For the next few weeks, we’re going to be exploring SoDo together in our new Neighborhood Spotlight series.

From Swirlery Wine Bar to Aardvark Beverages to Tin and Taco (SoDo) and Rockpit Brewing, growth is the name of the game for SoDo in 2019, and we’re excited to introduce you to the local people, places and groups that make it special.

Curious about how the neighborhood got its start? Or what the best spot is to grab a beer? Stay tuned — we’ll be giving you an opportunity to send us your Qs about SoDo later this week.

Now, let’s check out why SoDo is a good place to visit when you’re thirsty, and especially for those of you who want to learn about the work that goes into making those tasty beverages.

MADE POSSIBLE BY SODO DISTRICT 

We’ve updated our Pulptown Spotify playlist for December and it includes suggestions from a few of you— we’re loving your recs, Kevin Watts and Brian Quain. Check out what we listen to every day, and let us know if you’ve got some songs to add!

Police Stand Their Ground too. In another win for the pro-gun lobby, Florida’s Supreme Court recently ruled that police officers can use the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law as a defense in shootings. The controversial 2005 law provides a lot of legal latitude for people to use deadly force if they feel their life is in danger. The law got George Zimmerman off the hook in the killing of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012 and has been used in several other high-profile cases since. Critics worry that police officers will claim self-defense each time they are involved in a questionable shooting and that minorities will be disproportionately affected. (The New York Times)

Meet the bike fairy. When Kathy Downs asked on social media for bike donations for children in the Orange County foster care system, she expected a few responses at most. Then 1,500 bike donations later, and Downs has created a modern fairytale. “We have a very giving community,” Downs said. E-mail Kathy if you wanna donate. (Click Orlando)

Come back later. A university event at the Florida Capitol that planned to spotlight the state schools has been postponed because of ‘damning information’ about the University of Central Florida. UCF reportedly misused $38 million state dollars to build Trevor Colbourn Hall. The money was intended for operating expenses, President Dale Whittaker admitted that the leftover money was instead used on the new building. (Orlando Sentinel)

Out-of-this-world tourism. Here’s a (not so) fun fact: The current cost of a ticket to space is roughly a quarter million dollars. Orlando-based Space Florida, which wants to send people into space on private crafts,  wants to lower this number, ultimately making space travel more accessible. Welcome to our modern day “space race.” (WESH)

🚨 A SPECIAL NEW YEARS EVE GIVEAWAY ALERT 🚨

What better way to ring in the new year than on the red carpet, in your gala best at the Orlando Museum of Art? We’ve got two tickets to Nouveau, Orlando’s premier New Year’s Eve event. There will be live music, fireworks and full museum access — the perfect setting to welcome 2019.

How do you enter to win? All you have to do is share your unique link with your buddies and get ‘em to sign up: https://pulp.town/invitation/*|UNIQID|*. For every person you refer, you’ll get an entry. Want extra entries? Get even more people to sign up!

We’ll draw the winner TOMORROW at 6 p.m., and announce ‘em in Wednesday’s newsletter.

Good luck!

See you tomorrow, bright and early, Orlando,
— Pulptown