Traditional Downtown Orlando holiday star updated  for 2018

ORLANDO, Fla. — Jack Kazansas loved to see city and utility workers hang the holiday star in downtown Orlando each year and he showed up with coffee and donuts in hand for them. He also wore an elf hat to help get everyone into the holiday spirit.

Later, after he raised funds to keep the tradition intact, they named the star after him and it hangs over Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard each year.

This year, the star was upgraded after parts of it failed to light up in 2017 and city employees were forced to make repairs after it was in position over the busy street.

“It needed new acrylic because the sun made it fragile and brittle,” said David Dunn, Orlando Fleet and Facilities Division Manager.

And while that work was going on, he said it was decided to upgrade the entire display with LED technology and drivers that will save the cost of lighting it.

“We actually are operating it as 50% of the power capacity,” he added.

It looks different this year and some have commented on social media.