Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Which must-see shows are coming to Orlando Fringe’s Winter Mini-Fest?

Coming up: OCLS Teen Volunteering: Teen Literary & Creative Arts Magazines on the Orlando Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 30th Patch AM
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Morning Orlando! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which must-see shows are coming to Orlando Fringe’s Winter Mini-Fest?
  • How an Orlando wastewater plant may rewrite Florida’s PFAS future
  • How four Central Florida teen shootings are shaking Orlando families

Also on today's calendar: OCLS Teen Volunteering: Teen Literary & Creative Arts Magazines and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: The world champion tongue twister just got arrested! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 58 and low of 39 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine, but cool, temps: high: 58, low: 42.
  • Thursday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 65 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Orlando Fringe unveils lineup for 10th anniversary ‘Winter Mini-Fest' (clickorlando.com) — Orlando Fringe’s 10th annual Winter Mini-Fest will bring more than 20 curated shows to Orlando Shakes from Jan. 7–11, 2026, with tickets at $15 plus a $3 button. Local arts fans can also mark their calendars for an April fundraiser with Colin Mochrie and the 35th Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival running May 12–25.
   

2. Breaking Bonds, Cleaning Water (wuft.org) — Right now in Orlando, engineers at the Water Conserv II facility are testing high-heat gasification to destroy PFAS “forever chemicals” in the city’s wastewater sludge. Paired with University of Florida research on PFAS-trapping polymer gels, these efforts could reshape how Central Florida handles sewage, environmental health risks, and future utility costs for local residents.
   

3. Dr. Phillips High School football player among 4 teens killed in separate shootings (fox35orlando.com) — Orlando-area families are reeling after four teenagers were shot and killed across Central Florida since Christmas Eve, including Dr. Phillips High School football player Raylin Harrison near the Holden Heights neighborhood. Another teen was killed at an Orlando condo complex, a 13-year-old girl died in Pine Hills, and a 17-year-old was shot in Deltona as deputies continue searching for answers.
   

4. How one woman shaped the art community in Orlando (yourcommunitypaper.com) — Orlando’s early art scene owes a huge debt to Lu Halstead Tieman, who helped found organizations that evolved into today’s Orlando Museum of Art and shaped exhibitions at local landmarks. After arriving here in 1910, she opened galleries, taught area artists, and championed creative work across Central Florida. Her legacy still appears in exhibits at the Orange County Regional History Center.
   

5. Michigan Wolverines bring joy to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Orlando ahead of Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (wesh.com) — Michigan Wolverines players spent an evening at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida in Orlando, playing games and sharing dinner with kids just two days before the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Supported by Morgan & Morgan, the visit on Lakeland Avenue gave local children a chance to meet Division I athletes, play flag football and basketball, and hear about hard work and big dreams.
   

📸 Around Orlando

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Orlando

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday January 1
  • Breathe with the Trees Relaxation Training
    Mead Botanical Garden , 1300 S. Denning Dr. , Winter Park
    10:00 am
    • Friday January 2
  • Post 316: Steak & Salmon Dinner
    American Legion Post 316 , 1127 Atlantic Blvd , Atlantic Beach
    5:00 pm
    • Saturday January 3
  • Post 252 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics
    Post 252 Cross Bayou , 11433 Park Blvd , Seminole
  • UCF Men's Basketball vs. Kansas
    Addition Financial Arena
    9:00 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

  • I just wanted to give a shout out to Vee Montana for helping out my family and many others this Christmas.
    There are angels among us. It’s very hard to put pride away sometimes. However, the ones who’ve been there truly recognize the struggle. Thank you so… (Nextdoor College Park)
  • MISSING DOG 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
    PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR BOY He's a good boy, I got him after my daughter passed away in 2020 He's so loving and kind I know he's scared… (Nextdoor Americana - Oak Ridge)
  • Chicago, we’re on our way! The Orlando Police Department’s Recruiting Team is heading to the Windy City and wants to meet you. Trade the cold for... (X: OrlandoPolice)
  • TRAFFIC INBOX: John Scorsese says it’s difficult to make a left turn from County Road 19A to County Road 44 in the Eustis area. He said something... (X: MyNews13)
  • Menzies Aviation posted a job opening for Frontier Ramp Agent in Orlando. Apply here.
  • Home Depot posted a job opening for Warehouse Maintenance Associate 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 hear they’re giving him a really tough sentence.
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