ORLANDO, Fla. — A lot of people might say that making friends later in life is really hard, but a couple in Orlando have come up with a way to change that. It almost started by accident, but the success is something they never imagined.

Luis Tacuri and his wife, Nicole, moved to Orlando in July 2020.

“We didn’t know anyone. We didn’t have family here. We didn’t have friends here,” Luis said. “So we actually got on a few apps, phone apps, and we made a small friend group.”

Instead of having numerous group chats, a friend they eventually met decided to set up a Facebook group. Others started finding it, and the Orlando Social Network was born.

“It wasn’t our intention, but that’s what ended up happening,” Luis said.

It’s blossomed to 200 members, with another 2,000 followers. They do theme park events, trivia nights and bi-weekly dinners at area restaurants. Sure it’s fun, but it’s done something more.

“It takes a lot because there’s a lot of people who are nervous to meet other adults, who have social anxiety, so we hope that at some point people who are following us or listening to this, jump in on our Facebook group because we continue growing it,” Luis said.

ONS has been good for Mollie Beach of Clermont.

“I happened to move to Orlando during the midst of the pandemic, so that was not a great time to try and meet new people.”

The events are fun for her, but it’s also helped reduce any isolation.

“I am a small business owner and I work remote so this has really been one of my main ways to meet new people around the city.”

Even though Orlando Social Network started on social media, they found a way to get away from technology. You can visit their website here.