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šŸŒ± Patch AM: Could a new bus rapid transit network change your Orlando commute?

Also, don't miss USA VEIN Clinics Launches 'Let's Talk Veins' Initiative in Orlando to Help Residents Restore Vein He on the Orlandoā€¦

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Hello Orlando! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could a new bus rapid transit network change your Orlando commute?
  • How Orlando's 407 Connect is moving neighbors from buses into homes
  • New grant will significantly expand weekday programs for Southwest Orlando seniors

Also on today's calendar: USA VEIN Clinics Launches 'Let's Talk Veins' Initiative in Orlando to Help Residents Restore Vein He and 11 more events.

Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Partly sunny with sprinkles, with a high of 83 and low of 66 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 85, low: 65.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 85 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Orange County considers STAR plan to improve public transit (mynews13.com) — Orange County leaders are weighing whether to study a new bus rapid transit system that could significantly speed up commutes across key Orlando corridors like Colonial, OBT, and I-Drive. Inspired by Miami-Dade's successful model, the citizen-led STAR plan aims to cut travel times, ease traffic, and protect the region's tourism economy if commissioners approve the feasibility study.
   

2. Orlando's 407 Connect helps 169 people find stable housing (wftv.com) — Orlando's 407 Connect program has already helped 169 people move from homelessness into stable housing, surpassing its early goals and offering climate-controlled shelter buses with case management. City partners say the three-year initiative is on track to assist hundreds more residents by covering move-in costs, rental assistance, and other barriers while sharing its model with other communities.
   

3. S'firot Foundation awards grant to expand senior programming at the Rosen JCC (heritagefl.com) — Jewish seniors in Southwest Orlando will soon see a big expansion of weekday programs at the Jack & Lee Rosen JCC, thanks to a new two-year grant from the S'firot Foundation. The funding will support daily social, wellness, and cultural activities, a full-time seniors program manager, and preparation for a dedicated senior center expected to open in 2027.
   

4. Orange County approves $9 billion budget (mynews13.com) — Orange County commissioners, meeting in Orlando, have approved a more than $9 billion budget that boosts funding for public safety and affordable housing starting October 1. Local leaders warn, however, that a statewide Amendment 3 could later cut hundreds of millions from county property tax revenue, potentially affecting roads, traffic relief, and housing efforts important to Orlando residents.
   

📸 Around Orlando

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Orlando

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Experienced retail services team joins Colliers Central Florida —Ally Jandes Read on Patch
  • 🐾🎉❤️Celebrating Toby's 1st Anniversary Rescue Day from Euthanasia list at Orange County Animal Services!
    Rescuing from a shelter was never in my mind but faith changed our lives for the better when we saved and rescued our beloved Toby a year ago. I… (Nextdoor Southern Hunters Creek)
  • Hi neighbors,
    I'm a new resident and home owner in corner lakes estates and I've been really concerned with our lawn and exterior since move in. Our landscapers … (Nextdoor Corner Lakes Estates)
  • SPX posted a job opening for Machinist (Orlando, Florida (FL), US, 32805) in Orlando. Apply here.
  • Allied Universal posted a job opening for Security Officer Front Desk Spanish Communication 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 for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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