Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Which of these six hopefuls will steer Orange County’s future?

And check out Brunch with Santa & Mrs. Claus on the Orlando Patch calendar

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Friday December 12th 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 of these six hopefuls will steer Orange County’s future?
  • Why Orlando’s I-4 and 408 still feel jammed after construction
  • How two Orlando K9s helped end a backyard police chase

Also on today's calendar: Brunch with Santa & Mrs. Claus and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 72 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 77, low: 58.
  • Sunday: Turning sunny and pleasant, with a high of 77 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Six Candidates (So Far) Step Up to Replace Demings as Orange County Mayor (winterparkvoice.com) — Orange County’s 2026 mayoral race is taking shape, with six candidates — several Orlando natives and a former Orlando mayoral contender — pitching sharply different plans on housing, transportation, taxes, and public safety. From progressive labor-focused ideas to socially conservative platforms and a centrist former congresswoman, the field offers Orlando-area voters a wide spectrum of choices on how to manage growth and affordability.
   

2. Central Florida congestion woes increase as construction goes on (clickorlando.com) — Orlando drivers are still battling heavy congestion on I-4 and SR 408 even after major construction and expansions, especially at the 408 westbound on-ramp to I-4. Local commuters describe worsening traffic, safety worries, and frustration over added tolls, even as the Central Florida Expressway Authority pours millions into new lanes aimed at easing the daily grind.
   

3. Police K9s track down suspect accused of fleeing Orlando police officers (fox35orlando.com) — Orlando police say two K9s helped track and apprehend a man accused of battering an officer after he ran through backyards, fields, and woods. Working with patrol units and an Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, the dogs followed his trail until he surrendered and was arrested on multiple charges.
   

4. 82-Year-Old veteran becomes Valencia College's oldest graduate (wftv.com) — An 82-year-old Army veteran studying in the Orlando area just became Valencia College’s oldest graduate this year, after starting with a single Spanish class at the Poinciana Campus. Now commuting to UCF with a classmate-turned-friend, he’s pursuing a bachelor’s in English literature and showing local students that it’s never too late to keep learning.
   

5. Paris Hilton fulfills Florida teacher's classroom wish list for the holidays (fox35orlando.com) — In an Orlando-based effort that’s spreading across Central Florida, teacher Megan Dewitz’s classroom wish list drew support from Paris Hilton, who bought supplies and boosted donations online. The campaign now helps students and families in Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties with food, gifts, and classroom essentials, and could soon become a nonprofit called “Squirrel Around the World.”
   

📸 Around Orlando

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Twenty Years After Their Iconic Shows Together, Tom Petty and Pearl Jam Tributes Unite for One-Night —Ryan Rose Read on Patch
  • My dogs escaped in the middle of the night, if anyone finds them please let me know.
    They are chipped. Benji and Niner are their names. They are bothers, super friendly and were last seen in Bay Hill Please call 407-279-9639 (Nextdoor Clubhouse Estates)
  • Missing Cat
    Breed: Scottish Shorthair Name: Rocky If spotted please call 720-496-5994 or 407-883-5777. He means a lot to my two boys. (Nextdoor Baldwin Park)
  • All the feels at last night's School Board meeting as @maria_f_vazquez delivered a heartfelt tribute to Deputy Superintendent Mike Armbruster. Thank... (X: OCPSnews)
  • On November 23, 2025, at approximately 10:., Orlando Police Officers responded to a shooting in the 3400 block of Columbia Street. Upon arrival,... (X: OrlandoPolice)
  • Hilton posted a job opening for Complex Hotel Manager - Embassy Suites Orlando International Drive and DoubleTree Orlando Disney Springs in Orlando. Apply here.
  • Good Greek Moving and Storage posted a job opening for Mover/Helper/Packer 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 couldn’t put it down.
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