Orlando Parklets + Sanford Streetscape Project + Sneaker Games

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

In this issue, you'll learn about plans for parklets, a streetscape project in Sanford, the latest on the Orlando Country Fire Rescue budget, a sneaker event coming this weekend to Orlando, 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. City of Orlando will consider a plan to keep parklets around for at least three years after a successful launch during the height of the pandemic. The parklets were originally introduced to help business owners maintain social distancing. (Bungalower)

2. A nearly $3 million streetscape project in Sanford will add around 150 parking spots to the west side of downtown and will include added sidewalks and bricks in the street. Parking has become an issue on weekends with people being forced to park on grass. (Spectrum News 13)

3. Orange County Fire Rescue’s budget includes 4 new fire stations and a 37-acre fire-training facility as they look to keep up with growth to the area. Residents will benefit from shorter wait times once completed. (WFTV)

4. The owners of the recently closed RusTeak in College Park are now reopening in Thornton Park. They will close their Menagerie Eatery & Bar concept to make room for it. (Click Orlando)

5. Sneaker Games Orlando is taking over the Orange County Convention Center this weekend and will be offering plenty of choices for sneakerheads to enjoy. Tickets are available now. (Orlando Weekly)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Orlando

• Tour: Multiple Voices/Multiple Stories - Livestream on News Feed. (8:00 AM)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (8:00 AM)
• Wildflower Farm Goat Yoga. (9:00 AM)
• SeaWorld Celebration of Sharks. (9:00 AM)
• Enchanted Fairy Doors at Harry P. Leu Gardens (10:00 AM)
• Kids Bowl Free at Boardwalk Bowl. (11:00 AM)
• Interview Success Webinar - Goodwill Industries of Central Florida - Administration. (11:30 AM)
• Free Estate Planning & Living Trust Workshop Live Q&A. (3:00 PM)
• Family Connection & Support Group - 1st Unitarian Church of Orlando. (3:30 PM)
• TITANIC First Class Dinner Gala - Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Orlando (6:00 PM)
• Art After Dark Lake Nona. (6:00 PM)
• DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market. (6:00 PM)
• Island Bite Night with Live Reggae Music at RockPit Brewing. (6:00 PM)
• 80s Night at The Abbey. (7:00 PM)
• The Bodyguard the Musical at Winter Garden Theatre. (7:30 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Downtown Orlando: "To celebrate the rich history of downtown Orlando, we are hosting an exhibit, Elevating DTO – 50 Years and Rising, at..." (Facebook)
• Orlando Science Center: "Something new has dropped at Orlando Science Center! Learn about the fascinating world of coprolites with the new @..." (Instagram)
• Nature Conservancy in Florida: "As many of us know, lightning is a common occurrence on a Florida summer evening. Ripping through the sky in an insta..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Fire Department: "Happy 15 years of service to Kim, who is part of our Fire Life Safety Division." (Facebook)
• Thornton Park District: "It is happening this weekend for Brunch! While we will be sad to see Menagerie Eatery & Bar go we are so grateful the..." (Facebook)
• Universal Orlando Resort: "What's your favorite song to play on Rip Ride Rockit?! ( : @bayside.thrills)" (Instagram)
• Official Gatorland Instagram: "So much fun hanging with @snakebytestv today! #gatorland #nilecrocodile #crocodylusniloticus #crocodilesofinstagram" (Instagram)
• Orlando City SC: "Round One: @luisnani Vote Now in the bio #VamosOrlando" (Instagram)
• Thornton Park District: "A Happy Swan Story to share from City of Orlando - Government!! We are pleased to bring you an "After the Rose" Birdc..." (Facebook)
• The Florida Aquarium: "DYK? While sharks and rays can look vastly different in appearance, they belong to the phylum elasmobranchii. Animals..." (Instagram)
• Orlando City SC: "Heading up to Toronto #VamosOrlando" (Instagram)
• Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida: "The District Sales Managers at Skechers volunteered around our campus and we are so grateful! They helped prep and se..." (Facebook)
• Melrose Center: "Becoming a Melrose Center Member has never been easier! The new OnDemand General Orientation gives you access to the ..." (Instagram)
• Pet Alliance Greater Orlando: "Special Needs Adoption! You can call me Yeti. A strange name for a boy born in Caribbean, but there is a lot more ..." (Instagram)
• Downtown Orlando: "The cuteness before the storm." (Facebook)
• Orlando Weekly: "Sneaker Games Orlando is this Saturday, July 17th, at the Orange County Convention Center! Don't miss Florida's premi..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer: "Commissioner Patty Sheehan's commitment to all of the residents in her district, including those with feathers, is un..." (Facebook)
• Downtown Orlando: "We are so happy Queenie met her swanmate" (Facebook)
• Orlando Fire Department: "Congratulations to Engineer Bassani on 20 years with OFD." (Facebook)
• City of Orlando - Government: "We are pleased to bring you an "After the Rose" Birdchelorette update on Queenie! After last season, Queenie met h..." (Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next update. If you're into 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Daily? Email me at orlando@patch.com.