What Orlando is talking about
⚽️ It’s playoff season, and that means it’s time to “Light Our City Purple.” You can show your support for Orlando City SC by grabbing a free purple light bulb from pop-up spots at various Publix locations around town over the next two weeks and illuminating our boys’ path to MLS Cup glory. (Orlando City SC)
⚾️ The NCAA’s Early Signing Day happened on Wednesday and a long list of area athletes have committed to colleges all across the country. See if you recognize a name or two by clicking on the link. 👉 (Orlando Sentinel)
⚖️ The family of a late Orlando college student is fighting for legislation to improve apartment safety. Miya Marcano was murdered last month at the condo where she lived and worked, prompting her surviving relatives to push for “Miya’s Law.” The proposal is being introduced to the Florida Legislature by State Sen. Linda Stewart and would require apartment managers to conduct national background checks on employees. The family has also started the Miya Marcano Foundation to assist other relatives of missing persons. (Orlando Sentinel, WFTV)
🤖 The world’s largest “show-and-tell” is back in town. Maker Faire is taking place tomorrow and Sunday at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, and between the combat robots, go-kart racing, and bountiful array of knick-knacks, attendees are bound to be entertained. (Bungalower)
🔭 You can stargaze from the Orlando Science Center again. That’s because the museum is reopening its observatory today after it closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic. For now, only smaller, private experiences are available: Prices run $250 for up to five people (or less if you’re a science center member!), and tours are offered at 8:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. (Orlando Sentinel)
🎄 If you’re near the Lake Como area, be sure to take a drive by 2811 Clemwood Street. This time last year, David and Frank Nubar decorated their home with more than 200,000 lights to honor those who lost their lives to COVID-19. Now, they’ve strung up more than half a million lights to keep up their tradition of honoring those lost to the pandemic. (WFTV)
✨ Give Kids the World’s Night of a Million Lights is making its annual return tonight. The immersive holiday spectacular event features millions of lights, a sparkling tree trail, and larger-than-life holiday displays; you can experience it now through Sunday, Jan. 2 and tickets start at $15 for kids and $25 for adults. (Orlando Magazine)
CORRECTION: Yesterday’s newsletter referenced an article reporting that the new Sprouts location coming to the Milk District would be the first to open in Central Florida. This is inaccurate — Sprouts has three existing locations operating in Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, and Oviedo. Both the source article and yesterday’s edition of Pulptown have been updated for accuracy.