Community Corner

🌱Teen Dies On Orlando Amusement Ride + Apopka SunRail Expansion

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Orlando.

(Patch Media)

Happy Saturday, Orlando! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started off right. Here's everything worth knowing in town today.


First, today's weather:

Nice with plenty of sun. High: 76 Low: 56.

Find out what's happening in Orlandofor free with the latest updates from Patch.


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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

Find out what's happening in Orlandofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

1. A 14-year-old, identified as Tyree Samson, fell to his death while riding the Orlando Free Fall ride, according to officials with the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Emergency personnel responded late Thursday evening after a 911 caller reported the incident at the popular tourist attraction on International Drive. The teen was visiting Florida with another family from his home in Missouri. (Orlando Patch)

2. The proposed SunRail expansion to Apopka depends on a one-cent sales tax in Orange County, currently being pitched by county leaders. The expansion would connect with the Lynx Central Station and include six potential stops at Amelia Street, Princeton Street (Packing District), Lockhart/Rosemont, Apopka, State Road 429 and Zellwood. (WESH)

3. Art & History Museums Maitland will host its first GALA fundraiser, A&H: The Art Part today, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event raises critical funds for the Art & History Museums of Maitland as a National Historic Landmark as well as for its exhibitions and programming. Tickets are available online. (Bungalower)

4. Osceola County recognized the recipients of its “Woman Warrior” awards at Monday’s Commission meeting. The county began the Women Warrior awards eight years ago. Each commissioner selects a nominee for the award. This year's recipients are Capt. Jessie Chapman, Bethzaida Garcia, Wilda Belisle, Diana Marrero-Pinto and Jennifer Paul. (Osceola News-Gazette)

5. Orlando City SC and Orlando City B are set to host a doubleheader in downtown Orlando on Sunday, April 24, with OCB's match against New England Revolution II moved to Exploria Stadium. The doubleheader will serve as the first at Exploria Stadium to feature both the First Team and OCB on the same day. (Orlando Patch)


Today in Orlando:

  • Tai Chi at 1st Unitarian Church Of Orlando. (9:00 AM)
  • Big IDEA Conference at Orange County District. (9:00 AM)
  • The Blanket Project at 8450 Silver Star Road. (10:00 AM)
  • 4th annual Holly Hill Arts Festival at Holly Hill City Hall. (10:00 AM)
  • Apopka's Vegan Food & Wine Festival at Kit Land Nelson Park. (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

  • Culver's plans to add another metro Orlando location. Culver's has has 853 locations in 25 states, including 85 in Florida and 13 in Central Florida. (Subscription: Orlando Business Journal)
  • A $15,000 reward is being offered for any information that could lead to the arrest of a Lakeland man accused of assaulting multiple police officers during the Capitol Hill riot in 2021, the FBI announced Friday. (Click Orlando)
  • In recognition of World Heart Day, the Apopka Fire Department came to Apopka High School to teach hands-only CPR. Thanks to them, hundreds of Apopka HS students learned some very important life-saving techniques. (Twitter)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll see you soon!

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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