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🌱 Patch AM: What prompted Orlando police to cordon off Colonial Plaza Saturday?

Also check out Hero Play Day at Kiddie Academy of Orlando-Conway on the Orlando Patch calendar

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Good morning to you Orlando! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What prompted Orlando police to cordon off Colonial Plaza Saturday?
  • How Miami's deadly runway crash rippled into Orlando International Airport.
  • Why doesn't Orlando International Airport use this runway-stopping safety system?

Also on today's calendar: Hero Play Day at Kiddie Academy of Orlando-Conway and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two, with a high of 87 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 92, low: 76.
  • Thursday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 93 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Orlando Police probe unspecified incident at Colonial Drive Plaza (wftv.com) — Police are investigating an unspecified incident at Colonial Plaza, the busy shopping center at East Colonial Drive and Bumby Avenue in Orlando, after officers cordoned off parts of the area Saturday. Authorities have not released details on what happened or whether anyone was hurt, but nearby diners reported seeing a significant police presence as the scene unfolded.
   

2. Orlando airport receives diverted flights after deadly Miami runway crash (mynews13.com) — A deadly Amazon cargo plane crash in Miami forced about 20 flights to divert to Orlando International Airport, disrupting travel plans for many passengers and prompting officials to urge flyers to check with their airlines. Some travelers rerouted through Orlando by train or endured long delays at MCO, while aviation experts noted Orlando's capacity to absorb extra flights during major incidents elsewhere in Florida.
   

3. What is EMAS? Some US airports equipped with system to stop planes that veer off runway (wesh.com) — Runway safety at Orlando International Airport is under scrutiny after an Amazon cargo jet crash in Miami raised questions about airports lacking EMAS, a system that stops planes that overrun runways. Experts note Orlando doesn't have EMAS but has more surrounding space than Miami, and WESH is seeking answers from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority about current protections at MCO.
   

4. Central Florida leaders back push for U.S. Space Academy (mynews13.com) — Central Florida leaders are rallying behind a proposal to bring a U.S. Space Academy to the region, arguing it could boost wages for Greater Orlando residents, who currently rank near the bottom nationally for median pay. Orange County candidates and residents say local assets like the Orlando-area airport, UCF and proximity to NASA make the area a strong contender and could create better jobs for future generations.
   

5. Family travel 5: Vacations on the water (star-telegram.com) — Families in Orlando might appreciate that Aquatica, the local water park in the SeaWorld family, is highlighted nationally for its many slides, dual wave pools, and autism-certified amenities. The broader travel piece also suggests other water-focused getaways, from Baltimore's Inner Harbor to Missouri's Ozark National Scenic Riverways and New York's Seabreeze Amusement Park, for those considering trips beyond Central Florida.
   

📸 Around Orlando

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I want to show off my beautiful 15-year-old named Roxy that I adopted from Orange County Animal Services this past December.
    She loves to play in boxes. None of my other cats are terribly interested in them. I get a kick out of it. (Nextdoor Kaley/Bumby)
  • Nature is so amazing.
    This Spoonbill was not shy being within 4 feet of me. (Nextdoor VillageWalk)
  • Loews Hotels posted a job opening for Housekeeper - Loews Hotels Universal Orlando in Orlando. Apply here.
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Inventory Taker Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/Hr 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: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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