MaXxlife

Driving west on I-4 last night I noticed The Vue and 55W proudly wearing thier names via big banners. To me it seems like DT aquired some new building badges (suntrust, fairwinds, at&t etc..) over night. I think it makes a pretty good impact on the skyline!

Haunt makes way for homes Skull Kingdom will be demolished and apartments will take its place. Jack Snyder {sodEmoji.|} Sentinel Staff Writer Posted March 23, 2007 Skull Kingdom is headed for the boneyard, to be replaced by a $60 million apartment block on International Drive that will target the tens of thousands of tourist-zone workers employed nearby. The 9-year-old attraction with the walk-through cranium at the front door will be demolished soon to make way for a four-story, wood-frame apartment building, said Damien Madsen, a partner in Broad Street Partners, the project's developer. Construction should start by August, he said. The 333-unit complex, wrapped around a parking garage at 5933 American Way, will be within walking distance of many I-Drive employers, Madsen noted. He said more than 40,000 people work within two miles of the site, which is opposite Universal Orlando on Interstate 4, by the corner of I-Drive and Universal Boulevard. "It will be very pedestrian friendly," he said, though the developer is also considering shuttle-bus service for tenants to Universal Studios and the Orange County Convention Center. Rest of Article

First of it's kind concept Publix set to open next month in Lake Mary.. Sweeeet! Article.. Publix deli hopes to rival restaurants A test deli in a new Lake Mary store takes aim at the carryout market. Mark Chediak {sodEmoji.|} Sentinel Staff Writer Posted March 23, 2007 Publix Super Markets plans to test a bistro-style deli that will serve up freshly cooked meals ranging from Kung Pao Scallops to seared salmon at a new store expected to open in Lake Mary next month. The test deli is designed to challenge the growing restaurant carryout business and rival grocers such as Whole Foods, which has had success selling gourmet prepared foods such as Asian steak and stuffed mushrooms. Lakeland-based Publix said its new deli will feature eight cuisine-themed "serving stations" in an upscale food-court setting with table seating. The stations will cook to order everything from Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork to oven-baked pizzas. Dishes will cost $7.99 to $11. The deli will be accessible from within the store or through a separate entrance for those looking to escape quickly with a carryout order... Rest of Article

Wi-Fi debuts in Orlando -- a bit late, but a lot faster Chris Cobbs {sodEmoji.|} Sentinel Staff Writer Posted March 24, 2007 It's months behind schedule, and its developer is still trying to determine how to make the investment pay off, but free wireless Internet is starting to reach the streets of downtown Orlando. And there's an unexpected upside for users: They will be able to access the Internet at speeds that could be as much as 10 times faster than anticipated, making for a snappier experience with e-mail, online shopping and other tasks. Web surfers can now get online in a test area that extends roughly from Robinson to South streets and from Orange Avenue to Lake Eola in the city center Article

It would be cool if they plan to take some of the money (there should be plenty of it) made on the event and put it into the revitalizing project..? Quotes from the Sentintel.. "WrestleMania has grown into a global sensation. In less than 2 weeks, on Sunday, April 1st, WrestleMania 23 at Detroit’s Ford Field will host fans from 23 countries, all 50 states and 9 Canadian provinces. Millions more in 90 countries will watch it on pay-per-view." "According to figures generated by the Central Florida Sports Commission, WrestleMania 24 is expected to pump an estimated $25 million into the local economy, while creating jobs and generating the type of excitement that a world class event brings to a world class city. "

SeaWorld unveils name for beachy feature Scott Powers {sodEmoji.|} Sentinel Staff Writer Posted March 5, 2007 Today SeaWorld's new theme-park concept gets a name -- Aquatica -- and an identity that appears to be a cross between traditional water parks, SeaWorld itself and SeaWorld's high-end theme park, Discovery Cove. "The way it's designed, it takes our guests from the serene to the extreme," said Joseph A. Couceiro, national vice president of marketing for Busch Entertainment Corp., SeaWorld's parent company. With simultaneous events today in London; S

Maybe it's supposed be symbolic of Florida's pelican population? Maybe it's completely random and is just the "first of more than two dozen sculptures the city planned to buy and install along Magnolia Avenue"? In the end it will have a different meaning to everyone who see's it, which is what art should do.

The statue was sculpted by African artisans and imported to the U.S. http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5517/669784000mu5.jpg

Orlando will play host to a round of auditions for the ABC show "American Inventor". I would say O-town is in pretty good company with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Houston as the other audition cities! Link

Great pics Tim! The last two really captures the look of the complex!

New Yorkers will get slice of sunny Orlando Beth Kassab {sodEmoji.|} Sentinel Staff Writer Posted February 15, 2007 Toys R Us Time square, New York City (sorry about the blurry cam-phone photo) With temperatures forecast below 20 degrees in New York today, local tourism promoters are planning to build a mini-Orlando in the big city's Times Square. A heated cabana with live alligators, penguins and jousting knights set up on a stretch of land near Toys "R" Us is the latest publicity move by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The stunt is part of the visitors bureau's new two-year, $68 million ad campaign: "Built for families. Made for memories." "It's kind of ironic that on one of the coldest days of the year, we're going to be bringing them a slice of sunshine," said Danielle Courtenay, visitors bureau spokeswoman. MORE

Downtown Developer Wants Pearlman's Properties ORLANDO, Fla. -- A developer in downtown Orlando said he wants to buy all of the Church Street property owned by boy-band mogul Lou Pearlman. The big question is: Is Pearlman selling? Pearlman is said to be traveling in Europe and unavailable for comment on a string of lawsuits from at least five banks and other creditors, who are seeking more than $100 million. One of those banks is trying to foreclose on the Church Street properties that house his headquarters, WESH 2 News reported. Work is under way to bring a new martini bar to an old saloon. That's a bright spot in an otherwise cloudy future for the former Church Street Station. Owners of about a dozen businesses there, including restaurants and a wine bar, said they are losing hope that the empty spaces around them will be filled by property owner and music promoter Pearlman. Link to rest of article

Videos: First two commercials

I'm sure things will get ratcheted up a couple notches with the PAC as well as some other projects. Plus I wouldn't call Disney amatuer by any stretch.

Things do seem to be moving along pretty good on the pedestrian overpasses. They should add quite a bit to the overall look and feel of the city when thy're done.

Myregion.org narrows options for area's growth The planning group presents its findings this week in 5 television programs. Kevin Spear {sodEmoji.|} Sentinel Staff Writer Posted January 22, 2007 Central Florida best can deal with monstrous growth by: a) devoting its resources to protecting green space; b) concentrating on a highly efficient transportation network; c) combating development sprawl. Or d) keeping current priorities. Those are the four choices, according to a civic group directed by business, government and academic leaders, for how Central Florida might take shape during the next half-century. Later this week, area residents will get a chance to rank those options via online choices. The organization, myregion.org, launched a campaign last year to tap into the worries and wishes of residents who will bear the brunt or benefits of a local population predicted to double to more than 7 million by 2050. Efforts by myregion.org have included dozens of community gatherings and dialogue with about 9,000 people in Central Florida. Participants in those meetings were asked to indicate where they think growth should and should not occur and to discuss their choices at length. That work has been boiled down to the four possible priorities for Central Florida's future -- green-space preservation, a remade transportation network, compact urban space and no changes in managing growth. Drawing from the participation of those residents and professional research, myregion.org drew maps to show how each priority might reshape the face of the region. To help bring more people up to speed on the effort, WMFE-TV Channel 24 will broadcast episodes at 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, detailing the region's challenges and opportunities. Today, the station will look at "doom and gloom" forecasts. Tuesday's episode will detail "centers of growth" strategies for preventing sprawl. Wednesday will examine what it takes to protect green spaces, and transportation challenges will be the topic Thursday. Each of the four episodes will last an hour. Friday's episode will be a 90-minute live broadcast about all four growth scenarios, with maps and a panel of experts and studio audience to discuss them. Viewers then can express their preferences at www.myregion.org. Also airing information and analysis regularly through the week will be WMFE's radio station, 90.7 FM, and CBS affiliate WKMG Channel 6. The opportunity to rank growth possibilities ends Feb. 14. But that won't stop the "How Shall We Grow?" campaign by myregion.org. Later in the year, the group will develop strategies for persuading business, political and other leaders to adopt the growth scenario chosen by residents. For more information about the project, go to www.myregion.org or call 407-835-2444. Link

Where do you get this info?

Digital lifestyle is economic issue -- Central Florida must keep pace Mike Whaling Posted January 16, 2007 Recently, there has been a significant amount of public debate regarding Central Florida's projected growth over the next few decades. Community leaders and organizations -- like Myregion.org -- should be applauded for initiating this dialogue. Thus far, the discussion has focused on upgrading two main areas: infrastructure and quality of life. With millions of people expected to move to Central Florida in the coming decades, it is necessary to construct roads capable of handling the influx of traffic, to develop a water delivery system to serve the region, and to build the facilities to attract cultural events. This discussion needs to be expanded to include technology as well -- including both infrastructure requirements and the lifestyle needs of a "connected" population. Currently, Orlando is the second "most wired city" (according to Forbes), plus it was recently included in Wired's "Top Tech Towns" list. If Orlando's leaders want to maintain its distinction as one of the most tech-savvy communities in the country, they will need to embrace this digital lifestyle and promote the development of the supporting infrastructure. Some view technology as a luxury, but it's more than that. Actually, technology is an economic issue. Our competitor cities -- those cultivating the same types of businesses and professionals -- are offering residents the latest services and are planning for future technology needs. Based on our experience providing technology-based amenity solutions throughout the country, we see that Orlando is lagging behind in residential connectivity. In Phoenix, communities are offering residents their own in-unit wireless networks. San Diego has an initiative -- dubbed "Broadband Bay" -- to ensure all buildings in the city center meet connectivity standards. In New York City and Boston, we see open-access buildings, giving residents the option to choose from a number of companies offering TV, Internet, phone and other communications services. In places such as New York and Dallas -- even in the Tampa area -- consumers benefit from increased competition among providers, which has produced more advanced services at lower costs. At the recent Consumer Electronics Show, Bill Gates shared his vision for the digital lifestyle -- quickly becoming a reality for many -- in which people can easily navigate, consume, share and manage all kinds of content, including games, movies, family photos, sports and work. Central Florida should take note: As we prepare to address the practical and lifestyle-oriented issues that come with such rapid population growth, almost everything -- from commuter rail to the "downtown triple crown" -- seems to be on the table for discussion. In addition, we should take this opportunity to show why we're nationally recognized as a technology leader. Technology is constantly moving forward. And, if Orlando wants to continue to attract the best and the brightest, we must keep pace -- not only where our residents work but also where they live. Link

New "Coffee and Lounge" concept to open on Church st. Quote From Article "Raving Brands has also introduced a coffee-shop concept in Clermont called PJ's Coffee of New Orleans. Other locations are planned throughout the Orlando area. And the franchise will launch a European cafe and cocktail bar concept at Church Street Station called PJ's Coffee and Lounge."

Retail development booms across Orlando A new report says the area is the top market in the state for retail investment. Mark Chediak {sodEmoji.|} Sentinel Staff Writer In the not so distant past, much of the major retail development in the Orlando area clustered around the theme parks, where merchants banked on seducing shopping-starved tourists or luring locals looking for something out of the ordinary. But as Central Florida's population continues to soar, the region's bigger retail projects now tend to pop up around growing or planned residential developments and community centers. And those projects have helped make Orlando the top market in the state for investment in retail development, according to a report to be released today. "Orlando used to be thought of as a tourist town, but it's really evolved beyond that," said Justin Greider, senior financial analyst for the Staubach Co. and one of the authors of the report. According to the study, prepared by Staubach and Orlando-based Crossman & Co. for an International Council of Shopping Centers conference to be held today in Palm Harbor, investors poured nearly $690 million into the Orlando retail market last year and may invest as much or more this year. Furthermore, the Florida retail study showed that the average retail rental rate in Orlando last year hit a record high of $21.26 per square foot. Those climbing rental rates can be attributed to a healthy local economy and anticipated growth in the high-end retail market over the next several years, Greider said. The report estimates that new businesses moving to Orlando in early 2007 will generate more than 1,000 jobs over the next six months. The metro area's population is expected to grow by 250,000 in the next five years to more than 2 million. Retail developers are counting on that population surge to result in more residents -- and shoppers -- in areas including the Lake Nona region, west Orange County, downtown Orlando and The Villages to name a few. Those areas are where some of the region's biggest shopping centers are slated to go up. For example, a nearly 1.2 million-square-foot lifestyle center is under construction at the Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves. In addition, an open-air shopping center of a similar size is planned for the Lake Nona area and Crossman & Co. is working on a 1.3 million-square-foot shopping center in The Villages that will be anchored by a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Greider also pointed to the Uptown Altamonte development, where retail rental rates have climbed 15 percent in the past six months, as another example of merchants following residential growth. Link

Happy new year predicted for homes The Orlando area's market will stay No. 1 in Florida, a new report says. Jerry W. Jackson {sodEmoji.|} Sentinel Staff Writer Posted January 6, 2007 The Orlando area is Florida's strongest real-estate market as the state heads into the new year, while Fort Myers and Miami are the weakest, according to a new, three-year forecast that has mostly good news for the region. Metro Orlando's advantages include strong population growth, driven by "robust gains in employment," and relatively low levels of new-home inventory, according to the report, which is to be released next week by Attorney's Title Insurance Fund Inc. "Orange County's economy will grow strongly through 2009," and population growth "holds up well over the forecast horizon," said Orlando-based economist Hank Fishkind, who prepared the report for Attorney's Title, the state's leading title-insurance underwriter. Fishkind said Friday that Fort Myers and Miami are the weakest markets in the state because of large inventories of unsold homes and lower rates of household formation. In four-county Metro Orlando, Lake County could experience one of the weaker real-estate rebounds, as the report notes there is "little growth in the rate of formation of new households," and "housing starts are expected to slow through 2007 and remain stable through 2009." Still, the Lake County economy overall is expected to expand strongly through 2009 as it integrates with the metro area's three other counties, the report predicts. "They really have an [excess] inventory problem there," Fishkind said of Lake County's housing stock. In Orange and Seminole counties, there is relatively little "standing inventory" of new homes, the report notes, and household growth in those counties "gives rise to sustained strength in housing starts." Trouble in Osceola Osceola County's new-home starts plunged from about 8,000 units in 2005 to about 4,000 last year, and it will likely remain at about that level through 2009, the forecast suggests. Though the county has little standing inventory of single-family homes, "high inventories of new and converted condominium units will keep prices stable as the market continues to slip." The report, which analyzed 33 of the state's largest counties, predicts that, in Metro Orlando, "trends in the existing-home markets are expected to be similar to those of the new homes' marketplace." Doug Buskers, a residential-real-estate sales agent in the Longwood office of Exit Real Estate Results, agrees with Fishkind that Metro Orlando is a strong market in comparison with much of the rest of the state, where speculative building was more rampant. But he said it is hard to generalize because demand varies so much at a local level. "It depends on your market. Windermere is different from Pine Hills. So you really have to pay attention to your local area and educate your clients about that, " said Buskers, who moved to Central Florida three years ago from the Washington area. "I do think this is a vibrant market overall and should be the rest of the year. But that doesn't mean prices will appreciate like before," he added. "We'll still see some adjustment downward." Fishkind said that, in analyzing the data, he was also struck by how widely the various counties differ in terms of housing stock, buyer demand and other factors. "There is very strong differentiation, even within a metro area," Fishkind said. "Lee County is overbuilt. Collier County, right next door -- not so overbuilt." Market 'coming back' Jeff Alexander, a Lake Mary resident and president of Homecrete Homes, a specialty builder based in Stuart on the Treasure Coast, said he concurs that the Orlando market has advantages over some areas of the state -- including more room for growth. "The Treasure Coast is what's known as a scattered-lot market," Alexander said. "There are just no big tracts of homes, the way it is in the Orlando area." Alexander, who has been in the home-building business since 1979 but moved to Florida from Chicago about six years ago, said residential construction in Florida is returning to more-conventional and cyclical patterns based on supply and demand. Link

Amanda Bynes to make movie in Orlando Posted on Jan 4, 2007 7:32:53 AM Amanda Amanda Bynes, of TV's What I like About You, and such frothy teen B-hits as She's the Man, is coming to Orlando to make a movie. It's called Sydney White, at this stage, and is about a girl who pledges her mom's old sorority, only to find it fallen on hard times (shedding tiny, tiny tear). She leads a gang of misfits and turns them into a primo Greek house...hey, this is VAN WILDER 2, no? Whatever. She's the best comedienne of her generation. She just finished shooting Hairspray. And shooting starts Feb. 12. She was last here, if memory serves, getting slimed on Nickelodeon's Slimetime Live, plugging Big Fat Liar. This is O-Town's first studio feature since Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector, and promises to be a bigger budget endeavor than that, with Morgan Creek involved. Link

Urban Flats is a great tenant! Should look pretty cool at street level!

Chicago Is Top Destination to Ring in 2007 for Third Year Running, According to Hotwire.com Atlanta and Orlando are second and third most popular destinations to celebrate New Year's Eve SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Where do Americans want to make champagne toasts, shower in confetti and steal midnight kisses? According to discount travel site Hotwire.com