Interesting news and information from around our community.

By the Numbers

$0
How much survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting will be charged for out-of-pocket medical expenses accrued at Orlando Health and Florida Hospital facilities, per an announcement from the two groups. The hospitals estimate that $5.5 million will be written off.

$5 Million
The cost of upgrading the Orlando Science Center’s Kids Town, including tripling the square footage of the children’s area and enhancing the center’s orange grove. The Kids Town improvements are just the first phase of the museum’s multiyear, $30 million expansion plans.

20 Percent
How much Orange County homeowners can potentially save on solar panels by joining the county’s new solar co-op program. The initiative is spearheaded by Orange County Government, the League of Women Voters of Florida and Florida Solar United Neighborhoods.

$20 Million
The amount of money University of Central Florida (UCF) needed to raise to build a downtown campus on the site of Orlando’s former NBA arena. The school reached and exceeded that goal in September with help from a $4 million gift from Dr. Phillips Charities.

178
The number of farm animals a judge awarded to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office after the department found them living in inhumane conditions at a Polk City ranch. The animals include more than 100 pigs, 40 chickens and a horse.

3 Things You’ll Learn

Read the inspiring stories of 23 women who go above and beyond to make the Greater Orlando area a better place to live.
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Find out how local private high schools stack up against each other in our 2016 Private High School Report Card.
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Getting married soon? Discover some of the top nuptial-service providers in the area with our Best of Weddings roundup.
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Hit or Miss

In August, and in response to June’s attack at the Pulse nightclub, nearly two dozen Republican officials in Central Florida signed a resolution calling for laws banning genderor sexual orientation-based discrimination. The measure was unveiled by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.

Although University of Central Florida has raised enough money to move forward with its planned downtown campus, the school also announced that the project is now set to open in 2019. The downtown location, which will hold about 7,700 students, is a joint project with Valencia College.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs issued a request to county residents that they help county services fight the threat of the Zika virus. Specifically, Jacobs has asked residents to report roadside debris, clear their property of standing water, and offer to help elderly neighbors and others who might need assistance with the latter task.

Brevard County’s Hoover Middle School received a WeatherSTEM unit in August. The device can record and notify users of nearby lightning, dangerous heat conditions, and other sensor-related weather conditions. The unit will be used to educate students and help teachers and administrators make important weather-based decisions.

Seminole County Tax Collector Ray Valdes came under investigation by Altamonte Springs police after Valdes was accused of forcibly grabbing a man’s cellphone at an event in August. Police are expected to turn over the results of their investigation to the State Attorney’s Office, who will have final say on any charges.

Clint Johnson, the now former mayor of DeBary, was removed from office by the city council after Johnson was found guilty of violating the city charter. The issue stemmed from Johnson’s supervision and firing of city employees, as DeBary only allows the city manager to take on such roles. The vote was unanimous with Johnson abstaining.

Did You Hear?

“Over the last several weeks, I have been awestruck by so many things. The incredible strength and resolve shown by the victims [of the Pulse shooting] and their families. Our residents’ capacity to love one another and to show the world what it means to stand up to hate and terror. I’ve also witnessed the dedication and professionalism displayed by the members of our city family who have done their jobs under incredibly challenging circumstances. … To all of you, we want to say thank you.”
—Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, speaking of the city’s response to the Pulse nightclub shooting during remarks at his annual budget address

Datebook

SCOTT’S MAZE ADVENTURES
10/1
If you want to celebrate the fall season—or just want to get lost— Scott’s Maze Adventures at Lake County’s Long & Scott Farms is just the ticket. The maze will be open through December 11, and hay rides and fishing are also available. 10-5 Saturdays, 1-5 Sundays, Long & Scott Farms, $12 (kids under 3 free)

OKTOBERFEST
10/1 & 10/22
Every year, the German American Society of Central Florida hosts two of the biggest and best Oktoberfest celebrations in Greater Orlando. Both editions are highlighted by authentic German bands, real Bavarian beer on tap, and home-cooked German food. 2 p.m. start time, German American Society of Central Florida, $15 ($10 advance)

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE EXPO
10/15-16
North America’s biggest power-sports show returns to Orlando for a look at new products scheduled to debut in 2017. The event hosts more than 500 industry exhibitors, and attendees can test ride new motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs. 9-7 Saturday, 10-5 Sunday, Orange County Convention Center, $11-$20

Voice & Vent

This month, on page 10, we compare local private schools in key areas, having already done the same for public schools in August. Which type of school does your family prefer? Share your opinion by visiting OrlandoFamilyMagazine’s Polls section and answering:

“Do you send your children to public school, or do you opt for a private-school education?”

Click on“Vote” to make your choice count. Next month, we’ll report back on what our readers are thinking.

In August, we asked: “When it comes to art, do you prefer live performances, or are museums and galleries more your thing?”

60%of you said LIVE PERFORMANCES

40%of you said MUSEUMS/GALLERIES