Happy Wednesday, Orlando. If all goes to plan, we’ll see a sunny start to the day today, with some scattered storms rolling in this afternoon. Expect highs around 93° and lows of 76°. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Residents From Other States Push Florida’s Population Past 23M

• New Universal Tech Lets Riders Choose Intensity Level

Let’s dive in.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Residents From Other States Push Florida’s Population Past 23M

What's happening: Florida's population has surpassed 23 million for the first time, driven largely by an influx of residents from other states.

By the numbers:

• As of April 1st, Florida's population reached 23,002,597.

• Florida remains the third most populous state in the U.S., following California (39.5 million) and Texas (30.5 million).

Growth trends:

• The state added nearly 359,000 people last year, with an annual increase of 350,000 to 375,000 every year this decade.

• Growth is projected to peak at 1.6% this year, then slow down through the 2020s.

• By the early 2030s, growth is expected to drop below 1%.

Demographic shift: Nearly 10% of Florida's population is 75+, trailing only Puerto Rico among U.S. states and territories.

Zooming out: This population surge highlights Florida’s appeal as a destination for retirees and new residents seeking warmer climates and potentially lower living costs. However, the slowing growth rate could indicate a potential shift in demographic trends as the number of baby boomers retiring each year dwindles.

Read more here (AP News)

THEME PARKS

New Universal Tech Lets Riders Choose Intensity Level

What's happening: Universal Destinations & Experiences has patented a new ride system that offers an interactive and customizable experience, allowing riders to control the intensity and trajectory of their ride.

Details:

• Real-time tech: The ride system uses sensors to track vehicle positions and adapt accordingly, maintaining precise choreography and making instant adjustments.

• Customization: Riders can choose their intensity level, from relaxed to extreme, with the goal of enticing park visitors to try different settings on multiple visits.

• Future integration: This innovative tech could potentially be included in Universal's upcoming projects, such as Epic Universe or other parks in Orlando.

The big picture: Universal is heavily investing in advanced ride technologies to enhance customer engagement and loyalty. With projected attendance levels returning to pre-pandemic numbers by 2026, these innovations are timely, especially with heightened competition in the theme park industry.

Read more here (Orlando Business Journal)

QUICK HITS

In Other News…

1. The Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate Orlando Solar Bears released their upcoming schedule, with the home opener set for October 26th at the Kia Center.

2. An Orlando medical equipment company was just purchased for $1.36 billion in cash.

3. A local Orlando soccer business was bought by a company tied to Manchester City and New York City FC.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s edition of the newsletter. See you back here tomorrow.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Interested in sponsoring O-Town Daily? Let us know here.