Today, Orlando's City Hall was alive with anticipation as officials, including Mayor Buddy Dyer, launched the city's 150th anniversary. The year-long celebration, culminating on Orlando's official birthday of July 31, was kicked into motion with the reveal of a commemorative banner at City Commons Plaza. The unveiling marked just the beginning of a series of events that will spearhead Orlando's journey through history, heritage, and communal celebrations, Bungalower reported.

In his address, Mayor Dyer called on the community to engage, sharing that the festivities will spotlight Orlando's past and its future-ready vision. A unique exhibit, "Orlando Collected," will launch in April at the Orange County Regional History Center. It will feature 150 objects that tell the tale of Orlando's evolution. One of the items, a hand-painted sign from the now-closed Dandelion Communitea Cafe, highlights local history and the arts—a symbol of the city's rich tapestry, according to a statement detailed by Bungalower.

The city's narrative will be further explored in the summer with "The Changing Face of Orlando: A Sesquicentennial Celebration." This public art exhibition will juxtapose historical photographs with present-day images, illustrating the transformative journey of Florida's famed city.

On July 31, the city will hold a grand service event and offer free admission to attractions like Leu Gardens and the Mennello Museum. This gesture will open the doors to the city's cultural treasures for all to enjoy. Throughout the year, the city will progressively update its official 150th-anniversary webpage, where residents can track event updates, contribute personal stories, and collaborate to commemorate Orlando's sesquicentennial, ClickOrlando reported.

Mayor Dyer invites everyone, from businesses to residents, to partake in anniversary promotions, host events, and share Orlando's experiences on social media.