It was on New Year's Eve, December 31, that the lights went out high above I-Drive as the entertainment district's iconic attraction The Wheel at ICON Park lost power, sparking dramatic scenes as firefighters climbed the massive structure to rescue stranded passengers. Now one month, The Wheel is still not spinning, as work continues to get the ride back up and running. For the first time since the incident, we have seen the attractions impressive LED Lights coming back on in recent nights, but the attraction itself is still closed and definitely not moving. ICON Park say that crews have been inspecting thousands of components to determine the reason why the 400-foot observation wheel lost power, and are working on ways to upgrade the attraction to avoid similar incidents in the future. No reopening date has revealed, with park officials admitting that inspections are still c “This work is time-consuming and hindered by current supply-chain issues,” ICON Park said in a statement. “After our process and inspections are complete, and then state inspectors approve, The Wheel will reopen.” A statement from ICON Park reads "This work is time-consuming and hindered by current supply chain issues. After our process and inspections are complete, and then state inspectors approve, The Wheel will reopen. This methodical approach is consistent with our dedication to providing enjoyable experiences for our guests.” ICON Park on International Drive was hosting a New Year's Eve party, December 31, when the entertainment centres observation wheel, known simply as The Wheel lost power, resulting in a multi hour rescue operation by Orange County Fire Rescue to safely bring dozens of passengers back down to the ground. At the time of the power failure there were 20 pods occupied on the ride, with Orange County Fire Rescue confirming that they had to rescue 62 people left trapped inside the pods during the incident. Officials said no one was hurt, and ICON Park confirmed in a statement at the time saying, “The Wheel lost power Saturday night and we’re working with the Orange County Fire Department to safely evacuate guests.”

The national adventure park chain Urban Air Adventure Park is set to expand it's Florida footprint as it announces a new location coming to 293 East Altamonte Drive in Altamonte Springs. The company operates over 155 locations across the United States, including 19 here in Florida, including Central Florida locations at Winter Garden and Daytona Beach. The new Altamonte Springs location which is set to open in March will be location in Uptown Altamonte, taking over a space formerly occupied by Marshall’s until the retailer closed the doors last year. Urban Air Adventure Park's are huge indoor attractions, offering a variety of games and activities for visitors of all ages. Typical activities at each location includes rock climbing, bumper cars, mini-golf, trapeze, go-karts, laser tag, bowling, arcade games, ropes courses, and multiple other activities. In addition to activities, locations offer food and drinks for purchase. Jay Thomas, Brand President and CEO of Urban Air said “Urban Air is the largest indoor adventure park operator in the world with over 20 different attractions such as intense ropes courses, Urban Air’s Sky Rider, Battle Beams, laser tag, dodgeball courts, electric Go-Karting, obstacle courses and more. Every park also offers an easy-to-execute, state-of-the-art, fast-casual café." Thomas continued “We are looking forward to increasing our presence in Florida, as we know there is high demand for family entertainment centers in the area.”

A report by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has revealed that employees at Wild Florida Drive Thru Safari Park shot and killed a young male white rhinoceros less than 24 hours after he had only just arrived at the Central Florida attraction last September. Details of the rhino being shot or killed were not publicly known previously, and it's only now that details of the incident have surfaced. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were called to Wild Florida in Kenansville, about a 45 minute drive from the Orlando area attraction, about a week later following an anonymous tip that stated the shooting of the rhino was unnecessary. The report said no action was taken against the park. The male 2,000-pound rhino, arrived at Wild Florida, which offers airboat tours, a gator park with more than 200 animals and a drive-thru safari, on September 18, 2022. According to the FFWCC report, upon the rhino's arrival at Wild Florida, park workers told investigators that the animal was acting "very wild" and tearing at its enclosure. The report said that the animal eventually calmed down and was left overnight, and the park was closed the next day as a precaution,to let the rhino adjust. The following morning, workers were on site when the rhino broke through the main enclosure. Workers decided to build up the reinforcements on the animal's smaller quarantine enclosure, the report said. Video reviewed by investigators showed the rhino running back and forth and testing the cable fencing, he would leave the enclosure and then enter a stand of cypress in the main enclosure. The rhino kept pushing at the cable fencing and getting stuck in the surrounding wires. When workers saw the rhino break through the main enclosure and run toward cypress trees, park owner Jordan Munn gave the order to shoot, the report said. The rhino was hit several times but managed to escape the trees. Workers followed the dying rhino for ⅓ mile and kept shooting the animal until it fell and died, the report said. Based on shell casings, investigators found 15 rounds were fired. The FWC report said staff then quickly moved the rhino to a burial area and began to bury it quickly because staff feared it would be seen by a helicopter. They left part of the rhino's skull visible from the ground for the FWC investigator. The video footage of the rhino's escape was captured on the safari park's security cameras and corroborated what employees said had happened, the FWC investigator noted in their report. White rhinos are known to be gregarious and calm, Dr. Joseph Okori, WWF Rhino Programme Manager and a wildlife vet said. "White rhinos respond to threats by just running away," he said in an interview on the foundation's website. "They run away, but the problem with them is that they run to a safe distance and stop, they don't run away forever." White Rhino are classified as Near Threatened and around 18,000 animals exist in protected areas and private game reserves. They are the only of the five rhino species that are not endangered. Here is WILD Florida's complete statement issued regarding the incident. For more than twelve years, Wild Florida’s mission has been to provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation. Unfortunately, we are sometimes faced with unforeseen situations and circumstances that require an immediate response to ensure the continued safety of visitors, staff, neighbors, and, most importantly, animals in our care. In September 2022, a new rhino began to pose an imminent danger to the park at large, and after consultation with leadership and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines, we made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the animal. As an organization, Wild Florida will continue providing the best care for our animal family and promote the importance of conservation through our educational programs.