🌱 Orange Co. Rent Control Measure Advances + Universal Passholders

Morning, Orlando! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Daily. Let's get this Thursday started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

Now, today's weather:

Partly sunny, a t-storm; hot. High: 95 Low: 78.

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Here are the top five stories today in Orlando:

1. Orange County leaders voted 4 to 3, in favor of putting a rent control measure on the November 2022 ballot. Rent has climbed a sharp 30% in the last year, driving many into poverty and some homelessness. The measure would tie rent to the annual increase of the consumer price index. (WESH)

2. On June 30, the USDA waivers that allowed districts to feed students for free ended. As a result Orange, Seminole and Brevard County families will be required to pay for school meals again this year. Parents are asked to fill out a meal benefits application to see if their kids qualify for free or reduced lunch. (Fox 35)

3. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), its contractor Idemia and airport leaders at Orlando International Airport announced a new plan Tuesday to try to make the enrollment process for TSA PreCheck easier and faster. It will allow potential users to register in just a few minutes at the airport. (Click Orlando)

4. Ten on South, a new housing project, is being pitched for the lot on the corner of South Mills Avenue and East South Street, near the former site of Jonestown. The project is set to be discussed for approval. (Bungalower)

5. Universal Orlando Resort is giving back to passholders with exclusive benefits to celebrate the program during Passholder Appreciation Days. The benefits include hotel deals as well as an expansion of special food items available around the theme parks and CityWalk. (Orlando Patch)

Today in Orlando:

• The Learning Experience O-Town West Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. (11 a.m.)
• Full Moon Mercado at The Veranda At Thornton Park. (6 p.m.)
• TPD Circle Market at Osceola Circle. (6 p.m.)
• CPR Certification Orlando. (6 p.m.)
• WAR On The Catwalk at The Plaza Live. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is hosting a public meeting on project plans on North Orange Avenue from Magnolia Avenue to north of Rollins Street on Wednesday, August 17, at 5:30 p.m. (Bungalower)
• The City of Kissimmee received $500,000 in state funding Tuesday for its Public Safety Training Facility Annex, a 5,000 sq. ft. covered training space for an outdoor, authentic environment and specialized training facility. (Positively Osceola)
• Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced Monday on Facebook that school resource deputies will carry rifles in an effort to increase safety on campuses. School officers will also receive new uniforms. The changes come amid an increase in mass shootings around the nation. (Click Orlando)
• Seminole County school transportation officials said there was a bug in the app called Traversa Ride 360. Officials said early Wednesday they believe have the issues worked out, which are concerning parents. (WFTV)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you soon!

— 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