Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How much could rooftop solar really cut an Orlando power bill?
And on the Orlando Patch calendar - OCLS Little Scientists
Hey there, Orlando! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Orlando PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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Find out what's happening in Orlandofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In today's newsletter:
- How much could rooftop solar really cut an Orlando power bill?
- Why an Orlando drive-thru argument ended with reported gunfire
- How a family dispute turned deadly for a former Orlando officer
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: What did the hair spray say to the hair when it got back from vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Sunny much of the time, with a high of 80 and low of 58 degrees.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 79, low: 59.
- Thursday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 80 and low of 61 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Central Florida homeowners turn to solar as utility-scale projects grow (baynews9.com) — Orlando residents are seeing more massive solar farms across Central Florida, but local experts say those projects aren’t cutting monthly power bills yet. Instead, Orlando Utilities Commission arrays and home rooftop systems are driving the real change, with some homeowners slashing bills from around $400 to about $30 and expecting systems to pay for themselves within several years. 
• Deputies: Man reports shooting after argument at Orlando fast food drive-thru (fox35orlando.com) — Orange County deputies are investigating a reported shooting at a fast-food drive-thru on West Colonial Drive in Orlando after a customer said an employee fired at him following an argument early Sunday. No one was hurt, and investigators have not publicly identified any suspects as they continue looking into what led up to the gunfire.
• Former Orlando police officer shot by father-in-law: sources (wftv.com) — Orlando residents are learning more about a deadly family dispute in which former Orlando police officer Dennis Turner was fatally shot on Kozart Street, with investigators saying his father-in-law, Jeffery London, is the suspected gunman. Deputies captured London in Highlands County, and officials say he will be extradited back to Orlando to face charges as they sort out what sparked the argument.
📸 Around Orlando
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Orlando
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- OCLS Little Scientists
South Creek Branch Library - Orange County Library , 1702 Deerfield Blvd , Orlando
10:30 am - OCLS The Life of Zora Neale Hurston
Orlando Public Library , 101 E Central Blvd , Orlando
4:30 pm - OCLS All About Amphibians
Southeast Branch Library , 5575 S Semoran Blvd , Orlando
10:30 am - Daytona Boat Show
Daytona International Speedway , 1801 W International Speedway Blvd , Daytona Beach
11:00 am - OCLS Music in the Library: West African Kora
Chickasaw Branch Library , 870 N Chickasaw Trail , Orlando
11:00 am - Lunch & Learn: Golf Fore Central Florida
Orange County Regional History Center , 65 E Central Blvd , Orlando
12:00 pm - Functional Friday Dinner
Maria & Enzo's Ristorante , 1560 E Buena Vista Dr , Lake Buena Vista
7:00 pm - Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi
Azalea Lodge at Mead Botanical Garden , 1300 S Denning Dr , Winter Park
8:45 pm
Thursday January 8
Friday January 9
📣 Orlando Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- ALR: Chapter 10 Taco Tuesday
American Legion Post 10 , 205 Lakeview Dr , Kissimmee
5:00 pm - Chapter 117: ALR Riders [censored] Tournament
The American Legion, Department of Florida , 189 Veterans Dr SE , Palm Bay
6:00 pm - Next Level Real Estate & Trades Network
East Orlando Chamber of Commerce , 12301 Lake Underhill Rd #245 , Orlando
5:00 pm - Breathe with the Trees Relaxation Training
Mead Botanical Garden , 1300 S. Denning Dr. , Winter Park
10:00 am
Tuesday January 6
Wednesday January 7
Thursday January 8
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Anyone missing their cat
Seems to be young and is limping. Very bushy tail and clean I fed him bc he was hungry. Please let me know (Nextdoor North Lake Jessamine) - Good morning, I'm looking for a my cat that got out last night.
I'm really worried about her. She is calico with white, gray, and orange colors. Her name is Serena. If anyone sees her please let me know. I live… (Nextdoor Old Lockhart)
- Tonight, Chief Smith accepted an invitation to join the Lake Sunset HOA meeting at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center. Chief Smith shared... (X: OrlandoPolice)
- Marion County leaders are planning a new overpass in the southwest part of the county to alleviate congestion on County Road 484 at I-75. mynews13... (X: MyNews13)
- Buffalo Lodging Associates, LLC posted a job opening for Hotel Guest Service Representative- Hilton Garden Inn - 5877 American Way, Orlando, FL in Orlando. Apply here.
- Quikrete Holdings, Inc. posted a job opening for Forklift Operator in Orlando. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Orlando here.
🗞 Nearby News
Winter Park
- Orlando Sentinel 150: How higher education grew in Central Florida (orlandosentinel.com)
- Will the slow pace of new bank formation pick up in 2026? (americanbanker.com)
- City Fence Enhances Holiday Safety With Durable Aluminum Fencing for Homeowners (bakercityherald.com)
Maitland
- Justices clarify ‘Color of Office' doctrine in DUI Case (floridabar.org)
- 100 Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids (mommypoppins.com)
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 mist you!
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