ORLANDO, Fla. – Five longtime businesses in Orlando’s Mills 50 district received historic plaques Tuesday, launching a larger initiative to recognize the people and places that have helped shape the neighborhood.
Cameo Theatre, Colonial Photo and Hobby, The Center, Track Shack and Wally’s were the first businesses along Mills Avenue to earn the designations.
Located around Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive roughly a mile from downtown Orlando, Mills 50 is one of the city’s 12 Main Street districts. The program supports neighborhood businesses and helps strengthen local commercial corridors.
Jeff Dry, president of the Mills 50 board, said the plaques are intended to do more than commemorate buildings. They also recognize and support the small-business owners who continue to give the district its identity.
“That’s really the important part of the recognition also is to make sure we’re supporting the small business owners,” Dry said.
Dry said the project has been in development for about a year and a half. Its broader purpose is to help residents and visitors gain a deeper understanding of Mills 50’s history and character.
“So when people coming to Central Florida, I want them to really see the true Orlando and really getting to know the business owners that put so much behind it and live and work in the neighborhoods,” Dry said.
Tuesday’s honorees are the first five of 10 businesses expected to receive historic plaques in Mills 50. District leaders plan to recognize five additional businesses during the coming year.
The initiative is expected to culminate by the end of 2027 with a walking tour showcasing Mills 50’s businesses and history.
