🌱 Mask Mandate Expires + Mu Variant Detected + Universal Profits Rebound

Good morning, people of Orlando! Carlos Hernandez here with a fresh issue of the Orlando Daily.

In this issue, you'll learn about a new COVID-19 variant identified in the Orlando area, a film festival returning, an update on local theme park profits, and more. Now, let's get started.

First, today's weather:

Pleasant with clouds and sun. High: 74 Low: 60.

Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) on Thursday filed a cease-and-desist order requesting that a judge order Florida to stop withholding funds from school districts that received federal money to cover school board members’ salaries. The DOE wrote that Florida violated federal law by reducing state funds based on the receipt by districts of federal fund. (Orlando Weekly)

2. The Mu variant of the coronavirus was detected in the Altamonte Springs sewer service area, according to city manager Franklin W. Martz, II. The variant is currently being monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Click Orlando)

3. Universal theme parks have stayed profitable as the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Universal's parent company Comcast reported that theme park revenue grew to $1.4 billion with the recovery driven by Universal Orlando. (Spectrum News 13)

4. The mask mandate for all Orange County Public School buildings and buses expires on October 30th. Orange County employees, visitors and volunteers will still be required to wear a face mask. Parents debated the change at a hectic meeting. (WESH)

5. Enzian Theater is hosting its 23rd Annual Florida Jewish Film Festival this year from November 13th to November 16th. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online. The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando is a partner for the event. (Bungalower)

Today in Orlando:

• 25th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Orlando. (7:00 AM)
• Trunk or Treat - Caffeine and Chrome - Classic Cars and Coffee at Gateway Classic Cars of Orlando (9:00 AM)
• Orlando Creepy Crawl - Hemophilia Foundation Greater Florida. (4:00 PM)
• The 4th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl - Orlando. (4:00 PM)
• Nightmare on the Clermont Trails 5K. (6:30 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Orlando Main Streets: "Mayor Dyer, Commissioner Hill and Natasha Gaye, the Executive Director of the Parramore portion of @citydistrictorlando installed the first of more than 25 historical marker signs throughout the area. The Holden-Parramore National ..." (Instagram)
• Central Florida Zoo: "Grab your friends and enjoy painting and wine at our next Wild Art & Wine class on Thursday, November 11. Adults 21+ only. Register on our website. ... #CentralFloridaZoo #CFZ #WineNight #WildArtAndWine #Wine #GNO #GirlsNight #Paint ..." (Instagram)
• Thornton Park District: "Promoting the TPD 8th Annual Halloween Block Party on the A Mediocre Time with Tom and Dan Podcast. We love those guys! Grab your tickets NOW for only $10! Tomorrow at midnight they go up to $20. Have a fun filled night planned with DJ's ..." (Facebook)
• Downtown Orlando: "Downtown will look pretty in pink on Saturday for the Making Strides of Orlando breast cancer walk! Oct 30 9 am Lake Eola Park" (Facebook)

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• Save 15 Percent On Boo-tiful Flowers This Halloween! (October 31)
• Miami MoCAAD's Creative Conversation Series Continues (November 4)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! I'll see you around. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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 Daily? Reach out anytime to carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.