Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Orlando just hit pause on big changes at Leu Gardens

And check out 2026 Metamorphosis Arts and Music Project - Saturday on the Orlando Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 26th Patch AM
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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:

  • Why Orlando just hit pause on big changes at Leu Gardens
  • Jury reaches a verdict in deadly downtown Orlando Halloween shooting
  • Could your Orlando-area nonprofit win big at this 2027 storytelling event?

Also on today's calendar: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to Launch 'Food for Thought' Tours in Brevard County and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the wall say to the other wall. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Heavy afternoon thunderstorms, with a high of 93 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: A stray afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 92, low: 77.
  • Friday: A couple of thunderstorms, with a high of 92 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Orlando Leu Gardens master plan halted amid property tax concerns (clickorlando.com) — Orlando officials have paused the proposed master plan for Leu Gardens while they wait to see how a statewide property tax amendment fares on the November ballot. After strong resident feedback, the city says any future vision must protect the gardens' character and ecology, with more community input promised before new plans move ahead.
   

2. Jury finds Jaylen Edgar guilty on all charges in deadly downtown Orlando Halloween shooting (wftv.com) — A jury in Orlando has found Jaylen Edgar guilty on all charges in the 2024 downtown Halloween shooting that killed two people and injured seven others. The teen, now 18, was convicted of multiple murder and attempted murder counts and will be sentenced later, a case closely watched by residents concerned about safety in the city's nightlife district.
   

3. Victory Cup Initiative opens applications for 2027 Storytelling Breakfast (wesh.com) — Nonprofits serving Orlando and surrounding counties can now apply for the Victory Cup Initiative's 2027 Storytelling Breakfast, which has already funneled over $5 million to local causes. Organizations in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties have until Sept. 11, 2026, to seek unrestricted funding, storytelling training, and community exposure, with ten finalists to be named in October.
   

4. Orlando Teacher relies on imagination to create lessons (mynews13.com) — An Orlando kindergarten teacher at Village Park Elementary is transforming lessons with costumes, hands-on projects, and plenty of imagination to keep young students engaged. Her creative approach, inspired by a memorable childhood teacher, focuses on fun, interactive activities that help Orlando kids stay focused and excited about learning every day.
   

5. Inside Ryan Castro's Expanded U.S. Arena Tour: 'My Show Is an Unforgettable Party' (billboard.com) — Ryan Castro's upcoming Sendé: The Last Dance arena tour will include a stop in Orlando, giving local fans a chance to see his high-energy, story-driven show this fall. The expanded U.S. leg features 17 dates, with a production that traces his journey from Colombian busker to global reggaetón star through three distinct musical chapters.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Sonic Automotive posted a job opening for Service Porter - Massey Cadillac of Orlando in Orlando. Apply here.
  • The Walt Disney Company posted a job opening for Custodial Utility - Full Time/Part Time, Walt Disney World 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: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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