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🌱 Patch AM: How Jones High grads can now attend Valencia with zero tuition costs

Coming up on the Orlando Patch calendar: OCLS Little Scientists

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Thursday January 8th Patch AM
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Good day Orlando! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Jones High grads can now attend Valencia with zero tuition costs
  • What a judge just decided in the downtown Orlando Halloween shooting case
  • How an Orlando driver got caught in a child’s dirt bike crash

Also on today's calendar: OCLS Little Scientists and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: After dinner, my parents asked if I could clear the table. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 81 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 83, low: 64.
  • Saturday: Sun mixing with clouds, with a high of 84 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New scholarship guarantees free college or training for Jones High graduates (wftv.com) — A new Lift Orlando-funded scholarship will cover all tuition and fees for every Jones High School graduate who enrolls at Valencia College starting with the class of 2025-26. Orlando students can use it for associate degrees or short-term technical training in high-demand fields, as long as they apply, register by the following spring, and complete federal financial aid forms.
   

2. Orlando Halloween shooting suspect's request for new lawyer denied (wesh.com) — Jury selection is moving forward this week in the case against a man accused in the 2024 Halloween mass shooting that killed two people in downtown Orlando. A judge has refused his last-minute request for a new lawyer and additional mental health evaluation, while prosecutors plan to introduce new evidence and witnesses as the trial begins.
   

3. 8-year-old dirt bike rider seriously injured in collision with car in Altamonte Springs (wftv.com) — An 8-year-old boy was seriously hurt when his dirt bike collided with a car in nearby Altamonte Springs, driven by a 56-year-old Orlando man who was not injured. Investigators are still working to determine why the child lost control before entering the car’s path.
   

4. Restaurant inside Disney Springs facing lawsuit following patron's choking death (fox35orlando.com) — A wrongful death lawsuit claims staff at The Boathouse in Disney Springs, near Orlando, delayed calling 911 after a diner choked on steak, allegedly contributing to his death. Filed in Orange County’s Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, the case raises questions about emergency training and response protocols at busy local restaurants.
   

5. Orlando protesters rally after deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis (fox35orlando.com) — Orlando residents quickly organized a street protest after a deadly ICE-involved shooting of a woman in Minneapolis, voicing anger at federal immigration enforcement. Demonstrators called for abolishing ICE and pledged to keep returning, while federal officials defended the agent’s actions as justified and in line with training. The story highlights how national immigration debates are sparking rapid mobilization in Orlando.
   

📸 Around Orlando

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Orlando

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday January 8
  • Breathe with the Trees Relaxation Training
    Mead Botanical Garden , 1300 S. Denning Dr. , Winter Park
    10:00 am
    • Friday January 9
  • Preschool Playdate
    Buenaventura Lakes Library , 405 Buenaventura Blvd , Kissimmee
    2:30 pm
  • Candlelight - Tribute to Adele
    Mead Botanical Garden , 1300 S Denning Dr , Winter Park
    6:30 pm
    • Saturday January 10
  • Tai Chi in the Garden
    Mead Botanical Garden , 1300 S. Denning Dr. , Winter Park
    10:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • HELP!!!!
    Sakorra just escaped. We can't find her. If you live near bear lake road and can look for her please help!!! (Nextdoor Willow Creek)
  • UPDATE: OWNER FOUND AND DOG RETURNED!
    Just found this dog in country walk reserve by the mail boxes. Super super sweet baby looks a little old and I’m pretty sure it’s a boy. (Nextdoor Country Walk Reserve)
  • Our 2025 recap is here! As 2026 begins, the Orlando Police Department is proud to reflect on the progress made in 2025 to enhance public safety and... (X: OrlandoPolice)
  • January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is a global problem that has affected millions of people and taken away... (X: OCPSnews)
  • AutoNation, Inc. posted a job opening for Audi of South Orlando - Service Porter in Orlando. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Bakery Wrapper / Clean Up in Orlando. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Orlando here.

Ok Orlando! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I needed a running start, but I made it!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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