The old City Hall was constructed in 1958 and was replaced in 1991. | Photo courtesy of Orange County Regional History Center
Yep, you read that right.
Picture this: It’s October 24, 1991. You’re enjoying a quiet evening at home when you hear a massive boom. You run through the smoke to your neighbor’s house, scared out of your wits, only for them to tell you that the commotion was just the old City Hall blowing up — and it was all planned as part of a blockbuster movie.
As bizarre as it may sound, that’s exactly what happened when the crew behind “Lethal Weapon 3" filmed in Orlando.
The plot called for a stand-in for International Control Systems, Inc., a building from which LAPD officers Riggs and Murtaugh would rescue a stray cat before the structure imploded. Orlando’s old city hall was the perfect prop.
Blowing up an old city hall sounds simple enough, right? But what if the new one was already built only four feet behind it? Engineers Mark and Doug Loizeaux of Controlled Demolition, Inc. spent nearly ten months carefully planning the implosion so that the building would collapse at an 8- to 10-degree angle east, away from the brand new, $36 million City Hall.
“Hair” | Friday, June 20-Saturday, July 26 | Times vary | Renaissance Theatre Company | $25 | This musical set in the 1960s follows a group of hippies as they navigate feelings surrounding war, freedom, love, and self-expression.
M21: SL Benfica vs. Auckland City FC | 12 p.m. | Inter&Co Stadium | $33+ | Cheer on these teams from Portugal and New Zealand as they compete for the national title.
Saturday, June 21
Juneteenth Community Celebration 2025 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Charlie Mae Wilder Park, Winter Garden | Free | Head to the family-friendly community celebration with activities, entertainment, and food.
The Official Pride Bar Crawl | 4-11:59 p.m. | Underground Public House | $26+ | Tickets to this crawl include up to three drinks, free drag show cover, and afterparty access.
Sunday, June 22
Downtown Orlando Farmers Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Lake Eola Park| Free | Start your week with a shopping trip to this pet-friendly market where you can stock up on fresh produce and homemade items.
Family Fun Day at Boxi Park | 1 p.m. | Lake Nona Town Center, Orlando | Free | Pack up the family for this weekly summertime event featuring live music, food, and activities for all ages.
Monday, June 23
Fun With Bluey Camp | 9 a.m. | Breakthrough Theatre, Winter Park | $100 | Sign the kiddos up for this week-long camp full of Bluey activities ranging from dance parties to arts + crafts.
Tuesday, June 24
RMA at NITE | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Rollins Museum of Art, Winter Park | Free | Visit the museum through extended evening hours — post-work museum date, anyone?
Today through Friday, July 4, kiddos can order ice cream for breakfast at select Central Florida First Watch locations thanks to a collaboration with Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream. The free scoop will come with the purchase of any Kids Menu item. (Orlando Magazine)
Development
In case you missed it, a trio of former nightclub spaces in downtown Orlando could soon get new life. Property owner Church Street Entertainment filed requests for conditional use permits, but first requires city approval. That decision may come in July. (Orlando Business Journal)
Community
The Orlando Fire Department recently launched a program to install two door alarms in Orlando households near bodies of water. The “Community Care Alarm Program” was created to prevent drowning incidents. Request an alarm.
Real Estate
Home sweet Orlando. The city ranked No. 7 on ConsumerAffairs’ list of US cities with the most new homes. The study assessed the number of building permits issued + new home sales, attributing growth in the City Beautiful to its below-average median home price.
Today Is
The summer solstice, which marks the astronomical start of summer. It’s also the longest day of the year — measured by the amount of daylight — and the sun will set in Orlando at 8:26 p.m.
Post of the Day
Help us settle a debate, will you? The ORLtoday and TBAYtoday teams are currently arguing over which city’s airport has the best social media account, and we need your help proving that @flymco is the clear champion.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Which of the following events has not taken place at Inter&Co Stadium?
25% of quiz respondents knew that U2 didn’t perform at Inter&Co Stadium back in 2017 — nice job. Here’s how everyone else answered:
0% | US Men’s National Team 2018 World Cup Qualifiers 37.5% | Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra 2020 concert 37.5% | 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony
