🌱 Orange Co. Approves Rent Hike Ordinance + Brightline Safety Update

Hi, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this warm morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in town today. Here goes...

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 95 Low: 77.

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Here are the top five stories in Orlando today:

1. Brightline and police are asking the public to be careful when trains approach as speeds move higher in Brevard County. More than 50 people have died so far in collisions since the high-speed railroad started running in South Florida with no deaths attributed to the train line. The route connecting South Florida to the Orlando airport is now 80% complete. (Click Orlando)

2. A 33-year-old Orlando man shared his experience after being bit on the foot by a shark recently at Daytona Beach. "I tried to swim on my back and then I saw the blood," Bryan Olivares, the victim, said. He added he is not sure if he'll get back in the water after the incident. (WESH)

3. Orange County Commissioners approved a new ordinance Tuesday that requires landlords to give written notice for rent hikes over a certain amount. The new law states landlords must give their tenants written notice of any rent hikes over 5%, and they must do it at least 60 days before the increase takes effect. The ordinance comes as Florida and the Orlando metro faces an affordable housing crisis. (Click Orlando)

4. Red Panda is a new restaurant concept coming soon from the minds of Orlando Meats at a location that has not been revealed yet. Hand-pulled noodles will be on the menu and a number of items including ramen, udon and more. (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel)

5. Some residents in Orange County are voicing concerns over their trash not being picked up on schedule. Orange County blames supply chain problems impacting repairs as well as a persistent staffing problem, which is a nationwide issue. (WFTV)

Today in Orlando:

• Hospitality Thursday at American Kitchen Bar & Grill. (noon)
• Design Your Own Chic Cacti Garden at The House On Lang. (5:30 p.m.)
• Network After Work Orlando at Bitters And Bottles. (6 p.m.)
• Thirsty Thursday Trivia: Big Bang Theory at Ellipsis Brewing. (7 p.m.)
• Chris Rock Ego Death World Tour 2022 at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County commissioners approved a plan that would use American Rescue plan funding to help families in need purchase diapers. (WFTV)
• A community splash pad inspired by Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest opened in Kissimmee on Monday. It is located at 65th Infantry Veteran's Park on Astor Court. (Fox 35)
• A lawsuit filed by parents, students and a non-profit on Monday in federal court in Orlando seeks to block the school boards in Orange, Indian River, Duval and Palm Beach counties from carrying out Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law. Lawyers claim the law violates the first amendment. (Orlando Weekly)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com