News and information from throughout our community…

BY THE NUMBERS

75,000
Vehicles per day traveling along Maitland Boulevard that are forced to take an alternative route due new road construction to eliminate traffic lights by I-4 and Maitland Summit Boulevard.

No.1
Orlando Science Charter School’s rank for average SAT scores in Central Florida. The 48 students involved in testing received a median score of 1616.

$0
cost of Florida college tuition if the bill introduced by Florida State Rep. Shevrin Jones is passed. The Sunshine Scholarship Program requires students to live and work in Florida the same number of years benefited by the scholarship.

35
Anniversary year for Epcot, which opened as Walt Disney World’s second park in 1982.

$51,335
The average annual income for Orange County households last year. About half of the household income made in the county is under $50,000, according to CensusReporter.org. The average ranking is about the same as the state’s yearly income.

$136 Million
The research funding University of Central Florida raised in 2017 from federal, private, state and local agencies. The College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences and the Institute for Simulation and Training received the largest amount of the funds.

HIT OR MISS

Orlando ranks No. 32 of the 515 fastest growing U.S. cities, according to financial website WalletHub.

Ocoee city leaders reduced property taxes 3.8 percent for the 2018 budget. The city hopes to lower taxes again when a downtown project finishes.

Windermere’s town council approved design plans to overhaul local parks. Better-quality walking trails, fencing and plants are to be added in Central Park, Fernwood Park, Lake Bessie Park, Lake Down Park, Palmer Park, Park Among the Lakes and the Windermere Recreation Center.

Publix ground turkey “with natural flavorings” was recalled due to metal shavings found in a package.

Biologists in Florida are warning residents of a rare brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria Fowleri, from Hurricane Irma flood waters.

A Winter Park resident and AAU basketball director was one of 10 people charged in a federal investigation of bribery and fraud. Brad Augustine allegedly took part in a plan to pay $150,000 to entice a recruit to commit to an Adidassponsored college.

DATEBOOK

¡FIESTA! 
Nov. 3-4
The Central Florida Community Arts Symphony Orchestra will bring a Latin American feel to a special two-day celebration of cultural music at Calvary Orlando Church in Winter Park that will feature special guests including Mariachi Cobre, a group many will recognize from the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. Prior to the event, attendees can enjoy authentic Mexican food and those who purchase priority tickets will get access to a special reception with conductor Justin Muchoney and CFCArts Executive Director Joshua Vickery.
8 p.m.,1199 Clay St., Winter Park, CFCArts.com, $10-$25

FESTIVAL OF BACON 
Nov. 4
Attention all bacon lovers, this culinaryinspired event is for you. You’ll get the opportunity to sample bacon-inspired dishes while sipping on cocktails and enjoying plenty of live entertainment at designated areas set up throughout Lake Baldwin Park. There will also be activities and games for children with kids under 12 admitted free.
11 a.m., 2380 Lake Baldwin Lane, FestivalofBacon.com, $10-$20

SESAME STREET LIVE! LET’S PARTY! 
Nov. 4-5
Elmo, Big Bird and the rest of the gang from Sesame Street bring an all-new show to UCF’s CFE Arena for three shows over two days. Expect lots of interaction with the crowd and be ready to sing along to some familiar favorite tunes from the show. Times vary,
12777 Gemini Blvd. N., CFEArena.com, tickets start at $18

DID YOU HEAR?

“I want to apologize for my actions that occurred over the weekend. I will learn from this [and] make sure it does not happen again. #liveandlearn.”

—ALEX MORGAN, Orlando Pride forward on being escorted out of Epcot for allegedly being “impaired and verbally aggressive”.

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s November 2017 issue.