Orlando is more than tourism

On “407 Day” in 2023, Visit Orlando and the Orlando Economic Partnership unveiled a downtown mural as part of the “Unbelievably Real” campaign. It celebrates tourism with images of a water slide, the convention center, a lazy river, and the Orlando Eye. Yet the only feature connecting the mural to downtown itself is a swan in front of the Lake Eola fountain.

That reflects a troubling attitude. Too often, Orlando is portrayed as a city defined only by tourism and growth, disconnected from the 150 years of history that made it the City Beautiful.

Entrepreneurs understand what city leaders seem to miss. Adaptive reuse projects like Great Southern Box Company Food Hall and Bar and East End Market prove that historic buildings are not barriers to progress — they create places with character and authenticity.

A downtown historic preservation moratorium would weaken, not strengthen, Orlando’s future. What makes Orlando “Unbelievably Real” isn’t just its attractions. It’s the city’s history, neighborhoods, and shared story. Preserving them is an investment in Orlando’s identity.

— Rick Kilby, Orlando

U.S. squanders World Cup spotlight

The World Cup is frequently celebrated as a testament to global unity, a grand stage where a shared love for the game transcends borders. With the tournament hosted across North America, international visitors are finally experiencing the “America” they’ve long encountered in history books and cultural lore. They are discovering a sprawling, diverse culture, captivated by everything from our complex societal fabric to the spectacle of American consumerism at mega-stores like Buc-ee’s.

This historic moment grants Donald Trump a unique trifecta: presiding over the World Cup, the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, and the nation’s monumental 250th anniversary — which falls right during the tournament. It is a rare opportunity to showcase the iconic “Shining City on a Hill.” Instead, the administration squanders the spotlight on manufactured distractions, such as the recent reflecting pool debacle. This chaotic deflection is a familiar playbook, designed to obscure deeper administrative incompetence.

Fortunately, global visitors see right through the noise. Trump’s assertion that the U.S. is more respected than ever is easily debunked outside of partisan media silos. As America marks 250 years of pioneering modern democracy and innovation, it also faces deep-seated pitfalls. We are at a critical inflection point. This July Fourth, international audiences will undoubtedly witness a nation deeply conflicted about its milestone. While Trump cannot be solely blamed for a cultural rift years in the making, his insistence on turning a historic celebration into a personal spectacle ensures his legacy will be remembered — just not favorably.

— Alex Jimenez, Winter Park

Pass voter ID and let legal voters vote

Some people recently are acting all up-in-arms about the SAVE Act and the requirement for voter ID. A couple of questions: How many illegal votes are OK? What’s wrong with taking reasonable steps to make sure that ALL votes are legal, like in pretty much every other democracy on the planet?

And if, as many people say, the numbers of undocumented immigrants who vote are only “minuscule,” then why does it matter so much?

As I see it, the unspoken truth is that Democrats want to have as many voters as possible who are dependent, to one degree or another, on government handouts, which I believe is the case for the large majority of undocumented immigrants. And it seems that for them, if that means illegal voting (or wide open borders)… no problem!

— Wayne Windham, Winter Park

You can submit a letter to the editor by sending it by email to insight@orlandosentinel.com or by filling out the form below. Letters are limited to less than 250 words and must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials).You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length.