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        <title>The Orlando Real</title>
        <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/blog/</link>
        <description>The Orlando Real is a local blog and newsletter about all things Orlando. Brought to you by Ken Pozek and team!</description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/orlando-mural-festival-primed-for-third-year/</guid>
    <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/orlando-mural-festival-primed-for-third-year/</link>
        <author>info@pozekgroup.com (The Orlando Real)</author>
        <title>Orlando Mural Festival primed for third year</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Jim Carchidi


September 16, 2026


Local artists are coloring the downtown landscape for the Orlando Mural Festival. Presented by the Downtown Arts District and CityArts in cooperation with the Downtown Development Board, the event is celebrating its third year with a special opening reception at CityArts on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6-9 p.m. Events continue on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 2-10 p.m. at the Orlando Mural Festival Art Party with locations at CityArts, the Fordify the Arts Courtyard, and at Thornton Park Market on Central Boulevard by Lake Eola.


Sights and stories


Christian Stanley works on his 15.5-foot tall by 12-foot wide festival painting in the alley by Thornton Park Pub. He began with spray paint, masking off edges with tape, then switched to a brush for detail work. Photos by Jim Carchidi


Orlando-area buildings are a common canvas for large-scale paintings. Adorned walls can be found throughout West Church Street, the central business district, and several Main Streets. Christian Stanley is among this year’s contributing muralists and has been working on his piece, located on Thornton Park Pub, with the help of his wife and business partner, Jessica.


“We’ve been mostly working in the mornings for a few hours since last week,” he said while struggling to secure painter’s tape to a wall still wet from the previous night’s rain. “You have to dodge the weather and deal with the heat and humidity.”








Stanley, who is based in Winter Springs, has been painting professionally for more than 10 years and participated in the first Orlando Mural Festival. He is influenced by natural subjects and his current piece depicts Painted Buntings with a personal narrative.











“Aside from the &quot;painted&quot; reference, they’re migratory birds and my wife and I often migrate for work to national festivals and shows,” he said. “And we first met 10 years ago here in Thornton Park at The Falcon Bar run club.”


Artists and events


Orlando muralist Andrew Spear already finished his piece - a Rocky portrait on the side of Cavo's Bar and Kitchen, known for hosting Philadelphia pro sports watch parties. 


The 2026 list of muralists and locations is as follows:


Jordan Jones: 120 S. Orange Avenue (Backside of Gitto’s Pizza)J. Massullo: 27 E. Robinson StreetBoy Kong: 55 West Breezeway on Church StreetBekah Unsworth: 317 N. Orange AvenueRoxy Cousino: 27 E. Robinson StreetMatthew Mederer: 400 Pittman StreetChristian Stanley: 808 E. Washington Street (Thornton Park Pub)Delia Miller 808 E. Washington Street (Thornton Park Pub)Bridget Hartig: 804 E. Washington Street (Lamb’s Eat Ivy Salon)Andrew Spear: 900 E. Washington Street (Cavo’s Bar and Kitchen)


Studio work by muralists who have participated in past festivals will be featured at the Sept. 17 CityArts reception, and some of this year’s muralists will be working on their pieces during the Saturday art party. The event will also include live painting demonstrations, vendors, live music, and food trucks.


Crowds enjoy the Saturday Art Party at last year's festival. Image courtesy of Downtown Arts District


For updates and additional information, check the CityArts Facebook page and the Downtown Arts District website.



Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the 1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.


About the Author Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:41:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/inside-west-orange-countys-next-shopping-and-dining-destination/</guid>
    <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/inside-west-orange-countys-next-shopping-and-dining-destination/</link>
        <author>info@pozekgroup.com (The Orlando Real)</author>
        <title>Inside West Orange County’s next shopping and dining destination</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Jim Carchidi


September 15, 2026


Residents in Oakland, Clermont, Winter Garden, and Horizon West will soon have new shops and restaurants close to home. Oakland Village will offer 85,000 square feet of commercial space featuring boutiques, courtyards, rooftop and patio dining, and golf cart parking spaces.


Approvals and changes


Images courtesy of Oakland Village website/Oakland Town Center, LLC


The project will develop more than 14.80 acres at 15949 W. Colonial Dr., by the Tractor Supply Co. Oakland city commissioners granted final approval for property rezoning from C-1 (Commercial General) to PUD (Planned Unit Development) at their Sept. 9 meeting. A GrowthSpotter report noted a city-requested change from the proposed property name of Oakland Town Center due to possible confusion with Oakland’s existing historic downtown and plans for future development.


Goals and visions








Project renderings illustrate a visual appeal similar to Lake Nona Town Center and Winter Park Village. The property will include community spaces, fountains, pedestrian walkways, landscaping, and golf cart parking.








Oakland city documents state the goal is for a single build rather than phased construction. While no tenant agreements have been confirmed, project developers Oakland Town Center, LLC are working toward “a curated mix of restaurants, retail, services, and health and wellness uses.” Examples of the chef-driven concepts and popular local venues being targeted are Agave Azul, Bar Italia, Sushi Saint, and Good Salt Group. Additional prospective tenants include specialty dessert and ice cream concepts, coffee shops, full-service breakfast, local service businesses, and health and wellness uses.


By the numbers


Oakland Village will offer more than 85,000 square feet of retail and dining space across 9 buildings and 2 outparcels.


The largest retail building measures 10,805 square feet.


According to the leasing and information website, buildings are available in 4 design options.


The property has 8 restaurant end cap spaces with outdoor dining options including rooftop seating.





There is 1 drive-through position reserved for a coffee or quick-service concept.


About 16,000 square feet of outdoor amenity space will include courtyards, community spaces, and patios.


What's next


Site work is expected to begin next year with construction completion anticipated in 2029.



Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the 1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.


About the Author Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/orlando-commissioners-approve-downtown-high-rise-project/</guid>
    <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/orlando-commissioners-approve-downtown-high-rise-project/</link>
        <author>info@pozekgroup.com (The Orlando Real)</author>
        <title>Orlando commissioners approve downtown high-rise project</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Jim Carchidi


September 15, 2026


Plans for a 425-foot-tall mixed-use tower by Lake Eola were advanced this week when Orlando City Council members backed an ordinance amending and restating land development regulations at 170 E. Washington St.


Changing plans





The .63-acre property was zoned for a Cambria Suites hotel in 2011 with a maximum height of 100 feet. A series of design changes eventually derailed the project and the lot sold in 2017 to 170 Washington Orlando LLC, an entity tied to HB Capitol Group. The new 37-story tower required the zoning amendments for the additional height and density. The plan calls for 252 condo units and a minimum of 250 parking spaces in a six-level garage.





Commercial elements include approximately 35,000 square feet of ground-floor space with a restaurant at the east end with outdoor seating. Additional space for either 221 hotel rooms or 135,000 square feet of office space will be part of the upper-floor designs.


Community feedback


The Municipal Planning Board voted in June to recommend the proposal to City Commission, which approved the first reading of the rezoning ordinance in July.


Residents of the nearby Metropolitan at Lake Eola condos have voiced concerns over the impact of pile driver vibrations and construction activity on their building and day-to-day living conditions. Members of the neighboring St. George's church also warn of damage resulting from construction and objected to a 37-story tower next to the 100-year-old landmark.








&quot;I'm not against progress,&quot; St. George pastor Father John Hamatie previously told Planning Board members. &quot;But I am against the destruction of one of the few church landmarks left in the downtown core.&quot;


Conditions


Among the conditions approved by the Planning Board and City Council is the use of alternative construction methods that prevent ground vibrations and soil displacement, which could damage nearby structures.





According to the city staff summary, the proposed flexibility for either 221 hotel rooms or 135,000 square-feet of office space supports Downtown Activity Center goals of promoting a high-intensity, mixed-use urban core. However, both uses cannot be supported and developers must designate the hotel or office component prior to construction.


The project is also required to undergo the City of Orlando Airport Height Zoning Permit process, and must file the appropriate FAA notices.


What’s next


Designs must be submitted for a formal appearance review and building permits. No construction timeline is available.



Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the 1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.


About the Author Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:13:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/orlando-completes-phase-1-of-magnolia-ave-two-way-redesign/</guid>
    <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/orlando-completes-phase-1-of-magnolia-ave-two-way-redesign/</link>
        <author>info@pozekgroup.com (The Orlando Real)</author>
        <title>Orlando completes Phase 1 of Magnolia Ave. two-way redesign</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Jim Carchidi


September 14, 2026


Orlando city leaders will mark the completion of the two-way Magnolia Avenue redesign this week. The project was the first of a two-phase plan for the roadway overhaul and a key component of the DTO Action Plan.


Phase 1





Construction began on Magnolia Avenue in January, reconfiguring the layout from a one-way to a two-way street. Medians and planters were removed to make room for lane widening and LYMMO bus operations were integrated into the normal traffic flow. A total of 92 on-street parking spaces were also created between South and Livingston streets, bringing the total number of Magnolia Avenue spaces to 103.





Phase 2


A City of Orlando illustration shows the complete vision for Magnolia Avenue.


With the redesign phase complete, Phase 2 will focus on landscaping, lighting, and pedestrian and multimodal access upgrades between South and Livingston streets. Construction is expected to begin next year and end in 2028.


Church Street redesign





The DTO Action Plan is backed by more than $200 million in city investments aimed at creating a more walkable, engaging lifestyle center in the downtown core. A road redevelopment effort on Church Street broke ground in July.


A City of Orlando illustration shows the curbless redesign along Church Street.


The project is beginning with a lane widening that includes curbless, festival street designs and infrastructure upgrades between Garland Avenue and the railroad tracks. The next phase will extend the festival street designs from the train tracks to Orange Avenue with planters and moveable benches. Completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2027. A third phase will extend from Orange Avenue to Magnolia Avenue, converting the corridor from one-way eastbound to two-way traffic. Completion is expected by early summer 2028.


More DTO Action Plan projects





Additional DTO Action Plan projects include The Canopy community space, expected to break ground before the fall. The 0.3-mile area between W. Church and W. Washington streets will feature walking paths and art installations in the southern portion, and about 300 parking spaces and ride share zones at the north end.





Construction of downtown Orlando’s next pocket park at 30 S. Orange Ave. will add a shaded area, greenspace, water feature, and food truck parking. A groundbreaking has not been scheduled.





A signature gateway into Lake Eola Park, currently in the design phase, will replace the City Center building at 205 E. Central Blvd. with a plaza, shaded areas, and a direct view of the Lake Eola fountain.





And negotiations are in progress with Wharton-Smith, Inc. for $30 million in Lake Eola Park upgrades that include moving the swan boat dock, improving water quality, and a new walkway.


What’s next


Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose will mark the completion of Magnolia Avenue Phase 1 during a grand opening event at 105 S. Magnolia Ave. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 10:30 a.m.


Community updates are expected as progress continues on the remaining DTO Action Plan projects.



Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the 1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.


About the Author Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/post-sloth-world-regulations-spur-more-concerns-over-species-protections/</guid>
    <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/post-sloth-world-regulations-spur-more-concerns-over-species-protections/</link>
        <author>info@pozekgroup.com (The Orlando Real)</author>
        <title>Post-Sloth World regulations spur more concerns over species protections</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Jim Carchidi


September 12, 2026


Florida leaders are considering new exotic animal regulations stemming from the deaths of more than 50 sloths at the former Sloth World attraction on International Drive. But some advocates believe the changes don’t go far enough.


What could change


Images courtesy of Central Florida Zoo &amp; Botanical Gardens


Statewide amendments to the sloth permitting process were proposed last week by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and would include the following:




Documented proof of no less than 1,000 hours of experience in the care and feeding of sloths.


Cages deemed satisfactory by FWC prior to permitting.


At least one qualified caretaker required at commercial facilities housing sloths.


An increase in the minimum age for sloth ownership, from 16 to 18.




The changes are aimed at preventing the kind of oversights and inadequate conditions that led to the Sloth World deaths. Animals were found to be malnourished and 21 died in December 2024 when space heaters failed to control dropping temperatures in a storage unit, used as a quarantine facility. An Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigation of Sloth World found no basis for criminal charges, but noted numerous conditions which affected the health of the animals.


FWC temporarily banned sloth imports after the deaths were reported, and Orange County commissioners agreed in August to explore local regulations on exotic wildlife attractions.


Is it enough?


Under the FWC proposal, sloths would keep their current designation as Class III wildlife: a category which requires minimal oversight and does not require owners to report animal deaths. And the new rules would not be retroactive for any currently permitted owner of a sloth.


The proposal has been criticized by conservationists as not going far enough to protect the species. The Sloth Conservation Foundation is advocating for the prohibition of wild-caught sloth imports, and to limit sloth interactions with humans to avoid stress. The foundation also wants established veterinary care to be required wherever sloths are housed.





Central Florida Zoo &amp; Botanical Gardens has been working since April to rehabilitate the surviving animals from the Sloth World attraction. Zoo CEO Richard Glover previously updated The Orlando Real on the care and recovery process. He also submitted an Aug. 30 editorial to The Orlando Sentinel that was republished on the zoo website. Glover says the Sloth World deaths occurred “because of a flawed system that allowed Sloth World’s owners to continue to import a vulnerable and delicate species they did not have the knowledge to care for properly.”


While Glover's editorial was posted prior to the release of the new FWC proposal, it calls for stricter regulations that include reevaluating the Class III designation to provide better protection for sloths. Glover could not be reached for additional comment.


What’s next


FWC commissioners will discuss the proposed statewide regulation changes in December. An Orange County representative told The Orlando Real there is currently no discussion of local regulations scheduled for the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. The issue of exotic animal regulation at the county level could come up later in the fall.



Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the 1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.


About the Author Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:10:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/orange-county-issues-updates-on-3-horizon-west-road-projects/</guid>
    <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/orange-county-issues-updates-on-3-horizon-west-road-projects/</link>
        <author>info@pozekgroup.com (The Orlando Real)</author>
        <title>Orange County issues updates on 3 Horizon West road projects</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Jim Carchidi


September 9, 2026


Major road improvements are in progress at Horizon West with more on the way. Safety, connectivity, drainage and infrastructure upgrades were developed through public-private partnerships between Orange County and regional developers. Some construction has begun and one long-term project will begin next year.





The Orlando Real received the following progress updates from the Orange County Public Works Department.


Ficquette Road widening





The project will widen 1.8 miles of Ficquette Road from two to four lanes from Ingelnook Drive to south of Summerlake Park Boulevard. A roundabout will also be added at the intersection of Summerlake Park Boulevard, Ficquette Road, and Reams Road. Orange County officials previously approved $63 million to improve the level of service, enhance traffic operations, and improve safety along the corridor.


Additionally, two 11-foot wide travel lanes will be added in each direction and separated by a raised, grassed median. A multi-use path will be provided on the west side and a five-foot concrete sidewalk will be added along the east side. Planned infrastructure additions are stormwater retention ponds, lighting, and landscaping.


An Orange County Public Works representative previously informed The Orlando Real that drainage work began in July, along with the excavation of Reams Pond. Construction is expected to be completed by Q2, 2028.


Summerlake Park Boulevard roundabout





The project is replacing the current intersection at Summerlake Park Boulevard and Seidel Road with a roundabout for improved traffic flow. The Board of County Commissioners approved $1.47 million for the project, which includes multi-lane and single-lane approaches, new sidewalks, drainage infrastructure, lighting, and new signage and pavement markings.


Utility relocations and tree trimming are starting this month to make way for construction and materials are in the area. The project is expected to be completed in Q4, 2027. Lane shifts will be in place during construction, but traffic will be maintained without detours.


Reams Road widening





A 2.8-mile stretch of Reams Road will be widened from two to four lanes from south of Summerlake Park Boulevard to Taborfield Avenue. Two, 11-foot lanes will run in each direction, separated by a raised median. A five-foot-wide concrete sidewalk will be added to the south side with a 14-foot-wide multi-use trail along the north side.


Additions will include:




Closed drainage systems


Stormwater retention ponds


Upgraded lighting and landscaping


A bridge south of Greenbank Boulevard


Accommodations for small-species wildlife crossings




Funding for the $28.6 million project has been approved and construction is expected to begin in Q1 2027. Completion expected at the end of 2030.


What's next


Orange County Public Works states efforts will be made to minimize traffic impacts during all projects, but occasional traffic shifts or detours will be necessary to maintain driver and work crew safety. Drivers are advised to keep an eye out for construction signage, and to check the Orange County website for updates and traffic changes.



Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the 1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.


About the Author Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:05:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/orlando-adding-96-affordable-housing-units-in-pine-hills/</guid>
    <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/orlando-adding-96-affordable-housing-units-in-pine-hills/</link>
        <author>info@pozekgroup.com (The Orlando Real)</author>
        <title>Orlando adding 96 affordable housing units in Pine Hills</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Jim Carchidi


September 9, 2026


Construction has begun on a 96-unit affordable housing development in Orlando’s Pine Hills community. The Village of Pine Hills will offer three apartment floor plans as part of the Orlando Unlocked housing initiative.


Unlocking solutions


Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings joined city and county officials and project stakeholders for the Village of Pine Hills groundbreaking on Sept. 3. Images courtesy of Ability Housing


According to City of Orlando housing statistics, the city’s population increased nearly 14 between 2020 and 2024. Housing inventory growth of 11 during the same period resulted in a shortage of approximately 9,400 units. A report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition states the greater Orlando area has just 13 affordable rental units for every 100 low-income households.


Orlando Unlocked launched in 2025 with the goal of providing quality housing options for residents at every income level through flexible zoning and construction incentives. There are currently 9,200 housing units under construction, 18,000 units approved or in permit review, and zoning in place for 44,000 units within the city limits.


More than housing





Orlando Unlocked secured expedited permitting and more than $1.1 million in impact fee waivers to construct the Village of Pine Hills in cooperation with nonprofit affordable housing developer, Ability Housing. Village of Pine Hills will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments across three, three-story buildings on nine acres at 5121 N. Pine Hills Rd. A clubhouse, playground, and community spaces will also be offered. And a community center will house a computer lab, a library, and flexible classroom and event spaces. But services will go beyond amenities with resident access to primary and behavioral health care, and employment training. On-site case management services will assist families in need of additional resources and support.


Affordability


All units will be affordable to households earning up to 60 of the Area Median Income (AMI). Four units will be set aside for those earning at or below 40, 16 units will be reserved for households earning up to 30, and four will be earmarked for households earning 22 AMI. Rents will be determined by data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and based on the size and income of individual households.


&quot;Not only are we building a new community that will provide safe stable housing for nearly 100 families, we are also investing into the future of Pine Hills,” said Ability Housing CEO Reggie Fullwood in a prepared statement.


What’s next


Village of Pine Hills is expected to take about two years to complete and leasing is expected to begin next year.



Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the 1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.


About the Author Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:06:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/inside-the-expanded-food-court-at-h-mart-orlando/</guid>
    <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/inside-the-expanded-food-court-at-h-mart-orlando/</link>
        <author>info@pozekgroup.com (The Orlando Real)</author>
        <title>Inside the expanded food court at H Mart Orlando</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Jim Carchidi


September 9, 2026


Orlando’s ultimate supermarket is now even bigger. H Mart has doubled the size of its food hall with new vendors offering sweet and savory street fare and unique, fast-casual selections.


A welcome addition





The popular Asian grocery chain made its Florida debut last year at 7501 W. Colonial Dr. The 100,000-square-foot location opened with the brand's famous selection of produce, meats, prepared meals and kitchen items. However, the huge floor plan could barely contain the crowds, and lines flowed into the parking lot during the first few months of operation. Wait times are not as lengthy these days, but the new vendors are still getting plenty of attention.


New flavors











The expansion opened on Aug. 21 and is adjacent to the original food court with its own seating and a selection of arcade games and vending machines. The following brands can be found in the new area.


Curry 88





The eatery serves up a selection of Japanese curry with rice or udon and chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. The Hamburg Omelette features a beef patty on a soft egg omelette with rice and rich curry sauce.


Mari Mari





The Asian-American fusion menu features sushi rolls, udon, and Inaris: seasoned tofu pockets filled with rice and toppings ranging from traditional sushi to cheese burgers and spicy pork.


Seoul Hotteok








Hotteok are crispy, pancake-style pockets with your choice of sweet fillings. Guests can watch through the kitchen window as dough is stuffed like a dumpling, then pressed flat on the fryer.


Sorimara





The Korean-Chinese fusion menu specializes in soups and stir-fry dishes featuring Mala: a popular spicy seasoning that delivers a tongue-numbing sensation.


Dduk Dabang





A modern take on Korean street food favorites, including Tobokki: chewy rice cakes in bold sauces. The location also serves crispy Korean fried chicken and Korean-style hot dogs with flavorful coatings, served on a stick.


bb.q Chicken





Authentic Korean fried chicken and wings with signature sauces and traditional street food, including fried rice and Tobokki.


H Mart is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Check the website and social media for store details and information.



Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the 1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.


About the Author Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/francos-flop-fest-returns-to-baldwin-park-for-5th-year/</guid>
    <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/francos-flop-fest-returns-to-baldwin-park-for-5th-year/</link>
        <author>info@pozekgroup.com (The Orlando Real)</author>
        <title>Franco’s Flop Fest returns to Baldwin Park for 5th year</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Jim Carchidi


September 8, 2026


Baldwin Park will mark another year at the center of the belly-flopping universe with the return of Franco’s Flop Fest on Sunday, Sept. 20 at noon.


The party is presented by Cholo Dogs and Florida Citrus Sports with the competition pool set up outside Tactical Brewing Co. at 4882 New Broad St. The event began in 2022 with about 20 contestants and less than 700 spectators. As many as 40 belly floppers now perform for a crowd of over 2,000. Vendors, food trucks, and a DJ round out the block party vibe that lasts beyond the final flop.


Rules and fees


Franco's Flop Fest has become a celebration of creativity and community with a growing fan base. Images courtesy of Franco's Flop Fest





The event is free to watch and registration is $35 per competitor. Aspiring champions can still sign up for a chance at eternal glory and costumes are encouraged. The deadline for check-ins and registration fees is 1 p.m. on the day of the event and contestants are required to sign a waiver. Additional rules are as follows:




All competitors must be at least 18 years of age.


No diving.


Jumping is only permitted from the platform. No jumping from objects that increase height.


Contestants must be sober to compete.


In the event of a tie, there will be a championship flop.




Scoring and prizes


Costumes can earn extra points and offer protection from the sting of a strong flop.





Judging is scored on a scale of 1-10 and based on five categories:




Creativity


Sound


Splash


Impact


Showmanship







Aside from a year’s worth of bragging rights, the winner is awarded the Franco’s Flop Fest trophy and a t-shirt. All contestants get a free beer.


When to arrive


Vendors open at noon and the contest runs from 1:30-3 p.m. The party lasts until around 5 p.m. For more information, log onto francosflopfest.com.



Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the 1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.


About the Author Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:10:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/lost-orlando-landmarks-part-2-skulls-scripture-and-11-water-slides/</guid>
    <link>https://www.theorlandoreal.com/lost-orlando-landmarks-part-2-skulls-scripture-and-11-water-slides/</link>
        <author>info@pozekgroup.com (The Orlando Real)</author>
        <title>Lost Orlando Landmarks Part 2: Skulls, scripture, and 11 water slides</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
By Jim Carchidi


September 8, 2026


Orlando’s renown collection of theme parks and attractions includes a wealth of nostalgia for the ones that didn’t last. Competition, inflation, and corporate buyouts have transformed many once-popular landmarks into fond memories stoked by grainy film images. Reader reaction to our previous Lost Orlando Landmarks feature offered several inspiring suggestions for another look at local history.


Terror on Church Street








The year-round theatrical attraction opened in 1991, occupying downtown Orlando’s historic Woolworth-McCrory building by the corner of S. Orange Avenue and W. Church Street. The haunted maze offered 23 immersive environments with lighting and fog effects, temperature changes, and sound effects. Jump scares and creepy visitations were provided by actors who inhabited each set. And “Psycho” star Anthony Perkins served as a celebrity spokesman and attended the grand opening.





Terror on Church Street closed in 1999 due to rising rent and operating costs coupled with a drop in attendance. The building was demolished in 2003 to make way for The Plaza complex.


Skull Kingdom





Another year-round fright fest attempted to fill the void left by Terror on Church Street. Skull Kingdom opened in 1997 at a 16,000-square-foot castle on the north end of International Drive. Beyond its skull-shaped entrance lay horrific set designs and immersive experiences, including alien experiments, slashers, and a mock electrocution. Less intense experiences were offered during daytime hours. Management changes, cost cuts, and a failed dinner show concept eventually led to permanent closure in 2006.





The property was cleared for the construction of a residential high rise, but its future proved to be as eerie as the former attraction. Plans collapsed after the suicide of one of the development partners and the company was later dissolved. After 20 years, the land remains overgrown and vacant.


Flea World





The 104-acre property opened in 1981 along U.S. Highway 17-92 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard and was billed as “America’s Largest Flea Market.&quot; More than 1,700 vendor booths welcomed customers between Friday and Sunday, offering everything from clothing to legal advice and beauty treatments. The adjacent Fun World property featured midway-style rides, a carousel, and a go-kart track.





As attendance and vendor numbers gradually declined, owner Syd Levy announced plans to close Flea World in 2014 and redevelop the site into a mixed-use property. Nothing materialized until the $85 million Reagan Center mixed-use development was announced in June 2026. The site is approved for more than 1,000 apartments, 200 hotel rooms, and more than 1 million square feet of commercial use.


Water Mania





The 36-acre attraction at 6073 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. was Kissimmee’s first major water park and the second in Metro Orlando after Wet N Wild. Water Mania opened in 1986 with a wave pool, 11 water slides, miniature golf, an event stage, and beach volleyball. The park closed in 2005 amid competition from Disney’s water parks and damage from Hurricane Charley in 2004.





The redeveloped property currently houses a Golden Corral restaurant and the Camden Town Square apartment homes.


Holy Land Experience








The non-profit Christian-themed park was founded by Baptist minister Marvin Rosenthal, opening in 2001 at 4655 Vineland Rd. by the Conroy Road/Interstate 4 Interchange. Instead of rides, guests were treated to theatrical productions surrounded by recreated landmarks of ancient Jerusalem. Scrolls and biblical antiquities were displayed at the Scriptorium museum, and the park hosted weekly church services and bible studies.





Financial struggles led to a temporary closure in 2020, followed by a $32 million sale to AdventHealth in 2021. The property was redeveloped and currently houses a freestanding emergency room.


Is there a lost Orlando landmark you’re curious about? Let us know.



Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the 1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.


About the Author Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:16:00 -0400</pubDate>
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