🌱 Orange Co. Loses Nearly 700 Teachers + Scooter Restrictions + Santa Workshop Experience

Happy Saturday, people of Orlando! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

Florida Patch wants to know about your plans for the 2021 holiday season. How do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve? Let us know.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny with a shower. High: 78 Low: 55.

Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Vaccine Mandate Fight Advances: A federal judge will hear arguments December 7th in Florida’s request for a preliminary injunction to block the Biden administration from requiring employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. (Orlando Weekly)

2. Kissimmee-based Horizon Vacation Homes has seen a surge in inquiries since the end of the international travel ban was first announced, according to owner and CEO Yann Guyonic. He expects the number of international guests to rise to around 70% by the end of the month. (Spectrum 13 News)

3. Teacher Shortage: Nearly 700 teachers with Orange County Public Schools left their jobs since the start of the school year in August. The teacher's union cites low pay and a high workload as the main reason for teacher's quitting. More retirements are expected in December, increasing the pressure on the school district. (WFTV)

4. The Santa Workshop Experience has returned to ICON Park for the holiday season now through Christmas Eve. Guests can meet and take photos with Santa. Reservations are now available online. Children who participate in the Santa Workshop Experience will get a free ride on The Wheel. (Spectrum 13 News)

5. The City of Orlando approved new restrictions for scooters in downtown Orlando this week, lowering the speed limit to 10 mph and increasing the cost per ride. The increased fee will pay for infrastructure improvements to support the scooter program. (Bungalower)

Today in Orlando:

• Lakeview Elementary's Salute Our Veterans 5K run/walk. (8:00 AM)
• Breakfast with Santa at Orlando Museum of Art. (8:30 AM)
• Florida Kids and Family Expo. (10:00 AM)
• Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando Adoption Event at PetSmart Lake Mary. (12:00 PM)
• Dancing for Diabetes 21st Anniversary Show. (7:00 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Visit Orlando: "Take a trip down to Flavortown for a chicken joint that's bomb-dot-com tasty. @happinessisafullbelly" (Instagram)
• Orlando Food & Travel Guide: "Thanksgiving Family Meal - Delivered to Your Home by @orderheirloom - For November 22nd - November 28th the Heirloom menu includes a Thanksgiving Family Meal for 4 and Thanksgiving Sides Package. We got an exclusive sneak peek inside ..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer: "There's no question that small businesses make our city more vibrant, and a more unique place to live. I was reminded of this yesterday when I visited El Cilantrillo Restaurant in our Gateway Orlando District. The restaurant's owners, Hi..." (Facebook)
• YMCA of Central Florida: "Progress is being made at the site of the new Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family YMCA! This new facility will allow the Y to expand our reach and provide more critical programs and services that make a positive difference in o..." (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update! If you're loving 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? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.