Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why West South Street now bears Senator Geraldine Thompson’s name

You won't want to miss Brunch Buffet with Santa & Mrs. Claus on the Orlando Patch calendar

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Saturday December 20th Patch AM
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Greetings Orlando! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why West South Street now bears Senator Geraldine Thompson’s name
  • How Orlando’s new super speeder law is already facing challenges
  • How West Lakes is turning dangerous ‘zombie homes’ into family housing

Also on today's calendar: Brunch Buffet with Santa & Mrs. Claus and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Sunny, nice and less humid, with a high of 76 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and nice, temps: high: 79, low: 59.
  • Monday: Partly sunny, breezy and nice, with a high of 76 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Orlando officials unveil ‘Senator Geraldine Thompson Way' along South Street (orlandoweekly.com) — Orlando has officially designated a stretch of West South Street as “Senator Geraldine Thompson Way,” honoring the late lawmaker’s decades of service to the city and surrounding communities. Local leaders highlighted her civil rights advocacy, preservation of Parramore’s Wells’ Built Museum, and long legislative career representing West Orange County neighborhoods closely tied to Orlando.
   

2. Super speeder charges reduced (mynews13.com) — Orlando drivers are seeing how Florida’s new Super Speeder law is playing out locally, after a mother’s charges were reduced in a case handled by the Ninth Judicial Circuit. The state attorney’s office admits procedural missteps and evidence issues, while Orange County deputies and defense attorneys clash over who’s responsible for providing radar documentation in more than 200 active cases.
   

3. Zombie homes spark concerns in Orange County community (clickorlando.com) — In Orlando’s West Lakes neighborhood, residents are worried about “zombie homes” — abandoned, boarded-up properties stuck in foreclosure that can attract crime and blight. A local group, the West Lakes Partnership, is buying and renovating these houses into affordable homes, with four already completed and four more planned over the next two years to support low- and moderate-income families.
   

4. More home insurance companies plan Florida rate decreases for 2026 (mynews13.com) — Homeowners in Orlando and across Central Florida could see some relief on their 2026 insurance bills, with several major companies and Citizens planning rate cuts if state regulators approve. Savings will vary widely by county and ZIP code, so local agents urge residents to shop around as more private insurers re-enter the Florida market and compete for policies now leaving Citizens.
   

5. Former Brightline conductor sues for $60 million, alleges trauma (wesh.com) — Brightline’s former conductor is suing the company for $60 million, claiming years of deadly crashes along the rail line left him with severe psychological trauma. While most fatalities happened in South Florida, the case also touches Central Florida, noting incidents along the Brevard County route since Brightline began running from Orlando International Airport in 2023.
   

📸 Around Orlando

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Saturday December 20
  • UCF Basketball Double Header
    Addition Financial Arena
    9:00 am
  • Yoga in the Garden - Saturdays
    Mead Botanical Garden , 1300 S. Denning Dr. , Winter Park
    9:00 am
  • Board games at Stardust Video & Coffee
    Stardust Video & Coffee , 1842 Winter Park Rd , Orlando
    9:30 am
  • 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

  • Central Florida retail center sells for $18.1 million —Missy Hurley Read on Patch
  • A Christmas story.
    There was once an elderly man 20 years ago that lived in Kissimmee. He lived in a weekly paid Motel that was built in the 50's or 60's. Everyday he… (Nextdoor Dover Estates)
  • Does anyone recognize this dog?
    Rescued near Powers and Colonial. He has a red collar. The harness is mine. He’s in pretty rough shape. I presume he’s been on the street a… (Nextdoor Lake Sherwood Hills)
  • ‘Operation Northern Lights’ in Florida led to the recovery of 43 critically missing children... (X: WFTV)
  • All lanes on I-95 southbound are currently blocked off in Viera on Friday afternoon, due to a police presence.... (X: fox35orlando)
  • Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Merchandiser in Orlando. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Baker and Packager 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 dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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