Interesting news and factoids from throughout the Greater Orlando region.

By the Numbers

No. 1
Orlando’s rank among all U.S. markets when it comes to television ads for this year’s presidential candidates, according to NBC News. The ad buys account for $8.1 million at the time of the report, and our neighboring Tampa-St. Pete-Sarasota market came in second overall.

43%
The percentage by which Darden Restaurants CEO Gene Lee’s compensation increased in the company’s 2016 fiscal year. That change brings his total pay to $6.14 million for the annual period, including a base salary of $953,750. Darden is Orlando’s only Fortune 500 company.

6,700
The approximate number of transfer students in University of Central Florida’s (UCF’s) incoming fall 2016 class, according to the school. UCF also shared that transfers account for about 65 percent of the total class, and that the average age of transfer students is 23.

40.2 Million
The quantity of passengers reported at Orlando International Airport during the most recent 12-month period, which ended in April, marking a record for the facility. The number is even more noteworthy given that the airport was designed to accommodate 24 million annual passengers.

$1.8 Billion
The estimated cost of a new southern terminal that’s planned for Orlando International Airport. The facility will be situated next to a $1.3 billion train station that’s also being constructed. Spending on both projects combined outstrips the $2.3 billion being spent on I-4 Ultimate.

Hit or Miss

According to a new study, Orlando ranks as the most pet-friendly city in the nation. Compiled by financial website WalletHub, the list analyzed 100 U.S. cities based on average pet budget, pet health and wellness, and outdoor pet friendliness. Pet-friendly businesses and an abundance of veterinarians helped boost our score, too.

In August, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced that the city was interested in purchasing the Pulse nightclub in order to turn it into a lasting memorial to the 49 people who were killed during the terrorist attack in June. The club, which has not reopened, has already become an unofficial memorial for locals and tourists alike.

Minor League Baseball is set to return to Central Florida when the current Brevard County Manatees, an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, move to Osceola County in spring 2017. The team will play at Osceola County Stadium and will undergo a to-be-determined name change prior to the first pitch.

As officially announced by the NBA, the Orlando Magic will open their 2016-17 season against their home-state rivals, the Miami Heat, at the Amway Center. The game is set to take place on October 28 and will unveil the latest improvements to the Magic’s rebuilding process. Last year, the Magic went 35-47 under since-departed coach (and former Magic player) Scott Skiles.

In June, an Orange County judge ruled that University of Central Florida (UCF) must release student-government records pertaining to a legal battle between UCF and Knight News, an online student newspaper. The dispute has reportedly cost the school an estimated $220,000 and has involved three separate lawsuits.

Robert Wolfe, the now former mayor of Tavares, was suspended from office by Florida Governor Rick Scott in July, shortly after Wolfe was arrested for allegedly filing fraudulent insurance claims. This development came after a string of incidents involving Wolfe and his wife, including a domestic-violence report and Wolfe discharging a gun in their home.

3 Things You’ll Learn

Catch up with Central Florida native and Emmy-nominated actress Cheryl Hines, who still loves and nurtures her Sunshine State roots. Click here.

Looking to brighten your smile? Find out who our readers named as their favorite dentists and orthodontists throughout the region. Click here.

Get the scoop on more than 50 arts & culture-related events scheduled to take place throughout the Greater Orlando area in the coming months. Click here.

Datebook

GREATER ORLANDO HEART WALK
September 10
Sponsored by Florida Hospital, the Greater Orlando Heart Walk raises funds for the American Heart Association and helps to save lives from the country’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers: heart disease and stroke. Plus, the whole family can participate in this fun, rewarding event. 7 a.m., University of Central Florida, free

NIGHT HIKE AT THE ZOO
September 17
Attendees can experience the sights and sounds of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Night Hike at the Zoo. The event will include up-close animal encounters and a guided flashlight tour, but because of its latenight nature, guests must be 5 or older. 7:30-10:30 p.m., Sanford, $20 adults/$15 children

CASINO NIGHT
September 23
If it’s time for Mom and Dad to have a date night, they could do worse than trying their luck at Quest Inc.’s Casino Night. Game tables will include roulette, blackjack, poker and craps, and chips can be traded for a chance to win raffle prizes. Plus, all proceeds benefit Quest’s children’s programs. 7-10 p.m., Winter Park Civic Center, $35-$1,000

Did You Hear?

“We will never forget the warrior and fearless leader that Brandon was known to be, the loving heart that he brought to work each day, or the devotion that he had to his wife, family and friends. By naming this Orange County community park in tribute to the beloved Deputy Brandon Coates, it will serve as a place of gratitude for his service.”

—ORLANDO COUNTY MAYOR TERESA JACOBS at August’s opening ceremony for Deputy Brandon Coates Community Park, which was named after the Orange County sheriff’s deputy who was killed in the line of duty in 2010