🌱 Orange County Defends Mask Mandate + Orlando Rat Ranking + Murder Trial

Up and at 'em, Orlando! Let's get this Friday started off right. Here's everything going on today in town.

First, today's weather:

Humid; an afternoon t-storm. High: 87 Low: 74.

Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Orange County Superintendent Barbara Jenkins defended mask mandates to the Florida State Board of Education on Thursday. She said it was the mandate was "legal, necessary and reasonable" to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect students and staff in schools. (WFTV)

2. A new report from Terminix says Orlando is one of the most rat-infested places in the United States. Orlando was narrowly beat by neighboring Tampa. (Orlando Weekly)

3. Cellphone video has been released of Armando Caballero speaking to Miya Marcano’s family after she went missing. Marcano's family members said they received very little assistance from the Arden Villas apartment complex. (WSVN)

4. The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund has awarded $1.9 million to students in Orange County in 20 years. More than $133,500 was awarded to this year’s recipients at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. (Click Orlando)

5. Markeith Loyd's trial for the murder of Orlando Police Lieutenant Debra Clayton is set to start today. Judge Leticia Marques denied requests from the defense to delay or move the trial elsewhere. (WMFE)

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Today in Orlando:

• Renewal Date - The American Legion, Department of Florida. (all day)
• Couples Cooking: German-Style at Publix Aprons Cooking School at Winter Park Village. (6:00 PM)
• Rollins College Women's Volleyball vs Saint Leo University. (7:00 PM)
• Jeff Rupert Quartet at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts. (8:00 PM)
• Habstrakt at The Vanguard. (9:00 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Downtown Orlando: "Counting down the days until the @comeoutwithpride Festival at Lake Eola Park! ⁠12 pm - 9:30 pm⁠ ⁠ Link in bio for more info." (Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer: "Orlando's attractions are known globally for creating unique, memorable experiences for visitors. A homegrown company that creates themed attractions is helping bring many of those experiences to life. I enjoyed visiting Falcon's Beyond'..." (Facebook)
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: "Follow the fictional story of P. T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman this Sunday night—plus enjoy dinner and drink delivery. bit.ly/3uFzX51 Part of our revamped Frontyard Festival™, presented by AdventHealth Orlando. Movies supported by Ex..." (Facebook)
• YMCA of Central Florida: "Fall is officially here, and that means it's time to break out the stockpot for some savory soups! Try Chef Gary's latest recipe, Butternut Squash Soup, this week: https://bit.ly/3zXXU8F" (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. 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.