Orlando is the heart of Central Florida, a large and lively city known around the world as the theme-park capital while keeping a charming, lake-dotted downtown.
The town that became Orlando was laid out in 1857 around a courthouse square, with just a handful of streets. After the Civil War, the population grew quickly, and the Town of Orlando was incorporated on July 31, 1875, with only 85 residents. It was reincorporated as a city in 1885.
Orlando is the county seat of Orange County. The years from 1875 to 1895 are remembered as the city's Golden Era, when it became a hub of Florida's booming citrus industry.
In the second half of the 20th century, the arrival of major theme parks transformed Orlando into one of the most visited destinations on earth. Today millions of travelers come each year to enjoy its resorts, attractions, and entertainment.
Yet Orlando is much more than its parks. It is a large, growing metropolitan area with a strong economy, major universities, and a diverse population drawn from across the country and around the world.
At the center of downtown lies Lake Eola Park, famous for its swan-shaped paddleboats, its lighted fountain, and its tree-lined walking path. The lake is closely tied to local lore about how the city got its name.
Around downtown, historic neighborhoods with century-old oaks and brick streets sit alongside modern high-rises, theaters, restaurants, and sports venues, giving Orlando a rich mix of old charm and new energy.
Orlando is sometimes called "The City Beautiful," a nickname reflected in its many lakes, tree-lined streets, and well-kept parks. Dozens of lakes are scattered across the city, offering scenic backdrops and quiet green spaces amid the urban bustle.
Distinctive neighborhoods each have their own character, from historic districts near the lakes to lively arts and dining areas. Together with a busy calendar of festivals, sports, and cultural events, they give Orlando a strong community spirit that residents value as much as the attractions that made the city famous.
Orlando is part of the Responders First service area. If you serve — or have served — as a police officer, deputy, firefighter, paramedic, EMT, corrections officer, or in the military, and you live or work in or around Orlando, you and your immediate family are eligible for our free five-day wellness program and year-round counseling. Our core therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), can bring measurable results in as few as 1–5 sessions. No diagnosis, department referral, or paperwork is required, and your participation is never shared with your employer or agency.
Yes. Every service — the free five-day wellness program, year-round one-on-one counseling, and the Saturday peer-to-peer group — is 100% free and confidential for first responders, veterans, active-duty military, and their families in Orlando and the surrounding area. You are never billed or asked for insurance.
No. You do not need a diagnosis, a referral, or any paperwork from your department to take part. If you serve or have served — or you love someone who does — you are eligible.
No. Responders First operates independently of any department, agency, or branch. Your participation — and anything discussed during the program — is never shared with your employer, chain of command, or insurer.
Every service is free and strictly confidential. No diagnosis, referral, or paperwork required — a brief phone call is all it takes to start.