TALK OF THE TOWN

Conversations for Your Community

A monthly look at what's happening in the Orlando area, along with fun facts and important reminders.

By Rich Maladecki

Downtown Orlando boasts a new rooftop bar that features spectacular sunsets and excellent people watching! Consider an evening at the AC Hotel Sky Bar at the corner of South Street and Garland Avenue.

Let’s honor our U.S.A. flag by flying Old Glory on the country’s official date of recognition, Flag Day, on Monday, June 14. As the 2020-21 school year ends, it’s time to re-recognize the Orange County Public Schools

Teacher and Principal of the

Year. Congratulations to Teacher of the Year, Stewart Parker of Winter Park High School, and Principal of the Year, Jennifer Bellinger of Oak Ridge High School.

Farmers Markets are gifts to any neighborhood. Please support these businesses as our community continues to reopen. I have had the pleasure of being re-introduced recently to the Windermere Farmers Market and now regularly enjoy being a Friday consumer of these fresh and unique products. Let’s not take for granted — as residents of Central Florida — the various space craft launches from our Kennedy Space Center. It’s especially enjoyable watching the spectacular night launches, when total darkness becomes a flaming, red sky. It’s another oneof-a-kind benefit of living in this fine Florida community. As you have heard, June 1 marks the unofficial start of Florida’s hurricane season. Please prepare your household (and your business) with a review of needed items to survive possible storms in our region. It’s that time of the year to possibly say, "Hunker down!"

It’s time to finalize plans for Father's Day! This annual holiday to salute fatherhood is set for Sunday, June 20. (Hint: Purchase cards early to avoid empty shelves and long lines.)

The future is soon — with the I-4 Ultimate Project nearing completion. As a resident, it’s so, so encouraging to experience the new lanes and the on/off ramps. Additionally, seeing the “soon to be open” express or toll lanes offers Central Floridians hope that this 21-mile phase is concluding.