Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization Division
(407) 836-5621 or Photenie.Burnett@ocfl.net
Orange County Invites Citizens to SunRail Station Celebration
Orange County, FL – As the region gears up for the launch of SunRail, Central Florida’s first passenger rail system, Orange County’s local Sand Lake Road station will be hosting a historic preview celebration on Sunday, March 30 at 1:30 p.m. The event, at 8030 South Orange Ave. Orlando, gives citizens the opportunity to board and tour SunRail and become familiar with the commuter train system.
The program will commence with remarks by Orange County District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke and Florida Department of Transportation District 5 Secretary Noranne Downs, who will speak about the connectivity of the final SunRail route. Regional leaders and distinguished community speakers will also attend the event.
SunRail representatives will answer questions and share the benefits of riding SunRail. Food trucks, local vendors, kid-friendly activities and other community agencies will also be present at the community celebration.
“When SunRail launches, LYNX will deliver multiple connectivity options throughout the entire region,” LYNX CEO John Lewis said. “The five links serving the Sand Lake Road station will allow Central Floridians and our guests to connect to shopping, the Orlando International Airport (OIA), Kissimmee, International Drive, theme parks, Meadow Woods and Medical City. The connection between SunRail and LYNX will provide a better quality of life for everyone.”
Located near the intersection of Orange Avenue and Sand Lake Road, the SunRail station at Sand Lake Road serves an expanding residential and business hub in south Orlando. The station offers easy bus access to the Florida Mall, theme park attractions and OIA.
The Sand Lake Road SunRail station is designed to connect with future rail options to OIA to the east, and the Orange County Convention Center and International Drive tourism district to the west. This station also serves the residents of nearby Belle Isle, Edgewood and Taft. Station designs include a park and ride lot, and bus and passenger drop-off areas.
The entire 61-mile system from Deland to Poinciana will be built in two phases and comprised of 17 stations when complete. Phase I from DeBary to the Sand Lake Road Station will be fully operational on May 1. Double-decker passenger cars will feature wide, comfortable seats with access to rest room facilities, power outlets, and free unlimited wireless Internet connectivity.
Following the preview celebration, on April 30 a special whistle stop tour will run through all stations and end at Sand Lake Road to commemorate the official grand opening of SunRail. Guests and speakers will include federal, state, local elected officials and partner agencies instrumental in making commuter rail a reality in Central Florida.
For additional information regarding the Sand Lake Road SunRail station preview celebration, please visit, www.sunrail.com.
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About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.