Transcript
Hi I’m Richard The Orlando Guy and it’s time for another Orlando Update.
The Orlando Guardians, a brand new XFL team, is set to kick off their first home game at Camping World Stadium on Sunday, February 26th. Allen Johnson, the chief venue officer for the City of Orlando said, “Orlando Guardians will add five football games to the schedule of 2023 events hosted at Camping World Stadium and any time you add event inventory in your stadium, you’re very happy.” The Guardians have had good ticket sales for their inaugural year and have had strong interest in the premium seating for the games. The XFL which has media rights with the Walt Disney Company which lasts five years — bodes well for the future of the league. The Orlando Guardians is headed by coach Terrell Buckley, a 14-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl 36 Champion.
SunRail the Central Florida commuter train is looking to expand southward. Polk County has asked the Florida Department of Transportation to start exploring a possible connection. Currently SunRail reaches south to the city of Poinciana. Nicole Mills, district intermodal systems development administrator for the FDOT said the initial idea would be having stations in Haines City and then Lakeland with possible stations added to Auburndale and Lake Alfred. A study will look at the cost, alternatives and benefits, as well as options to fund service, operations and maintenance. SunRail is currently expanding northward to the city of DeLand with service set to start in 2024. I’ll keep you updated on this exciting development.
A brand-new diner and dessert restaurant concept is opening in Orlando at International Drive’s Point Orlando. Illinois-based JoJo’s Shake Bar dishes up elevated diner fare and unbelievable shakes. The 80s- and 90s-themed restaurant’s menu includes sandwiches, salads, soups, brunch and cocktails. But the Shake Bar’s claim to fame is their biggie shakes like the Gold Digger, a caramel toffee shake with gold star marshmallows, toffee pretzels, white chocolate and a macadamia nut cookie; or, their Girl Scout shake made with Andes mint chocolates, toasted marshmallows, chocolate pretzels, chocolate s’mores and a double chocolate cookie. The Orlando location will be 4,239 square feet including an outdoor patio and will seat 250 guests with a staff of 60 employees. An opening date has not been announced, but construction is currently underway.
Finally, we have a brand-new airline flying into Terminal C at Orlando International Airport. Lynx, the Canadian low-fare airline began service on January 27th with flights between MCO and Toronto Pearson International Airport four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Orlando is the first U.S. destination for Lynx because of our famous theme parks, world-class golf and great weather. Visit Orlando President and CEO Casandra Matej said, “Lynx is launching new direct flight services to Orlando at the perfect time, ahead of popular booking periods, including the upcoming Spring break season.
That’s your Orlando Update for now, click the like button, subscribe to my channel set the notification bell so you don’t miss a single update. I’m Richard – The Orlando Guy. See you next time.