Orange County Schools Masks Optional + Cuba Protester Arrested

Hey, people of Orlando! Carlos Hernandez here with a fresh issue of the Orlando Daily.

In this issue, you'll learn about changes to mask rules in Orange County Schools, a man who drowned while running from the police in Palm Bay, the latest in the fight over vaccines and cruises in Florida, and more. Now, let's get started.

First, today's weather: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 91 Low: 75.

Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Orange County Public Schools voted 7-1 to make wearing masks optional in the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, joining neighboring counties. This decision comes as cases are rising in Orange County and Mayor Demings is urging citizens to mask up indoors again to slow the spread of COVID-19. (Orlando Weekly)

2. Cuba protestors blocked a portion of Semoran Boulevard on Tuesday evening. Protestors gathered near Sedano's, a popular grocery store for Cubans. One person was arrested by police during the protest. (WESH)

3. A weekend traffic stop in Palm Bay ended with a 31-year-old man drowning in a swimming pool after running from the police, according to Palm Bay Police. Police have not identified the man and an investigation is ongoing. (Click Orlando)

4. The fight over vaccines on cruises continues. Florida is threatening to fine cruise lines for demanding passenger vaccination status. Norwegian Cruise Lines has filed a lawsuit against Scott A. Rivkees, Florida’s surgeon general and head of the Florida Department of Health. (Spectrum News 13)

5. The Milk District has launched a new retail incubator to help foster more opportunities for local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. (Bungalower)

From our sponsor:

Today's Orlando Daily is brought to you by our friends at FTD, the most trusted name in flowers. FTD's network includes over 8,800 local florists in communities around the country. Send flowers to someone you care about today and get a 15% discount on your order. Click here to make someone feel awesome.

Today in Orlando

• Board Meeting - Winter Park Garden Club. (10:00 AM)
• STEM at Princesses and Princes. (10:30 AM)
• Jeremiah's Ice Night Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida. (12:00 PM)
• Family Wheel at Super Awesome Cool Pottery. (12:00 PM)
• Raptor Rehab with Winter Park Library. Virtual event. (2:00 PM)
• Florida Prize Artist Panel II - Orlando Museum of Art. (6:00 PM)
• 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop - Downtown Arts District. (6:00 PM)
• Thursday Night Market in Thornton Park. (6:00 PM)
• Mindfulness Meditation - 1st Unitarian Church of Orlando. (7:00 PM)
• Books & Badges Bedtime Story Series - Orlando Fire Department. (7:00 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Orlando Weekly: "It comes as no surprise that the top destination for water slides and a fun #splash is right here in #Orlando. #Seawo..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Science Center: ""Grrrrr. Arrg. Grg. GRRRRR." - Alligator Loki Did you know that while most alligators are not Norse gods, they do se..." (Instagram)
• Orlando City SC: "NEWS: Orlando City SC Signs Argentinian Defender Emmanuel Mas. Details at the link in our bio. #VamosOrlando" (Instagram)
• The Florida Aquarium: "Happy #SharkWeek! Let’s learn some interesting facts about these elasmobranchs that are key to the health of our ocea..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department: "ARRESTED: Our SVU detectives & Orange County Sheriff's Office, Florida filed charges against Dwight Harris, the so-ca..." (Facebook)
• Orlando Weekly: " GIVEAWAY ALERT! Our friends at Wymore Laser are giving away an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial treatment. T..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Weekly: "DeSantis is selling two new koozies that poke fun at the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. One of the new koozies on DeSa..." (Instagram)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Free Estate Planning & Living Trust Workshop Live Q&A Friday 3PM (July 16)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon. If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read 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? Reach out anytime to orlando@patch.com.