🌱 Orange County Schools Faces New Year + Volcano Bay Lawsuit

Welcome back, Orlando. I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

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A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 91 Low: 77.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Two people are dead and one person was hospitalized after a deputy-involved shooting in Orange County. The incident happened Saturday afternoon at around 12:30 p.m. at the Heritage Hotel on Orange Blossom Trail. (WFTV)

2. Orange County is still looking to fill 100 classroom teacher vacancies amid a teacher shortage, according to new Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez. Vasquez said she is also confident the district will be able to implement the new "Don't Say Gay" policy in school and that the county's legal team is advising teachers who fear for their jobs. (Click Orlando)

3. Security checkpoints placed in downtown Orlando after a recent shooting shooting are planned to continue every Friday and Saturday night for the foreseeable future. The checkpoints included police officers, K9s, and security guards. Metal detectors are also on the way, according to City of Orlando. (Fox 35)

4. The developer behind major Orlando projects, including The Plaza in downtown Orlando, is planning a new 36-story tower in the Central Business District at 110 Jefferson Street. The project is expected to cost $200 million and include 544 new residential units as well as office and retail space. (Bungalower)

5. A St. Johns County resident, Danielle Tolman, has filed a $100,000 lawsuit against Universal Studios Orlando after allegedly suffering a head injury on the Punga Racers ride at Volcano Bay in 2018. The lawsuit claims the injury left the resident unable to drive or take care of her home and also cost her a job opportunity. (Florida Politics)

Today in Orlando:

• Exhibit - Chris Robb: Physical Currency at Orlando City Hall - Terrace Gallery. (all day)
• Audubon Park Community Market at Stardust Video & Coffee. (5 p.m.)
• Eat To The Beat Series at America Gardens Theatre. (5:30 p.m.)
• Orlando Scrabble Club at Wirz Park. (7 p.m.)
• Yultron at Gilt Nightclub. (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County Animal Services received a $50,000 donation from the national non-profit, Petco Love. Animal Services is the only open admission, municipal pet shelter serving the Orange County area and has struggled with increased animals needing care. (WFTV)
• Performing Arts Center is bringing their Come Alive tour to Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center from August 19–21. (Twitter)
• Around 500 Palm Bay residents in Brevard County have signed a petition campaigning against a large apartment complex being built in their neighborhood. Residents are concerned about traffic and property values. (Spectrum News 13)
• Visit Orlando's Magical Dining returns this month with over 100 Central Florida restaurants participating in the promotion as well as hotels. Diners can enjoy a 3-course prix-fixe meal for $40. (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel, Free: Click Orlando)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you all tomorrow for another 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com