🌱 Orange County Transportation Input Sought + Seminole County Integration Tribute

Hey, people of Orlando! Carlos Hernandez here with a fresh issue of the Orlando Daily. Let's get this day started right.

First, today's weather:

Humid with sunny intervals. High: 85 Low: 65.

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Here are the top five stories today in Orlando:

1. Ingrid Burton Nathan became the first African-American to integrate Seminole County Public Schools at age 14 in 1964. Seminole County dedicated a building on campus at Sanford Middle School in her honor on Wednesday. Nathan endured taunting and bullying, but went on to graduate in the top 10 percent of her class. (WESH)

2. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings is re-engaging residents by launching an online survey to make sure the county's transportation priorities in 2022 still align with the initial survey. Orange County residents and those who travel regularly in Orange County are encouraged to participate in the county's transportation open houses and take their transportation survey. (Orange County Government)

3. SeaWorld Conservation announced two new partnerships on Thursday to help marine animals in need, themed after the theme park's new attractions. SeaWorld Orlando is partnering with Alaska SeaLife Center to support Alaskan marine mammal awareness and rehabilitation in conjunction with Arctic-themed coaster Ice Breaker. (WFTV)

4. Orlando was one of the top 10 cities last year where investors bought the highest shares of homes in Black-majority neighborhoods, according to data from the real estate company Redfin. The buying spree is exacerbating the racial inequality gap and comes amid rising prices. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) says companies "bought up properties, they raised rents, they cut services, they priced out family home buyers, and they forced renters out of their homes." (Orlando Weekly)

5. A woman from Orlando, Shannon Fraser, lent her phone to a young boy, who then used it to transfer $3,800 through the app, according to the victim. Venmo replaced the funds in Fraser's account, but she will not have access to them until the company completes its investigation, according to a report. (Orlando Patch)

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Today in Orlando:

• Tai Chi In The Garden at Mead Botanical Garden. (10:30 AM)
• City Art Jam at Ace Café Orlando. (5:30 PM)
• Mr. Lake Nona Pageant at Lake Nona High School. (6:00 PM)
• Gettin' In The Game of Life at Hemophilia Foundation Greater Florida. (6:00 PM)
• Orlando Solar Bears Vs. Indy Fuel at Amway Center. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The only place in Florida where you can have a view of a volcano is Universal Studios Orlando. 🌋(Instagram)
• Spend your St Patrick’s Day at The Tavern Block Party. 🍀 There will be vendors, games, a live DJ, tacos, and of course, green beer. 21+ only. (Instagram)
• Firefighter Moore is celebrating five years with Orlando Fire Department. (Facebook)
• Choose from two performances by the acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on February 22nd or 23rd in Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. (Facebook)
• Celebrate Black History Month with Downtown Orlando on Thursday, February 24th for What’s Up Downtown: Life in the Village. This event focuses on the past, present, and future of Parramore. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Social Security Webinar 2/21 & 2/23 (February 21)
• Social Security Webinar (February 22)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar 2/25 & 3/3 (February 25)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (March 1)
• Alternative Products Expo - Fort Lauderdale (March 11)
• Alternative Products Expo - Fort Lauderdale (March 12)
• Alternative Products Expo - Fort Lauderdale (March 13)
• Add your event

Loving the Orlando Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business featured in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— 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.