Orange County Mayor Warns Of COVID-19 'Crisis Mode' + Mask Debate

Hey, Orlando! Let's get you started this Tuesday with everything you need to know going on in town today.

In this issue, you'll learn about surging COVID-19 cases, continued controversy over masks in schools, a new construction project on I-4 that is expected to help alleviate traffic, and more. Now, let's get started.

First, today's weather: Possible light rain in the evening. High: 93 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is raising the alarm as COVID-19 cases rise in Central Florida, saying "we are in crisis mode." AdventHealth has raised its alert level to red. The county is now seeing nearly 1,000 new COVID-19 cases per day. The youngest death in the county from COVID-19 is a 27-year-old and that the median age among those who have died from the virus is 59. (Click Orlando)

2. Governor DeSantis has pledged to fight masks in schools as COVID-19 cases rise, saying "kids need to be kids." The American Academy of Pediatrics recently recommended that everyone ages 2 and older wear a mask in schools. Most school boards in Central Florida have recently voted to make masks optional this fall. (Spectrum News 13)

3. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is hosting a 'Food for Thought' virtual tour via Zoom on Tuesdays, August 3rd, 17th, and 31st, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. It will demonstrate how Second Harvest distributes enough food for 300,000 meals a day. Registration is free. (The Apopka Chief)

4. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is constructing a new interchange on ChampionsGate diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 4 and County Road 532. Residents say it is badly needed after record growth has brought traffic jams to the area. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2022 or beginning of 2023. (Fox 35 Orlando)

5. The National Weather Service (NWS) has announced new categories for thunderstorms: destructive, considerable and baseline. The new category is "destructive" and means a severe thunderstorm capable of, or producing at least 2.75-inch diameter hail and/or wind gusts of at least 80 mph. (Spectrum News 13)

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Today in Orlando

• End of Korean War (1953) - The American Legion, Department of Florida. (12:00 AM)
• Delegate Strength Target Date - The American Legion, Department of Florida. (12:00 AM)
• Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Event - OBT Goodwill. (9:00 AM)
• Elementary Information Session - OCPS Virtual School. (9:00 AM)
• Bouncing Babies & Stories with Ms. Shanna at the Winter Park Library. (9:30 AM)
• Jovē Water’s Greatest. Summer. Ever! Hydration Truck. (10:00 AM)
• St. Luke's Free Food Distribution. (11:00 AM)
• Gown and Glove - Surgical Technology Demonstration. (11:00 AM)
• Orange County School Board Meeting - Budget Public Hearing. (4:45 PM)
• Sci-Fi City's Board Game Tuesday. (5:30 PM)
• Tuesday Night Run at Ten10 Brewing Company. (6:30 PM)
• Taco Tuesday at Novelty Lounge. (7:00 PM)
• Post 26 Meeting - The American Legion, Department of Florida. (7:00 PM)
• Greater Orlando PFLAG Support Meeting - Virtual via Zoom (English). (7:00 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Universal Orlando Resort: "Without U, we're just Niversal. (: @thesunnysg)" (Instagram)
• Orlando City SC: "Final from Yankee Stadium. #NYCvORL" (Instagram)
• Pet Alliance Greater Orlando: "Starting the day off with a story to make you smile! This is Kai, a proud Pet Alliance alum Kai is presently on ..." (Instagram)
• Nature Conservancy in Florida: "Sandhill cranes rely on open freshwater wetlands for most of their lifecycle. Degradation of these kinds of wetland h..." (Instagram)
• Yelp Orlando: "Starting the week off right… What’s your favorite flavor from @thesaltydonut?? Gimme that guava + cheese, plz! Pictu..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Fire Department: "We'd like to recognize Inspector Brand for 25 years of service with the city of Orlando. Way to go!" (Facebook)
• Orange County, Florida : "As a community, let's build immunity against COVID-19. As of July 22, 2021: 61.59% of Orange County residents 12+ ..." (Instagram)
• Downtown Orlando: "Adding some color to your Monday morning ⁠ ⁠ #MuralMonday⁠ ⁠ @UCFDowntown" (Instagram)
• Orlando Science Center: "Come celebrate with us and let us blow your mind with a science-themed birthday celebration! From space exploration t..." (Instagram)
• City of Orlando - Government: "#COVID19 cases are on the rise. We can be the change, Orlando. If you still need the COVID-19 vaccine, come out tomor..." (Facebook)
• YMCA of Central Florida: "While getting your daily servings of water can seem like a chore, there are still ways to stay hydrated. Read Chef Ga..." (Facebook)
• Thornton Park District: "In case you noticed on your strolls around Lake Eola Park those interesting looking lizards! Orlando Main Stre..." (Facebook)
• Orlando Police Department: "VACCINE AVAILABLE: Some residents & families haven't had time to get a COVID-19 vaccine, so City of Orlando - Governm..." (Facebook)

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Events:

• Prepare Your House For The Market With Our Professional Pressure Washing Service (July 27)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday! See you all tomorrow morning for your next 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.

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