Local

Commission approves new 425-foot ride for Orlando tourist corridor

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County commissioners in Orlando have given the greenlight for a new 425-foot spinning ride to be built in the International Drive tourist corridor.

Commissioners gave the go-ahead last week for construction to begin next year on a site just north of the Orange County Convention Center.

The site is right next door to the 400-foot Orlando Eye observation wheel, and both projects have been brought to life by Unicorp National Development and developer Chuck Whittall.

The spinning ride can reach maximum speeds of 40 miles per hour.

The project is part of a redevelopment of International Drive, long the heart of Orlando's tourism industry.

Earlier this month, commissioners granted zoning approval for the $500 million Skyplex Orlando project, which will have a 570-foot roller coaster.