Michele Walker, Orlando magazine editor (ROBERTO GONZALEZ)

Happy birthday, America, and a special happy birthday to Orlando! That’s right, on July 31, Orlando will turn 147 years young. You don’t look a day over 100.

What fond memories I have of growing up in Orlando, lighting sparklers that prickled my fingers with sparks, of pool parties with burgers and hot dogs, followed by the inevitable fireworks display.

Fourth of July celebrations may have become more complex and impressive (check out Magic Kingdom’s current mind-blowing firework display). Still, nothing can beat the memories of those gentle Orlando summer days, swimming at the lake or pool, staying up late as parents circled their lawn chairs with neighborhood friends, laughing into the night.

As we celebrate our city’s birthday, it’s appropriate that we’re taking a deep dive into the neighborhoods that put the “beautiful” in the City Beautiful, along with a look at the top realtors and mortgage professionals. To give some perspective, we’re also looking back at the historical booms and busts Orlando faced in the past, which has led to the current housing boom.

Orlando Magazine is pleased to welcome writer George Diaz as he shares the touching story of Jeff Revels at Orlando REP. There are so many home-grown heroes in our community who give to those in need. Jeff Revels is an Orlando hero.

I’m a big fan of Food and Travel journalist Nikki Miller-Ka’s work. Make sure to read about her excursion to The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island Resort, a luxurious quick getaway for those days when you need an escape but are short on time.

In 1875, the city, once known as “Jernigan,” was incorporated with 85 citizens and renamed Orlando. Today, 2,038,000 people call Orlando home. Light your sparklers, grill some burgers and celebrate the vibrant city we call home.