Last week, Orlando's icon, the Lake Eola Fountain, was struck by lightening and rendered inoperable.  After the unfortunate strike by Mother Nature, the fountain is in dire need of help from the community.

The Centennial Fountain, commonly referred to as simply the Lake Eola Fountain, is the "official" icon of the City of Orlando and is on everything from street signs to the City seal.  Lake Eola Park and the Fountain are the crown jewels of the City and are two of the most memorable landmarks in Orlando.  It was built in 1957 at a cost of $162,000, a fraction of the estimated $1.2 million cost if it were built today.  The last time it was renovated was in 1988 when $300,000 was spent on the fountain.

Today, more than ever, our beloved Fountain needs community support.  With the cost for repairs expected to be over a million dollars, private donations toward the effort are welcome.  If anyone would like to donate to the "Fix the Fountain" effort, you may visit the Orlando Community and Youth Trust (OCYT) website for more information.  The OCYT is a non-profit organization that is operated through the City of Orlando's Families, Parks and Recreation Department and administered through the Director's office.  You may also call (407) 246-4295 to speak with a representative of OCYT.  All donations are tax deductible if made through OCYT.  All funds donated for this effort will be earmarked specifically for and directly to the fountain repairs.

Thank you, in advance, for your support!  Together, we can bring our Centennial Fountain back to life and be able to enjoy her beauty for many more decades to come.

Photo Courtesy of Thomas Allen, Urbanista