City District

10/13/2026

City District Main Street ... did you know?

The Carey Hand Funeral Home (owner, Carey Hand) was once the largest in Central Florida, serving five counties. Opened in 1920, it was the first funeral home in Florida with a chapel. Five years later, the addition of a crematory made it the first to include a crematorium built south of Cincinnati.

Hand was a trained embalmer. Before the Carey Hand Funeral Home opened, burials in Orlando had a 1-2 day turnaround time. If someone died in the morning, they were buried that afternoon. If someone died at night, they were buried the next morning.

Located at 36 W. Pine, it was designed by architect F.H. Trimble in Renaissance Revival style, inspired by Florentine merchant buildings in Italy. This style is characterized by rectangular buildings of stone, with symmetrical facades.

The building was used as a mortuary until 1992, but Hand’s company by no means went out of business. Today, known as Carey Hand and Cox-Parker Funeral Homes, has been in operation since 1890 and has four locations across Orlando. Funeral home records from 1891-1955 can be accessed at the UCF Special Collections. UCF began using the building in 2007 for the College of Business Executive Development Center.

Hand moved to Orlando in 1907 to join his father, Elijah, both trained embalmers. Elijah moved to Orlando in 1885 (1-year before J. Bumby moved his hardware store into the structure at 102-110 W. Church St.). C, Hand bought his father’s share of the business in 1914.

During the day, sounds of footsteps and conversations have been reported from passers-by outside the building and employees within, and nighttime awakens spirits long gone from Orlando’s streets. It is known as one of the most haunted places in Orlando. Listen for footsteps and whispers from souls of funeral home residents who extended their stay.

This artistic representation of The Carey Hand Funeral Home was created by City District Main Street Design Committee volunteer and local artist, Bridget Hartig .bridget Learn more about the steeped history of Orlando and YOUR downtown Main Street!

10/13/2026

CITY DISTRICT MAIN STREET - Looking for a FREE, fun, and spooky night out in downtown Orlando? Grab your friends, enjoy dinner at a nearby Church Street business and settle in for an outdoor screening of Little Shop of Horrors at Church Street Plaza!

🎬🍿 We’re showing Little Shop of Horrors outdoors at Church Street Plaza, and it’s completely FREE!

📍 Church Street Plaza, 54 W. Church St.

⏰ 7 p.m.

🚗 Parking is available at the 55W and Bank of America Center garages

The DDB is bringing movie night to Church Street as part of its continued effort to support businesses in City District Main Street to keep the area active and welcoming while construction is underway. The movie will be shown outdoors at 54 Church Street.

Start your night with dinner at any of the businesses along Church Street, then grab a spot for the movie that starts at 7 PM. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the cult classic or seeing Little Shop of Horrors for the first time, it’s a fun way to experience downtown.

Pre-order “picnic baskets” will be available from the following locations:

The Bao Spot Orlando Bao Spot - 1 soda, 2-pack candy, 4 baos ($50 value for $20)

Birria1983 Birria 1983 - 1 mini burrito (chicken or birria), chips & salsa, 3 churro bites with dulce de leche ($20)

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 Orlando Crepes Delicious - Tuttie Fruittie Crepe ($13) OR Dulce & Banana ($12)

Or pop into ANY of the Church Street restaurants for dinner before, during, or after the show!

Coffee for the Soul CFS Coffee Shop
Cucina Pizza & Bar Cucina Pizza & Bar
Kres Chophouse Kres Chophouse
solita Tacos & Margaritas Solita Tacos & Margaritas

While construction is changing the streetscape, Church Street businesses are OPEN and ready to welcome you! Events like this are one more reason to keep coming downtown, supporting local businesses, and seeing the progress happening all around you.

SHOUT OUT to SAK Comedy Lab SAK Comedy Lab and Hawkers Asian Street Food Hawkers Headquarters, also OPEN and active!

10/08/2026

Downtown Orlando is getting a little spooky next Thursday, October 15, as the Downtown Arts District hosts its 17th annual Día de los Mu***os & Monster Event at CityArts (39 S. Magnolia Avenue)…

10/07/2026

📣 📣 📣 City District Main Street & Downtown Orlando family - We have been watching the radar closely, and mother nature is throwing a really rainy wrench into our extended outdoor plans for the 4th Annual Downtown Orlando Field Day, originally scheduled for Thursday, October 8th, 2026 🌧🙃

Because your safety and the quality of the games are our TOP priorities, we are officially rescheduling our outdoor Field Day event due to inclement and potentially unsafe weather conditions.

SO…don't pack away your competitive spirit just yet! We are simply moving the fun to a NEW date so we can still battle it out for that ultimate championship title under clear Florida skies! 🌞

🗓️ ⏰ NEW DATE & TIME ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON!

📍 LOCATION WILL REMAIN: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts | Seneff Arts Plaza

❓ If you have any questions at all, contact City District’s fabulous Field Day producer, Danielle Ziss, at [email protected] or Executive Director, Mike Griffin at [email protected].

❤️ Thank you all so much for your understanding, flexibility, and endless enthusiasm. Keep stretching, keep planning those team outfits, and we will see YOU on the field soon! 🏆💪

SHARE AND CIRCULATE!

10/01/2026

Managing a major city is serious business but understanding how it ...

09/29/2026

Construction is moving along quickly from Garland Avenue to the SunRail tracks on historic Church Street in the heart of our urban Main Street district, and we can’t wait to see the transformation!

Church Street is being transformed into a "festival street" to breathe new life into the historic corridor. The City of Orlando officially broke ground on the project on July 7, 2026, as a catalyst to reverse a few years of lost energy and a slow recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Church Street is far from empty! From the SunRail tracks to S. Orange Avenue, NINE amazing downtown businesses are still open, active, and love foot traffic! Even better, TWO NEW businesses are joining the Main Street movement! *good vibes only*

Do the historic Church Street loop …

Birria1983
The Bao Spot Orlando
Cucina Pizza & Bar
Coffee for the Soul
Hawkers Asian Street Food
SAK Comedy Lab
𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 Orlando
Kres Chophouse
solita Tacos & Margaritas
SunRail

COMING SOON …

Tamara Heritage
Tamara Modern Indian Cuisine
The Bagel Dudes

City District Main Street (formerly “Church Street District”) is a nationally accredited economic vitality initiative located in the heart of downtown Orlando's Central Business District and North Quarter corridor.

Core Area: Encompasses historic architecture, Magnolia Avenue, Orange Avenue, and historic Church Street near Orlando City Hall and the North Quarter running down N. Orange Avenue.

Connectivity: Connects major hubs like the Kia Center, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Inter&Co Stadium, The Vanguard, The Beacham, Wall Street, A La Cart City, Hotel Beauden, AC Sky Bar/Marriott, and is nestled between the S**o District and Ivanhoe Village Main Street.

Administration: Directed by Mike Griffin and operated under the Orlando Main Streets program established by the City of Orlando.

09/29/2026

CITY DISTRICT MAIN STREET is excited to recognize Gitto’s Pizza as our September Business of the Month in Downtown Orlando!

A longtime Downtown Orlando staple, Gitto’s Pizza has been serving up massive New York-style slices and unforgettable late-night energy for decades. What may look like a simple neighborhood pizza counter from the outside opens up into a lively pub and bar filled with personality, making Gitto’s a true local landmark and gathering place in the ❤️ of the city.

And when we say massive slices, we mean MASSIVE! Freshly cut from the glass display, Gitto’s famous New York-style slices are known for being so big they can stretch across two paper plates. Every slice even comes with a complimentary freshly baked garlic knot—because why not make a great slice even better?

From chicken bacon ranch and buffalo chicken to meat lovers and lasagna pizza, there’s something for every pizza craving. And if you’re visiting during the fall, keep an eye out for their famous seasonal Pizza Skulls—a fan-favorite novelty that makes its return each year.

Gitto’s is also a favorite stop for those heading to a game, catching a show, enjoying Downtown’s nightlife, or simply looking for a late-night bite. With dine-in seating, counter pickup, delivery, daily specials, and a full bar with happy hour offerings, Gitto’s makes it easy to grab a slice and stay awhile.

City District is known for its vibrant nightlife, entertainment, and dining scene, and Gitto’s Pizza has been part of that energy for years. It’s the kind of place that becomes part of your Downtown Orlando memories—whether you’re grabbing a quick slice, meeting friends at the bar, or satisfying a late-night craving after a night out.

🍕 Follow along: Gitto’s Pizza
🥃 Discover more of the local businesses that make City District thrive!

We’re proud to have Hancock Whitney Bank (formerly One Florida Bank) as the MAIN SPONSOR of City District Main Street’s Business of the Month program for the entirety of 2026, supporting our Economic Vitality Committee in celebrating and uplifting the businesses that make our community thrive.

09/29/2026

❤️❤️❤️

When we launched the Orlando Main Streets program in 2008 with five districts, we were optimistic about the impact it might have on our city. What perhaps we didn’t know was how it would grow from an economic development initiative into much more.

Today, our 12 districts help make Orlando more vibrant, interesting and welcoming. They are where we shop and celebrate small businesses, dine at diverse restaurants and attend events that build community.

Today we approved City of Orlando - Government’s funding agreements with the districts for the upcoming year. This funding allows the Main Street district directors, who serve with great passion and creativity as they support small businesses and bring residents together, to ensure that the districts remain a beloved part of our city.

09/28/2026

CITY DISTRICT MAIN STREET - On Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, City District Main Street Executive Director, Mike Griffin, presented plans for current and future programming and community activation across our four-standing committees, which are the pillars of the organization. Our nonprofit-led board of directors, committee members and volunteers here at City District Main Street would like to thank our energetic and creative director, Mike, for another year of dedication, commitment, boots-on-the-ground service, and positive vision planning! 🫶 Shout out to CDMS board treasurer, Melyssa Marshall, for showing up to support!

The Orlando Main Streets programs regularly present updates as they partner with the Downtown Development Board (DDB) and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to advance the revitalization of neighborhood commercial districts across the city. Because the DDB and CRA oversee downtown infrastructure and major funding initiatives—such as the massive DTO Action Plan—these entities work hand-in-hand with Orlando Main Street districts like City District Main Street - your downtown Main Street, Thornton Park Main Street and neighboring OMS neighborhoods such as S**o and Parramore, the goal is to coordinate local business support, enhance public spaces, and elevate urban infrastructure here in the Downtown core.

To all 12 of our Orlando Main Street directors - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

09/28/2026

📣 OMS signing day 📣 It’s official! Another year in the books and all good things ahead! On Monday, September 28th, 2026, the City of Orlando signed the official Orlando Main Streets agreements for 2027, after reviewing and authorizing the participation agreements on a NEW fiscal-year cycle. And with that…Orlando Main Streets TURNS 19! 🥳 Mayor Buddy Dyer and the City Council support another year of the city’s 12 neighborhood commercial districts!

Audubon Park Garden District
City District Main Street - your downtown Main Street!
The Drive (College Park) Main Street
Curry Ford West
Gateway District
Ivanhoe Village Main Street
Mills 50
Parramore Main Street
S**o District
The Milk District
Thornton Park Main Street
West Lakes District

With only one paid staff member leading the charge, these nonprofit-operated boards utilize economic development strategies to boost foot traffic, preserve historic infrastructure, and stimulate local businesses. We look forward to another great year of work.

AND (because Orlando Main Street ED’s love a reason to celebrate and LIVE FOR supporting local business), the directors and fellow OMS team members headed over to Birria1983 for some delicious cuisine! Birria is located on historic Church Street in the HEART of City District Main Street - and yes, they are OPEN road during construction!