Sanford Flooding + Orange County Vaccine Mandate Fines + Travel Restrictions

Hello, neighbors! It's me again, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Possible light rain in the afternoon and evening. High: 87 Low: 73.

Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. The Orlando Science Center is offering a free day of admission to people who get their COVID-19 vaccine shot at the center on Saturday, September 25th, and offer vaccine-related programming during the day. The Florida Department of Health will be on site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and no reservation is required. (WFTV)

2. Orange County leaders say the county has not been fined yet over its vaccine mandate by Governor DeSantis. Fines were set to begin last Thursday. Mayor Demings still predicts a legal battle looming over the vaccine mandate with the state, although he believes the county is acting within the law. (Click Orlando)

3. The owner of Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar and Grills Lakeside Orlando, Joe Penovich, went to social media this week to share his belief that God told him not to get vaccinated and that he will not be requiring any of his staff to get vaccinated as a condition of employment. He told Bungalower, "For me as an employer of 400+ people, to be required to fire someone because they chose (whether by faith or fear of the government) to reject putting something into their body is a staggering overreach that everyone of us should be praying about." (Bungalower)

4. Heavy rains brought flooding to Sanford Sunday night and about 5 inches of rain had fallen as of 6 p.m. A sinkhole also opened up near Fort Mellon Park. The owners of Hollerbach’s in Sanford say that the flooding happening a few times has already cost their business about $30,000-$40,000. (WESH)

5. President Biden is easing travel restrictions for international visitors. Starting in November, foreign travelers flying to the U.S. will need to demonstrate proof of vaccination, as well as a negative COVID test within 3 days of flying. (WTSP)

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Today in Orlando:

• Axiom Bank, N.A. Celebrates First Anniversary of Winter Park Flagship Branch. (9:00 AM)
• Advancing the Science - Alzheimer's Association. (12:00 PM)
• School Board Work Session - Orange County District. (1:00 PM)
• Boys Golf vs. Circle Christian @ Grande Vista. (4:00 PM)
• Girls Volleyball vs. Windermere Prep @ Windermere Prep. (5:30 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Nature Conservancy in Florida: "Presence of this grass signifies a healthy marine ecosystem and provides food for manatees and shelter for scallops. Vote for images like this one in TNC's Photo Contest People's Choice Awards. Click the link in our bio to pick your favo..." (Instagram)
• Creative City Project: "Make sure to stop and smell the roses. JOYBOX has been a blast so far! It’s been wonderful seeing everyone smile, reflect, and let go of worries. JOYBOX resumes tomorrow, so make sure to get your tickets at www.immersefest.com! Prese..." (Facebook)
• Fiesta in the Park: "Artist spotlight: Rolly Ray Reel, Mixed Media Paintings. Born in Sanford, Rolly Ray Reel lives in Maitland. Reel's work is recognizable for the fine detail, hard edges, and geometric designs. Reel draws on all types of experiences for hi..." (Facebook)
• City of Orlando - Government: "One person's trash is another person's cute outfit! Keep Orlando Beautiful is seeking submissions for the next Trash 2 Trends: An Evening of Recycled Fashion event. Submissions are due Thursday, September 30, so don't delay! Get more ..." (Facebook)

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— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Daily? Reach out anytime to carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.