Fed Unemployment Benefits Ending - Vaccine Trailer - LGBT+ Center

Good morning and Happy Tuesday! My name is Carlos Hernandez and I am back to update you on the latest happening in the Orlando area.

In this issue, you'll learn about the end of federal unemployment benefits in Florida, a vaccine trailer, congestion issues in Osceola County, and more.

Today’s weather: The high is 92 and the low is 68 with sunny skies.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando:

1. Florida is ending $300 weekly federal unemployment benefits in June. The program was extended by the Biden Administration until September as the economy slowly recovers from the pandemic, but Florida has now opted out after pushback from businesses on unemployment benefits. (Patch)

2. An Orange County vaccine trailer is making stops at Goodwill stores. It’s part of an effort to make vaccines more accessible to those who have not been able to get them yet. (Click Orlando)

3. Drivers in Osceola County say development is coming at a heavy cost to them with congested roads and are raising safety concerns. (Spectrum News 13)

4. The LGBT+ Center in Orlando is seeking participants for a blood study to pave the way for blood donations from the LGBTQ community nearly 5 years after the Pulse nightclub shooting. They need people ages 18 to 39 to sign up and 300 are needed. (Click Orlando)

5. Alvina Chu, an epidemiologist, has shared her experience being on the frontlines during the pandemic. She shared the importance of representation in communities, especially during Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month. (Click Orlando)

Today in Orlando:

• Orange County School Board Meeting. (4:45 p.m.)
• Tuesday Night Run at Ten10 Brewing. Come out for a weekly run club. (6:30 p.m.)
• Flavors of ICON Park Foodie Walking Tour at Wheelhouse Market. (6:30 p.m.)
• Wicked Wonderland at Painting with a Twist in the Universal area. (7 p.m.)
• Sammy Hagar and The Circle at The Frontyard Festival. One of rock’s most dynamic artists with 25 platinum albums. (7:30 p.m.)

Orlando Patch Notebook:

• More than 10 million Floridians have now been vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to COVID-19 vaccination sites.
• Universal Orlando enjoyed a busy start to the week.
• Orlando Rep. Stephanie Murphy has announced she will not run for a U.S. Senate seat against Marco Rubio or Val Demmings.

Featured Classified: Gigs and Services - $99 Driveway Cleaning Savings Spectacular- NRC Pressure Washing

That's all for today. I will be back tomorrow with the latest happening in Orlando. My inbox is open if you have any tips to send or want to reach out: orlando@patch.com.

-Carlos Hernandez

About me: I have lived in Florida since 1999 and covered the Orlando area for nearly 10 years, mainly with a focus on food through my blog at CarlosEats.com.