Counting 'em Down: For better or for worse, this is the Headline Surfer countdown of the 2021's Top 100 biggest news stories of Central Florida along the tourism-driven stretch of Interstate 4 (Orlando Attractions and east to I-95 & the World's Most Famous Beach in Daytona). Each recap segment is posted with its own headline, culminating with the unveiling of No. 1 in the first two weeks of January, if not sooner, before switching to the Top 5 storylines -- the good, the bad & the ugly on the horizon in "2022: The Year That Lies Ahead."
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- To celebrate and honor 50 years of creating magic in Central Florida and around the world, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, as “Walt Disney World Day.”
After all, Orlando and The Attractions is the No. 1 tourism destination on the planet, at least it was until the COVID-19 global pandemic struck.
But that ugliness of COVID did not come up during a joint proclamation with each political leader giving brief remarks.
"This marks the 5oth year in which Walt Disney World has secured Orlando's title as the vacation capital of the world," Dyner said. Demings added, "Fifty years of making the magic here in this community and giving back."
"This marks the 5oth year in which Walt Disney World has secured Orlando's title as the vacation capital of the world," Dyner said. Demings added, "Fifty years of making the magic here in this community and giving back."
The proclamation took place at the Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando, with Orange County officials, City of Orlando officials, and executives from Walt Disney World Resort, including president Jeff Vahle, attending.
Of course, it would not be an official celebration in the City Beautiful without superstars Mickey and Minnie Mouse on hand.
Walt Disney World launched its 50th-anniversary celebration on Oct. 1, 2021, called the “World’s Most Magical Celebration,” to commemorate the milestone of opening its first theme park and resort in Central Florida back in 1971.
Mayor Demings read a proclamation citing the tremendous role Walt Disney World has played in the greater Orlando community as one of the nation’s largest single-site employers and host to more than 1.6 billion visitors from around the world.
Demings also noted the significant tax benefits generated by Disney that contribute substantially to public safety, schools, roads, and other infrastructure.
Walt Disney World was also recognized for its generous charitable donations to the Central Florida community.
In honor of its 50th anniversary, Disney announced it is granting more than $3 million to six non-profit organizations in Central Florida. These organizations include Second Harvest Food Bank, ELEVATE Orlando Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Heart of Florida, United Way, Give Kids the World Village Hope Partnership, and others.
After the proclamation ceremony, Orange County officials and employees joined Walt Disney World cast members in a volunteer event at Second Harvest Food Bank, helping package and sort food for the community.
About the Byline Writer: Henry Frederick is a member of the working press and publisher of Headline Surfer, the award-winning 24/7 internet news outlet launched in 2008, that serves greater Daytona Beach, Sanford & Orlando from Lake Mary, Florida via HeadlineSurfer.com. Frederick has amassed close to 150 award-winning bylines in print & online. He earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University in 2019. He was a breaking news reporter (metro cops & courts beat) for the Daytona Beach News-Journal for nearly a decade. And Before that worked the same beat for The Journal-News/Gannett Suburban Newspapers in Rockland/Westchester counties, NY, dating back to 1989. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and covering other high profile cases, Frederick has appeared on national crime documentary shows on Discovery ID, Reelz, and the Oxygen Network series "Snapped" for his analysis. • Award-Winning Journalism: Florida Press Club recognizes Headline Surfer for nine stories in 2020 statewide competition. • Award-Winning Journalism of Henry Frederick.