Rockets & Mini Golf

July 09, 2024

It’s Tuesday, Orlando. The storms are back for another day, scattered this morning and likely returning in the afternoon. On the bright side, it’s “cooling off” a bit, with highs around 87. Here’s what’s on deck:

  • SpaceX's Ambitious Florida Launch Plans Face Pushback

  • New Info on PopStroke’s Upcoming Orlando Location

Let’s dive in.

SPACE

SpaceX's Ambitious Florida Launch Plans Face Pushback

Image: SpaceX

What's happening: SpaceX plans to significantly increase its Starship mega-rocket launches from the Cape Canaveral area, raising concerns from competitors Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance (ULA).

Ambitious launch schedule:

  • SpaceX intends to launch its Starship rocket up to 44 times per year from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

  • The company also plans to complete up to 76 launches per year from the Space Launch Complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

  • In total, that’s 120 launches annually within a six-mile radius on the Florida coast.

Industry pushback: Competitors Blue Origin and ULA have expressed concerns, with Blue Origin suggesting limiting SpaceX’s launch times and granting other providers priority for conflicting launches. They also proposed reimbursing third parties for losses caused by Starship operations.

What's next: The Space Force will release a draft environmental assessment this winter, which will provide clarity on the environmental and operational impacts of SpaceX’s operations and potentially influence the launch schedule.

ATTRACTIONS

New Info on PopStroke’s Upcoming Orlando Location

Image: PopStroke

What's new: PopStroke, a company co-owned by Tiger Woods' TGR Ventures, is planning a new mini golf complex off of International Drive. The 5.13-acre site will feature mini golf courses, two restaurants, and a playground. Opening is currently slated for 2025.

Context:

  • PopStroke currently operates six Florida locations, including one at the Waterford Lakes Town Center.

  • Other upcoming locations include Daytona Beach (Q4 2024), Hamlin Town Center (Q4 2024), Palm Beach (Q4 2024), and Wellington (2025).

Huge market: Over 45 million people in the U.S. play golf, with 18.5 million playing off-course at places like Topgolf or PopStroke, up 19% from 2022.

QUICK HITS

In Other News…

Image: CityArts

  1. More Blaze Pizza is coming to Orlando, with a new location off of Narcoossee Road set to open August 5th.

  2. A new Arts Courtyard project will break ground Wednesday at the Rogers Kiene building.

  3. Ancient Indian pongamia trees are thriving in Florida as the citrus industry dries up.

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

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