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Orlando, Florida
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Orlando
—  City  —

Downtown Orlando

Seal
Nickname(s): The City Beautiful
Motto: "Say Yes to Orlando"[1]

Location inOrange County and the state ofFlorida

U.S. Census Map
Coordinates:28°32′37″N 81°22′22″W? / ?28.54361°N 81.37278°W? / 28.54361; -81.37278
Country United States
State Florida
County  Orange
Settled 1875
Government
- MayorBuddy Dyer (D)
Area
- City 101.0 sq mi (261.5 km2)
- Land 93.5 sq mi (242.2 km2)
- Water 7.5 sq mi (19.3 km2)
Elevation 98 ft (34 m)
Population (2008)[2][3]
- City 230,519 (82nd)
- Density 2,282.36/sq mi (951.77/km2)
-Metro 2,054,574
2008 estimates
Time zoneEST (UTC-5)
- Summer (DST)EDT (UTC-4)
Area code(s)321,407
FIPS code 12-53000[4]
GNIS feature ID 0288240[5]
Websitewww.cityoforlando.net
Orlando is a major city in the central region of theU.S. state ofFlorida. It is thecounty seat ofOrange County and the center of theGreater Orlando metropolitan region. According to theUnited States Census Bureau the estimated population of the city is approximately 230,514; and of the metropolitan area, 2,054,574. It is the fifth largest city in Florida by city proper population. It was incorporated on July 31, 1875, and became a city in 1885.
Originally the center of a major citrus-growing region, Orlando is now best known as the home of amusement attractions, including theWalt Disney World Resort, theUniversal Orlando Resort, andSeaWorld. These destinations helped make Orlando the third most visited American city among travelers[6] in the year 2007. Since the establishment of destination tourism in the 1970s, the local economy has diversified, and today the region is the center of operations for companies servicingCentral Florida. Orlando is also home to theUniversity of Central Florida, the largest university campus by student enrollment in the state of Florida and among the largest in the United States.[7]
Contents
[hide]
1 History2 Geography2.1 Topography2.2 Climate
3 Demographics3.1 Crime3.2 Languages3.3 Metropolitan Statistical Area
4 Economy5 Culture5.1 Tourism5.2 Entertainment and performing arts5.3 Shopping malls5.4 Sports
6 Media6.1 Newspapers6.2 Radio6.3 Television
7 Government7.1 State and federal representation
8 Education8.1 Area institutions of higher education8.1.1 State universities8.1.2 State colleges8.1.3 Private universities, colleges, and others
9 Infrastructure9.1 Airports9.2 Roads9.2.1 Major highways9.2.2 Rush hours and traffic
9.3 Rail9.3.1 Commuter rail9.3.2 High speed rail
9.4 Bus9.4.1 Regional9.4.2 National
10 Sister cities11 Foreign consulates12 See also13 References14 External links
[edit] History

Lake Lucerne in c. 1905
Historians date Orlando's name to around 1837, when a soldier namedOrlando Reeves allegedly died in the area during theSecond Seminole War. It seems, however, that Orlando Reeves (sometimes Rees) operated asugar mill andplantation about 30 miles (50 km) to the north atSpring Garden inVolusia 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 besideLake Eola designates the spot where the city's namesake fell.
During theSecond Seminole War, theU.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, cattlemanAaron Jernigan, who acquired land along Lake Holden by the terms of theArmed Occupation Act of 1842. But most pioneers did not arrive until after theThird Seminole War in the 1850s. Most of the early residents made their living bycattle ranching.
AfterMosquito County was divided in 1845, Orlando became the county seat of the new Orange County in 1856. It remained a rural backwater during theCivil War, and suffered greatly during theUnion blockade. TheReconstruction Era brought a population explosion, which led to Orlando's incorporation as a town on July 31, 1875, and as a city in 1885.[8]
The period from 1875 to 1895 is remembered as Orlando's Golden Era, when it became the hub of Florida'scitrus industry. But theGreat Freeze of 1894–95 forced many owners to give up their independentgroves, thus consolidating holdings in the hands of a few "citrus barons" who shifted operations south, primarily aroundLake Wales inPolk County.

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 theEconlockhatchee River, which travelers crossed byfording. This would be commemorated by the street's name, Curry Ford Road. Also, just south of the airport in the Boggy Creek area was 150 acres (0.61 km2) of property homesteaded in the late 1800s by the Ward family. This property is still owned by the Ward family, and can be seen from flights out ofMCO southbound immediately on the south side of SR-417.
Orlando, as Florida's largest inland city, became a popular resort during the years between theSpanish-American War andWorld War I. In the 1920s, Orlando experienced extensive housing development during theFlorida Land Boom. Land prices soared. During this period several neighborhoods in downtown were constructed, endowing it with manybungalows. The boom ended when severalhurricanes hit Florida in the late 20s, along with theGreat Depression.
DuringWorld 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 companyMartin Marietta (nowLockheed Martin) established a plant in the city. Orlando AAB and Pinecastle AAF were transferred to theUnited States Air Force in 1947 when it became a separate service and were redesignated as Air Force Bases (AFB). In 1958, Pinecastle AFB was renamedMcCoy 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 aB-47 Stratojet bomber north of Orlando. In the 1960s, the base subsequently became home to the 306th Bombardment Wing of theStrategic Air Command (SAC), operatingB-52 Stratofortress andKC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, in addition to detachment operations byEC-121 andU-2 aircraft.
Orlando is close enough toPatrick Air Force Base,Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, andKennedy Space Center for residents to commute to work from the city's suburbs. It also allows easy access toPort Canaveral, an importantcruise ship terminal. Because of its proximity to theSpace Coast near theKennedy Space Center, many high-tech companies have shifted to the Orlando area.

Lucerne Circle in c. 1905
Perhaps the most critical event for Orlando's economy occurred in 1965 whenWalt Disney announced plans to buildWalt Disney World. Although Disney had considered the regions ofMiami andTampa for his park, one of the major reasons behind his decision not to locate there was due tohurricanes— Orlando's inland location, although not free from hurricane damage, exposed it to less threat than coastal regions. The famous vacation resort opened in October 1971, ushering in an explosive population and economic growth for the Orlando metropolitan area, which now encompassesOrange,Seminole,Osceola, andLake 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 moretheme parks 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 dayOrlando International Airport, was built from a portion of theMcCoy Air Force Base. By 1970, four major airlines (Delta Air Lines,National Airlines,Eastern Airlines andSouthern 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 toMcCoy Air Force Base, Orlando also had anaval 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, theBase 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'sNaval Nuclear Power School leaving in December 1998. The former base has been developed into tracts for upscale housing calledBaldwin Park. Other than Reserve and National Guard activities, the Orlando area's remaining military presence is theNaval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division/Naval Support Activity Orlando, located just east of the city limits in theCentral Florida Research Park. The U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI), theUnited States Army Research, Development and Engineering Command's,Simulation and Training Technology Center(STTC), theU.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 this location.

Lake Eola in 1911
TheSunTrust Center, the tallest building in Orlando at 441 ft (134 m), was built in 1988. The second tallest building is the VUE at Lake Eola (2008, 426 ft (130 m) tall, but with 35 stories it will have more stories than the SunTrust Center.[9][10] The third tallest is theOrange County Courthouse (1997, 416 ft (127 m). The next tallest buildings are theBank of America Center (FormerlyBarnett Plaza), built in 1988, 409 ft (125 m), Solaire at the Plaza, 2006, 359 ft (109 m) and theOrlando International AirportATC Tower (2002, 346 ft (105 m). TheSeaWorld 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 theWFTV transmission tower inChristmas at 1,617 ft (491.6 m) tall.
In the hurricane season of 2004,Hurricanes Charley,Frances, andJeanne battered the Orlando area, causing widespread damage andflooding and impeding tourism to the area.
[edit] Geography
[edit] Topography
Orlando is located at28°32′1″N 81°22′33″W? / ?28.53361°N 81.37583°W? / 28.53361; -81.37583 (28.533513, -81.375789).[11] According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 261.5 km² (101 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, 106 feet (32 m) above sea level.
[edit] Climate
Orlando has a warm andhumid subtropical climate, and there are two major seasons each year. One of those seasons is hot in rainy, lasting from the break of June until late September (roughly coinciding with theAtlantic hurricane season). The other is the dry season (October through May) 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 theTropic of Cancer, and many characteristics of its climate are a result of its proximity to theGulf 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 theheat 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 theGulf of Mexico and theAtlantic Ocean colliding over Central Florida. They are highlighted by spectacularlightning and can also bring heavyrainfall (sometimes several inches per hour) and powerfulwinds as well as occasional damaginghail.
During the cooler seasons, 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 dip below 32 °F (0 °C). Because the winter season is dry and rare freezing temperatures occur after cold fronts (and their accompanying precipitation) have passed, Orlando experiences no significant snowfall (only once has measurable snow accumulated since recording began at the airport in 1948). Very rarely do the ingredients come together for flurries to occur, commonlyocean effect snow. The area around Orlando recorded up to 6" (15 cm) in 1977 during a snowstorm (which partly contributed to the idea of Disney's blizzard Beach Water Park 20 years later). Reports of flurries in the Central Florida area include December 23, 1989, January 24, 2003,[12] November 24, 2006, and January 3, 2008.
The average annual rainfall in Orlando is 50.1 in. (128 cm), most of it occurring in the period from June to September. The months of October 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, a strongEl Niño caused an unusually 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 considerablehurricane risk, although it is not as high as it is inSouth 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,[13] 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 notorious2004 hurricane season, Orlando was hit by three hurricanes that caused significant damage, withHurricane Charley the worst of these. The city also experienced widespread damage duringHurricane Donna in 1960.
[hide]Weather data for Orlando
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 87
(31) 90
(32) 92
(33) 96
(36) 100
(38) 100
(38) 101
(38) 100
(38) 98
(37) 95
(35) 89
(32) 90
(32) 101
(38)
Average high °F (°C) 72
(22) 74
(23) 79
(26) 83
(28) 88
(31) 91
(33) 92
(33) 92
(33) 90
(32) 85
(29) 79
(26) 73
(23) 83
(28)
Average low °F (°C) 50
(10) 51
(11) 56
(13) 60
(16) 66
(19) 71
(22) 73
(23) 73
(23) 72
(22) 65
(18) 59
(15) 53
(12) 62
(17)
Record low °F (°C) 19
(-7) 26
(-3) 25
(-4) 38
(3) 48
(9) 60
(16) 64
(18) 64
(18) 56
(13) 43
(6) 29
(-2) 20
(-7) 19
(-7)
Precipitation inches (cm) 2
(5) 2.8
(7) 3.1
(8) 2.4
(6) 2.8
(7) 6.3
(16) 7.1
(18) 7.9
(20) 6.7
(17) 3.5
(9) 1.6
(4) 2
(5) 50.4
(128)
Source: Temp - weather.com, Precip - accuweather.com 2009-04-15
[edit] Demographics
Historical populations
Census Pop.  %±
1890 2,856 —
1900 2,481 −13.1%
1910 3,894 57.0%
1920 9,282 138.4%
1930 27,330 194.4%
1940 36,736 34.4%
1950 52,367 42.5%
1960 88,135 68.3%
1970 99,006 12.3%
1980 128,251 29.5%
1990 164,693 28.4%
2000 185,951 12.9%
Est. 2007 227,907 22.6%
Population 1890–2000.[14]
According to the 2005–2007 American Community Survey estimates, the city's population was 45.8% White, 40.2% non-Hispanic White, 34.3% Black, 23.7% Hispanic, 13.6% Hispanic White, 2.7% Asian, 0.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 9.6% from some other race, and 2.1% from two or more races.[15] 30.1% of the city's population had a Bachelor's degree or higher.[16]
As of thecensus[4] of 2000, there were 185,951 people (2007 estimate counted 227,907 people), 80,883 households, and 42,382 families residing in the city. Thepopulation 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, 26.70%African American, 1.43%Asian, 0.34%Native American, 0.08%Pacific Islander, 5.41% fromother races, and 2.54% from two or more races. 17.79% of the population wasHispanic orLatino of any race. Non-Hispanic Whites made up 50.8% of the population.[17]
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.
Themedian 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. Theper capita income  for the city was $21,216. About 13.3% of families and 15.9% of the population were below thepoverty 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 ofLGBT people. According to a study byUCLA, 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.[18]
[edit] Crime
In 2006, based on the Department of Justice's FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Orlando reported 4,300 violent crimes including 49 murders,[19] a record number since 36 in 1982. Crime in Orlando has been up 329% since 2006. Based on theMorgan Quitno Press "Safest and Most Dangerous Cities of 2008", Orlando ranked as the 18th most dangerous city in the country.
Crime is being attacked by Orlando authorities with the installation of security cameras in Orlando. Traffic lights are merged with cameras capable of detecting out of ordinary activity. Once a smart camera detects this activity, it will zoom in on people of interest in an effort to identify them, and can also zoom in on a license plate.[citation needed]
In 2008, 123 people were slain in Orlando and unincorporated Orange County, a new record. In 2009 Forbes magazine named Orlando the nation's sixth most dangerous city in the United States. Forbes reports its data showed the Orlando-Kissimmee metropolitan area has a population of 2,020,346 with 845 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
[edit] Languages
As of 2000, 75.43% of all residents speakEnglish as theirfirst language, while 16.60% speakSpanish, 1.93% speakHaitian Creole, 1.33% speakFrench, and 0.99% of the population speakPortuguese as theirmother language.[20]
[edit] Metropolitan Statistical Area
Main article:Greater Orlando
Orlando is the hub city of theOrlando-Kissimmee, Florida, Metropolitan Statistical Area, colloquially known as "Greater Orlando" or "Metro Orlando". The area encompasses four counties (Orange,Osceola,Seminole andLake), and is currently the27th-largest metro area in the United States with a 2007 Census-estimated population of 2,032,496.[21]
WhenCombined Statistical Areas were instituted in 2000, Orlando was initially joined together withThe Villages, Florida, Micropolitan Statistical Area, to form the Orlando-The Villages, Florida,Combined Statistical Area. In 2006, the metropolitan areas ofDeltona (Volusia County) andPalm Coast (Flagler County) were added to create the Orlando-Deltona-Daytona Beach, Florida, Combined Statistical Area.[22] This new larger CSA has a total population (as of 2007) of 2,693,552,[23] and includes three of the 25 fastest-growing counties in the nation—Flagler ranks 1st; Osceola, 17th; and Lake, 23rd.[24]
Destinations from OrlandoApopka,Astatula,Mount Dora,Eustis,Tavares,Leesburg,The VillagesEatonville,Maitland,Altamonte Springs,Longwood,Lake Mary,Sanford,Deltona,DeBary,DeLandWinter Park,Casselberry,Oviedo,Winter Springs,Daytona Beach,New Smyrna Beach,Ormond Beach
Windermere,Ocoee,Winter Garden,Clermont,BushnellUnion Park,Avalon Park,Chuluota,Bithlo,Christmas,Titusville,Cocoa Beach,Cape Canaveral
   Orlando    

Lake Buena Vista,Celebration,Davenport,Winter Haven,Lakeland,Haines CityEdgewood,Belle Isle,Kissimmee,PoincianaSaint Cloud,Harmony,Holopaw,Kenansville,Yeehaw Junction,Melbourne,Palm Bay
[edit] Economy
See also:List of Florida companies andList of notable companies in Orlando, Florida

The North Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. The convention center is vital to Orlando's tourist-based economy, hosting lots of visitors every year.
Metro Orlando has a rapidly growing $13.4 billion technology industry employing 53,000 people, and is a nationally recognized cluster of innovation in digital media, agritechnology, aviation, aerospace, and software. More than 150 international companies, representing approximately 20 countries, have facilities in Metro Orlando.
A vital part of the Orlando area economy is involved in the tourist industry, with the city being known for its wide range of its attractions includingWalt Disney World Resort,Universal Orlando Resort, andSea World Orlando. Over 48 million visitors came to the Orlando region in 2004. The convention industry is also critical to the region's economy. TheOrange 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 onlyMcCormick Place inChicago. The city vies with Chicago andLas Vegas for hosting the most convention attendees in the United States.[25]
Metro Orlando has the 7th largest research park in the countryCentral Florida Research Park with over 1,025 acres. It is home to over 120 companies, employs more than 8,500 people, and is the hub of the nation’s military simulation and training programs. Metro Orlando is home to the simulation procurement commands for the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
Orlando is a major industrial and hi-tech center.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 Metro Orlando:KDF,General Dynamics,Harris,Mitsubishi Power Systems,Siemens,Veritas/Seagate, multipleUSAF 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), U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI),United States Army Research, Development and Engineering CommandUnited States Army Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC),AT&T,Boeing, CAE Systems Flight & Simulation Training,HP, Institute for Simulation and Training,National Center for Simulation,Northrop Grumman, andRaytheon Systems. The Naval Training Center until a few years ago was one of the two places where nuclear engineers were trained for theUS Navy. Now the land has been converted into theBaldwin Park development.
Another developing sector is the film, television, and electronic gaming industries, aided by the presence ofUniversal Studios,Disney's Hollywood Studios,Full Sail School, theFlorida Interactive Entertainment Academy, and other entertainment companies and schools. Numerous office complexes for large corporations have popped up along theInterstate 4 corridor north of Orlando, especially inMaitland,Lake Mary andHeathrow. The U.S.modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) industry is centered around the Orlando region as well, with a particularly strong presence in theCentral Florida Research Park adjacent toUCF. NearbyMaitland is the home of Tiburon, a division of the video game companyElectronic Arts. Originally Tiburon Entertainment, it was acquired by EA in 1998 after years of partnership, particularly in the famousMadden NFL series andNCAA Football series of video games.
Orlando is the home base ofDarden Restaurants, the parent company ofRed Lobster andOlive 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.[citation needed]
Orlando has two non-profit hospital systems:Orlando Health andFlorida Hospital. Orlando Health'sOrlando Regional Medical Center is home to Central Florida's only Level Itrauma center, andWinnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies andFlorida Hospital Orlando have the area's only Level IIIneonatal intensive care units. Florida Hospital's main campus is ranked as one of the best hospitals in the nation, and has a renownedbrain attack facility.[citation needed] Orlando's medical leadership will be further advanced with the completion ofUCF's College of Medicine and a newVA Hospital, both of which will be located in a new medical district in the Lake Nona area of the city.[26]
Historically, the unemployment rate in Greater Orlando was low, which resulted in growth that led tourban sprawl in the surrounding area and, in combination with the2007 Subprime mortgage financial crisis, to the rising cost of home prices. Today, according toWorkforce Central Florida, the March 2009 unemployment rate in Central Florida has increased to 9.9 percentSentinel. 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.[27]
[edit] Culture
[edit] Tourism
See also:List of amusement parks in Greater Orlando andList of Orlando, Florida attractions

Cinderella Castle at theMagic Kingdom,Walt Disney World Resort
For tourist information, seeWikitravel:Orlando.
The Orlando area is home to a wide variety of tourist attractions, including theWalt Disney World Resort,Universal Orlando Resort,SeaWorld Orlando andHoly Land Experience. The Walt Disney World resort is the area's largest attraction with its many facets such as theMagic Kingdom,Epcot,Disney's Hollywood Studios,Disney's Animal Kingdom,Typhoon Lagoon,Blizzard Beach, andDowntown Disney. SeaWorld Orlando is a large 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 comprisingUniversal Studios Florida,CityWalk, and theIslands of Adventure theme park. Orlando attractions also significantly appeal to many locals who want to enjoy themselves close to home.
Orlando has the second largest number of hotel rooms in the country (afterLas Vegas,Nevada), and is one of the busiest American cities for conferences and conventions with theOrange 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. Located several miles away from the main tourist attractions,Downtown Orlando is undergoing major redevelopment with a number of residential projects, commercial towers, and major public works projects including theAmway Center and theDr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center. Orlando ranks as the fourth most popular city, based on where people want to live, according to a 2009 Pew Research Center study.[28]
[edit] Entertainment and performing arts
Thehip hop music scene,metal scene,rock music scene,reggaeton andLatino scene, are all active within the city, which is largely home to theFlorida Breakbeat movement. Orlando has also been called Hollywood East because of numerous cinematic enterprises in the area.[29]

The Universal Studios globe
Until recently, Walt Disney Feature Animation operated a studio out ofDisney's Hollywood Studios at theWalt 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 TheTNA Impact Zone. 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 movieLethal 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 includingOrlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando Repertory Theatre (Central Florida's only Professional Theatre for Young Audiences), Orlando Theatre Project, Mad Cow Theatre, Theatre Downtown, The Osceola Center for the Arts, Winter Park Playhouse, Theatre Winter Haven, and IceHouse Theatre. 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. Additionally, bothUniversity of Central Florida andRollins College (Winter Park) are home to well respected Theatre Departments that provide an influx of young artists to the local area.
In addition, theBob Carr Performing Arts Centre brings national tours through town on a regular basis. This venue, built in 1926, will be replaced by theDr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center in 2012.[citation needed]
Each spring, local theaters and downtown venues play host to theOrlando International Fringe Theater 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, there is The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays, hosted by Orlando Shakespeare Theater.[citation needed]
[edit] Shopping malls
Orlando has become one of the fastest growing retail markets in the USA with at least five major upscale department stores opening in 2008 alone and more than 50,000,000 square feet (4,650,000 m2) of shopping space in Central Florida.[30]
The Florida Mall is the largest mall in Orlando, one of the largest single-story malls in the USA at over 1,849,000 sq ft (171,800 m2) with over 250 stores, seven anchor department stores, and the Florida Mall Hotel & Conference Center Tower.The Mall at Millenia is a contemporary two-level upscale shopping mall, including the world-famous department stores ofBloomingdale's,Macy's, andNeiman Marcus.IKEA Orlando opened adjacent to the mall on November 14, 2007.Orlando Fashion Square is the nearest indoor shopping mall toDowntown 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.Waterford lakes town center on S. Alafaya Trail just North of SR 408. An Open-Air mall featuring many large chain stores, small shops, restaurants, doctor's offices, and Regal Waterford Lakes Stadium 20 with 3D andIMAXDigital.
[edit] Sports
Main article:Sports in Orlando, Florida
Orlando is the home city of theOrlando MagicNBA team and theUCF Knights college athletics teams. It has also been home to several successful minor league sports teams which have won twoArena Bowls, two titles inice hockey, three titles inminor league baseball, one title insoccer, one title inAmerican football, and one title inroller hockey.
Orlando has produced several major athletes, such as baseball playersA.J. Pierzynski andJohnny Damon, football playersWarren Sapp,Daunte Culpepper,Brandon Meriweather,Deacon Jones,Brandon Siler,Mike Sims-Walker,Brandon Marshall, andKevin Smith, basketball playersAmar'e Stoudemire andDarius Washington, and soccer playerMichelle Akers. Orlando is also home to many current and notable former athletes as well, including baseball playersCarlos Peña,Frank Viola,Ken Griffey, Jr., andJonathan Aldridge, basketball playerShaquille O'Neal, and many golfers, includingTiger Woods,Mark O'Meara andArnold Palmer.
[edit] Media
[edit] Newspapers
Orlando SentinelOrlando Business Journal
[edit] Radio
[show]v • d • e
Radio stations in the Orlando market
ByFMfrequency
88.3 ·89.1 ·89.9 ·90.7 ·91.5 ·92.3 ·94.5 ·95.3 ·96.5 ·97.5 ·98.1 ·98.9 ·100.3 ·101.1 ·101.9 ·103.1 ·104.1 ·105.1 ·105.9 ·106.7 ·107.7
ByAMfrequency540 ·580 ·640 ·660 ·740 ·790 ·810 ·950/1520 ·990 ·1030 ·1060 ·1080 ·1140 ·1190 ·1240 ·1270 ·1340 ·1410 ·1440/1220/1400 ·1480 ·1580 ·1680 ·1680
BycallsignWAMT ·WCFB ·WDBO ·WDYZ ·WEUS ·WFLF ·WHOO ·WHTQ ·WIXC ·WJHM ·WJRR ·WKIQ ·WLAA ·WLAZ ·WLBE ·WLOQ ·WMFE-FM ·WMGF ·WMMO ·WNTF ·WNUE-FM ·WOCL ·WOKB ·WOMX-FM ·WONQ ·WORL ·WPCV ·WPOZ ·WPRD/WOTS/WSDO ·WPRK ·WPYO ·WQBQ ·WRLZ ·WRMQ ·WRUM ·WTKS-FM ·WTLN/WHIM ·WUCF-FM ·WUNA ·WVLG ·WWFL ·WWKA ·WXXL ·WYGM
DefunctWRAP 833 AM
Satellite Radio Local Traffic/Weather:XM Channel 229 ·Sirius Channel 158
Florida Radio Markets:Daytona Beach •Fort Myers-Naples-Marco Island •Ft. Pierce-Stuart-Vero Beach •Ft. Walton Beach •Gainesville-Ocala •Jacksonville •Lakeland-Winter Haven •Melbourne-Titusville-Cocoa •Miami-Ft. Lauderdale •Orlando •Panama City •Pensacola •Sarasota-Bradenton •Sebring •Tallahassee •Tampa-St.Petersburg-Clearwater •West Palm Beach-Boca Raton
Other Florida Radio Regions:The Florida Keys •Lake City
See also:List of radio stations in Florida
[edit] Television
[show]v • d • e
Broadcast television inCentral Florida, including Orlando,Daytona Beach andMelbourne
English stations
WESH (2.1NBC) •WKMG (6.1CBS, 6.2LATV, 6.3.2 Net) •WFTV (9.1ABC, 9.2 WX) •WKCF (18.1CW) •WRDQ (27.1Ind, 27.2RTN) •WRCF-LP 29 (A1) •WHDO (38.1Local Ind) •WSCF-LP 31 (Ind) •WOFL (35.1Fox) •WACX (40.1Ind/Rel) •WTGL (46.1TLN /Faith) •WHLV (52.1TBN) •WOPX (56.1ION) •WRBW (65.1MNTV)
Public television
WMFE (24.1PBS, 24.2V-me, 24.3 Encore!, 24.4 Ed. (FKN) •WDSC (15.1PBS, 15.2 DSC-TV (FL Channel/DSC programs), 15.3 WDSC-WV (FKN/MHz WV) •WBCC (68.1PBS, 68.2UCF, 68.3BPS-TV, 68.4FKN/FL Channel)
Spanish stations
W21AU 21 (AZA) •WVEN (26.1UNI) •WTMO-CA 31 (TMD) •WZXZ-CA 36 (CV) •WHDO-LD 38.2 (Mega TV) •WOTF (43.1TFU)
Ocala stations
W07BP 7 (Edu.) •WOFT-LP 8 (Ind) •WOGX (51.1Fox)
Gainesville stations
serving Ocala
WUFT (5.1PBS) •WCJB (20.1ABC,20.2CW)
Cable channels
Bright House Sports Network •Central Florida News 13 •SGTV (Seminole Co.)
See also:Tampa Bay TV •Jacksonville TV •Palm Beach TV
[edit] Government
Orlando is governed via the mayor-council system. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote. The six members of the city council are each elected from districts.
[edit] State and federal representation
TheUnited States Postal Service operates post offices in Orlando. The Orlando Main Post Office is located at 10401 Post Office Boulevard, adjacent toOrlando International Airport.[31]
[edit] Education
Public primary and secondary education is handled byOrange County Public Schools. Some of the private schools includeOrlando Lutheran Academy,The Geneva School,Forest Lake Academy,The First Academy,Trinity Preparatory School,Lake Highland Preparatory School,Bishop Moore High School Pine Castle Christian Academy andOrlando Christian Prep.
[edit] Area institutions of higher education

The University of Central Florida

Full Sail University
[edit] State universities
University of Central FloridaFlorida A&M University College of Law
[edit] State colleges
Valencia Community CollegeSeminole State College of Florida (Sanford,Oviedo, andAltamonte Springs)
[edit] Private universities, colleges, and others
Asbury Theological Seminary, Orlando CampusColumbia College, Orlando CampusDeVry University, Orlando campusDwayne O. Andreas School of LawFlorida Institute of Technology, Orlando campusFlorida Metropolitan University, Orlando campusFull Sail University (inWinter Park)Herzing College (in Winter Park)Hindu University of AmericaInternational Academy of Design & Technology-OrlandoNova Southeastern University, Orlando campusReformed Theological Seminary, Orlando campusRollins College (in Winter Park)Strayer University, Orlando campusUniversity of FloridaCollege of Pharmacy (inApopka)University of Phoenix, Orlando campusWebster University, Orlando Campus
[edit] Infrastructure
[edit] Airports
TheOrlando International Airport (MCO) is Orlando's primary airport, currently the busiest airport in the State of Florida. The airport was ranked by passengers as the #1 airport in the nation according toJ.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. Prior to being converted into a civil airport, the land was used as McCoy Airforce Base, however the call sign was never changed and remains "MCO". TheOrlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) located in Sanford, FL (northern suburb) serves as a secondary airport, mainly for European discount carriers and charters. TheOrlando Executive Airport (ORL) located near Downtown Orlando serves primarily executive jets, flight training schools, and general small-aircraft aviation.
[edit] Roads
[edit] Major highways
Interstate 4 is Orlando's primary interstate highway. Orlando is 2nd largest city serviced by one interstate, precedingAustin, TX and is the largest metropolitan area in the US serviced by a single interstate expressway as well. The interstate begins inTampa, Florida and travels across the mid-section of the state directly through Orlando ending inDaytona Beach. As a key connector to Orlando's suburbs, downtown, area attractions, and both coasts; I-4 commonly experiences heavy traffic and congestion. I-4 is also known as State Road 400.East-West Expressway (Toll 408) is a major highway managed by theOrlando-Orange County Expressway Authority. The highway intersects with I-4 inDowntown Orlando providing a key artery for residents commuting from eastern and western suburbs including theUniversity of Central Florida area. The highway also intersects with theCentral Florida Greeneway (Toll 417) andFlorida's Turnpike. In late 2006 the I-4/408 interchange finished undergoing a major overhaul that created multiple fly-over bridges and connectors to ease heavy traffic flows. In addition, lane expansions, new toll plazas, and sound barriers are being added throughout the highway.Beachline Expressway (Toll 528) provides key access to theOrlando International Airport and serves as a gateway to the Atlantic coast, specificallyCocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.Central Florida Greeneway (Toll 417) is a key highway for East Orlando, the highway is also managed by theOrlando-Orange County Expressway Authority and serves as Orlando's eastern beltway. The highway intersects with theEast-West Expressway (Toll 408), theBeachline 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.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.John Land Apopka Expressway (Toll 414) The newest East-West expressway to be built and the first since SR 408. Phase I opened on February 14, 2009 and extends fromUS 441 toFlorida State Road 429. Phase II will link SR 429 to US 441 several miles west of the current SR 429 intersection.
Florida's Turnpike (Toll 91) is a major highway that connects northern Florida with Orlando and Miami. It is the gateway to Miami.
[edit] Rush hours and traffic
According to a recent national study by the Texas Transportation Institute, the average Orlando resident spends about 54 hours per year waiting in traffic.[citation needed] 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 dialing5-1-1 (a free automated traffic advisory system provided by theFlorida 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.
The Orlando Regional Traffic Management Center (or Orlando RTMC for short) serves as the central hub for traffic operations in the region. It monitors traffic conditions onInterstate 4,Interstate 95, TheOOCEA Toll Roads, and other major surface streets throughout the DOT's District 5 and relays the information to motorists through the use of Dynamic Message Signs and the Florida 5-1-1 system.
There is also a free roadside assistance service on Interstate 4 provided byLYNX called I-4 Road Rangers. These road rangers patrol during the weekdays looking to help stranded motorists who are in need of tire changing, a tow, or gas. Road Rangers also assist in debris removal on highways and traffic diversion during vehicle crashes. These trucks are highly identifiable by the red and white paint scheme and their FDOT Seals. Recently,State Farm Insurance company has taken over funding and sponsorship of the program.[32] Each truck is also equipped with large light up message board on its roof, usually displaying an arrow or urgent message. The toll roads have a similar service provided through OOCEA which is funded on toll fares.
Florida's Turnpike Enterprise operates its own separate Road Ranger program. Road rangers from I-4 or the OOCEA Toll Road network will not respond to motorists onState Road 91 otherwise known asFlorida's Turnpike.
[edit] Rail
The Orlando area is served by one through railroad,CSX Transportation's A line (formerly theAtlantic Coast Line Railroad's main line), and some spurs, mostly operated by theFlorida Central Railroad.Amtrak passenger service runs along the CSX A line. See alsoa map of these railroads.
The following major railroad stations have existed in Orlando:
Amtrak Orlando station (originally built by ACL to replace Church Street Station, the only one still in use)Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Orlando station (now Church Street Station, a tourist attraction)Seaboard Air Line Railroad Orlando station (Central Avenue Station; 1898-1955.)
[edit] Commuter rail
Main article:SunRail
In 2005, Federal and state funding was granted for the establishment ofSunRail, a localcommuter rail service, to operate on the CSX A line tracks betweenDeLand andPoinciana, passing through the downtown area and surrounding urban neighborhoods along the way. The service was 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 have covered approximately 80% of the estimated $400 million cost for track modifications and construction of stations along the route. The counties involved had approved local matching funds in 2007 and the line was projected to begin operations in 2011.[33] However, the project was ultimately voted down by Florida State Senate in 2008 and again in 2009 due to an amendment that would have approved a $200 million insurance policy for the system. Although there has been growing concern the system may be scrapped, a deadline extension combined with a new insurance arrangement with CSX has brought new hope that SunRail will be completed after all.[34]
Attempts to establish a smallerlight rail service for the Orlando area were also considered at one time, but were also met with much resistance and opposition.
[edit] High speed rail
Main article:Florida High Speed Rail
Orlando is being considered as a major hub for the proposedFlorida High Speed Rail system, which was mandated by state referendum in 2000 – but repealed in 2004. Nonetheless, the Florida High Speed Rail Authority continues to meet and communicate with theGovernor of Florida.[35]
[edit] Bus
[edit] Regional
Orlando is served byLYNX; it provides local transit service covering a five-county area:Orange,Seminole,Osceola,Lake, andVolusia.[36] Bus route schedules and maps can be found atLYNX Official Website.
[edit] National
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.
[edit] Sister cities
See also:List of sister cities in Florida
Orlando has nine International Sister Cities as listed by the City of Orlando Office of International Affairs.[3]
Country City District / State Date
SpainValladolidCastile and León
BrazilCuritibaParaná
People's Republic of ChinaGuilinGuangxi
RussiaOrenburgOrenburg
IcelandReykjanesbærSouthwest
FranceMarne-la-ValléeSeine-et-Marne
TaiwanTainan City
JapanUrayasuChiba
MexicoMonterreyNuevo Leon
PalestineBethlehemWest Bank[37]
Marne La Vallée, Anaheim, and Urayasu are connected to Orlando as homes of other Disney theme parks (Disneyland Resort Paris,Disneyland Resort, andTokyo Disneyland, respectively).
[edit] Foreign consulates
Given Orlando's status as a busy international tourist destination,Mexico and theUnited Kingdom openedconsulates in Orlando.[38][39]
[edit] See also
List of mayorsList of notable natives and residents
[edit] References
^ "Say Yes to Orlando". Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau.http://www.orlandoinfo.com/articles/say-yes-to-orlando.cfm. Retrieved 2009-05-05. ^ "Annual Estimates of the population for the Incorporated Places Over 100,000" (XLS).US Census Bureau.http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2008-01.xls. Retrieved 2009-09-28. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas:April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008".U.S. Census Bureau.27 March2009.http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/tables/2008/CBSA-EST2008-01.xls. Retrieved 2009-09-28.  ^ab "American FactFinder".United States Census Bureau.http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names".United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25.http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. ^America's 30 Most Visited Cities^ Zaragosa, Luis (October 14, 2009). "UCF now largest university in Florida".Orlando Sentinel.http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/education/orl-ucf-number-one-101409,0,126628.story. Retrieved 2009-10-14. ^About Orlando from the City of Orlando website, accessed June 17, 2008^OCLS - Fast Facts - Tallest Buildings in Orlando^Buildings of Orlando / Emporis.com^ "US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990".United States Census Bureau. 2005-05-03.http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html. Retrieved 2008-01-31. ^ "Cold Temperatures and Snow Flurries in East-Central Florida January 24, 2003".National Weather Service.http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/surveys/012403/flurries.html. Retrieved 2009-05-06. ^ Distance measured from Orlando City Hall to nearest Atlantic coastline, nearOak Hill,Brevard County, and nearest Gulf coastline, near,Pine Island,Hernando County, usingGoogle Earth's Ruler tool.^ "Census Of Population And Housing". U.S. Census Bureau.http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/decennial/index.htm. Retrieved 2008-10-25. ^[1]^[2]^MuniNetGuide.com's Orlando Demographic^ Gary J. GatesSame-sex Couples and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Population: New Estimates from the American Community SurveyPDF (2.07 MiB). The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy, UCLA School of Law October, 2006. RetrievedApril 8,2007.^FBI Universal Crime Report for 2006^Modern Language Association Data Center Results of Orlando, FL^ "Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007" (XLS). U.S. Census Bureau.http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2007/CBSA-EST2007-01.xls. Retrieved 2008-07-11. ^Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses^ "Annual Estimates of the Population of Combined Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007" (.xls).U.S. Census Bureau. March 27, 2008.http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/tables/2007/CBSA-EST2007-02.xls. Retrieved March 15, 2008. ^http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/cb07-42tbl3.xls^ Bergen, Kathy.Las Vegas and Orlando Bruising Chicago's Trade Show Business. TheChicago Tribune, 11 September 2003^ "Lake Nona Is Site Of New VA Hospital".Internet Broadcasting Systems/WKMG-TV.2 March2007.http://www.local6.com/news/11154722/detail.html. Retrieved 2008-07-15. ^ "Metropolitan Orlando Housing Trends Summary." Orlando Regional Realtor Association. May 9, 2007. Retrieved on May 24, 2007.^For Nearly Half of America, Grass Is Greener Somewhere Else from the Pew Research Center website, accessed April 17, 2009^ "What Happened to Hollywood East?" Southwest Orlando Bulletin, 17 July 2004^Shopping in Orlando - Orlando Villa Guide - The Essential Guide to Florida Vacation Rental Homes and Holiday Villas in Orlando, Florida^ "Post Office Location - ORLANDO."United States Postal Service. Retrieved on May 5, 2009.^ Tracy, Dan (March 31, 2009). "State farm to pay for Road Rangers on Interstate 4".Orlando Sentinel.http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-state-farm-road-rangers-032409,0,1081977.story. Retrieved March 31, 2009. ^SunRail Official Website^http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-sunrail-commuter-legislature-070209,0,7151760.story^ Tracy, Dan (2009-02-27). "High-speed rail depends on Crist, board says". Orlando Sentinel (Tribune Company).http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-loc-high-speed-rail-crist-022709,0,4815309.story. Retrieved 2009-03-06. ^The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority—LYNX^ "::Bethlehem Municipality::". www.bethlehem-city.org.http://www.bethlehem-city.org/Twining.php. Retrieved 2009-10-10. ^Orlando^Consulado de México en Orlando
[edit] External links
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City of Orlando Official WebsiteMetro Orlando Economic Development CommissionOrlando TourismOrlando Regional Chamber of CommerceCentral Florida Memory is a unique digital collection where visitors can discover the history of Orlando and surrounding areas of Central Florida.Orlando, Florida at theOpen Directory ProjectOrlando travel guide fromWikitravel
[show]v • d • e
Municipalities and communities of
Orange County,Florida
County seat: Orlando
Cities
Altamonte Springs‡ |Apopka |Bay Lake |Belle Isle |Edgewood |Lake Buena Vista |Maitland |Ocoee | Orlando |Winter Garden |Winter Park

Towns
Eatonville |Oakland |Windermere
CDPs
Azalea Park |Bay Hill |Bithlo |Christmas |Citrus Ridge‡ |Conway |Doctor Phillips |Fairview Shores |Goldenrod‡ |Gotha |Holden Heights |Hunters Creek |Lake Butler |Lake Hart |Lockhart |Meadow Woods |Oak Ridge |Orlo Vista |Paradise Heights |Pine Castle |Pine Hills |Sky Lake |South Apopka |Southchase |Taft |Tangelo Park |Tangerine |Tildenville |Union Park |Wedgefield |Williamsburg |Zellwood
Unincorporatedcommunities
Plymouth |Reedy Creek Improvement District‡ |University Park |Vineland
Footnotes
‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
[show]v • d • e
State ofFlorida
Tallahassee (capital)
Topics
Education |Environment |Floridians |Geography |Government |History |State Parks |Transportation |Visitor Attractions
Regions
Big Bend |Central Florida |Emerald Coast |First Coast |Florida Heartland |Florida Keys |Florida Panhandle |Forgotten Coast |Fun Coast |Gold Coast |Nature Coast |North Central Florida |North Florida |South Florida |Southwest Florida |Space Coast |Sun Coast |Tampa Bay Area |Treasure Coast
Metropolitan areas
Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice |Cape Coral-Fort Myers |Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach |Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin |Gainesville |Greater Jacksonville |Lakeland-Winter Haven |Naples-Marco Island |Ocala |Greater Orlando |Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville |Palm Coast |Panama City-Lynn Haven-Panama City Beach |Pensacola Metro Area |Port St. Lucie Metropolitan Area |Punta Gorda |Sebastian-Vero Beach |South Florida metropolitan area |Tallahassee Metropolitan Area |Tampa Bay Area
Largest cities
Jacksonville |Miami |Tampa |St. Petersburg | Orlando |Hialeah |Fort Lauderdale |Tallahassee |Cape Coral |Port St. Lucie |Pembroke Pines |Hollywood |Coral Springs |Gainesville |Miramar |Clearwater |Pompano Beach |Palm Bay |West Palm Beach |Miami Gardens |Lakeland |Davie |Sunrise |Boca Raton |Miami Beach
Counties
Alachua |Baker |Bay |Bradford |Brevard |Broward |Calhoun |Charlotte |Citrus |Clay |Collier |Columbia |DeSoto |Dixie |Duval |Escambia |Flagler |Franklin |Gadsden |Gilchrist |Glades |Gulf |Hamilton |Hardee |Hendry |Hernando |Highlands |Hillsborough |Holmes |Indian River |Jackson |Jefferson |Lafayette |Lake |Lee |Leon |Levy |Liberty |Madison |Manatee |Marion |Martin |Miami?Dade |Monroe |Nassau |Okaloosa |Okeechobee |Orange |Osceola |Palm Beach |Pasco |Pinellas |Polk |Putnam |Santa Rosa |Sarasota |Seminole |St. Johns |St. Lucie |Sumter |Suwannee |Taylor |Union |Volusia |Wakulla |Walton |Washington
[show]v • d • e
50largest metropolitan statistical areas in theUnited States by population
New York-Newark ·Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana ·Chicago ·Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ·Philadelphia ·Houston ·Miami ·Atlanta ·Washington ·Boston ·Detroit ·Phoenix-Mesa ·San Francisco-Oakland ·Riverside-San Bernardino ·Seattle ·Minneapolis-Saint Paul ·San Diego ·St. Louis ·Tampa-St. Petersburg ·Baltimore ·Denver-Aurora ·Pittsburgh ·Portland ·Cleveland ·Cincinnati ·Sacramento ·Orlando ·Kansas City ·San Antonio ·San Jose ·Las Vegas ·Milwaukee ·Columbus ·Indianapolis ·Virginia Beach ·Providence ·Charlotte ·Austin ·Nashville-Davidson ·Jacksonville ·Memphis ·Louisville ·Richmond ·Hartford ·Oklahoma City ·Buffalo ·Birmingham ·Salt Lake City ·Rochester ·New Orleans
[show]v • d • e
Mayors ofcities with populations of 100,000 inFlorida
John Peyton
(Jacksonville)Manny Diaz
(Miami)Pam Iorio
(Tampa)Rick Baker
(St. Petersburg)
Buddy Dyer
(Orlando)Julio Robaina
(Hialeah)Jack Seiler
(Fort Lauderdale)John Marks
(Tallahassee)
Jim Burch
(Cape Coral)Patricia Christensen
(Port St. Lucie)Frank C. Ortis
(Pembroke Pines)Peter Bober
(Hollywood)
Scott J. Brook
(Coral Springs)Pegeen Hanrahan
(Gainesville)Shirley Gibson
(Miami Gardens)Lori Cohen Moseley
(Miramar)
Frank Hibbard
(Clearwater)Lamar Fisher
(Pompano Beach)John Mazziotti
(Palm Bay)

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