Orlando Area Guide

Once known as Jernigan, after the cattleman who acquired land along Lake Holden, it became Orlando by being re-named after a soldier who had supposedly died in the area during the Second Seminole War. Although no one is sure exactly how he may have died, the name Orlando stuck and Orlando Reese now has a memorial beside Lake Eola to mark the spot where he fell.

Originally a major citrus growing region, Orlando is now a highly urbanized city, its main industry tourism. Of course, with the opening of Disney World, as well as Universal Orlando Resort, Sea World and Universal Studios Tours, Orlando has become the third most visited American city. Even with tourism as its main economic income, Orlando has diversified and today the Orlando area is the center of operations for many companies that service Central Florida.

In 2008, Orlando had the distinction of being listed as a ‘High Sufficiency’ world city in the World Cities Study Group inventory a study done by Loughborough University. According to this study, Orlando has grown to be ranked alongside cities of distinction such as Glasgow, Scotland, Osaka, Japan and Baltimore, Maryland.

Today, “Old Orlando” is a historic section of downtown along Church Street and between Orange and Garland Avenue. Primarily located in the neighborhoods around Lake Eola where oaks trees that are centuries old line beautiful old streets, these neighborhood showcase some of the oldest homes in Orlando.

History

Originally Mosquito County, when it was divided, Orlando became the county seat of the newly named Orange County in 1856 but still remained a rural area until it became incorporated as a town in 1875 and then a city in 1885. Remembered as a Golden Era, it became the hub of Florida’s citrus industry until the Great Freeze of 1894-95 forced many of the smaller owners to give up their independent groves, placing consolidated holdings in the hands of a few citrus barons who then moved operations further south, trying to escape the freeze zone.

Orlando became a popular resort city between the era of the Spanish American War and World War I, in the 1920’s, when it experienced a massive housing development during the days of the Florida Land Boom. Several neighborhoods in downtown sprung up with an abundance of bungalows, but the boom ended when several hurricanes as well as the Great Depression hit.

The population of Orlando rose during and after World War II when soldiers who were stationed at the Orlando Army Air Base and nearby Pincastle Army Air Field stayed or came back to settle down and raise their families. Industry took several steps forward with the establishment of Martin Marietta a company that eventually became known as Lockheed Martin

Undoubtedly one of the most significant events for Orlando’s economy was the announcement that Walt Disney had plans to build Walt Disney World. After considering Miami and Tampa, he reasoned that Orlando’s inland location, although not hurricane free, would be less of a threat than coastal regions. With the opening of Walt Disney World, Orlando’s population exploded and its economic growth flourished wildly in Orlando as well and neighboring counties. Tourism is now the centerpiece of Orlando’s economy and Orlando has consistently been rated one of the top vacation destinations in the world. Adding to Orlando’s growth was the opening of the Orlando Jetport, the ancestor of Orlando International Airport. Built on a portion of the old McCoy Air Force Base, most of the old base is now a part of the airport.

Attractions and Activities

Seaworld
SeaWorld immerses guests in the mysteries of the sea through up-close animal discoveries, amazing attractions and rides and unforgettable performances. Come visit their attractions and learn about nature as you have the time of your life. For more information visit: www.SeaWorldOrlando.com

GatOrlando
GatOrlando is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining "Old Florida" charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World” GatOrlando provides family fun with everything from alligators and crocodiles, petting zoo and swamp walk. To learn more visit: www.gatOrlando.com

Universal Studios Florida ®
Go behind the scenes, beyond the screen, and jump right into the action of your favorite movies and TV shows at Universal Studios®. Enjoy rides that put you in Spiderman’s arms and riding Harry Potter’s broom. For more information visit: www.universalOrlando.com

Magic Kingdom® Park
The world of "make-believe" comes alive in the Magic Kingdom® Park, where new adventures, fantasy, and fun surround you in seven wondrous lands of enchantment. Visit Mickey, Minnie and the gang and have the time of your life on one of a kind rides. To learn more visit: www.disneyworld.com

Dubsdread Golf Course
Located just minutes from downtown Orlando, Dubsdread Golf Course features the oldest public layout in the area, originally designed in 1923 and renovated in 2008. History walks the links here with the spirits of Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and Claude Harmon while today, golfers enjoy the same lush scenery and challenges of the original course.
Visit: http://www.historicaldubsdread.com/golf/proto/dubsdread/

Find more attractions visit
http://www.Orlandoinfo.com/attractions/

Parks & Recreation

Mission Statement:
Provide the highest quality parks, street tree canopy and open spaces to the citizens and visitors of Orlando through excellence in design, construction and maintenance.
For more information on the Parks and Recreation are of Orlando, please visit http://www.cityofOrlando.net/fpr/Html/parks.asp

See more parks at
http://www.cityofOrlando.net/fpr/Html/Parks/index.htm