Tag: community
Why Anthem Exists — An Owner’s Note on Pulse, Community, and Queer Joy
A personal note from Mike Vacirca, co-owner of Anthem Orlando, written for the 10-year mark of Pulse. Adapted from an interview with Patricia Tolley. Anthem Orlando opened in October 2025 in the heart of downtown Orlando at 100 North Orange Avenue. But the concept started before we ever opened the doors. Anthem was born from… Read more
Juneteenth in Downtown Orlando 2026
Friday, June 19, 2026 marks Juneteenth — a federal holiday and one of the most meaningful days on the American calendar. Downtown Orlando and the surrounding neighborhoods come alive with community gatherings, music, food, and programming that honors Black history and celebrates Black culture. Whether you are attending for the first time or returning each… Read more
Pulse Remembrance 2026 — Honoring 10 Years
Friday, June 12, 2026 marks ten years since the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. On that morning in 2016, 49 people lost their lives and 53 were wounded. The Orlando community gathers every June 12 to remember the lives taken, to hold the survivors and families, and to affirm that the work of honoring… Read more
Remembering Pulse: How Orlando’s LGBTQ+ Community Keeps Rising
A reflection on the Pulse tragedy, the interim memorial, and how Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community continues to live loud and love proud — with resilience, joy, and community at the center. Read more