Church Of Cheer

Highgate Park : More local news and local events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as from burglarized to bursting with generosity, it's been a week to remember for members of a Clermont church. Burglars stole the gifts meant for needy children, "We were devastated about what had happened," Pastor Danny Hartzog said. However, Sunday afternoon, the River Church passed out more presents than anyone could have imagined.

Pastor Hartzog says church volunteers, local companies and strangers teamed up trying to replace a few hundred stolen presents and by saturday the church was flooded with thousands of gifts and an amazing bounty of holiday generosity. "We've seen children come with unwrapped toys that were actually their gifts and say I want to see another child have this," Hartzog said.

Sunday, The church passed out gifts to 500 struggling families, a few toys for each child, and a good meal for every family at the event to share. "The church giving us this it means the world to us," one family said.

Tabatha Jones and her son Gavin live in Clermont. Mom just wasn't in the position to buy gifts this year she's so relieved that her son will smile on Christmas morning. "I just want to thank everybody because like I said, it was just overwhelming and it was great." I want to say thank you for all the things they did and God bless them."

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New IMAX

Highgate Park : More local news and local events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as Universal Orlando's CityWalk entertainment district is getting IMAX movie technology and a pair of new eateries. The resort announced this morning that it has installed an IMAX theater in CityWalk's 20-screen cineplex. The changes included replacing an existing screen with a larger IMAX screen positioned closer to the audience, adding IMAX's digital-project system and upgrading the sound system.

The revamped theater will open at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 18, coinciding with the premiere of the much-hyped 3-D movie "Avatar" by director James Cameron. "With the addition of the IMAX at AMC Universal Cineplex in CityWalk our guests now get the highest picture and sound quality in the industry -- along with an incredible entertainment experience" Ric Florell, a Universal senior vice president and general manager of resort revenue operations, said in a written statement.

In addition, Universal said CityWalk is also adding two new quick-service restaurant concepts: Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar and a Fat Tuesday frozen-daiquiri bar. Fusion will open in January and Fat Tuesday will open in February.

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Natalie Cole

Highgate Park : More local news and local events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as Natalie Cole tossed in a few seasonal songs when she took the stage Saturday at Universal Orlando's Holiday Concert Series, but it's no mere show-biz concession to the time of year.

After being diagnosed with hepatitis C and kidney disease in 2008, Cole had to stop performing to undergo a kidney transplant in May. On the same day of her operation, her sister, Carole "Cookie" Cole, died of lung cancer. After all that, the singer is thankful to be performing again — and for another Christmas.

"It's gonna be a great holiday," she says by phone from her home in Los Angeles. "I haven't had a lot of time to really just understand everything, but I'm very grateful to be healthy, very happy that things have worked out the way that they have. I'm back to work, and that's the most I could ask for."

Despite her health problems, Cole didn't stay on the sidelines for long. She pushed her doctors to allow her to return to work as soon as possible. She was back at work by fall, garnering a positive review from the Los Angeles Times for her September comeback show at the Hollywood Bowl.

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Polar Express

Highgate Park : More local news and local events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as holiday guests can take an exciting trip to the North Pole aboard The Polar Express Experience. SeaWorld's Wild Arctic is transformed into the North Pole... and getting there is half the fun!

The Polar Express Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg about a doubting young boy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery during an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The Polar Express Experience immerses passengers on a multi-sensory journey of special lighting, scent, sound and motion effects in classic scenes recreated from the movie. Upon arrival at the North Pole, discover a winter wonderland of holiday cheer and amazing animal encounters.

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Rail Rubber Stamp

Highgate Park : More local news and events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as Gov. Charlie Crist signed legislation that paves the way for high-speed-rail travel in Florida. Crist said high-speed-rail systems move the state a "step closer" to creating a better transportation network, and is a tribute to the collaboration of business, community and state leaders.

"Residents and visitors will be able to travel from airports to attractions to beaches, using convenient and passenger-friendly rail and transit and spurring economic development," Crist said after he signed the legislation.

"In the face of these challenging economic times, these rail projects mean more economic opportunities and more jobs for the people of Florida. SunRail, Tri-Rail and high- speed rail will create thousands of jobs and generate millions in revenue while also being cleaner for our environment," Crist said.

The state is hoping to attract $2.6 billion in federal stimulus dollars to actually begin laying track.

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New Screen

Highgate Park : More local news and local events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as the giant LED screen on new Orlando Magic arena gets initial OK from city. The state-of-the-art video screen that will hang on the side of the Orlando Magic's new Amway Center will be so massive that some city commissioners worry it will cause distracted I-4 commuters to crash as they drive by.

The commissioners also fretted that the LED screen — which will be 46-feet-tall and 54-feet-wide, bigger than most movie screens — will make the new $480 million arena look tacky. The building is just west of Interstate 4, and the screen's changing images and graphics will face the highway.

"My concern is the safety of people on I-4," Commissioner Daisy Lynum said. "Some of the signs can be very distracting."

The big LED screen is a premier element of a $10.5 million package of high-tech video signs and screens that will blanket the arena inside and out. Magic executives have boasted that their screens will be the most advanced of any NBA arena.

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New Pizza

Highgate Park : More local news ans events from in and around the Highgate Park Orlando area as The world famous franchise “NYPD Pizza” headquartered in Orlando, Florida is delighted to announce the launch of the newly designed official website. This new user-friendly website showcases detailed descriptions of menu items, specials, nationwide locations, a catering menu and franchise information.

Along with twitter and facebook links, the website displays nationwide awards. Also featured is a pizza blog to update customers with community involvement and highlights interests for the loyal NYPD Pizza customer.

The NYPD Pizzeria began to franchise in 2004 and is an upscale pizzeria offering metro and precincts units. They are currently accepting applications for individual locations, development and territory deals around the world. NYPD Pizza is trademarked around the globe and prides itself on selling top quality products and an upbeat, family friendly atmosphere.

NYPD Pizza’s mission is to protect and serve authentic New York style pizza, commit to top quality products, provide a family neighborhood atmosphere and deliver the best customer service in the world pizza market from our squad members and franchise owners.

Established in 1996 and headquartered in Orlando, FL, New York Pizza Development, LLC proudly serves authentic New York style pizza.

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Disney Choir

Highgate Park : More local news and events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport areas as about 100 choir students from all levels will participate, singing songs opposite The Voices of Liberty, Disney's premiere choir group, near Disney's Epcot in Florida. The processional consists of 16 songs, interspersed with the Christmas story told by celebrity hosts. It is performed every day from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30, according to the Disney World Web site.

Choir director Nick Juknelis said he sent a recording of his choirs singing "Joy to the World" in August, and two days later Disney representatives told him the choir was accepted.

"It's kind of a neat feeling," Juknelis said.

The Christmas story will be read by actress Angela Bassett and her husband, actor Courtney B. Vance (of "Law and Order: Criminal Intent" fame), at the Dec. 28 processional, according to Disney World's Web site. Some choir members are awed by the opportunity.

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More Streets

Highgate Park : More local news and events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as four of Davenport’s busiest streets could revert to two-way traffic as part of a growing consensus that one-way thoroughfares cripple business and impede pedestrians. The 3rd and 4th street and Brady and Harrison corridors — both of which carry four lanes of zooming traffic — will be recommended for reconfiguration when the final draft of the long-term Davenport In Motion transportation study is presented to the City Council.

Last week, aldermen got a preview of the study and, despite knowing such a sea change will meet with skepticism and some optimism, appeared to embrace the one-ways to two-ways concept.

Paul Moore, an engineer with Gladding-Jackson of Atlanta, one of the study consultants, said the trend in major American metro areas is for the elimination of massive one-way streets that turn into de-facto expressways. This is particularly true in downtowns and historic business districts.

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Big Fish

Highgate Park : More local news and events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as Florida has long been known as a place to catch world-class bass. In 2001, Kissimmee's Lake Tohopekaliga , or Lake Toho as it is commonly called, found its way into the record books when Dean Rojas caught a Bassmasters tournament-record five-fish limit totaling 45 pounds, 2 ounces in one day.

Big money events, such as the 2006 Bassmaster Classic in Orlando, have solidified Florida's reputation as an international bass destination.

But studies have shown that the average size of Florida's tournament bass have steadily declined over the past 30 years. "The state's population is going to double in the next 50 years," said Dale Jones, who leads the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's effort to preserve the bass fisheries. "The pressure on the state's bass fisheries is only going to increase. We have to have a plan to meet those needs."

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New Train

Highgate Park : More local news and events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as the Florida Senate on Tuesday joined the Florida House in passing a sweeping passenger rail bill, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, were enjoying a private chat in Washington, their fourth in recent days.

The bill creates a much broader opportunity for state prospects than might be obvious, said Mica, an influential transportation advocate on Capitol Hill.

In addition to enhancing prospects for a Tampa-to-Orlando high-speed rail route by 2014 that could create some 15,000 construction jobs, the bill could improve chances for local light rail that would connect with the high-speed service, Mica and other local officials said Wednesday.

"This is the finest blueprint for transportation ever passed in Florida," Mica said in a phone interview from Washington. "It can serve as a model for around the country."

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New Golf

Highgate Park : More local news and local events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as Orlando is home to the debut of a revolutionary golf simulator to a worldwide audience. The innovative simulator is not only small and portable but it also allows golfers to practice real golf under real golf conditions.

Golf Boomerang also enables players to play golf on any surface such as sand, snow and even water, enabling year-round training. Its unique features and easy portability allows golfers to travel with it and practice in variety of rather unusual places like beach, vacation resort, office building roof, weekend cabin or even on a houseboat. No more looking for lost balls.

During Outdoor Demo Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge in Orlando, Golf Boomerang Ltd. will showcase its Golf Mobile Boomerang simulator to influential PGA Professionals, VIP retailers and general public as well. From Thursday, Jan. 28 to Saturday, Jan. 30, Golf Boomerang will exhibit on the show floor within the equipment hall at booth # 881, Their Golf Boomerang simulator will be also displayed at New Product section at the Orange County Convention Center.

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New Potter

Highgate Park : More local news and events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as after many months of silence and the occasional insight into the proposed Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios in Florida, there is finally movement in the Potter camp as a new bridge is built along with a sign advertising the new attraction at the ever-popular theme park.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is highly anticipated and Universal Orlando has been somewhat tight lipped about its new addition that is currently being constructed in the Islands of Adventure section and is due to open its doors in spring 2010.

New adverts have begun airing on NBC Universal and plans to organise a grand opening for Harry Potter faithful have also recently been unveiled. The marketing campaign is likely to get into full swing after Christmas and the world should prepare for more Harry Potter mayhem. Universal Orlando will be spending a whopping $200 million on the new project.

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Star Wars V

Highgate Park : More local news and events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as details are annouced of the biggest gathering of Star Wars fans on this planet. . .or any other. It’s Star Wars Celebration V commemorating the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back.

The event is scheduled to take place August 12-15, 2010, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida but registration opens this Thursday, December 10 through the Star Wars Celebration website.

Lucasfilm Ltd launched Star Wars Celebrations in 1999. To date, there have been four Star Wars Celebrations in America, as well as a Star Wars Celebration Europe (2007) and Star Wars Celebration Japan (2008). Star Wars Celebration V will be the first Star Wars Celebration produced jointly with Reed PopGroup, which is responsible for the successful New York Comic Con, the new Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) and more.

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New Firehouse

Highgate Park : More local news and events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport as Orlando firefighters and department brass moved into a gleaming new $21 million fire station Wednesday, a three-story building equipped with rooftop gardens, downtown views and a modern fitness center.

The new Fire Station 1 on West Central Boulevard replaces the 49-year-old main firehouse on South Magnolia Avenue, which is being demolished to make way for the eventual construction of the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center.

At a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, Mayor Buddy Dyer and Fire Department officials praised the project as "under budget." But the final price tag was 50 percent more than the $14 million earmarked by the City Council for the project in 2006.

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Even More Flights

Highgate Park : More local news and events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as Allegiant Air, the only low-cost carrier serving Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, is moving its Orlando service to Orlando International Airport on Feb. 8. The airline currently flies from GSP to Orlando-Sanford International Airport. It serves 31 cities at the smaller airport and will initially provide service to Orlando International from 10 cities. Allegiant will continue to serve 21 destinations out of Orlando-Sanford, said Tyri Squyres, vice president of corporate communications.

Orlando is a top destination for Upstate travelers.

Robert Ashcroft, vice president of planning for Allegiant Air, said the move “allows us to be responsive to the many Upstate travelers who prefer the proximity of Orlando International to the most prominent attractions in the Orlando area.” He said it also improves the airline's position relative to competitors.

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High Runner

Highgate Park : More local news and events from in and around the Highgate Park Davenport area as Orlando's Rory Helzer, who was believed to have left the course during Sunday's Space Coast Marathon, actually finished the 26.2-mile course -- on a pair of 44-inch stilts. Helzer was attempting to set new world records in the one mile, 5K, 8K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon. His one-mile time of 12 minutes, 57 seconds came up short of the record, which is 12:23. His final time of 9 hours, 22 minutes, 10 seconds also did not better the world record time of 8:25.

But he did finish the race, and he received his finisher medal.

Race director Denise Piercy said there was some confusion when Helzer was spotted stopping, sitting down in a truck and taking his stilts off. It wasn't until later in the day that word came back that Helzer still was on the course.

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