International Soccer Teams + Sprouts Growth + SeaWorld Halloween

Good Morning. 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 the latest on Orange County's COVID-19 protocols, a new horror event coming to SeaWorld Orlando, upcoming soccer event in Downtown Orlando, and more.

Today’s weather: The high is 90 and the low is 74 with scattered showers. There is a 60% chance of rain.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando:

1. Orange County Major Jerry Demings announced a move to phase 3 of the COVID-19 approach with a lifting of mask mandates this weekend, an end of local restrictions, and plans for the future during a state of address. He also said the county has plenty of work ahead as growth continues with 2 million residents anticipated by 2050. (Click Orlando)

2. Howl-O-Scream is coming to SeaWorld Orlando this fall starting on September 10th. The event has ran for decades at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay across I-4. (Fox 35 Orlando)

3. The largest international soccer event in Florida is coming to Camping World Stadium from July 25th to July 28th. It will feature preseason exhibition games between Arsenal FC, Inter Milan, Everton, and Millonarios FC. Tickets are now available. (Orlando Weekly)

4. Sprouts Farmers Market is planning 40 to 50 new stores in Florida after opening a new distribution center near Orlando International Airport. The first Orlando area store opened in 2018. (Orlando Sentinel)

5. COVID-19 vaccines are now being offered at doctor’s offices in Central Florida as mass vaccine sites begin to close down. Nostalgia Family Medicine in Longwood is one of the offices offering shots. (Click Orlando)

Today in Orlando:

• commUNITY Rainbow Run at Wadeview Park. It benefits the National Pulse Memorial & Museum and onePULSE Foundation. (7 a.m.)
• World Ocean’s Day Celebration at Orlando Science Center. Learn about ocean and marine ecosystem conservation initiatives. (10 a.m.)
• Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise at Old Town. (1 p.m.)
• Florida Everblades at Orlando Solar Bears. (7 p.m.)
• Level 1UP Artist Showcase at The Geek Easy. (7 p.m.)
• Gaga Ball 5: The ARTPOP Experience at Stonewall Bar Orlando. (7 p.m.)

Orlando Patch Notebook:

• Florida cruises are staying docked as the fight between Governor DeSantis and the CDC continues in federal court.
• Governor DeSantis cut the money for affordable housing in half during this year’s budget.

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured Event: Celebrate Best Friends Day By Sending Your Bestie Flowers

Featured Classified: Gigs and Services - Affordable Window Shades For Your Home In Florida

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.