Central Florida is getting wilder. | Photo by @colemama via Openverse
Want more from your lawn than just grass? You could turn it into a mini “national park.”
Meet Homegrown National Park, a nationwide grassroots movement that invites property owners to restore wildlife habitats through sustainable planting and the removal of invasive species.
Here’s how it works: Swap a portion of your lawn for native plants that support food webs for local fauna, then watch your yard transform into a natural oasis where wildlife thrives. Registered habitats are tracked on a digital biodiversity map, so you can see which O-Town neighbors are pitching in.
Explore the map for yourself. | Screenshot via Homegrown National Park
Travelers, take note. Orlando International Airport will kick off a project to replace its aging tram system on Sunday, Dec. 7. While trams are offline, MCO will shuttle travelers to and from gates via buses. Work is slated to be completed in fall 2027. (FOX 35)
Active
Miami-based fitness studio TREMBLE is on its way to Orlando. Expect a 1,500-sqft Mills Park studio by spring 2026, offering the brand’s signature mashup of Pilates, resistance training, and high-intensity interval work. (Bungalower)
Closed
Bar Kada, a sake lounge in Winter Park, quietly closed on Sunday, Nov. 30. In an Instagram post, the team announced the closure and teased they’ll “be sharing good news very soon.” Stay tuned.
Development
A new, $45 million mixed-use development will break ground today in Maitland. Set to open by the end of 2026, Sails at Trelago will feature five Mediterranean-style buildings with retail, restaurant, and office space. (Orlando Business Journal)
Open
Chick this out. A new Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers opened on I-Drive this week, and another brand-new location will debut on Collegiate Way on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Here’s how to win free chicken. (ClickOrlando)
Parks
Big news for “Bluey” fans. The beloved blue heeler will begin appearing at Disney World next summer alongside her sister Bingo. The new Animal Kingdom activation will include interactive games from the show, a dedicated photo op, and more surprises. (FOX 35)
Ranked
O-Town is the No. 2 most fun city in America — right behind Las Vegas — according to a new WalletHub Study. Orlando ranked No. 1 in restaurants per capita + attractions, and also scored high for its festivals and dance club scene.
Health
Meet Horizon IX, an innovative hearing aid that a leading audiologist calls “nothing short of a miracle.” With dual processors for sharper speech and less noise, it offers a nearly invisible design for all-day comfort. Try it at no risk for 45 days and experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
Stat
26%. That’s how much you can save on all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads when you use code COUNTDOWNTO2026 on our business promo portal. No long-term contract required + your promo can be here in as little as two days. Get started.
Health
This FDA-registered vibrator is recommended by doctors because it boosts arousal and supports natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? Save 35% + an extra 15% with code H4PPY15.*
Have you heard of Bake Club Orlando? The new O-Town meetup invites local bakers to bring a dozen or two of their favorite treats, then sample everyone else’s homemade goods.
Founded by Orlando local Jennyfer Marie, the club is all about celebrating creativity in the kitchen, pushing your skills, and making new friends. Psst — tickets are still available for the holiday cookie exchange on Friday, Dec. 19.
Three viral products that are actually worth paying attention to:
☕ A JavaSok — aka an insulated neoprene sleeve for your favorite iced drinks. The widely popular product is an Amazon bestseller + one of the top gifts of the season. Bonus: Discover Soks for cans, water bottles, ice cream pints, and more.
🥘 The StoveShelf — as seen in Business Insider and Food & Wine. It’s a high-quality magnetic attachment for your stovetop that stores frequently used items like spices, condiments, and cooking oils.
🐻 Something that’s on every teenager’s holiday wishlist: the viral Starbucks Bearista bear cup. If you couldn’t get your hands on the original (they sold out within minutes), we found the perfect look-alike on Amazon.
O-Town is turning upside down over the new season of “Stranger Things” — check out these playful posts from Orlando Squeeze and Orlando International Airport. Plus, a fun fact before you go: Millie Bobby Brown, the hit show’s leading lady, once lived in Orlando.
