I was over in Baldwin Park earlier this evening, and saw several of these little guys hangin’ out around the ‘hood:

Even after Googling it, I still have no idea what these are for. I do know this particular gator is wearing an Orlando Magic t-shirt. Does that have any specific meaning?

Maybe this is what Jack Johnson was singing about?

Ominous view of the sky from my balcony last night.

Apparently there’s something big going on with the Orlando Magic.

I’m seeing signs and billboards up all over the Central Florida area, and I hear the Orlando Magic is in the playoffs or something? I’m not really into sports–with the exception of tennis & soccer–so I don’t keep-up with what’s going on in basketball.

I do, however, know many folks who are big Magic fans and much of the city of Orlando is buzzing with excitement. At the same time, many people are talking about Central Florida having many “fair-weathered” fans.

What are your thoughts? Is Central Florida supporting their home team? Or are they merely “jumping on the bandwagon”?

Do you care about the Orlando Magic?(poll)

Caught a glimpse of this earlier today on Twitter, and now it’s confirmed.

The newly opened, Sanctuary Diner and its neighbor, Graze, have closed.

More victims of the economic downturn?

What are your favorite Central Florida favorites?

It’s that time again for Orlando Weekly’s annual “Best of Orlando.” Do you have a favorite local celebrity? Local drinking hole? Favorite store or restaurant? BEST LOCAL BLOG (uhem….) Then why not give them props by nominating for them in this local favorite poll?

But wait…before you nominate for your faves there are a few of the things you need to keep in mind (this directly from the Orlando Weekly website):

• You must include your name and address along with a phone number and/or e-mail address where you can be reached. This is for verification only and the information won’t be shared. Everyone who correctly fills out a ballot is eligible to win two tickets to our super fabulous Best of Orlando party. (You have to be at least 21 to attend. We like to drink.)
• You have to vote in at least 15 categories.
• You can’t use the same answer in more than 5 categories.
• You can encourage people to vote for you.
• You can link to the poll on your web site.
• You can’t fill out polls in other people’s names.
• You can’t print out this poll and mail it to us. Online voting only.
• You can’t vote more than once. Votes with the same name from different computers will be trashed, as will multiple votes from the same computer.

Voting closes at 12:00am on Thursday, June 18th, so visit the “Best of Orlando” voting page now and let your local voice be heard!

Updated 12:04PM EST: I just voted! It’s quick, it’s easy…so do it! (P.S. I did not vote for our blog.)

Remember a few months ago when I blogged about my visit to ICEBAR Orlando? Well, since then I’ve noticed ICEBAR is being much more active on Twitter and promoting their activities & entertainment. I think this is great (I wish more Central Florida bars/venues would promote themselves this way), and I love seeing what’s going on with this unique bar.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit ICEBAR Orlando yet this weekend would be the perfect time. Here’s what’s going on tonight, via Twitter:

Tonight CODE RED. DJ GQ, This is not to be missed. Amazing sound, great drinks. Be there! @icebarorlando“.

As a refresher, here’s where ICEBAR Orlando is located:

8967 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
T: 407.426.7555
F: 407.426.7333
E-mail: reservations@icebarorlando.com

They’re keen on the “Advertising Club”?

Are you a budding ecopreneur?  The Green Cities Conference is coming to the Orange County Convention Center May 20-21st.  The goal of the conference is to

“demystify ‘sustainability’ and provide you with tools, steps and resources from top experts and educators.  You will walk away with green strategies that will transform the way you think, live, manage business and govern in Florida.”

I think the most beneficial part of the conference is helping Central Floridians gain insight into environmental jobs and opportunities.  You will also learn ways to green your government and your business.

Pricing ranges from $99 for single day admission or $149 for two day admission (both without meals or pre-loaded thumb drive).  There is also an option for meals and a thumb drive filled with green tools and resources.

So if you are looking to learn a bit more about going green and would like to meet some like-minded individuals, this is definintely a conference to check out.

Follow them on Twitter for upcoming events and news : @greencitiesnews.

Who wouldn’t want some free ice cream?

A friend of mine recently sent me a message through Facebook, about Walmart giving away free ice cream on Saturday, May 30th. I can think of no better way to beat the Central Florida heat.

Check-it-out:

Visit the following link and enter your zip code to find the location nearest you: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/food-center-ice-cream.aspx.

The House of Blues venue at Downtown Disney continues to be one of my favorite places to see live music, and they’re constantly booking really great talent. Last night I went to see a long-time favorite electronica group of mine, The Crystal Method. Unfortunately I didn’t get any video because I’m never quite sure if you can take your camera into House of Blues (I see a “check” table outside, yet I see folks inside the venue taking pictures with cameras) but I did get a couple of great photos with my phone:

In case you’re not familiar with The Crystal Method, here’s one of their earlier videos to jog your brain. You can also follow them on Twitter.

To keep-up with who’s coming to play at the House of Blues at Downtown Disney, register with their site. When you do you’ll get e-mail updates and special deals.