| Orlando,
Florida is one of the most visited cities
in the nation. More than 35 million tourists
come here each year, drawn by the legion of
attractions, the excellent year round weather,
and the ideal central location which puts
the beautiful Florida beaches within easy reach. Almost 186,000 people
live in Orlando proper, according to the Census 2000,
while the Orlando
Metro area, stretching across four counties,
boasts a population of over 1,644,000. Although
Orlando's enormous tourist industry triggered this
huge growth, city leaders have a strong vision for the
future. Their economic
development plan is detailed and concise.
Their vision is to target more growth industries to
bring into the area, such as international business,
film and television, high technology, culture and
sports.
Orlando’s Downtown
district holds almost 9 1/2 million
square feet of office space, the largest
concentration in all of Metro Orlando. In
2001, almost 55,000 people worked Downtown and 17,000
people were residents. International trade firms
and consulates are located here, and city planners are
attracting even more.
The Orlando
Historic Preservation Board ensures that the
huge growth of the city will not undermine the quaint
charm and nostalgia of the city's six historic
districts, one of which is located downtown, nestled
among the modern day skyscrapers that grace the city.
Orlando, Florida
seems like a magical wonderland for children and
families. Over 95 theme parks and
attractions delight the tourists with their
spectacular thrill rides and some of the most
hair-raising roller coasters in the nation. Home
to the fantasy land of Walt
Disney World, Universal
Studios, Sea
World and Busch Gardens, visitors to Orlando could
come each and every year and never take it all in.
The city itself operates the lovely Leu
Gardens as well as the Mennello
Museum of American Folk Art.
Orlando's nightlife emerges
throughout the city, not just in the theme parks.
A favored tour stop for the nation's leading
concert bands, Orlando also has many talented local
musicians, and the city comes alive with
music after
dark. Whether your taste runs to jazz or blues,
country music or symphony orchestras, it all awaits
you in Orlando.
For those seeking
quieter, more intimate evenings, Orlando's lovely Lake
Eola Park in the Downtown district is a place
to stroll by cascading fountains, watch the exotic
bird life at sunset, or take a gondola ride. GondEola offers
rides seven nights a week, which include a lobster
dinner and wine, the perfect way to commence or
celebrate a romance.
It is easy to see why
Orlando, Florida draws so many people from all over
the world to visit, vacation, and live. |
