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Universal is preparing for its biggest event of the year, Halloween Horror Nights. Here is a look at all the new scare zones and theming that is going in. This year is focusing on 'classic' houses and Halloween theming.

A look at SeaWorld's new B&M stand up coaster for 2023.

While this is a very simplified response to a very complicated issue, why not try the following. (I am going to use some fake numbers for this thought.) Take Brightline's funds ($2 Billion) that they where going to spend for their route from the airport to Disney. Use those funds as match for additional Federal dollars ($1 Billion) to fund the modified rail line from the airport, to International Drive then down to Disney ($3 Billion). Those 2 funding source would be enough to build the new updated line. Then let Brightline have 'free' access to that line as well as allowing Sunrail to operate and additional service on that line. I don't think Brightline trains will have the space to support local trips from the airport to Disney. They will already be arriving at the airport pretty full at times from Miami. So you will need a dedicate service to support the demand for International Drive (Universal, SeaWorld, Convention Center and Disney). Then if the transit tax doesn't pass we can still build this desperately needed rail line.

Its getting closer. The metal trellises and the SODO Bike Trail crosswalks still need to be installed. Things should be wrapping up by early June.

For those that might be interested. Here is a construction update for the new B&M 2023 Coaster going in at SeaWorld. SeaWorld- And here is a construction update for Epcot, including the new rock work going up for the Moana Journey of Water. Epcot -

The express lanes will have a flat rate of $.50 per exit as mentioned above. (Total cost to go west $3.00, to go east $3.50 to start.) After a set time they will go to dynamic pricing. Look for the express lanes to open within the next 2 to 3 weeks. Lynx will be able to use the express lanes. This should really help with timing of the I-4 routes.

For those that might be interested. Here is a look inside the historic Bob Carr theater including the signature art work on the back hallways from different performances at the theater. https://youtu.be/JAwVCaWAPH4

Just visited Pittsburgh last week and really enjoyed the City. So much history, great architecture, and urban neighborhoods. Here is my first video, which is a walk around downtown. The weather was perfect and the sky was deep blue. What is your thoughts on downtown Pittsburgh? https://youtu.be/F_llLxW27a4

One of the top architectural cities in the United States. Located just south of Indianapolis Indiana and about four hours from Chicago. This city of 50,000 is well known for its modern and historic architecture and is home to Cummins Engine Company. Check out the unique art, architecture and design that makes up this amazing little city. https://youtu.be/K2kyjIr5NZ8

Thought some of you might be interested in seeing an update on all the construction that has been going on at Universal Orlando (including the new Jurassic Coaster). We also cover the new safety measures that have been put into place. We found them easy to follow and pretty quick to get through. They have social distancing markers in the line areas, masks are requirements and temperature screening. They also installed U-rest areas to take a break from your mask. https://youtu.be/kck-qv89A-g

SODO Project Update Orlando Health new Office Building by the train station. New Marriott Townplace and suites on Columbia New completed Women's Care medical center US Storage Center Finished side street crosswalks

Check out Florida's new coaster king. Iron Gwazi opening at Busch Gardens this spring. Its a monster.

Here is a walk around the Ice Breaker's construction site.

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens will become Florida's rollercoaster capitals. I think Iron Gwazi is just the being of top 10 coasters coming to Florida in the future.

That is correct. The survivor walk will go from Kaley to the OH Emergency room area (west side of the Orange Avenue). It will be built as part of the phase 2 of Orange Avenue upgrades in 2021 from Grant to Gore. Here is the first completed crosswalk at the corner of Orange and Grant.

This product has good longevity. While it will fade over time it should last 8-10 years. Here is this product in two cold weather locations that deal with snow, ice, freezing temps, salt, sand and snow plows. Both were installed 6-7 years ago. Both are in downtown's with one on a busy street and the other on a major road. Hopefully the City will get similar long term results as these cities have with the fraction of the cost of bricks and their maintenance costs. Note these are google maps views so the clarity of the photos/crosswalks are not as good as a real pic would be.

Thought some of you might be interested in seeing how the new crosswalks are being installed along Orange Avenue in the SODO District. These will be installed from Pineloch to Grant.

If you haven't already watched it. Here is the full POV of Rise of the Resistance. This truly take the theme park ride concept to a whole new level. It is truly immerse. Disney has a massive hit on their hands.

Any they will. Billions for the new Epic Universe Park that opens in 2023. Rise of the Resistance is AMAZING. Disney has a big winner on its hands. It will be interesting to see what the Mario Cart ride is like when it opens at Universal Japan this summer.

Nice write up about the Pulse Memorial and Museum in Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/national-pulse-memorial-museum-winning-design-team-announced

The winning Pulse design team was announced this morning. Final design work will now begin. This is a big day for the OnePulseFoundation, families, the SODO District and the City of Orlando. Coldefy and RDAI are out of Paris and HHCP is from Orlando.

Yes the Bike/ped on Division is fully funded and construction will begin in late 2020 early 2021. All other projects are designed 90% or higher and funded. (except for Kaley)

Major infrastructure projects are coming to SODO over the next few years. A new Kaley streetscape plan is being proposed that will create quality pedestrian space between the Museum and the Memorial as well. So you could walk between the facilities or ride a bus. Their are several pedestrian projects including a new $6 million dollar grade seperated bike/pedestrian trail being built from Michigan to Gore and from Gore into the downtown urban trail (eastside of Division Street). There will also be a bike/pedestrian trail from Division to Sligh on Columbia. This will connect the Sunrail/Amtrak station on Sligh with the new bike/pedestrian infrastructure in the district. Columbia and Sligh will also be rebuilt with significant pedestrian/streetscape improvements. The SODO area is going to look and function very differently by 2021/22. All these projects will bring about $30 million in public infrastructure improvements for streets, pedestrian and bikes by 2022. These projects are just the beginning for the district.

The survivor walk will connect the memorial with Orlando Health. A new Kaley streetscape plan is being proposed that will create quality pedestrian space between the Museum and the Memorial as well. So you could walk between the facilities or ride a bus. Along with these 2 pedestrian projects a new $6 million dollar grade seperated bike/pedestrian trail is being built from Michigan to Gore and from Gore into the downtown urban trail (eastside of Division Street). There will also be a bike/pedestrian trail from Division to Sligh on Columbia. This will connect the Sunrail/Amtrak station on Sligh with the new bike/pedestrian infrastructure in the district. Columbia and Sligh will also be rebuilt with significant pedestrian/streetscape improvements. The SODO area is going to look and function very differently by 2021/22. All these projects will bring about $30 million in public infrastructure improvements for streets, pedestrian and bikes by 2022. These projects are just the beginning for the district.