OT ..... bad week for my hometown.

[FRESH]

Orlando.

Man alive, we are getting an awful black eye this week. Between a wannabe gay radical Muslim assasin, and rogue alligators dragging infants into a lake at the premier theme park in the world, our image is taking one heck of a hit. Anyone think this will affect orlando tourism??

In all absolute seriousness, as we are still reeling from the Pulse massacre, this news this morning from over at Disney (whom my company is a long time vendor for) is bloody icing on the cake. Surreal at this point. This is supposed to be the "Happiest place on earth"

Oh, and have I mentioned before how much I hate F...ING aligators!?

[Eagle60]

Orlando.

Man alive, we are getting an awful black eye this week. Between a wannabe gay radical Muslim assasin, and rogue alligators dragging infants into a lake at the premier theme park in the world, our image is taking one heck of a hit. Anyone think this will affect orlando tourism??

In all absolute seriousness, as we are still reeling from the Pulse massacre, this news this morning from over at Disney (whom my company is a long time vendor for) is bloody icing on the cake. Surreal at this point. This is supposed to be the "Happiest place on earth"

Oh, and have I mentioned before how much I hate F...ING aligators!?

Maybe it's time to stop protecting them.

[kyfred]

I don't think either is going to impact the tourism machine. Unfortunately, the killings will be replaced by another story of the year and the gator will not last as long.

There is not going to be an acceptable answer for the killings. Ultimately, there is only one person to blame. We can assign blame to guns, religion, homosexuality, failed background checks, or any one of many issues, but it still boils down to who pulled the trigger.

I do see Disney figuring out how to better monitor from the critters. I see fenced in swimming areas and some kind of protection along the banks. I also see an eradication team developing. I know they offer fishing trips on the lakes. they should apply for depredation permits and sell gator trips too.

[Eagle60]

I don't think either is going to impact the tourism machine. Unfortunately, the killings will be replaced by another story of the year and the gator will not last as long.

There is not going to be an acceptable answer for the killings. Ultimately, there is only one person to blame. We can assign blame to guns, religion, homosexuality, failed background checks, or any one of many issues, but it still boils down to who pulled the trigger.

I do see Disney figuring out how to better monitor from the critters. I see fenced in swimming areas and some kind of protection along the banks. I also see an eradication team developing. I know they offer fishing trips on the lakes. they should apply for depredation permits and sell gator trips too.

I think part of the problem is the unrealistic perception people have entering Disney World. You just have the feeling that everything is good and safe because after all, you're in the Magic Kingdom. Unfortunately you're still in Florida and people don't swim in lakes down there (do they Fresh!!!!). I know that I wouldn't. What a horrible vision must be embedded in that Father's mind for the rest of his life. I feel so bad for him!!

[FRESH]

Yeah, the gator population is getting out of control down here. It is NOT safe to casually wander or wade around the bodies of water here. If people knew or understood what might be just below the surface where they can't see, they'd freak the f out. Gators can hold their breath and just hang out below the surface for a half hour at a time. And they can take a kid out quick. Bigger ones can hail off us adilts. And now we supposedly even have crocks here in florida, LOL. Nice. I would hunt down and kill every one of the pre historic freaks.

Anyway, it's a blemish on this utopia. I didn't even mention the girl from The Voice who was shot last week. Bad, bad week for my town.

[MDFAN]

I'm in Orlando now, and IMM it will not affect tourism.

The gay club shootings could have happened anywhere, this also includes the voice singer. The child is just horrendous, but also is a weird one off, and steps will surely be taken to see that it never happens again.

The bottom line is that it is nothing more than coincidence that they happened here in Orlando so quickly one after the other.

As far as blame, 1. I see no real need for assault weapons or rapid fire weapons of any kind to ever be sold to civilians. 2. There is no stopping crazy assholes. 3. The rest could be laid to laws and political angles, that can't be discussed here.

Btw....... All this coverage and attention does nothing but fuel more crazies. And if anybody thinks all this rhetoric will change anything.... You are dead wrong.

Actions will be needed ...... Not more dogooders yakking about it.

I disdain all talking heads getting in front of cameras, getting their 15 minutes of fame.

[stocknowledge]

There will be a slight hit to tourism in Orlando, but the city will recover and in a few years this incident will just be a (very) bad memory. Tourism in NYC suffered after 911, but visiting the city is more popular now than it ever was.

One positive aspect (if there is one!) is how the community of Orlando has rallied after this tragedy. It was beautiful to see the long turnout of Orlando residents offering to donate blood and wonderful to see the wide attendance at vigils. The rest of the country has definitely seen the better side of Orlando.

I have recently purchased a home in Orlando, and will be a part-time resident after doing some renovations. I won't be a visitor during the summer months, because the heat is unbearable. Airplane flights during the busy season are filled with crying kids (It takes a special person to appreciate other people's children!). Florida culture (or lack thereof) leaves a lot to be desired. So, while I may have a residence there, I don't think I'll ever consider myself an Orlandoan - Orlando is too much like the rest of Florida. I do, however, like the Italian sandwiches at Publix!

[Eagle60]

There will be a slight hit to tourism in Orlando, but the city will recover and in a few years this incident will just be a (very) bad memory. Tourism in NYC suffered after 911, but visiting the city is more popular now than it ever was.

One positive aspect (if there is one!) is how the community of Orlando has rallied after this tragedy. It was beautiful to see the long turnout of Orlando residents offering to donate blood and wonderful to see the wide attendance at vigils. The rest of the country has definitely seen the better side of Orlando.

I have recently purchased a home in Orlando, and will be a part-time resident after doing some renovations. I won't be a visitor during the summer months, because the heat is unbearable. Airplane flights during the busy season are filled with crying kids (It takes a special person to appreciate other people's children!). Florida culture (or lack thereof) leaves a lot to be desired. So, while I may have a residence there, I don't think I'll ever consider myself an Orlandoan - Orlando is too much like the rest of Florida. I do, however, like the Italian sandwiches at Publix!

Congrats on the new home Stock! Lucky bastard!

[FRESH]

Wow, I can't believe that someone let Stock move into their neighborhood!!!

Welcome bud. I remember meeting you at the Jags game years back. Welcome to "The City Beautiful".

Oh and as far as Publix, I think my mom comes down to visit as much for their carrot cake as she does to see me!!

[stocknowledge]

Fresh, they let anyone move into Orlando (That is why it is Orlando!)!

The Calypso cookies at Publix are also good!

Eventually, everyone moves to Florida. (Even Popper and Tino have homes there!)

[musicman]

not me, I want cool/cold weather. Never been south of South Carolina. 98% humidity sucks, sweating will sitting still sucks. I'll stay with my cabin in the cold north of PA

[stocknowledge]

I take back what I said about Florida allowing anyone to live there...Jukin may not be permitted to live there.

[MDFAN]

Florida just plain sucks.............unless it's Oct till April.

[FRESH]

I wish that were true, too damned many northerners moving down here, it will soon be as bad as DC!

[Rossovich]

They let me move to Cape Coral. So I guess anyone is welcome. People need to knock off feeding gators. It turns them into an even bigger problem. As far as the nut jobs go, I have no idea how to put a stop to it. We ban drugs and we have an epidemic. Someone wants something bad enough, they will find a way. The problems are way deeper than guns.