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🤫 We're letting you in on a little secret
Honest to God, we’ve maybe never enjoyed an event as much as this one. The good news is that we’re planning to do it again, so if you have a friend you’re dying to pitch, keep those eyes peeled for an upcoming announcement. | Want to see your photo here? Tag #pulptown to be featured in our Instagram of the day.
What Orlando is talking about
Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon dominated Saturday’s slam dunk contest in Chicago prior to last night’s All-Star Game. However, he still didn’t take home first place and the crowds (and the internet) went wild calling it highway robbery. The Orlando Police Department and Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón joined in on the fun with the weekend’s best tweets. (Larry Brown Sports, Twitter)
We’re going to let you in on a little secret. For today only, you can get 50 percent off your ticket to see the spoof Spamilton at Dr. Phillips Center. All you have to do is enter the code Alexander at checkout and it expires at midnight. The show debuts Tuesday, Feb. 24 and runs through March. Um, happy President’s Day! (Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts)
Tomorrow is the last day to register to vote or change parties before the primaries in Florida. The Sunshine State has what we call a “closed primary” which means voters will only be able to nominate representatives who are affiliated with their party. We’ll make it easy for you, here’s the link to register. (Orlando Weekly)
While on the topic of politics, Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, opened up his first campaign office in Orlando over the weekend. The office, located in Winter Park, is paid for and run by volunteers only, aka there is no paid staff. Sanders joins two other Democratic presidential hopefuls — former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren — in opening an office here. (Orlando Sentinel)
The Orlando Storm just released its 2020 schedule. What’s the Orlando Storm? Glad you asked — it’s Florida’s only pro tennis team and it’s kicking off its second season July 12 at Lake Nona’s USTA National Campus. (Bungalower)
What’s the deal with membership?
Maybe you’re thinking … what does membership get me?
🎟 Discounted tickets to select Pulptown events
🏆 Exclusive access to special giveaways and content, like the chance to win tickets to the coolest Orlando events
🛍 A special welcome kit to proudly showcase your support for Pulptown
☀️ The good feeling of supporting a local small business and showing up for community journalism
Want to join the squad? Here’s how: Become a member today, and Katie will send you her pro-tip on the best three meals in town — along with a very heartfelt thank you.
We’re even offering a discounted rate right now — enter coupon code pulptown_annual for an $80 annual membership (look at the top left of the page here).
Today’s local we think you should know is Bros in Convo Executive Director, Daniel J. Downer. He can be seen here, participating in a community discussion at @rollinscollege late last year.
Meet this Orlandoan
Once a week, we’re going to do our best to introduce you to someone, something, or some organization that we think you should know.
We’re starting with Daniel J. Downer, the executive director of Bros in Convo Initiative, a community-led organization dedicated to “building, promoting, and protecting the well-being of young GBQ/SGL men of color living in Central Florida”.
Daniel, what’s your Orlando story? I’m a native! I was born and raised in the Altamonte Springs/Apopka area. I relocated to Atlanta, GA for college and quickly realized how much I loved and missed Central Florida, so as soon as I graduated, I moved back. I lived in Orlando for a few years and now call Sanford home.
How did Bros in Convo get its start? Through an HIV education and prevention micro-grant for what was only supposed to be a six-month sexual health and wellness program for young Black GBQ/SGL men in Central Florida. And two years later (and with more funding) we are here and continue to provide programs and services that educate and empower young Black GBQ/SGL men in Central Florida.
If you could give one piece of advice to people living in Orlando, what would it be? Um. It is a toss-up between, “Look both ways before crossing the street” and “You can’t fully understand a city without using its public transportation system.” (insert a mic drop)
Who should our readers follow? And who should we interview next? The Bros in Convo Initiative of course! @brosinconvo. Central Florida Top 5 @centralfltop5, FusionFest @fusionfestorlando, Bungalower @orlandobungalower, and of course Pulptown @pulptown. I would nominate Nicole Elinoff of the League of Women Voters Orange County.
Head here to hear more from Daniel. He shares the one thing he wishes he could change about Orlando, his ultimate itinerary when a friend visits town, and what’s he’s most proud of.
Know someone we should talk to? Or a business or organization all Orlandoans should know? Drop us a line at katie@pulp.town and tell us who/what/why!
Today
🍿 Watch "Black Panther" at A La Cart on this fine Movie Monday (East Colonial)
🍿 Throw it back and jam out to the 1979 film, "Rock 'n Roll High School"(Maitland)
☮️ Set your intentions for the week at this candlelight yin yoga class (Baldwin Park)
Tomorrow
🍽 This week's lineup for Tasty Takeover is mouthwatering (Milk District)
🍷 Get to know Argentina for $20 with this wine tasting (SoDo)
❓ Hey Potterheads, put that random Harry Potter knowledge to good use (Winter Park)
⚽️ Watch Orlando City take on Reykjavik in this preseason match (Parramore)
📸 Learn photography 101 at the new coffee space Qreate (Mills 50)
Wednesday
🎶 Take it down to Kokomo with The Beach Boys (Downtown)
🤝 Mingle with other Orlandoans and enjoy the view of our skyline, all for a good cause (Downtown)
🌺 Go on a walking tour of the blooming camellias at Leu Gardens (Audubon Park)
🗣 Drink good beer and learn something new while you're at it (Milk District)
Thursday
🍿 Grab some food and pull up a chair (or a blanket) for this free movie in the park (Winter Park)
🍹 Cheers to this healthy happy hour (College Park)
Friday
🍻 Pair your favorite Girl Scout cookies with your favorite brews (Ivanhoe)
☮️ Practice yoga under the stars then namaste around for a local brew (SoDo)
🎈 Head to Lake County for this hot-air balloon festival (Groveland)
Saturday
🍺 Our local breweries are putting on a brew fest and it's going to be a boozy doozy (Downtown)
🍰 You can have (read: make) your cake and eat it too after all (Thornton Park)
👠 Celebrate the "Pride" in our city and support Orlando City Foundation at this annual gala (Lake Buena Vista)
🎨 Get your hands down with the "Dirty Pour Project" at Ivanhoe Park Brewing (Ivanhoe)
🎷 Jazz-lover? Don't miss this annual festival (Apopka)
🎶 This is Katie's (Pulptown Director) No. 1 annual event pick — don't miss the 3rd Annual Sanford Porchfest (Sanford)
Sunday
🍽 Save your appetites! Lily Ann, the creators behind Mockingbird FL, are popping up at The Heavy (Winter Park)
🍾 Enjoy brunch and live music at The Veranda with Chef Drew (Thornton Park)
🛍 Shop local vintage on Wall Street (Downtown)
The Cupid's Undie Run just gets better year after year. Don't miss it the next go-round.