Commissioner Stuart – Feb 2018
Commissioner Robert Stuart
February is a great time of year to live in Orlando as it brings many great annual events to our community! It’s a busy month with lots to celebrate.
One of those occasions is Valentine’s Day. Take your sweetheart for a picnic at Leu Gardens. Here you can find an evening of music and dancing with Ricky and the Buzzcatz. Buy your tickets in advance for a wonderful time! For more information, please visit leugardens.org.
Our culinary scene is also buzzing and there are great restaurants in every neighborhood for Valentine’s Day or any day. Restaurants like Domu at East End Market and Osprey Tavern would make a great date night.
Lovers of sentimental folk songs and fine art can stop by the Mennello Museum’s fourth annual Indie-Folkfest. This is an annual FREE family and pet-friendly event that takes place on February 10th from 12 to 5 p.m. The Mennello Museum is excited to bring the community and families together again this year! The community is invited to enjoy local music, food, beverages, and art. For more information visit indiefolkfest.wordpress.com/.
Disney’s The Lion King will be making its return to Orlando and could make a great family outing for Valentine’s Day. Opening February 14th and running through March 11th, this Broadway spectacular will be back in action at the Dr. Phillips Center of Performing Arts. For information and tickets visit drphillipscenter.org.
A great way to get ready for or celebrate Valentine’s Day is checking out our local farmers’ market scene. Enjoy the new Parramore Farmers’ Market which takes place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the soccer stadium. Then on Sundays head to Lake Eola for the Orlando Farmer’s Market. Then on Monday evenings, head to Audubon Park to enjoy their community market that truly earns its moniker and serves as a wonderful community gathering place.
Another great way to celebrate our neighborhoods and our community is by joining us at Mayor Dyer’s 13th Annual Neighborhood and Community Summit on February 10th. Three hundred neighborhood and community leaders will come together for a day of learning, networking and sharing of ideas. This will help the participants gain knowledge, gather the resources necessary to build a strong and vibrant community and connect with our City staff. Sign up with the early bird special and pay only $15.00. Visit www.cityoforlando.net/summit/ for more information.
On February 17th celebrate philanthropy and our city’s sense of humor by joining Cupid’s Undie Run. This is a “brief” fun run that takes place in the middle of a big downtown party, while raising money to find a cure for Neurofibromatosis! Visit cupids.org for details.
Also on February 17th from noon to 6 p.m. is the 9th annual Northwestern Mutual Orlando Chili Cook-off. I still remember when this event, started by some amazing local residents, got its feet off the ground in Baldwin Park and now has grown into a signature event that takes place at Orlando’s Festival Park. Enjoy more than 100 chili booths, live music, games and a kids’ zone while raising money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Foundation for Childhood Cancer. Visit orlandochilicookoff.com for information.
We also celebrate Black History Month in February. Join in the celebration on February 25th at Orlando Fashion Square Mall. Featuring a dynamic showcase of the art, culture and business community representatives, this family-style celebration will feature a “walk through of Africa through art” presentation, a fashion show, and more.
I look forward to seeing you out and about our Great City this month and thank you for your continued support of our shared community!
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