Editor Letter: Constructing a Wholesome Group

Whereas my kids have been in school between 2004 and 2010, I spent an extreme period of time driving by way of the small cities of rural America. My automotive made it by way of the winding roads of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Western Maryland, and West Virginia. I purchased do-it-yourself pies at pie stands, recent corn and fruit, and met an fascinating array of strangers. They have been fascinating adventures, discovering America whereas touring to go to my kids as they labored their summer time jobs.

I keep in mind two summers the place I discovered myself in Findlay and New Philadelphia, Ohio, quiet corners the place you possibly can see the remnants of old-time America. These former bustling communities jogged my memory of fictional locations like Bedford Falls in “It’s a Great Life,” or Mayberry from “The Andy Griffith Present.” The distinction was that these cities have been largely closed, home windows boarded up with graffiti, “Out of enterprise.” Monuments to communities that have been as soon as the spine of our nation now bordering on ghost city standing.

I keep in mind when Downtown Orlando was on the verge of turning into one in every of these ghost cities. It was within the early 80s. I used to be in school and making an attempt to find a particular deal with on Orange Ave. Whereas the home windows weren’t boarded, a lot of the enterprise doorways have been closed. One may stroll from one finish of Orange Ave. to the opposite with out seeing a soul.

After a 30-year absence, it thrills me to see that Downtown Orlando is now a vibrant place. How lucky for all of us that the leaders of Orlando took the steps to revitalize Orlando, making a thriving vacation spot for vacationers and folks desirous to name Central Florida house. You possibly can examine this in “Reimagining Downtown Orlando,” which explains Challenge Downtown Orlando 2.0, Orlando’s grasp plan for the long run.

One signal of a profitable group is the standard of well being care. Orlando journal’s Susan Jenks sits down with Dr. Kirk Erickson, Director of Translational Neuroscience at AdventHealth’s Neuroscience Institute in Orlando. Dr. Erickson is doing groundbreaking analysis in mind well being and Alzheimer’s.

It wouldn’t be a March difficulty and not using a have a look at the native St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawls. Orlando journal has taken it a step additional, that includes “Cocktails and Speakeasies,” a deep dive into the hidden and not-so-hidden gems in Central Florida.

It’s time to vote for Orlando journal’s Better of Marriage ceremony (BOW) Awards. Winners will seem within the June difficulty. We thank our BOW 2023 sponsor, Dr. George Pope of Pope Plastic Surgical procedure. To position your vote for the Greatest Marriage ceremony Vendor in Central Florida, go to orlandomagazine.com/bow-awards-ballot.

Wholesome communities start with a wholesome downtown. Profitable companies, engaged residents, cultural occasions, and employment are all indicators of a booming group. When cities neglect these areas, it’s not simply the lack of enterprise, however shedding a once-vibrant city. How lucky we’re to dwell in Orlando, with management that appears to the long run.

T. Michele Walker

[email protected]