🚦 An Orlando staple runs out of gas after almost 54 years in business

Plus, many Orlando homes are celebrating a big birthday this year and a new pho restaurant with 2D designs and 3D flavors.

By Katie Johnston

Welcome to Thursday, Orlando.

Is your house turning 100 years old? If you live in the downtown vicinity, there’s a very real possibility your residence will be hitting a big birthday soon — many of Orlando’s homes were built during the housing boom of the 1920s. You can read more about this fun historical factoid courtesy of our friends over at The Community Paper.  And as a longtime Lake Eola Heights resident, you can bet your sweet bippy that my walks will now include counting all of the century-old homes in the neighborhood. So if you see me staring at your abode intently, don’t be alarmed — just a normal Orlandoan taking in the weight of the history surrounding her. 😜

Another fun fact: I take way too many pics of the awesome homes in my neighborhood when I’m out for my walks. I’ve even thought of starting an Instagram account for my findings or just a Pulptown series. I’d call it: “To all the homes I’ve loved before” or “Houses I’d like to Reside.” What’re your thoughts about that? 

Anyway, let’s take a look at everything happening around town below. 👇

What Orlando is talking about

🚦 Lil500 GoKarts is closing up shop forever on Saturday and the family-run business would love to have you out for one more ride. The go-cart biz has been an Orlando staple for almost 54 years and was THE local amusement spot before “other attractions” arrived. Take a ride down memory lane with this video Pulptown made in 2019 back when Kayla O’Brien was still making amazing videos for us. (Lil500 on Facebook) 

🚀 SpaceX hopes to launch more Starlink satellites into the sky today, weather permitting. The forecast looks favorable and if it holds out, the 33rd batch of little satellites will head out to orbit between 4:49 and 6:47 p.m. (WKMG) 

🍜 Dinner is better in black & white, or so says local blogger Andrea about Twenty Pho Hour. The Orlando foodie and Yelp Elite visited the brand new pho spot last week and said its “two-dimensional theme is perfectly executed, as you walk into this coloring book template — from each chair to the dishes, to every wall.” See for yourself at the link, or visit in-person at its new location on I-Drive. (CheatDayORL on Instagram)

🎫 Wells’Built Museum has high hopes of expanding this year. The nonprofit behind the museum of African American history and culture has applied for a $1 million grant from the state in hopes of renovating the existing property. And they weren’t the only ones to ask for the grant — the City of Orlando filed an application on their behalf too. Among other things, the museum hopes to add on a gift shop, cafe, and theater space. (Bungalower)

🍽 Many new businesses are opening amid the pandemic, and News 6 compiled a list of 30 worth keeping an eye on. From the much-talked-about AVA MediterrAegean on Park Ave to Susuru Juju opening in the Milk District (in the old Pizza Hut in front of Target), there’s going to be a lot to devour in the coming days. (WKMG)

🍓 It’s strawberry-pickin’ time, Orlando. The red berries are prime for the plucking and look the best that they will all year. Head to the link to find all the U-Pick patches around Central Florida that’ll satisfy your strawberry-lovin’ desires. 👉 (WKMG) 

😷 It’s been a hectic few weeks so you might’ve missed it, but the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts has reinstated its mask mandate. The state-of-the-art entertainment venue announced the decision last week and is requiring masks at all indoor shows regardless of vaccination status as of last Thursday. (News 13)