Orlando, Florida 100582 226160416 2008-07-17T02:32:24Z Horologium 1481857 [[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 226154988 by [[Special:Contributions/76.197.128.123|76.197.128.123]] ([[User talk:76.197.128.123|talk]]) restored cite tag. {{cleanup-laundry|date=July 2008}} {{redirect|Orlando}} {{Infobox Settlement <!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage--> <!-- Basic info ----------------> |official_name = City of Orlando |other_name = |native_name = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English --> |nickname = The City Beautiful |settlement_type = [[City]] |motto = "Built for Families, Made for Memories"[http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/community_windermere_blog/2007/02/is_disney_adult.html] <!-- images and maps -----------> |image_skyline = Sunset 408 zoom.jpg |imagesize = |image_caption = |image_flag = OrlandoFlag.PNG |flag_size = |image_seal = Orlando seal.png |seal_size = |image_blank_emblem = |blank_emblem_type = |blank_emblem_size = |image_map = Orange_County_Florida_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Orlando_Highlighted.svg |mapsize = 250x200px |map_caption = Location in [[Orange County, Florida|Orange County]] and the state of [[Florida]] |image_map1 = Orlando-fl.gif |mapsize1 = 250px |map_caption1 = U.S. Census Map <!-- Location ------------------> |subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]] |subdivision_name = {{flag|United States}} |subdivision_type1 = [[Political divisions of the United States|State]] |subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Florida}} |subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Florida|County]] |subdivision_name2 = {{noflag|[[Orange County, Florida|Orange]]}} <!-- Politics -----------------> |government_footnotes = |government_type = |leader_title = [[Mayor]] |leader_name = [[Buddy Dyer]] ([[United States Democratic Party|D]]) |leader_title1 = <!-- for places with, say, both a mayor and a city manager --> |leader_name1 = |leader_title2 = |leader_name2 = |established_title = Settled |established_date = 1875 |established_title2 = <!-- Incorporated (town) --> |established_date2 = |established_title3 = <!-- Incorporated (city) --> |established_date3 = <!-- Area ---------------------> |area_magnitude = 1 E8 |unit_pref = Imperial |area_footnotes = |area_total_km2 = 261.5 |area_land_km2 = 242.2 |area_water_km2 = 19.3 |area_total_sq_mi = 101.0 |area_land_sq_mi = 93.5 |area_water_sq_mi = 7.5 |area_water_percent = |area_urban_km2 = |area_urban_sq_mi = |area_metro_km2 = |area_metro_sq_mi = |area_blank1_title = |area_blank1_km2 = |area_blank1_sq_mi = <!-- Population -----------------------> |population_as_of = 2007 |population_footnotes = <ref name=censuspop>{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2007-04-12.xls |title=Annual Estimates of the population for the Incorporated Places of Florida |publisher=[[US Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2007-08-11 |format=XLS}}</ref> |population_note = 2007 estimates |population_total = 227,907 |population_density_km2 = 842.01 |population_density_sq_mi = 2180.06 |population_metro = 2,032,496<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2007/CBSA-EST2007-01.xls |title=Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas:April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007 |publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]] |date=[[27 March]] [[2008]] |accessdate=2008-06-21}}</ref> |population_density_metro_km2 = |population_density_metro_sq_mi = |population_urban = |population_density_urban_km2 = |population_density_urban_sq_mi = |population_blank1_title = |population_blank1 = |population_density_blank1_km2 = |population_density_blank1_sq_mi = <!-- General information ---------------> |timezone = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|EST]] |utc_offset = -5 |timezone_DST = [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]] |utc_offset_DST = -4 |latd = 28 |latm = 32 |lats = 01 |latNS = N |longd = 81 |longm = 22 |longs = 6.72 |longEW = W |elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags--> |elevation_m = 34 |elevation_ft = 98 <!-- Area/postal codes & others --------> |postal_code_type = |postal_code = |area_code = [[Area code 321|321]], [[Area code 407|407]] |blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]] |blank_info = 12-53000{{GR|2}} |blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID |blank1_info = 0288240{{GR|3}} |website = [http://www.cityoforlando.net/ www.cityoforlando.net] |footnotes = }} <!-- Infobox ends !--> The [[city]] of '''Orlando''' is a major city in central [[Florida]], [[United States|USA]] and is the [[county seat]] of [[Orange County, Florida]]. It is also the principal city of [[Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area|Greater Orlando]]. The Orlando-Kissimmee MSA is Florida's third-largest metropolitan area, behind [[South Florida|Miami]] and [[Tampa Bay Area|Tampa]]. Orlando is also home to the [[University of Central Florida]], which is the second largest [[State University System of Florida|university in Florida]] in student enrollment and has the 6th [[List of largest United States universities by enrollment|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 {{convert|20|mi|km|0}} south of Orlando city limits via [[Interstate 4]]. Other notable area attractions include [[SeaWorld]] and [[Universal Orlando Resort]]. 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. 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. The city symbol is the fountain of [[Lake Eola]] and the current mayor is [[Buddy Dyer]]. ==History== [[Image:Lake Lucerne, Orlando, FL.jpg|thumb|left|200px|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]] [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Indian]] tribe. 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. 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. During the [[Seminole Wars#Second Seminole War|Second Seminole War]], the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] established an outpost at Fort Gatlin, a few miles south of the modern downtown, in 1838. 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. But most pioneers did not arrive until after the [[Seminole Wars#Third Seminole War|Third Seminole War]] in the 1850s. Most of the early residents made their living by [[cattle ranching]]. Orlando became the county seat of Orange County in 1856. It remained a rural backwater during the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], and suffered greatly during the [[Union blockade]]. The [[Reconstruction era of the United States|Reconstruction]] Era brought a population explosion, which led to Orlando's incorporation as a town on [[1875-07-31]], and as a city in [[1885]].<ref>[http://www.cityoforlando.net/about_orlando.htm About Orlando] from the City of Orlando website, accessed [[2008-06-17]]</ref> The period from 1875 to 1895 is remembered as Orlando's Golden Era, when it became the hub of Florida's [[citrus]] industry. But the [[Great Freeze]] in 1894-1895 forced many owners to give up their independent [[grove]]s, thus consolidating holdings in the hands of a few "citrus barons" who shifted operations south, primarily around [[Lake Wales, Florida|Lake Wales]] in [[Polk County, Florida|Polk County]]. [[Image:The Wyoming, Orlando, FL.jpg|thumb|right|200px|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 [[ford (crossing)|fording]]. This would be commemorated by the street's name, Curry Ford Road. Also, just south of the airport in the Boggy Creek area was {{convert|150|acre|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]]. 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]]. Land prices soared. During this period several neighborhoods in downtown were constructed, endowing it with many [[bungalow]]s. The boom ended when several [[hurricane]]s hit Florida in the late 20s and by the [[Great Depression]]. During [[World War II]], a number of Army personnel were stationed at the Orlando Army Air Base and nearby Pinecastle Army Air Field. 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. 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.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. 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. 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. It also allows easy access to [[Port Canaveral]], an important [[cruise ship]] terminal. Because of its proximity to the [[Space Coast]] near the [[Kennedy Space Center]], many high-tech companies have shifted to the Orlando area. [[Image:Lucerne Circle, Orlando, FL.jpg|thumb|right|200px|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]]. 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 [[hurricane]]s. 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 County, Florida|Orange]], [[Seminole County, Florida|Seminole]], [[Osceola County, Florida|Osceola]], and [[Lake County, Florida|Lake]] counties. As a result, [[tourism]] became the centerpiece of the area's economy. Orlando is consistently ranked as one of the top vacation destinations in the world, and now boasts more [[theme park]]s and entertainment attractions than anywhere else in the world. 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]]. By 1970, four major airlines ([[Delta Air Lines]], [[National Airlines]], [[Eastern Airlines]] and [[Southern Airways]]) were providing scheduled flights. [[McCoy Air Force Base]] officially closed in 1975, and most of it is now part of the airport. The airport still retains the former Air Force Base airport code ([[MCO]]). In addition to [[McCoy Air Force Base]], Orlando also had a [[United States Navy|naval]] presence with the establishment of Naval Training Center Orlando on the former Orlando AFB in 1968. 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. 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. 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 U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI), the [[United States Marine Corps|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. [[Image:Lake Eola from East Central Blvd., Orlando, FL.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Lake Eola in 1911]] The [[SunTrust]] Center, the tallest building in Orlando at 441 ft (134 m), was built in 1988. The next tallest buildings are the [[Orange County Courthouse (Florida)|Orange County Courthouse]] (1997, {{convert|416|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}./127 m), the [[Bank of America]] Center (Formerly [[Barnett Bank|Barnett]] Plaza, 1988, {{convert|409|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}./123 m), Solaire at the Plaza (2006, {{convert|359|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}./109 m) and the [[Orlando International Airport]] [[air traffic control|ATC]] Tower (2002, {{convert|346|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}./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. <ref>[http://www.ocls.info/virtual/FastFacts/fastFactDetails.asp?FastFactsID=35&bhcp=1 OCLS - Fast Facts - Tallest Buildings in Orlando<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref>[http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/?id=101340 Buildings of Orlando / Emporis.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The [[SeaWorld]] SkyTower, at 400 ft (122 m) tall, is the tallest tower in Orange County outside Orlando proper. There are also several tall transmission towers in Orange County, the tallest of which is the [[WFTV]] transmission tower in [[Christmas, Florida|Christmas]] at 1,617 ft (491.6 m) tall. In the hurricane season of 2004, [[Hurricane Charley|Hurricanes Charley]], [[Hurricane Frances|Frances]], and [[Hurricane Jeanne|Jeanne]] battered the Orlando area, causing widespread damage and [[flooding]] and impeding tourism to the area. ==Geography== ===Topography=== Orlando is located at {{coor dms|28|32|1|N|81|22|33|W|city}} (28.533513, -81.375789).{{GR|1}} According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 261.5 km² (101 [[square mile|mi²]]). 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, {{convert|106|ft|m|0}} above sea level. ===Climate=== Orlando has a warm and humid [[subtropical]] [[climate]], and there are two major seasons each year. One of those seasons is hot and rainy, lasting from May until October (roughly coinciding with the [[Atlantic hurricane season]]). 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]]. 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 can push the [[heat index]] to over 110 °F (45 °C). The city's highest recorded temperature is 101 °F (39 °C), set July 2, 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. They are highlighted by intense [[lightning]] and can also bring heavy [[rainfall]] (sometimes several inches per hour) and powerful [[winds]] as well as occasional damaging [[hail]]. 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 significant snowfall (no measurable snow has fallen since recording began at the airport in 1948). Very rarely the ingredients come together for flurries to occur, commonly [[lake effect snow|ocean effect snow]]. The area west of Orlando recorded up to 2" in 1977, and reports of flurries in the Central Florida area include [[December 23]], [[1989]] and [[January 24]], [[2003]]. [http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/surveys/012403/flurries.html] The average annual rainfall in Orlando is 50.1 in. (128 [[meter|cm]]), most of it occurring in the period from June to September. 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-Southern Oscillation|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 numerous air quality alerts in Orlando. 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. Since the city is located 42 miles (68 km) inland from the Atlantic and 77 miles (124 km) inland from the Gulf of Mexico,<ref>Distance measured from Orlando City Hall to nearest Atlantic coastline, near [[Oak Hill, Florida|Oak Hill]], [[Brevard County, Florida|Brevard County]], and nearest Gulf coastline, near, [[Pine Island, Florida|Pine Island]], [[Hernando County, Florida|Hernando County]], using [[Google Earth]]'s Ruler tool.</ref> 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 Atlantic hurricane season|2004 hurricane season]], Orlando was hit by three hurricanes that caused significant damage, with [[Hurricane Charley]] the worst of these. The city also experienced widespread damage during [[Hurricane Donna]] in 1960. {{Orlando, Florida weatherbox}} ===Neighborhoods=== [[Image:Orlando Lake Eola Heights Hist Dist01.jpg|200px|right|thumb|House in the [[Lake Eola Heights Historic District]]]] Orlando has many neighborhoods <ref>[http://www.cityoforlando.net/gis/pdf/NbhdMap.PDF City of Orlando Neighborhoods], accessed 28 November 2006</ref> within city limits: {| |valign="top" width=20%| *33rd St Industrial *Airport North *Audubon Park *Azalea Park *Bal Bay *Baldwin Park *Bel Air *Beltway Commerce Center *Boggy Creek *Bryn Mawr *Callahan *Camellia Gardens *Carver Shores *Catalina *Central Business District *City of Orlando/GOAA *Clear Lake *[[College Park, Orlando|College Park]] *Colonial Town Center *Colonialtown North *Colonialtown South *Conway *Countryside *Coytown *Crescent Park *Delaney Park *Dixie Belle *Dover Estates *Dover Manor *Dover Shores East |valign="top" width=20%| *Dover Shores West *Eagles Nest *East Central Park *East Park *Engelwood Park *Florida Center *Florida Center North *Haralson Estates *Hibiscus *Holden Heights *Holden/Parramore *Johnson Village *Kirkman North *Kirkman South *Lake Cherokee *Lake Como *Lake Copeland *Lake Davis/Greenwood *Lake Dot *[[Lake Eola Heights Historic District|Lake Eola Heights]] *Lake Fairview *Lake Formosa *Lake Fredrica *Lake Mann Estates *Lake Holden *Lake Mann Gardens *Lake Nona Central *Lake Nona Estates *Lake Nona South *Lake Richmond |valign="top" width=20%| *Lake Shore Village *Lake Sunset *Lake Terrace *Lake Underhill *Lake Weldona *Lancaster Park *LaVina *Lawsona/Fern Creek *Lorna Doone *Malibu Groves *Mariners Village *Mercy Drive *Metro West *Millenia *Monterey *Narcoossee Groves *New Malibu *North Orange *Northlake Park at Lake Nona *Narcoossee South *[[Orlando Executive Airport]] *[[Orlando International Airport]] *Orwin Manor *Palomar *Park Central *Park Lake/Highland *Pershing *Pineloch *Princeton/Silver Star *Randall Park |valign="top" width=20%| *Richmond Estates *Richmond Heights *Rio Grande Park *Rock Lake *Roosevelt Park *Rose Isle *Rosemont *Rosemont North *Rowena Gardens *Seaboard Industrial *Signal Hill *South Division *South Eola *South Orange *South Semoran *Southern Oaks *Southport *Spring Lake *The Dovers *The Willows *Thornton Park *Timberleaf *Ventura *Vista East *Wadeview Park *Washington Shores *Wedgewood Groves *West Colonial *Westfield *Windhover |} ==Metropolitan Statistical Area== {{main|Greater Orlando}} Orlando is the hub city of the [[Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area]], colloquially known as "Greater Orlando" or "Metro Orlando". The area encompasses four counties ([[Orange County, Florida|Orange]], [[Osceola County, Florida|Osceola]], [[Seminole County, Florida|Seminole]] and [[Lake County, Florida|Lake]]), and is currently the [[List of United States metropolitan statistical areas by population|27th-largest metro area]] in the United States with a 2007 Census-estimated population of 2,032,496.<ref name=metropop>{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2007/CBSA-EST2007-01.xls |title=Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |accessdate=2008-07-11 |format=XLS}}</ref> When [[Combined Statistical Area]]s 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]]. In 2006, the metropolitan areas of [[Deltona, Florida|Deltona]] ([[Volusia County, Florida|Volusia County]]) and [[Palm Coast, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area|Palm Coast]] ([[Flagler County, Florida|Flagler County]]) were added to create the '''Orlando-Deltona-Daytona Beach, Florida, Combined Statistical Area'''. <ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins/fy2007/b07-01.pdf Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> This new larger CSA carries a total population (as of 2007) of 2,693,552. <ref>http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/tables/CO-EST2006-01-12.xls</ref>, and carries three of the 25 fastest-growing counties in the nation--Flagler ranks 1st; Osceola, 17th; and Lake, 23rd.<ref>http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/cb07-42tbl3.xls</ref> The metro area is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, and the surrounding counties, such as [[Polk County, Florida|Polk]], [[Brevard County, Florida|Brevard]] and [[Marion County, Florida|Marion]], are also seeing high growth rates. ====Suburbs==== {| class="wikitable" align="center" |----- | '''Northwest:''' [[Apopka, Florida|Apopka]], [[Mount Dora, Florida|Mount Dora]], [[Eustis, Florida|Eustis]], [[Tavares, Florida|Tavares]], [[Leesburg, Florida|Leesburg]], [[The Villages, Florida|The Villages]] | '''North:''' [[Eatonville, Florida|Eatonville]], [[Maitland, Florida|Maitland]], [[Winter Park, Florida|Winter Park]], [[Altamonte Springs, Florida|Altamonte Springs]], [[Sanford, Florida|Sanford]], [[Deltona, Florida|Deltona]], [[Longwood, Florida|Longwood]], [[Bunnell, Florida|Bunnell]], [[Lake Mary, Florida|Lake Mary]] | '''Northeast:''' [[Casselberry, Florida|Casselberry]], [[Oviedo, Florida|Oviedo]], [[Winter Springs, Florida|Winter Springs]], [[Daytona Beach, Florida|Daytona Beach]], [[New Smyrna Beach, Florida|New Smyrna Beach]], [[Palm Coast, Florida|Palm Coast]] |----- | '''West:''' [[Ocoee, Florida|Ocoee]], [[Winter Garden, Florida|Winter Garden]], [[Gotha, Florida|Gotha]], [[Windermere, Florida|Windermere]], [[Clermont, Florida|Clermont]], [[Oakland, Florida|Oakland]], [[Bushnell, Florida|Bushnell]] | align="center" | '''ORLANDO''' | '''East:''' [[Bithlo, Florida|Bithlo]], [[Union Park, Florida|Union Park]], [[Wedgefield, Florida|Wedgefield]], [[Eastwood, Florida|Eastwood]] |----- | '''Southwest:''' [[Lake Buena Vista, Florida|Lake Buena Vista]], [[Celebration, Florida|Celebration]], [[Citrus Ridge, Florida|Citrus Ridge]] , [[Doctor Phillips]] | '''South:''' [[Edgewood, Florida|Edgewood]], [[Belle Isle, Florida|Belle Isle]], [[Kissimmee, Florida|Kissimmee]], [[Poinciana, Florida|Poinciana]], [[Meadow Woods, Florida|Meadow Woods]] | '''Southeast:''' [[Saint Cloud, Florida|Saint Cloud]], [[Harmony, Florida|Harmony]], [[Holopaw, Florida|Holopaw]], [[Yeehaw Junction, Florida|Yeehaw Junction]] |} ==Demographics== {| class="wikitable" align="right" |- As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 185,951 people (2007 estimate counted 227,907 people), 80,883 households, and 42,382 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 767.9/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 (U.S. Census)|White]], 26.70% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.43% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.34% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.08% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 5.41% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.54% from two or more races. 17.79% of the population was [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race. Non-Hispanic Whites made up 50.8% of the population.<ref>[http://www.muninetguide.com/states/florida/municipality/Orlando.php MuniNetGuide.com's Orlando Demographic]</ref> The city has large [[Puerto Rican American|Puerto Rican]], [[Colombian American|Colombian]], [[Venezuela]]n, [[Haitian American|Haitian]], and [[Vietnamese American|Vietnamese]] communities (among others), as well as a growing number of [[United Kingdom|British]] (mostly [[English people|English]]) residents. 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 income]] for a household in the city was $35,732, and the median income for a family was $40,648. Males had a median income of $30,866 versus $25,267 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $21,216. About 13.3% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 27.0% 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 [[LGBT]] people. According to a study by [[UCLA]], 7.7% of Orlando's population is gay, lesbian, or bisexual and with 5.7% of the entire metropolitan population, it ranks 9th in the nation.<ref>Gary J. Gates {{PDFlink|[http://www.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute/publications/SameSexCouplesandGLBpopACS.pdf Same-sex Couples and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Population: New Estimates from the American Community Survey]|2.07&nbsp;[[Mebibyte|MiB]]<!-- application/pdf, 2180309 bytes -->}}. The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy, UCLA School of Law October, 2006. Retrieved [[April 8]], [[2007]].</ref> ===Languages=== As of 2000, 75.43% of all residents spoke [[English language|English]] as their [[first language]], while 16.60% spoke [[Spanish language]], 1.93% spoke [[Haitian Creole]], 1.33% spoke [[French language|French]], and 0.99% of the population spoke [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] as their [[mother language]].<ref>[http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&state_id=12&county_id=&mode=&zip=&place_id=53000&cty_id=&ll=&a=&ea=&order=r Modern Language Association Data Center Results of Orlando, FL]</ref> ==Culture== Like Florida cities [[Miami]] and [[Tampa]], the Orlando metro area has a large and increasing number of [[Latino]] residents (close to 400,000 in 2006). Orlando metro area is home to one of the nation's largest and most rapidly growing [[Puerto Rican American|Puerto Rican]] communities (particularly its [[metropolitan area]] numbering 219,735 in 2006). 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 station]]s. The [[Orlando Magic]] basketball team is the only team in the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] to have a Latin Night, which is geared towards the Hispanic population in the area. 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-Central Florida area is home to the most [[affluent]] Puerto Rican families in the United States, followed by [[Los Angeles]] and [[Texas]]. Many Puerto Ricans have relocated to [[Central Florida]], mainly to the Orlando-Kissimmee area. 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 [[Cubans|Cuban]] descent, largely [[refugees]] or their children from the [[Cuban Revolution]]. Thousands of people pack the streets of Downtown Orlando for one of Central Florida's largest celebrations of Latino culture each year in October. Organizers say 100,000 people come each year to the Calle Orange festival. More than 40 artists perform on four stages. There will is also plenty of food highlighting the cuisines of Central and South America, the Caribbean. Orlando metro area has an even larger [[African-American]] population numbering 322,031 in 2006 (more than 45,000 are of Afro-Caribbean decent). 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]]. Since 1990, the number of neighborhoods in Metro Orlando without black homeowners has dropped from 48 percent to 7 percent. In Seminole, the most affluent county in Central Florida, only one of the county's neighborhoods had no black homeowners in 2000. Since 2000, the array of organizations (The Young Professionals, Metropolitan Orlando Urban League, The Circle of Friends, The Social Black Women and The Orlando Minority Professionals Network) for black professionals has expanded as the number of college-educated, middle-class blacks in Metro Orlando grew by 29 percent. Black households making more than $100,000 a year nearly doubled since 1999, according to the latest census figures. The new groups, many of them Web-based, expand the network of black professionals beyond the traditional groups of alumni associations, fraternities and sororities, and organizations for attorneys, doctors and engineers. The growth of new networking organizations reflects, in many ways, the dispersal of black professionals across Metro Orlando. Because there is no established, middle-class black business district or an upscale black neighborhood, the groups serve as that center of gravity for black professionals. The National Black MBA Association held its 29th annual conference and expo at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center September 11-16, 2007. The conference at the Orange County Convention Center brought 11,000 to the Orlando area. The Florida Classic that draws well over 100,000 people from all over the nation to participate in the largest historically Black college or university (HBCU) Classic, held between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University. In a joint statement, Dr. James H. Ammons, President of Florida A&M University, and Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed, President of Bethune-Cookman University, declared, "This Classic is more than a game. It is a family reunion that has evolved into the greatest competition between two historic universities in the state of Florida. The football game, the band competition, the tailgating, the display of school pride, as well as the student recruitment and educational fairs now attract individuals as far away as New York City and deliver a near $30 million economic impact to the Central Florida economy. Representatives of the National Alumni Organizations of both universities stated that, "This is not just a game, but a meaningful gathering of our alumni, supporters and friends and one of the strongest matches in Black college sports where the universities control the revenue and the destiny of the game".{{cn}} A thriving [[Vietnamese people|Vietnamese]] quarter called "Little Vietnam" or "[[Little Saigon]]" exists in the Colonialtown district of Orlando.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/04/01/travel/01hours.html |title=36 Hours in Orlando, Fla. |accessdate=2007-05-20 |last=Passy |first=Charles |year=2007 |month=April |publisher=[[New York Times]] |language=English |quote=Some cities have [[Chinatown]]s. Orlando has Little Vietnam, home to a large Vietnamese population that began arriving in the 1970s. The neighborhood, north of downtown along East Colonial Drive and North Mills Avenue... }}</ref> 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. ===Entertainment and performing arts=== The [[hip hop music]] scene, [[heavy metal music|metal]] scene, [[rock music]] scene, [[Reggaeton]] and Latino scene, are all active within the city, which is largely home to the [[Florida breaks|Florida Breakbeat]] movement. Orlando has also been called Hollywood East because of numerous cinematic enterprises in the area.<ref>"What Happened to Hollywood East?" ''Southwest Orlando Bulletin'', [[17 July]] [[2004]]</ref> [[Image:Universal studio globe.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Universal Studios globe]] Until recently, Walt Disney Feature Animation operated a studio out of Disney/Hollywood Studios at the [[Walt Disney World Resort]]. 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. 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]]''. 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. {{cn}} [[Image:Magic Kingdom castle.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[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 (Daytona Beach)|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. This area really is like Orlando's cultural district on the beach ===Tourism=== {{seealso|List of amusement parks in Greater Orlando|List of Orlando, Florida attractions}} :''For tourist information, see [[Wikitravel:Orlando]].'' The Orlando area is home to a wide variety of tourist attractions, including the [[Walt Disney World Resort]], [[Universal Orlando Resort]], and [[SeaWorld Orlando]]. 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]]. 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. ===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 {{convert|50000000|sqft|m2|-4}} of shopping space in Central Florida. <ref>[http://www.orlando-villa-guide.com/shopping Shopping in Orlando - Orlando Villa Guide - The Essential Guide to Florida Vacation Rental Homes and Holiday Villas in Orlando, Florida<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> * '''[[The Florida Mall]]''' is the largest mall in Orlando, one of the largest single-story malls in the USA at over {{convert|1849000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} with over 250 stores, seven anchor department stores, and the Florida Mall Hotel & Conference Center tower. * '''[[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 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. * '''[[Orlando Fashion Square]]''' is the nearest indoor shopping mall to [[Downtown Orlando]]. 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. The Ron Jon Surf Park is currently under construction. ===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. In 2003, the museum hosted the world-renowned full exhibition of the famous glass sculptor, [[Dale Chihuly]]. * '''[[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. 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. 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. * '''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. Admission is free. * '''[[Harry P. Leu Gardens]]''', which is an inner city oasis covering 50 acres (20,000 m²) and features colorful [[annual plant|annuals]], [[palmae|palms]], an [[orchid]] house, a [[floral clock]] and a [[butterfly]] garden. * '''[[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 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. ===Sports=== Orlando is home to the [[Orlando Magic]], an [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] pro [[basketball]] franchise that plays at [[Amway Arena]] in downtown Orlando. Led by [[Shaquille O'Neal]], the Magic made it to the [[NBA Finals]] in 1995. Orlando's Amway Arena, opened in 1989 is already one of the oldest arenas in the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]]. It will be replaced around 2010 by the $480-million [[Orlando Events Center]]. The [[WNBA]]'s [[Orlando Miracle]] played four seasons at Amway (1999-2002) before moving north to become the [[Connecticut Sun]]. 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 (baseball)|Southern League]] in 1973. [[Tinker Field]], named for [[baseball]] hall-of-famer [[Joe Tinker]], is a historic baseball stadium next to the Citrus Bowl, currently out of use. 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 Rays|Tampa Bay Devil Rays]]. In 2000, the Orlando Rays moved from Tinker Field to Cracker Jack Stadium at the [[Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex]]. 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 Biscuits|Montgomery, Alabama]] for the 2004 season. 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 Rays|Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] and the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] in 2007. Orlando is currently the largest metropolitan area in the United States without a pro baseball team.{{cn}} 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). It also hosts regular-season [[American football|football]] games for [[Jones High School (Florida)|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]]. 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]]. UCF plays [[NCAA|college sports]] at the highest level. Professional football in Orlando in goes back to the 1960s, when the [[Orlando Panthers]] played in the minor-league [[Continental Football League]]. 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]]. 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 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 [[United States Football League|USFL]]'s [[Washington Federals]] shifted to the Citrus Bowl and were re-named the [[Orlando Renegades]]. 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 [[NFL Europe#World League of American Football|World League of American Football]] in 1991 and 1992. They lost the [[World Bowl]] to the [[Sacramento Surge]] in 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. 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 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 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 (TV series)|''Coach'']]. The team was a [[plot device]] to reflect the 1995 addition of the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] to the real-life NFL. In arena football, the [[Orlando Predators]] have been one of the [[Arena Football League]]'s flagship franchises since entering the league in 1991. Playing at Amway Arena, the Predators have won seven divisional titles and two [[Arena Bowl]]s, in 1998 and 2000. In the 1990s, [[ice hockey]] became popular in Orlando, perhaps due to large influx of northerners to the city. 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 [[Orlando Solar Bears]], of the now-defunct [[International Hockey League (1945-2001)|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. 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 [[Florida Seals|Orlando Seals]], which won their Commissioner's Cup in 2003; this made Orlando the only Florida city with two hockey championships. The Seals moved to the [[World Hockey Association 2]] in 2003, then the [[Southern Professional Hockey League]] in 2004. 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. 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 Ice Bears|Knoxville]]. 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 [[Football World Cup 1994|FIFA World Cup '94]] and the [[1996 Summer Olympics]]. The [[Orlando Lions]] were a member of the third incarnation of the [[American Soccer League]] in the late 1980s/early 1990s. The [[Orlando Sundogs]] were a minor-league soccer team in the [[USL First Division|A-League]] that played in the Citrus Bowl, disbanding after their season in 1997. 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). Indoors, Orlando gained an expansion franchise in the [[Major Indoor Soccer League]], the [[Orlando Sharks]], for the 2007-08 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 Orlando [[Citrus Bowl]] was also home to [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]] [[Wrestlemania XXIV]] in 2008. ===Media=== ====Newspapers==== * [[Orlando Sentinel]] * [[Orlando Weekly]] * [[West Orlando News]] ====Radio==== {{Orlando Radio}}{{-}} ====Television==== {{Orlando TV}}{{-}} ==Economy== {{prose|date=July 2008}} {{See also|List of Florida companies|List of notable companies in Orlando, Florida}} [[Image:Florida Trip 197.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Statue of Walt Disney]] A large part of the Orlando area economy is involved in the tourist industry. 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 city vies with Chicago and [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] for hosting the most convention attendees in the United States.<ref>Bergen, Kathy. [http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2003_3rd/Sep03_ChicagoConventions.html Las Vegas and Orlando Bruising Chicago's Trade Show Business]. ''The [[Chicago Tribune]]'', [[11 September]] [[2003]]</ref> [[Lockheed-Martin]] has a large manufacturing facility for missile systems, aeronautical craft and related high tech research. Other notable engineering firms have offices or labs in the Central Florida area: [[KDF]], [[General Dynamics]], [[Harris Corporation|Harris]], [[Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems|Westinghouse]], [[Siemens AG|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, [[Hewlett-Packard|HP]], Institute for Simulation and Training, [[Northrop Grumman]], [[Raytheon]] 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 Florida|Universal Studios]], [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]], [[Full Sail Real World Education|Full Sail]] School, the [[Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy]], and other entertainment companies and schools. Numerous office complexes for large corporations have popped up along the [[Interstate 4]] corridor north of Orlando, especially in [[Maitland, Florida|Maitland]], [[Lake Mary, Florida|Lake Mary]] and [[Heathrow, Florida|Heathrow]]. The U.S. [[Institute for Simulation and Training|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 [[University of Central Florida|UCF]]. 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. They are building a new world headquarters and central distribution facility on John Young Parkway.{{fact|date=February 2008}} Nearby [[Maitland, Florida|Maitland]] is the home of Tiburon, a division of the video game company [[Electronic Arts]]. 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. 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]]. Florida Hospital's main campus is ranked as one of the best hospitals in the nation, and has a renowned [[stroke|brain attack]] facility.{{cn}} Orlando's medical leadership will be further advanced with the completion of [[University of Central Florida|UCF]]'s College of Medicine and a new [[Veterans Health Administration|VA Hospital]], both of which will be located in a new medical district in the Lake Nona area of the city. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.local6.com/news/11154722/detail.html |title=Lake Nona Is Site Of New VA Hospital |date=[[2 March]] [[2007]] |publisher=[[Internet Broadcasting Systems]]/[[WKMG-TV]] |accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref> There is a very low unemployment rate in Greater Orlando, 3.1% as of March 2007.<ref>"[http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/metro.pdf Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment: March 2007]." ''[[United States Department of Labor]].'' [[May 2]], [[2007]]. Retrieved on [[May 24]], [[2007]].</ref> 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. 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.<ref>"[http://www.orlrealtor.com/Files/PDF/Housingtrendssummary.pdf Metropolitan Orlando Housing Trends Summary]." ''Orlando Regional Realtor Association.'' [[May 9]], [[2007]]. Retrieved on [[May 24]], [[2007]].</ref> * 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 {{convert|1025|acre|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. == Education == Public primary and secondary education is handled by [[Orange County Public Schools]]. Some of the larger private schools include [[The First Academy]], [[Trinity Preparatory School]], [[Lake Highland Preparatory School]], and [[Bishop Moore High School]]. === Area institutions of higher education === ====State University==== * [[University of Central Florida]] ====Community Colleges==== * [[Valencia Community College]] * [[Seminole Community College]] (in [[Sanford, Florida|Sanford]] , [[Oviedo, Florida|Oviedo]], and [[Altamonte Springs, Florida|Altamonte Springs]]) ====Private Universities, Colleges, and Others==== {{col-begin}} {{col-break}} * [[Rollins College]] (in [[Winter Park, Florida|Winter Park]]) * [[Asbury Theological Seminary]], Orlando (Dunnam) Campus * [[Barry University School of Law]] * [[DeVry University]], Orlando campus * [[Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University]] * [[Florida A&M University]]'s [[School of Law]] * [[Florida Institute of Technology]], Orlando campus * [[Florida Metropolitan University]], Orlando campus * [[Full Sail University]] (in [[Winter Park, Florida|Winter Park]]) {{col-break}} * [[Hindu University of America]] * [[International Academy of Design & Technology-Orlando]] * [[Nova Southeastern University]], Orlando campus * [[Reformed Theological Seminary]], Orlando campus * [[Strayer University]] * [[University of Florida]]'s College of Pharmacy (in [[Apopka, Florida]]) * [[University of Phoenix]], Orlando campus * [[Webster University]], Metropolitan Orlando Campus {{col-end}} ==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]]. 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. * The [[Orlando Executive Airport]] located near Downtown Orlando serves primarily executive jets, flight training schools, and general small-aircraft aviation. === Roads === ====Major Highways==== * [[Image:I-4.svg|25x20px]] [[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]]. As a key connector to Orlando's suburbs, downtown, area attractions, and both coasts; I-4 commonly experiences heavy traffic and congestion. * [[Image:Toll Florida 408.svg|20px]] [[Florida State Road 408|East-West Expressway]] (Toll 408) is a major highway managed by the [[Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority]]. 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. The highway also intersects with the [[Florida State Road 417|Central Florida Greeneway]] (Toll 417) and the [[Florida's Turnpike]]. 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. * [[Image:Toll Florida 528.svg|20px]] [[Florida State Road 528|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. * [[Image:Toll Florida 417.svg|20px]] [[Florida State Road 417|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. The highway intersects with the [[Florida State Road 408|East-West Expressway]] (Toll 408), the [[Florida State Road 528|Beachline Expressway]] (Toll 528), and begins and ends on Interstate 4. 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. * [[Image:Florida's Turnpike shield.png|25x20px]] [[Florida's Turnpike]] is a major highway that connects northern Florida with Orlando and Miami. It is the gateway to Miami. * [[Image:Toll Florida 429.svg|20px]] [[Florida State Road 429|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. === 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 (current)|Florida Central Railroad]]. [[Amtrak]] passenger service runs along the CSX A line. See also [[:Image:Orlando area railroads.png|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. 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: *[[Orlando (Amtrak station)|Amtrak Orlando station]] (originally built by ACL to replace Church Street Station, the only one still in use) *[[Church Street Station (Orlando)|Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Orlando station]] (now Church Street Station, a tourist attraction) *[[Orlando (SAL station)|Seaboard Air Line Railroad Orlando station]] (Central Avenue Station) === Buses === Orlando is served by [[Lynx (transportation)|LYNX]], offering local transit service which covers the five-county area ([[Osceola County, Florida|Osceola]]-[[Orange County, Florida|Orange]]-[[Seminole County, Florida|Seminole]]-[[Lake County, Florida|Lake]]-[[Volusia County, Florida|Volusia]]). <ref>[http://www.golynx.com/?pid=1155691 LYNX Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Additionally [[Greyhound Lines]] offers intercity bus service from Orlando to multiple locations across the country. The Orlando Greyhound Station is located west of Downtown Orlando. === Light rail === {{POV-section|date=July 2008}} {{SectOR|date=July 2008}} 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. 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 [[Florida High Speed Rail|the statewide debate over high speed rail]], the various plans of which all center around Orlando. 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, Florida|DeLand]] and [[Poinciana, Florida|Poinciana]], going through Downtown Orlando with stations at the LYNX Central Station and Church Street Station.<ref>[http://www.cfrail.com/ Quality Time (Central Florida Commuter Rail) - CFRail.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==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,<ref>[http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/06prelim/t4co_id.htm#un_42 FBI Universal Crime Report for 2006]</ref> a record number since 36 in 1982. Crime in Orlando has been up 329% since 2006. Based on the [[Morgan Quitno]] Press "Safest and Most Dangerous Cities of 2007" rankings, Orlando ranks #11 nationally. ==Sister cities== {{seealso|List of sister cities in Florida}} Orlando has thirteen [[town twinning|sister cities]]:<ref>Sister cities from [http://www.sister-cities.org/ Sister Cities International, Inc. (SCI)]. Retrieved on [[June 6]], [[2006]].</ref> *{{flagicon|US}} [[Anaheim, California]], [[United States]] *{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Valladolid]], [[Spain]] *{{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Curitiba]], [[Paraná (state)|Paraná]], [[Brazil]] *{{flagicon|China}} [[Guilin]], [[People's Republic of China]] *{{flagicon|Mexico}} [[Monterrey]], [[Mexico]] *{{flagicon|Palestine}} [[Bethlehem]], [[Palestine]] *{{flagicon|Russia}} [[Orenburg]], [[Russia]] *{{flagicon|Iceland}} [[Reykjanesbær]], [[Iceland]] *{{flagicon|France}} [[Marne La Vallée]], [[France]] *{{flagicon|Taiwan}} [[Tainan]], [[Taiwan]] *{{flagicon|Japan}} [[Urayasu]], [[Japan]] *{{flagicon|Israel}} [[Kiryat Motzkin]], [[Israel]] *{{flagicon|US}} [[Newport, Rhode Island]], [[United States]] *{{flagicon|India}} [[Hyderabad (India)|Hyderabad]], [[India]] 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). ==Foreign consulates== Given Orlando's status as a busy international tourist destination, a handful of foreign governments have opened up consulates in Orlando: *{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] *{{flagicon|Haiti}} [[Haiti]] *{{flagicon|Mexico}} [[Mexico]] *{{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Netherlands]] *{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[United Kingdom]] *{{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Portugal]] ==See also== *[[List of famous people from Orlando, Florida]] *[[Mayors of Orlando]] *[[Downtown Orlando]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{sisterlinks|Orlando, Florida}} * [http://www.cityoforlando.net/ City of Orlando Official Website] * [http://www.orlandoedc.com/ Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission] * [http://www.orlando.org/ Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce] * [http://www.cfmemory.org/ Central Florida Memory] is a unique digital collection where visitors can discover the history of Orlando and surrounding areas of Central Florida. *{{wikitravel|Orlando}} {{Mapit-US-cityscale|28.533513|-81.375789}} {{Orange County, Florida}} {{Florida}} {{USLargestMetros}} [[Category:County seats in Florida]] [[Category:Cities in Orange County, Florida]] [[Category:Orlando, Florida]] [[ar:أورلاندو، فلوريدا]] [[bg:Орландо]] [[ca:Orlando (Florida)]] [[cs:Orlando]] [[da:Orlando (Florida)]] [[de:Orlando (Florida)]] [[et:Orlando]] [[es:Orlando (Florida)]] [[fa:اورلندو]] [[fr:Orlando (Floride)]] [[ko:올랜도 (플로리다 주)]] [[id:Orlando, Florida]] [[ia:Orlando, Florida]] [[it:Orlando (Florida)]] [[he:אורלנדו]] [[lt:Orlandas]] [[nl:Orlando (Florida)]] [[ja:オーランド]] [[no:Orlando]] [[nn:Orlando i Florida]] [[pl:Orlando (Floryda)]] [[pt:Orlando]] [[ro:Orlando, Florida]] [[ru:Орландо (Флорида)]] [[simple:Orlando, Florida]] [[fi:Orlando]] [[sv:Orlando, Florida]] [[ta:ஒர்லான்டோ]] [[th:ออร์แลนโด]] [[tr:Orlando, Florida]] [[uk:Орландо]] [[vo:Orlando (Florida)]] [[zh:奥兰多 (佛罗里达州)]]