Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a lot like the kingdom that made its home just south of town; there is a bit of something for everyone, especially for the young at heart. In addition, like the Disney artists paint brush that took a simple canvas and created a world of color and light and wonder, Orlando dazzles the eyes. The tourism capital of the world offers a city life apart from the theme parks with an eclectic mix of places to go, lush landscaping, abundant nightlife, twinkling lights reflecting into hundreds of ponds and lakes and a year-round invitation to come out and play. Orlando is Florida's largest inland city and the world's top tourist destination. While most traveler's journey to Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios and other parks south of town, others find their way to Orlando's downtown. Especially during the evening, downtown Orlando offers a variety of treats for adults and kids Church Street Station or a stroll or carriage ride around Lake Eola park. Other cultural amenities include the Orlando Museum of Art, the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, the Orlando Opera Company, the Civic Theatre of Central Florida, the Orange County Regional History Center, the Orlando Science Center. The Harry P. Leu Gardens are spread over 50 lush acres and boasts the largest camellia collection and rose garden in the South. Orlando is proud of its neighborhoods and boasts hundreds within the city limits. Hundreds more surround Orlando in Orange County. With an ever-increasing number of families to serve, the Orange County School Board has dedicated itself to a more streamlined school administration with an emphasis on basics.

Residents certainly have choices in Orlando for everything from health care to schooling. The Orlando Magic, the Orlando Predators and the Orlando Solar Bears provide nonstop action for the sports enthusiast - the choices are open year round with everything from golf to ice skating to park hopping. The area's continued growth keeps city planners on their toes, with a special focus on traffic and transportation issues. Plans to increase the capacity for Interstate 4 and other main arteries are continually being reviewed and updated by the city and the Florida Department of Transportation. The City of Orlando has initiated a tree planting program, which is available for all residents of incorporated Orlando. Central Florida is nationally recognized for the Orlando International Airport, applauded for its people-friendly design and the Lynx public transportation system has been called one of the best in the country.

The Orlando Centroplex manages several public assembly facilities comprising of the TD Waterhouse Centre, Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, Tinker Field, Expo Centre and The Florida Citrus Bowl. Each facility serves a specific purpose and acts as Central Florida's home for the very best in entertainment, sports, expositions and the arts.