Community News
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 · Orange County
Orange County cuts heat threshold for free bus rides to cooling centers
Orange County lowered its heat index threshold to 103 degrees, triggering free LYNX bus service to cooling centers as summer heat peaks.
Oakland launches AutoPay system for utility bills
Oakland residents can now enroll in a new AutoPay system for utility bills through July 8. Those who miss the deadline must make manual payments for the next billing cycle.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Orange County Animal Services Warns Against Leaving Pets in Hot Cars
Orange County Animal Services warns residents not to leave pets in parked vehicles, where interior temperatures can reach dangerous levels within minutes.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Maitland Police Earns Highest State Accreditation
The Maitland Police Department earned the Florida Police Chiefs Association's highest accreditation level, recognizing the department's compliance with rigorous professional standards.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Second Harvest Food Bank Expands Job Training Beyond Culinary
Second Harvest Food Bank launches Career Pathways, adding customer service training to its established culinary program. The expansion responds to local employers' workforce needs.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Children's Home Society of Florida receives Truist Foundation grant
Children's Home Society of Florida received a Truist Foundation grant to expand community partnership school programs that support economic mobility.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Orange County Urges Special Needs Families to Register Before Hurricane Season
Orange County opens registration for its People with Special Needs Program, which provides specialized evacuation assistance for residents dependent on medical equipment or additional care during hurricanes.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
YMCA Board Leader Discusses Path to Community Service
Julie Kleffel, immediate past board chair of the YMCA of Central Florida, discussed her path to community leadership in a new video series released by the organization.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Garden Theatre Season Opens with Elton John Tribute, Adds Musicals and Concerts
The Garden Theatre on Plant kicks off its 2026-27 season August 1 with The Rocket Man Show, featuring four musicals, four concerts, and family performances throughout the year.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Orange County Converts Wekiwa Springs Homes to Sewer System
Orange County Utilities has been converting septic systems to sewer infrastructure around Wekiwa Springs since 2021 to reduce nutrient pollution and protect the springs' ecosystem.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Second Harvest Culinary Program Lands Krystal a Hotel Job
Orlando resident Krystal completed Second Harvest's culinary training program and secured a hotel job, providing stability for her two children.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Apopka Requires Special Events Permits for Outdoor Gatherings
Apopka requires Special Events Permits for outdoor gatherings exceeding 100 people or those involving vendors, alcohol, or street closures. Permit applications must be submitted 60 days in advance.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Orlando Man Charged With Mortgage and COVID Relief Fraud
An Orlando resident faces federal charges related to mortgage and COVID relief fraud, with prosecutors seeking nearly $160,000 in forfeiture.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Orange County Tourism Hits Record High in 2025
Orange County saw a record-breaking 77 million visitors in 2025, the highest number ever in a single year.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Orange County Program Helps Residents Protect Springs and Save on Septic Repairs
An Orange County program helps residents with failing septic systems, saving them money on repairs and protecting local springs.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Workforce Training Opens Culinary Path for Tiquana in Orlando
Tiquana, an Orlando resident, overcame housing instability and financial hardship to pursue her culinary dreams through a local workforce training program.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Casselberry Prepares for Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Approval
Casselberry is moving forward with its Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget, a collaborative effort requiring two public hearings before final approval.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Share your Heart with One Heart
One Heart for Women and Children continues to serve Orlando by distributing hundreds of food bags weekly, running a Thrift Shop, and connecting people with services and housing.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Apopka Wins 42nd Straight Financial Reporting Award
Apopka has won its 42nd consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for fiscal year 2024.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Live Local Act No Longer Applies to Wekiva Study Area Properties
Senate Bill 1730 removes Live Local Act protections from Apopka properties in the Wekiva Study Area starting July 1, 2025.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Madison Builds Independence at Quest Village
Orlando resident Madison discovered independence and community at Quest Village, a residential community that supports individuals with disabilities.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Altamonte Springs Opens Federal Procurement Hub for International Companies
Altamonte Springs opened a federal procurement center to help international companies navigate Buy America compliance and access billions in annual U.S. government investment.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Ocoee Fire Department Celebrates 100+ Years of Service
The Ocoee Fire Department has served the community for over a century, growing from a volunteer operation to a professional agency with fire-based EMS transport.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Orange County to Auction Dill Road Property in Foreclosure Sale
Orange County Sheriff John W. Mina will auction a Dill Road property on June 30, 2026, to satisfy a judgment in favor of Golden Shoppes LLC.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Commissioner Joseph McMullen Honored with 2026 Home Rule Hero Award
Oakland Commissioner Joseph McMullen received the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award from the Florida League of Cities, recognizing his advocacy for home rule.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Summer Flix Returns to Garden Theatre June 9
Summer Flix returns to Winter Garden's Garden Theatre on June 9, offering $5 tickets for family films every Tuesday through August 4.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Winter Garden Fire Department Command Staff Oversees Operations
The Winter Garden Fire Department's Command Staff, led by Chief Jose P. Gainza, ensures efficient fire protection and emergency medical services for the community.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Maitland to Rebuild Sandspur Road Starting Late June
Maitland will close Sandspur Road from Bucher Road to Hope Road for up to five weeks starting in late June for reconstruction and sidewalk repairs. The project will remove problematic trees before rebuilding the roadway.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Ocoee Streets Division Handles Repairs and Maintenance
Ocoee's Streets and Traffic Division handles pothole repairs, sidewalk maintenance, traffic signals and emergency road closures to keep city streets safe and functional.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026