion is a set of Tenets and practices often centered upon specific Supernatural and moral claims about Reality, the Cosmos WLAZ (901 FM) is a Radio station broadcasting a Spanish Contemporary Christian format 1 FM, Kissimmee, Spanish
• WUCF, 89. WUCF-FM 899 is a listener-supported service of the University of Central Florida, Orlando, United States, broadcasting a 24-hour schedule of jazz and blues 9 FM, Orlando, Jazz†
• WLVE, 90. Jazz is an American Musical art form which originated in the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States WLVE, Love 94, is a Smooth Jazz -formatted radio station owned by Clear Channel Communications that serves the South Florida region 3 FM, Haines City, Religious
• WMFE, 90. A religion is a set of Tenets and practices often centered upon specific Supernatural and moral claims about Reality, the Cosmos WMFE-FM is a public Radio station in Orlando Florida, owned by Community Communications Inc 7 FM, Orlando, Classical
• WKES, 91. Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to mainstream music produced in or rooted in the traditions of Western liturgical and Secular music WKES (911 FM) is a Radio station broadcasting a religious radio format 1 FM, Lakeland, Religious
• WPRK, 91. A religion is a set of Tenets and practices often centered upon specific Supernatural and moral claims about Reality, the Cosmos WPRK 915 FM is the Rollins College radio station in Winter Park Florida. 5 FM, Winter Park, Variety
• WWKA, 92. Variety is a Radio format which is associated with a wide range of programming including talk sports and music from a wide spectrum WWKA (923 FM) is the callsign of K92FM, a Country Radio station in Orlando Florida. 3 FM, Orlando, Country
• WOGK, 93. Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. 7 FM, Ocala, Country
• WCFB, 94. Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. WCFB is an Urban Adult Contemporary radio station that is licensed to Daytona Beach Florida that serves the Greater Orlando area 5 FM, Daytona Beach, Urban Adult Contemporary††*
• WPYO, 95. Urban adult contemporary is the name for a format of radio music similar to an Urban contemporary format WPYO (Power 953 is a Rhythmic Top 40 station serving the Orlando area 3 FM, Maitland, Rhythmic Contemporary Hit Radio†
• WHOG, 95. Rhythmic contemporary, also known as rhythmic top 40, rhythmic contemporary hit radio or rhythmic crossover, is a music Radio format that WHOG-FM (957 FM) is a Radio station broadcasting a Classic rock format 7 FM, Ormond-by-the-Sea, Classic Rock
• WHTQ, 96. Classic rock was originally conceived as a Radio station programming format which evolved from the Album oriented rock (AOR format in the early-1980s WHTQ is a Cox Radio Station in Orlando Florida, broadcasting at 96 5 FM, Orlando, Classic Rock†
• W247AK, 97. Classic rock was originally conceived as a Radio station programming format which evolved from the Album oriented rock (AOR format in the early-1980s Moody Broadcasting Network (MBN is a trademark of Moody Bible Institute, and is one of the largest Christian radio networks in the United States. 3 FM, Deland, Religious
• WPCV, 97. A religion is a set of Tenets and practices often centered upon specific Supernatural and moral claims about Reality, the Cosmos WPCV 975 FM, (97 Country is a Country music station owned and operated by Hall Communications 5 FM, Winter Haven, Country
• WNUE, 98. Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. WNUE-FM' (981 FM) is a Radio station broadcasting a Spanish CHR format 1 FM, Titusville, Spanish Contemporary
• WMMO, 98. Regional styles of Mexican music vary greatly vary from state to state WMMO is a Cox Radio station in Orlando Florida, broadcasting at 98 9 FM, Orlando, Adult Hits†
• WRUM, 100. Adult hits (sometimes also called variety hits or Classic hits) is a Radio format, popular in the early 2000s, that does not adhere to a specific WRUM (1003 FM) is a Radio station broadcasting a Spanish Tropical format 3 FM, Maitland, Caribbean††
• WJRR, 101. The Caribbean (ˌkærəˡbiən kæ'rəbiən Cariben|Caraïben or Caraïben; Caraïbe or more commonly Antilles; Caribe is a Region consisting WJRR is a commercial Radio station located in Cocoa Beach Florida, broadcasting to the Orlando Florida area on 101 1 FM, Maitland, Alternative††
• WJHM, 101. Alternative rock (also called alternative music, alt-rock or simply alternative; known primarily in the UK as indie) is a genre of WJHM is a radio station that is licensed to Daytona Beach but primarily serves the Orlando and Space Coast areas of Central Florida 9 FM, Daytona Beach, Mainstream Urban†
• WLOQ, 103. Mainstream urban is a term used to describe a radio format similar to an Urban contemporary format WLOQ is a Smooth Jazz station licensed to Winter Park Florida. 1 FM, Winter Park, Smooth Jazz
• WTKS, 104. Smooth jazz, also sometimes referred to as new adult contemporary music is generally described as a genre of music that utilizes instruments (and at times improvisation 1 FM, Maitland, Talk††
• WOMX, 105. Talk radio is a Radio format containing discussion about topical issues 1 FM, Orlando, Hot Adult Contemporary††
• WOCL, 105. Adult contemporary music, frequently abbreviated AC, refers to styles of popular music that ranges from "lush Sixties pop often vocal -based and rooted in 9 FM, Deland, Classic Hits 60's, 70's & 80's
• WXXL, 106. "Classic Hits" redirects here For 24/7 music formats known as "Classic Hits" see Classic Hits (ABC radio network or Classic Hits WXXL is the callsign of XL1067, a CHR Radio station which broadcasts across the Central Florida region from Clear Channel Communications ' studios 7 FM, Tavares, CHR†
• WAOA, 107. Contemporary hit radio (also known as CHR, Contemporary Hits, or Top 40) is a Radio format that is common in the United States and WAOA (1071 A1A is a Top 40 station covering Florida 's Space Coast. 1 FM, Melbourne, CHR†
• WMGF, 107. Contemporary hit radio (also known as CHR, Contemporary Hits, or Top 40) is a Radio format that is common in the United States and WMGF is the callsign of Magic 1077, a Soft AC FM radio station serving the Orlando Florida, market 7 FM, Mount Dora, Adult Contemporary†

• † = Available in HD Radio; all stations add a -1 (example 107. Adult contemporary music, frequently abbreviated AC, refers to styles of popular music that ranges from "lush Sixties pop often vocal -based and rooted in HD Radio is the name used by iBiquity for a system of digital transmission for audio broadcast stations 7-1) unless otherwise noted.
• †* = Equipped for HD Radio but not transmitting it currently. HD Radio is the name used by iBiquity for a system of digital transmission for audio broadcast stations
• †† = Analog now but will be available in HD Radio pending antenna, transmitter, and/or facility construction. HD Radio is the name used by iBiquity for a system of digital transmission for audio broadcast stations
• ††* = Analog due to transmitter tower and facility being destroyed by a tornado, will return to HD Radio once a permanent facility and tower are built. HD Radio is the name used by iBiquity for a system of digital transmission for audio broadcast stations

Television

• WESH, analog channel 2, digital channel 11, NBC
• WKMG-TV, analog channel 6, digital channel 58, CBS
• WFTV, analog channel 9, digital channel 39, ABC
• WTMO-LP, analog channel 15, Telemundo
• WCEU, analog channel 15, digital channel 33, PBS
• WKCF, analog channel 18, digital channel 17, The CW
• WCJB-TV, analog channel 20, digital channel 16, ABC
• WMFE-TV, analog channel 24, digital channel 23, PBS
• WVEN-TV, analog channel 26, digital channel 49, Univision
• WRDQ, analog channel 27, digital channel 14, Independent
• WOFL, analog channel 35, digital channel 22, Fox
• WOTF-TV, analog channel 43, digital channel 20, Telefutura
• WLCB-TV, analog channel 45, digital channel 46, Independent
• WTGL-TV, analog channel 52, digital channel 53, TBN
• WOPX, analog channel 56, digital channel 48, i
• WRBW, analog channel 65, digital channel 41, My Network TV
• WBCC, analog channel 68, digital channel 30, PBS
• WACX, digital channel 40, Independent
• W21AU, analog channel 21, digital channel 21, AZTECA AMERICA CENTRAL FLORIDA
• WBCC, digital channel 68. WESH is the NBC affiliate in Orlando Florida. It is licensed to Daytona Beach, with studio facilities in Winter Park. Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and The National Broadcasting Company ( NBC) is an American Television network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's WKMG-TV, channel 6 is the CBS network affiliate for Central Florida (the Orlando - Daytona Beach - Melbourne Florida market Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and CBS Broadcasting Inc ( CBS) is an American radio and Television network. For the defunct television station in Duluth Minnesota, see WFTV (Duluth. Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and The American Broadcasting Company ( ABC) is an American Television network. WTMO-CA is a low-power station serving the Orlando Florida television market Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Telemundo is an American television network based in Hialeah Florida a suburb of Miami Florida. WCEU is a PBS member station in Daytona Beach Florida. It is owned and operated by Daytona State College and has its studios at the Center for Educational Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and The Public Broadcasting Service ( PBS) is a Non-profit Public broadcasting Television service with 354 member TV stations in the WKCF, channel 18 is the CW -affiliated Television station for Orlando Florida, licensed to Clermont. Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and The CW Television Network ( The CW) is a Television network in the United States launched at the beginning of the 2006-2007 television season. WCJB-TV, channel 20 is the ABC -affiliated Television station in Gainesville Florida. Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and The American Broadcasting Company ( ABC) is an American Television network. WMFE-TV is the PBS member station in Orlando Florida. It broadcasts on UHF channel 24 Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and The Public Broadcasting Service ( PBS) is a Non-profit Public broadcasting Television service with 354 member TV stations in the WVEN-TV channel 26 is a Television affiliate of Univision licensed to serve Daytona Beach Florida, but with sufficient signal to cover Orlando Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and Univision is a Spanish-language television network in the United States and Puerto Rico. WRDQ, channel 27 is an independent affiliated Television station in Orlando Florida. Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and Independent station is a term for a broadcast radio or Television station which is more independent in some way compared to other "dependent" Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and WOTF-TV Channel 43 is the TeleFutura station serving the Orlando / Daytona Beach / Melbourne, Florida television market Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and TeleFutura is a US Spanish-language broadcast Television network owned by Univision with headquarters in Miami Florida. WTGL is a Religious Television station serving Orlando Florida, licensed to nearby Leesburg, with studios in Lake Mary. Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and Independent station is a term for a broadcast radio or Television station which is more independent in some way compared to other "dependent" WHLV-TV is a Christian Television station serving Orlando Florida, licensed to nearby Cocoa. Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and The Trinity Broadcasting Network ( TBN) is a Christian television network headquartered in Costa Mesa California with studios in Irving Texas WOPX channel 56 is a Television station based in Orlando Florida, USA. Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and Ion Television is a broadcast television network first broadcast on August 31 1998 WRBW-TV is the MyNetworkTV Owned and operated station serving the Orlando / Daytona Beach / Melbourne, Florida television market Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and MyNetworkTV (unofficially abbreviated MyNet or MNT) is a Television network in the United States, owned by the Fox Broadcasting Company WBCC is an educational Television station serving the Orlando television market Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and The Public Broadcasting Service ( PBS) is a Non-profit Public broadcasting Television service with 354 member TV stations in the WACX is a Christian Television station serving Orlando Florida, licensed to nearby Leesburg. Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and Independent station is a term for a broadcast radio or Television station which is more independent in some way compared to other "dependent" W21AU channel 21 is the Azteca America affiliate serving the Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne market Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and WBCC is an educational Television station serving the Orlando television market Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and 2, University of Central Florida Television
• Central Florida News 13, Bright House Networks cable channel 13
• Orange TV, analog channel 9, Local Government (Orlando/Orange County)
• Vision TV, analog channel 98, Local Government (Orlando/Orange County)
• SGTV, analog channel 9, Local Government (Seminole County)

Magazines

• Orlando Magazine
• Orlando Leisure

• Ahora Orlando
• Orlando Weekly
• aXis Magazine
• Magic Magazine
• Orlando Arts Magazine
• Orlando Unleashed
• I Love Orlando
• What's Happening Magazine (formerly What's Happening Orlando magazine)
• Asia Trend Magazine As one of the only Asian magazines in the Central Florida, Asia Trend Magazine has become an indispensable personal resource for people seeking the Asian business, healthy, lifestyle and communities news. Central Florida News 13 is a cable-based news station located in Orlando Florida. Bright House Networks is a Cable television company and the sixth largest MSO in the United States owned by Advance/Newhouse, headquartered in Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Seminole Government Television, or SGTV, is the government-access and educational Cable television channel in Seminole County Florida Analog (or analogue) television encodes Television picture and sound information and transmits it as an Analog signal: one in which the Every issue have more than a 12,000 readers each month. (www. AsiaTrendMagazine. com)
• Orlando Attractions Magazine

Internet Radio

• Orlando Sky Radio (orlandoskyradio. com)
• iOrlando Radio Network (iorlandoradio. com)
• Electronic Fusion Orlando] (eforlando. com)
• Felsen X Orlando (felsenxorlando. com)

Economy

See also: List of Florida companies

Statue of Walt Disney

A large part of the Orlando area economy is involved in the tourist industry. List of Florida companies includes notable companies that are or once were headquartered in Florida Over 48 million visitors came to the Orlando region in 2004. The convention industry is also critical to the region's economy. The Orange County Convention Center, expanded in 2004 to over two million square feet (200,000 m²) of exhibition space, is now the second-largest convention complex in terms of space in the United States, trailing only McCormick Place in Chicago. The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC is the primary public Convention center for the Central Florida region History As early as 1927 Robert R McCormick and the newspaper he controlled the Chicago Tribune, championed a purpose-built lakeside Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. The city vies with Chicago and Las Vegas for hosting the most convention attendees in the United States. Las Vegas ( Spanish: "The Meadows" is the most populous City in the state of Nevada, the seat of Clark County, and an internationally ^[17]

Lockheed-Martin has a large manufacturing facility for missile systems, aeronautical craft and related high tech research. Lockheed Martin ( is a large multinational Aerospace manufacturer and advanced technology Company formed in 1995 by the merger of Other notable engineering firms have offices or labs in the Central Florida area: KDF, General Dynamics, Harris, Westinghouse, Siemens, Veritas/Seagate, multiple USAF facilities, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), Delta Connection Academy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, GE, Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS), Army Simulation Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM), AT&T, Boeing, CAE Systems Flight & Simulation Training, HP, Institute for Simulation and Training, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Systems. "KDF" redirects here For the Nazi organization see Kraft durch Freude In Cryptography, a key derivation function (or General Dynamics Corporation ( is a defense conglomerate formed by Mergers and Divestitures and as of 2008 it is the fifth largest Defense contractor Harris Corporation ( is an international communications equipment company that produces Wireless equipment electronic systems and both terrestrial and spaceborne antennas Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems was created by Northrop Grumman's acquisition of Westinghouse Electronic Systems Group in 1996 In Roman mythology, Veritas (meaning truth) was the Goddess of Truth, a daughter of Saturn and the mother of Virtue. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division ( NAWCTSD) of the US Navy is located in Orlando FL in the University of Central Florida Delta Connection is the name under which a number of individually owned Regional airlines and Comair operate short and medium haul routes in association with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ( ERAU) is a private, Coeducational University with a history dating from the early days of aviation The United States Air Force established the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS in June 1996 Before proposing a merge request please see Talk and see if the merger you propose has recently been made and The Boeing Company is a major Aerospace and defense corporation originally founded by William E Northrop Grumman Corporation ( is an Aerospace and defense technology company formed by the 1994 purchase of Grumman by Northrop. Raytheon Company ( is a major American Defense contractor and industrial corporation with core Manufacturing concentrations in Defense systems The Naval Training Center until a few years ago was one of the two places where nuclear engineers were trained for the US Navy. Now the land has been converted into the Baldwin Park development.

Another developing sector is the film, television, and electronic gaming industries, aided by the presence of Universal Studios, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Full Sail School, the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, and other entertainment companies and schools. Universal Studios Florida is an Amusement park located in Orlando Florida. Disney's Hollywood Studios is a Theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Full Sail University is a private, for-profit university located in Winter Park Florida and geared toward the entertainment industry The Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA is a downtown campus of the University of Central Florida. Numerous office complexes for large corporations have popped up along the Interstate 4 corridor north of Orlando, especially in Maitland, Lake Mary and Heathrow. Interstate 4 (I-4 is a 13230-mile (21291 km intrastate Interstate Highway located entirely within the state of Florida, United States. Maitland is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 12019 at the 2000 Lake Mary is a city in Seminole County, Florida, United States. Heathrow is a Census-designated place and an unincorporated suburban community in Seminole County, Florida, United States. The U. S. modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) industry is centered around the Orlando region as well, with a particularly strong presence in the Central Florida Research Park adjacent to UCF. The Institute for Simulation and Training is an internationally recognized Research institute that focuses on advancing modeling and Simulation technology Central

Orlando is the home base of Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Red Lobster and Olive Garden and the largest operator of restaurants in the world by revenue. Darden Restaurants Inc ( is a multi-brand Restaurant operator Red Lobster is a US chain of Seafood Restaurants It also operates in Canada and Japan. Olive Garden is a casual dining American restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American food They are building a new world headquarters and central distribution facility on John Young Parkway.

Nearby Maitland is the home of Tiburon, a division of the video game company Electronic Arts. Maitland is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 12019 at the 2000 Originally Tiburon Entertainment, it was acquired by EA in 1998 after years of partnership, particularly in the famous Madden NFL series and NCAA Football series of video games. Madden NFL is an American football Video game series developed by Electronic Arts Tiburon for EA Sports. This article is for the video game series for the sport see College Football.

Orlando has two non-profit hospital systems: Orlando Health and Florida Hospital. Orlando Health's Orlando Regional Medical Center is home to Central Florida's only Level I trauma center, and the adjacent Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies has the area's only Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit. Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC a 581-bed hospital in downtown Orlando specializes in trauma critical care emergency care cardiology orthopedics and neurosciences A trauma center is a Hospital equipped to provide comprehensive Emergency medical services to patients suffering traumatic injuries The Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies is an Obstetrics Hospital located in Orlando, Florida, United States. A neonatal intensive care unit, usually shortened NICU (pronounced "Nickyou" and also called a newborn intensive care unit intensive care nursery (ICN and special Florida Hospital's main campus is ranked as one of the best hospitals in the nation, and has a renowned brain attack facility. A stroke is the rapidly developing loss of brain functions due to a disturbance in the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain [3] Orlando's medical leadership will be further advanced with the completion of UCF's College of Medicine and a new VA Hospital, both of which will be located in a new medical district in the Lake Nona area of the city. Veterans Health Administration (VHA is the component of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA that implements the medical assistance program of the VA through [4]

There is a very low unemployment rate in Greater Orlando, 3. 1% as of March 2007. ^[18] The result is growth that has led to urban sprawl in the surrounding area and, in combination with the 2007 Subprime mortgage financial crisis, to the rising cost of home prices. Urban sprawl, also known as suburban sprawl, is the spreading of a city and its Suburbs over rural land at the fringe of an urban area The subprime mortgage crisis is an ongoing financial crisis characterized by contracted Liquidity in global credit markets and Banking Housing prices in Greater Orlando went up 34% in one year, from an average of $182,000 in August 2004 to $245,000 in August 2005, and eventually to a record $255,000 in February 2007. They are tapering off, however, down to $211,000 in April 2008. ^[19]

• Forbes. com ranks Metro Orlando fifth on their annual list of "Most Wired Cities. "

• Metro Orlando ranks 5th among Milken Institute’s 2007 "Best Performing Cities. "

• Metro Orlando has a rapidly growing $13. 4 billion technology industry employing 70,000 people.

• BusinessWeek recently touted Orlando as one of three global “hot spots” for innovation along with Singapore and Stockholm.

• Metro Orlando has the 7th largest research park in the country that is home to over 120 companies and is the hub of the nation’s military simulation and training programs.

• Orlando has nationally recognized clusters of innovation in digital media, agritechnology, aviation and aerospace, and software.

• For the fourth consecutive year, the Metro Orlando economy ranks among the strongest economies in the U. S. and the strongest in the state of Florida according to the annual POLICOM Economic Strength Rankings.

• According to a newly released book, Today’s Hot Job Targets, Metro Orlando ranks second in the nation for job opportunities.

• Orlando is the “No. 1 Hottest Job Market” according to Business2. 0.

• Inc. magazine names Orlando as the fourth “Best City for Business” in the large cities category.

• fDi magazine recognizes Orlando as one of the “North American Cities of the Future”; No. 3 in “Most Business Friendly;” and No. 4 in “Quality of Life. ”

• According to Forbes magazine, Orlando is the fourth “Best City in the Country for creating jobs. ”

• BusinessWeek magazine featured Metro Orlando among its picks of “global hot spots" in its issue titled What Makes a Winner: The Competition Issue. Orlando is one of three communities in the world to be featured.

• Metro Orlando was named one of ten "Blooming U. S. Cities for Tech" according to eWEEK. com.

• Forbes magazine lists Metro Orlando among the "Best Places for Business and Careers. "

• Southern Business & Development magazine names Metro Orlando “Major Market of the Year,” twice in three years.

• Metro Orlando is ranked as one of the top five “Cities for Moviemakers” by MovieMaker Magazine.

• The Central Florida Research Park, totaling more than 1,025 acres (4. 15 km²) and home to 85 companies employing more than 8,500 people, is one of the top 10 research parks in the nation.

• More than 150 international companies, representing approximately 20 countries, have facilities in Metro Orlando.

Notable companies and organizations that have their corporate headquarters or a major presence in the area:

• AAA
• Adventist Health System
• AirTran
• Brighthouse Networks
• Burnham Institute
• Busch Entertainment Corporation
• Campus Crusade for Christ
• CNL
• Darden Restaurants, Inc.
• Electronic Arts
• Gaylord Entertainment
• Hard Rock Cafe
• Hewitt Associates LLC
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club
• Hughes Supply Incorporated
• JetBlue
• Harcourt Trade Publishers
• Intrawest
• Ligonier Ministries
• Lockheed-Martin
• Loews Hotels
• Luctor International
• Marriott Vacation Club International
• NBC Universal
• Nemours Foundation
• Oracle Corporation
• Pioneers
• Planet Hollywood
• Pulte Homes
• Reed Elsevier
• Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
• Ryland Homes
• Scholastic Book Fairs
• Siemens AG Power Generation
• Starwood Vacation Ownership
• SunTrust Bank
• Symantec
• T.G. Lee Dairy
• The Golf Channel
• Tupperware Corp.
• The Walt Disney Company
• Westgate Resorts
• Wycliffe Bible Translators
• Wyndham Vacation Resorts (formerly part of Cendant)

Education

Public primary and secondary education is handled by Orange County Public Schools. The AAA (usually read triple-A) formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is an American not-for-profit Automobile The Adventist Health System is the organisation responsible for overseeing matters related to Hospitals and other medical facilities related to the Seventh-day Adventist AirTran Holdings ( is a Nevada corporation, based in Orlando Florida, that operates as an Airline Holding company. Bright House Networks is a Cable television company and the sixth largest MSO in the United States owned by Advance/Newhouse, headquartered in The Busch Entertainment Corporation (abbreviated BEC or also called Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks is the family entertainment division of the Anheuser-Busch Companies Campus Crusade for Christ is an Interdenominational Christian organization that promotes Evangelism and discipleship in over 190 countries around CNL redirects here see also Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses The National Literature Centre (Lëtzebuerger Literaturarchiv Centre Darden Restaurants Inc ( is a multi-brand Restaurant operator Gaylord Entertainment Company ( operates a number of Hotel, Resort, and media companies that was built by Edward Gaylord. Hard Rock Cafe was founded in 1971 by Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, and their first Hard Rock Cafe opened near Hyde Park Corner in London, Hewitt Associates ( based in Lincolnshire, Illinois is a global Human resources (HR Outsourcing and Consulting firm delivering Hilton Grand Vacations Company, a subsidiary of Hilton Hotels, based in Orlando Florida is a leading operator of Timeshare resorts with about 30 properties Hughes Supply Incorporated is a very large wholesaler of construction supplies operating in 40 of the United States and two Canadian Provinces Harcourt Trade Publishers is a US Publishing firm with a long history of publishing fiction and nonfiction for children and adults Intrawest ULC is a developer and operator of destination resorts and a luxury adventure travel company Ligonier Ministries is a Reformed, evangelical, non-profit organization headquartered in the greater Orlando area Lockheed Martin ( is a large multinational Aerospace manufacturer and advanced technology Company formed in 1995 by the merger of Luctor International is the importing company for Vincent Van Gogh Vodkas vodka-based Liqueurs and Van Gogh Gin. Marriott Vacation Club International is a Timeshare program by Marriott International. NBC Universal is a media and Entertainment company formed in May 2004 by the combination of General Electric 's NBC with Vivendi Universal The Nemours Foundation is a Non-profit organization created by philanthropist Alfred I Oracle Corporation ( specializes in developing and marketing Enterprise software products — particularly Database management systems In 2007 Oracle ranked Pioneers is an international group of Christian Missionaries seeking to spread Christianity to people in places where other missionaries have not gone or churches Planet Hollywood, a Theme restaurant chain inspired by the popular portrayal of Hollywood, was launched in New York on October 22, Pulte Homes Inc ( is a Bloomfield Hills MI based company founded by Bill Pulte. Reed Elsevier is a global Publisher and information provider It came into being in autumn 1992 as the result of a merger between Reed International a British Ruth's Chris Steak House ( is a chain of over 114 Steakhouses ref> Press Release Ruthschris Ryland Homes is the United States' 11th-largest developer and Home -builder The Scholastic Corporation (or sometimes referred to as Scholastic Press; in other cases Scholastic Inc Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc ( is a Hospitality ownership management and franchise organization based in White Plains New York. SunTrust Banks Inc ( is an American Bank holding company. The largest subsidiary is SunTrust Bank Symantec Corporation, founded in 1982 is an International Corporation which sells Computer Software, particularly in the realms of security TG Lee Dairy is a company which has made Milk products for the state of Florida since 1925 The Golf Channel, sometimes abbreviated as TGC, is an American Cable television network with coverage focused on the game of Golf. Tupperware is the brand name of a home products line that includes preparation storage and serving products for the kitchen and home which debuted in 1946 Westgate Resorts is a timeshare company owned and operated by David A Wycliffe Bible Translators is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a translation of the Bible in every living language in the world especially for cultures with little Wyndham Vacation Resorts, part of Wyndham Vacation Ownership, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide, was formerly known as Fairfield Resorts. Cendant Corporation was a New York -based provider of business and consumer services primarily within the real estate and travel Orange County Public Schools ( OCPS) is the Public school district for Orange County, Florida. Some of the larger private schools include The First Academy (of First Baptist Church, Orlando), Trinity Preparatory School, Lake Highland Preparatory School, Bishop Moore High School, Orlando Christian Academy, and Forest Lake Academy. Trinity Preparatory School of Florida is an independent college preparatory day-school for children in grades 6 to 12 located east of Winter Park, Florida Lake Highland Preparatory School is a 26 acre Private school in Orlando Florida that was founded in 1970 Bishop Moore Catholic High School is a Roman Catholic High school in the College Park neighborhood of Orlando Florida.

Area institutions of higher education

State University

• University of Central Florida

Community Colleges

• Valencia Community College
• Seminole Community College (in Sanford , Oviedo, and Altamonte Springs)

Private Universities, Colleges, and Others

• Rollins College (in Winter Park)
• Asbury Theological Seminary, Orlando (Dunnam) Campus
• Barry University's law school
• Brevard Community College (in nearby Brevard County)
• DeVry University, Orlando campus
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Everglades University, Orlando campus
• Florida A&M University's School of Law
• Florida Institute of Technology, Orlando campus
• Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
• Florida Metropolitan University, Orlando campus
• Full Sail University (in Winter Park)
• Herzing College, Orlando Campus (in Winter Park)
• High Tech Institute - Orlando Campus
• Hindu University of America
• International Academy of Design & Technology-Orlando
• Nova Southeastern University, Orlando campus
• Keiser University, Orlando Campus
• Orlando Culinary Academy, (a Le Cordon Bleu school)
• Paul Mitchell the School Orlando [Casselberry, Florida]
• Polytechnic University, Orlando Campus
• Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando campus
• Stetson University (in Deland)
• Strayer University
• The DAVE School
• University of Florida's College of Pharmacy (in Apopka, Florida)
• University of Phoenix, Orlando campus

With more than 47,000 students, University of Central Florida is the sixth largest university in the nation, with over $120M in research, international reputations in innovation in lasers & optics and hospitality and a new medical school breaking ground. Valencia Community College is a multi-campus college located in Orlando Florida in the United States. Seminole Community College (SCC is a Community college with four campuses throughout Seminole County Florida, offering two-year college credit degrees (A Sanford is a city in and the County seat of Seminole County, Florida, United States. Oviedo is a city in Seminole County, Florida, United States. The population was 26316 at the 2000 census Altamonte Springs is a City in Seminole County Florida, United States. Rollins College is a liberal arts college located in Winter Park Florida, United States, a suburb of Orlando Florida. Winter Park is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. Asbury Theological Seminary is a multi-denominational graduate institution that offers a variety of master degree and postgraduate degree programs Barry University is a private Catholic university which was founded in 1940 in Miami Shores Florida, a suburb northeast of Miami Florida. Brevard Community College, founded in 1960, is a Community college on Florida's Space Coast, in Brevard County Florida. Brevard County is a county located in the US state of Florida, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. DeVry University and DeVry Institute of Technology are divisions of Devry Inc Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ( ERAU) is a private, Coeducational University with a history dating from the early days of aviation Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, commonly known as Florida A&M or FAMU, is a historically black university located in Tallahassee A law school (also known as a school of law or college of law) is an institution specializing in Legal education. Florida Institute of Technology, also known as Florida Tech, is a private independent technical university located in Melbourne Florida. Everest University, formerly Florida Metropolitan University is a system of For-profit universities with most of their campuses located in the state of Florida in Full Sail University is a private, for-profit university located in Winter Park Florida and geared toward the entertainment industry Winter Park is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. Winter Park is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. The Hindu University of America is a US Non-profit educational institution based in Orlando, Florida. The International Academy of Design and Technology in Orlando which was founded in 1977 offers students the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor’s or Associate degree Nova Southeastern University ( NSU) is a selective Coeducational private Non-profit university in Davie, Florida, Le Cordon Bleu ( French for " Blue ribbon " is the world's largest hospitality education institution with over 22000 students and a presence in 20 countries Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS is a Non-denominational, evangelical Protestant Seminary dedicated to training current and future leaders Stetson University is an independent private co-educational liberal arts University that consistently earns high rankings in national college guides DeLand is the county seat of Volusia County, Florida. In 2006 the U Strayer University, formerly Strayer College of Washington DC The University of Florida ( Florida or UF) is a public land-grant, sea-grant, space-grant major Research The University of Phoenix ( UPX) is a for-profit educational institution that specializes in Adult education.

The University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation & Training developed the nation’s first master’s and PhD programs in simulation and human performance enhancement.

Infrastructure

Airports

• The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is Orlando's primary airport, currently ranked as the busiest airport in the State of Florida. The airport was ranked by passengers as the #1 airport in the nation according to J.D. Power & Associates. JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm founded in 1968 by James David Power III. The airport features 2 terminals with radiating air-side terminals, flyers are transported via elevated trams. The airport also houses an on-site Hyatt Regency hotel.
• The Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) located in Sanford, FL (far northern suburb) serves as a secondary airport, mainly for European discount carriers. Orlando-Sanford International Airport is a public commercial air service airport in Sanford Florida, near Orlando.
• The Orlando Executive Airport located near Downtown Orlando serves primarily executive jets, flight training schools, and general small-aircraft aviation. Orlando Executive Airport is a public-use Airport located three Nautical miles (6 km) east of the Central business district of Orlando

Roads

Major Highways

• Interstate 4 is Orlando's primary major interstate highway, the interstate begins in Daytona Beach and travels across the mid-section of the state directly through Orlando ending in Tampa. Interstate 4 (I-4 is a 13230-mile (21291 km intrastate Interstate Highway located entirely within the state of Florida, United States. As a key connector to Orlando's suburbs, downtown, area attractions, and both coasts; I-4 commonly experiences heavy traffic and congestion.
• East-West Expressway (Toll 408) is a major highway managed by the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority. The Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority ( OOCEA) is an Expressway authority responsible for construction maintenance and operation of Toll roads in The highway intersects with I-4 in Downtown Orlando providing a key artery for residents commuting from eastern and western suburbs including the University of Central Florida area. Downtown Orlando Florida is far removed from the famous attractions that draw tourists to the region The highway also intersects with the Central Florida Greeneway (Toll 417) and the Florida Turnpike. State Road 417 (SR 417, also known as the Central Florida GreeneWay, Southern Connector and Seminole Expressway (depending on the location is a Florida's Turnpike (TPK which has carried the Ronald Reagan Turnpike legislative designation since 1998 is a Toll road that runs 312 miles (497 km down The I-4/408 interchange is currently undergoing a major construction project that will create multiple fly-over bridges and connectors to ease heavy traffic flows. In addition, lane expansions, new toll plazas, and sound barriers are being added throughout the highway.
• Beachline Expressway (Toll 528) provides key access to the Orlando International Airport and serves as a gateway to the Atlantic coast, specifically Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. State Road 528 ( SR 528) the Martin Andersen Beachline Expressway (formerly known as the Martin Andersen Bee Line Expressway or simply The Bee Line
• Central Florida Greeneway (Toll 417) is a key highway for East Orlando, the highway is also managed by the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority and serves as Orlando's eastern beltway. State Road 417 (SR 417, also known as the Central Florida GreeneWay, Southern Connector and Seminole Expressway (depending on the location is a The Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority ( OOCEA) is an Expressway authority responsible for construction maintenance and operation of Toll roads in The highway intersects with the East-West Expressway (Toll 408), the Beachline Expressway (Toll 528), and begins and ends on Interstate 4. State Road 528 ( SR 528) the Martin Andersen Beachline Expressway (formerly known as the Martin Andersen Bee Line Expressway or simply The Bee Line The highway is often praised for its green scenery and generally light traffic, however, recently the highway has seen a rapid rise in drivers during rush hours.
• Florida Turnpike is a major highway that connects northern Florida with Orlando and Miami. Florida's Turnpike (TPK which has carried the Ronald Reagan Turnpike legislative designation since 1998 is a Toll road that runs 312 miles (497 km down It is the gateway to Miami.
• Daniel Webster Western Beltway (Toll 429) serves as Orlando's western beltway. The highway serves as a new "back entrance" to Walt Disney World from Orlando's northwestern suburbs including Apopka.

Rush Hours

Orlando currently ranks 8th in the nation for traffic congestion, surpassing Miami and other major cities. According to a recent national study by the Texas Transportation Institute; the average Orlando Resident spends about 54 hours per year stuck in traffic. Heavy traffic is unpredictable, however, rush hours (peak traffic hours) are usually weekday mornings (after 7am) and afternoons (after 4pm). There are various traffic advisory resources available for commuters including dialing 511 5-1-1 (a free automated traffic advisory system provided by the Florida Department of Transportation, available by cellphone or landline by dialing 511), visiting the Florida 511 Web site, listening to traffic reports on major radio stations, and reading electronic traffic advisory displays (also called Dynamic Message Signs, information is also provided by FDOT) on the major highways and roadways. 5-1-1, initially designated for Road Weather information is a Transportation and Traffic information The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT is a decentralized agency charged with the establishment maintenance and regulation of public transportation in the state of

Rail

The Orlando area is served by one through railroad, CSX Transportation's A line (formerly the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad's main line), and some spurs, mostly operated by the Florida Central Railroad. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad was an American railroad that existed between 1898 and July 1, 1967, when it merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad The Florida Central Railroad is one of several Short line railroads run by the Pinsly Railroad Company. Amtrak passenger service runs along the CSX A line. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Doing business as Amtrak, is a Government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971 See also a map of these railroads. In 2005 Federal and state funding was granted for the establishment of the Central Florida Commuter Rail service to operate on the CSX A line tracks between DeLand and Poinciana, passing through the downtown area and surrounding urban neighborhoods along the way. Central Florida Commuter Rail is a proposed Commuter rail system in the Central Florida ( Orlando) area The service is expected to substantially reduce traffic congestion along the I-4 corridor, especially between downtown Orlando and the suburban communities in Seminole and Volusia Counties. The Federal and state funds would cover approximately 80% of the estimated $400 million cost for track modifications and construction of stations along the route. Pending approval by the county governments (Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola) involved and the set aside of matching funds, the line is projected to begin operations in 2009.

The following major railroad stations have existed in Orlando:

• Amtrak Orlando station (originally built by ACL to replace Church Street Station, the only one still in use)
• Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Orlando station (now Church Street Station, a tourist attraction)
• Seaboard Air Line Railroad Orlando station (Central Avenue Station)

Buses

Orlando is served by LYNX, offering local transit service which covers the five-county area (Osceola-Orange-Seminole-Lake-Volusia). The Orlando Amtrak station lies south of downtown about a mile south of the old stations at Church Street and Central Boulevard Orlando (ACL station redirects here For the post-1926 ACL Orlando station see Orlando (Amtrak station. LYNX is a bus system run by the Central Florida Regional Transit Authority, serving the Orlando area Osceola County is a County located in the US state of Florida. Orange County is a County located in the US state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA. Seminole County is a County located in the US state of Florida and part of the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA. Lake County is a County located in the state of Florida, United States. ^[20]

Additionally Greyhound Lines offers intercity bus service from Orlando to multiple locations across the country. Greyhound Lines is an intercity Common carrier of passengers by Bus serving over 3700 destinations in the United States. The Orlando Greyhound Station is located west of Downtown Orlando.

Light rail

Several attempts have been made to bring a light rail system to Orlando, but each one has met with failure due to a perceived lack of public interest and various conflicts over a potential route. For specific light rail systems many of which use the words "light rail" as part of their name see List of light-rail transit systems. Walt Disney World officials have been particularly adamant that a light rail line run from Orlando International Airport to the resort, drawing opposition from other vacation destinations who fear loss of business. Some local residents also oppose the idea of funding a system they believe to be only for the benefit of out-of-town tourists. This is in addition to the statewide debate over high speed rail, the various plans of which all center around Orlando. Florida High Speed Rail is a proposed High-speed rail network in Florida. Another attempted route was a rail going between Tampa, Orlando, and Miami.

Many residents who have lived in Orlando for many years believe that a light rail system should be added to the city's growing economy to help cure the metropolitan area's difficult traffic problems. However several residents who move to the Central Florida area from other communities (specifically larger metropolitan cities) find it too industrializing for the city whose "quiet charm" would like to remain established. This creates a conflict between new residents and those who have been born and raised in the Orlando metropolitan area and other Central Florida cities.

Commuter rail

A commuter rail system, Central Florida Commuter Rail, is in active planning with a planned opening in 2009 along current CSX lines between DeLand and Poinciana, going through Downtown Orlando with stations at the LYNX Central Station and Church Street Station. Central Florida Commuter Rail is a proposed Commuter rail system in the Central Florida ( Orlando) area DeLand is the county seat of Volusia County, Florida. In 2006 the U Poinciana is a Census-designated place (CDP in Osceola and Polk counties in the U ^[21]

Crime

In 2006, based on the Department of Justice's FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Orlando reported 42,300 violent crimes including 49 murders,^[22] a record number since 36 in 1982. Crime in Orlando has been up 329% since 2006. Based on the Morgan Quitno Press 2006 national crime rankings, Orlando ranked #1 in Florida and #3 in the United states for overall standings. Morgan Quitno Press is a research and publishing company based out of Lawrence, Kansas. As of Nov, 19 2007 Orlando was ranked Most Dangerous, Out Of Control City in Florida and 2nd Nationwide.

Sister cities

See also: List of sister cities in Florida

Orlando has thirteen sister cities:^[23]

• Anaheim, California, United States
• Valladolid, Spain
• Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
• Guilin, People's Republic of China
• Monterrey, Mexico
• Bethlehem, Palestine
• Orenburg, Russia
• Reykjanesbær, Iceland
• Marne La Vallée, France
• Tainan, Taiwan
• Urayasu, Japan
• Kiryat Motzkin, Israel
• Newport, Rhode Island, United States

Marne La Vallée, Anaheim, and Urayasu are connected to Orlando as homes of other Disney theme parks (Disneyland Resort Paris, Disneyland Resort, and Tokyo Disneyland, respectively). This is a list of sister states regions and cities in the US state of Florida. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the ||-||} is an industrial city and it is a Municipality in north-central Spain, upon the Pisuerga River and within the Ribera del Duero wine-making region Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Curitiba (pron kuɾi'tibɐ or kuɾi'tʃibɐ is the capital City of the Brazilian state of Paraná. Other meanings Paraná Argentina, Paraná River Paraná (paɾaˈna is one of the states of Brazil, |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld Guilin ( Pinyin: Guìlín) is a city in China, situated in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on the west bank of the Talk People's Republic of China) PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ARTICLE GUIDELINES This article is about the Mexican city for other uses see Monterrey (disambiguation. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. Bethlehem ( بيت لحم,, lit "House of Meat" Βηθλεέμ Bethleém בית לחם Beit Lehem, lit "House of Bread" is a Palestine is a name which has been widely used since Roman times to refer to the region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. Orenburg (Оренбу́рг is a city on the Ural River and the administrative center of Orenburg Oblast in the Volga Federal District Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Reykjanesbær is a municipality on the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland, it is made up of the towns Keflavík, Njarðvík and Iceland, officially the Republic of Iceland ( ( Ísland or Lýðveldið Ísland ( Marne-la-Vallée is a New town located near Paris, France. Disneyland Resort Paris and Val d'Europe are located in Marne-la-Vallée This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Taiwan ( Taiwanese: Tâi-oân/Tāi-oân (historically 大灣/台員/大員/台圓/大圓/台窩灣 is an Island in East Asia. is a city located in western Chiba, Japan, on the border with Tokyo. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Kiryat Motzkin (קִרְיַת מוֹצְקִין is a city in the Haifa District of Israel, five miles (8 km north of the city For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about 30 miles (48 km south of Providence The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Disneyland Resort Paris' is a Holiday and Recreation Resort in Marne-la-Vallée, a New town in the eastern suburbs of Paris The Disneyland Resort is a recreational Resort complex is a 115 acre (466535 m² Theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort located in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo.

Foreign consulates

Given Orlando's status as a busy international tourist destination, a handful of foreign governments have opened up consulates in Orlando:

• France
• Haiti
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• Portugal

See also

• List of famous people from Orlando, Florida
• Mayors of Orlando
• Downtown Orlando

References

External links

Find more about Orlando, Florida on Wikipedia's sister projects:
	Dictionary definitions
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	Learning resources

• City of Orlando Official Website
• Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
• Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Orlando blog
• Central Florida Memory is a unique digital collection where visitors can discover the history of Orlando and surrounding areas of Central Florida.
• Orlando travel guide from Wikitravel

• Orlando, Florida is at coordinates 28°32′01″N 81°22′33″W / 28.533513, -81.375789 (Orlando, Florida)Coordinates: 28°32′01″N 81°22′33″W / 28.533513, -81.375789 (Orlando, Florida)