Public Safety · Orlando, FL
The Orange County Supervisor of Elections office discovered Nazi-affiliated swastika symbols painted on trees near Taft Community Center, an early voting site on South Orange Avenue in Orlando, late Thursday. The office is investigating with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and working with county government to remove the symbols. Officials cited Florida statutes making it a third-degree felony to attempt to influence or deter any elector in voting. Early voting in Orange County began Oct. 19 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 1; more than 260,000 voters had cast ballots as of Friday afternoon.
Public Safety · Orlando, FL
Central Florida faces a mostly dry Halloween Saturday with only isolated coastal shower chances at 15–30%, while northeast winds of 10–15 mph and coastal gusts up to 20–25 mph persist. Rain chances spike to 60–70% Sunday into Monday as tropical moisture and a disturbance bring widespread showers, embedded thunderstorms, and potential localized street flooding in coastal counties and low-lying areas already saturated. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect with seas at 5–9 feet building to 6–10 feet, Coastal Flood Advisories are posted through Saturday, and rip current risk is rated HIGH. The National Hurricane Center reports no tropical development expected across the Gulf, Caribbean, or Atlantic over the next seven days.
Local Business · Orlando, FL
Longtime Orlando LGBTQ+ bar Savoy regained access to its Instagram account Thursday, approximately 10 days after Meta flagged it for violating a 'human exploitation' policy. The alert came two days after the Come Out With Pride celebration, which Savoy had posted photos from. Owner Brandon Llewellyn appealed immediately; Instagram reviewed the account, found no violation, and apologized, but reinstatement took about 10 days. Anthem Orlando also lost its account Oct. 20 following Pride posts and regained it after roughly a week. Stiffy's Instagram remains marked 'unavailable' since Oct. 24.
Community News · Orange County
Orange County Utilities received AAA ratings from both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings for its Series 2026 Water and Wastewater Utility Revenue Bonds issued in October 2026. Both agencies also affirmed their AAA ratings on the system's existing outstanding debt, citing an exceptionally strong financial profile. The utility serves approximately 871,000 water customers, 1.14 million wastewater customers, 421,000 reclaimed water customers, and 687,000 solid waste customers across Orange County. Director Marc Cannata credited the Board of County Commissioners and fiscal staff for the achievement amid a challenging economic climate.
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Community brief · Orlando, FL
First-year head coach Gabe Lazo is preparing the UCF Knights women's basketball team for its season opener against Florida A&M at Addition Financial Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+). Lazo, hired in April as the first Hispanic coach to lead a Power Four program, assembled a staff including former UCF coach Lynn Bria and rebuilt the roster with three returning players, seven transfers, and three freshmen after the Knights finished…
Community brief · Orange County
Orange County's Environmental Protection Division launched its annual Green PLACE Hiking Spree on September 26, 2026, running through Earth Day on April 22, 2027. Participants can complete hikes on 40 trails across the county's Green PLACE properties to earn achievement-level rewards including stickers, pins, medallions, and bandanas. Free monthly guided hikes are offered from September through April at these protected natural lands. Hikers must…
Community brief · Orlando, FL
The satirical play "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors" is currently running at the Goldman Theater within the Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Orlando. The production features actors Paul Vogt and Kelly Bashar, who perform multiple roles with gender-swapped characters in a comedic take on Bram Stoker’s classic. The show includes audience interaction and improvisation, with performances continuing through November 8. Tickets range from $52 to $85.
