WE'RE STILL 'ORLANDO STRONG'

By Theresa Swanson

Normally in this column, I write about all the lists that tout why Orlando and Central Florida are wonderful places to live and work. But things are not normal any more. Orlando, my hometown, is on a list no community would ever want to be on, along with Boston, Aurora, Charleston and San Bernadino. And it hurts — it hurts a lot. 

Over the past few weeks, I have seen emotions run the gamut, from disbelief to sorrow to anger. And we have the right to feel each and every one of those emotions. But I have never once seen despair. Never once did I see divisiveness or discord; just the opposite. Orlando came together; Orlando showed the world what type of community we are. 

Locals know that apart from the theme parks, and the millions of visitors who flock here, Orlando really is a small town. But it is a diverse community, a melting pot of cultures, beliefs and people. 

According to census studies and economists, people move here for jobs, opportunity and, of course, the climate. But I have always believed our acceptance of people as they are, without labels, is one of the most compelling reason why so many want to call Central Florida home. 

You see, the attack on Pulse was not an attack on just the LGBTQ community or the Hispanic community. It was an attack on all of us. 

I am proud of my hometown. We took a blow — one hell of a blow. But we will keep dancing; we will keep loving. Because this is our home, and we are Orlando Strong.