🌱 Central Florida Ranked No. 1 In Commutes + Jeff's Bagel Run Expands

Hello, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. In today's issue, you'll read about these stories and more:

• The Central Florida area has been ranked No. 1 in "Large Metro Areas to Avoid if You Hate Commuting."
• Central Florida experts are warning Floridians to continue receive training on guns despite the removal of a permit or training requirement in the state.
• A Daytona Beach student accidentally shot himself on a college campus Tuesday and is being charged with a felony.

But first, today's weather: Sun mixing with clouds; warm. High: 90 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. The Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area has been ranked No. 1 with a composite score of 88.1 out of 100 on a list of "Large Metro Areas to Avoid if You Hate Commuting." The list was compiled by Hire A Helper. The area has an average one-way commute of 28.3 minutes and about 77 percent of workers in the region rely on private transportation. (Orlando Patch)
2. Florida residents will no longer be required to have a permit or training to carry a concealed firearm starting July 1, 2021. However, Francis Mendoza at Expert Marksman Academy near US-441 and Hiawassee Road in Apopka still urges residents to get training for their safety and experts can see future problems with the legislation. Background checks will still be required. (Click Orlando)
3. A 41-year-old Daytona Beach State student was taken into police custody on Tuesday for bringing a gun to campus after authorities said the student accidentally shot himself. Police said the student shot himself accidentally in his upper thigh. It is a third-degree felony to possess a firearm on a school campus. (WESH)
4. Popular Central Florida bakery concept Jeff’s Bagel Run is partnering with 1337 Capital to expand the concept. Jeff's Bagel Run recently opened a second location prior to this announcement. The expansion will be immediately with at least four additional stores planned this year in Central Florida and out-of-state expansion in the works. (Bungalower)
5. Theme park giant Disney is donating $100,000 toward science, technology, engineering, and math studies or STEM in Orange County Public Schools. "We can always count on Disney to provide for our schools and students in innovative, fun and thoughtful ways. This generous donation will help our teachers bring STEM to life in the classroom and will help provide our students with experiences they’ll treasure for a lifetime,” superintendent Maria Vazquez said in a statement. (WESH)

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Today in Orlando:

• Ring In Spring at Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach. (10 a.m.)
• Commons Co-Op at Center For Health And Wellbeing. (3 p.m.)
• Goat Yoga at Alaska Farms Orlando. (6 p.m.)
• Downtown Comedy Wednesdays at Bynx Orlando. (7:30 p.m.)
• Energy Wheel at Timucua Arts Foundation. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Valencia College shared: "Congratulations to the 12 Valencia students who were named to the 2023 All-Florida Academic Team." (Valencia College via Instagram)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "OFD congratulates Assistant Chief Paul Plaugher. Chief Plaugher is retiring after 26years of service. Thank you for your commitment to the residents of Orlando and our department." (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)
• Downtown Orlando shared: "407 Day is just around the corner, and we have the perfect way to celebrate. Join us for this free event where there will be a variety of games onsite to kick off your weekend - or feel free to bring your own." (Downtown Orlando via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "Orlando Police Department Detective Robert 'Bobby' Pickett was selected as the Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Central Florida Task Force Officer (TFO) of the Year for his exceptional investigative efforts." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)

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That's it for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com