Good morning Orlando! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Rewriting Rapid Testing: 10 POC Tests Flying Under the Radar and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Orlando Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Orlando Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Orlando.
1. Orlando approves redevelopment incentive program for Downtown Historic District (mynews13.com) — Orlando city commissioners have approved a new incentive program to spur redevelopment of the Downtown Historic District, pairing it with a recently enacted moratorium that streamlines approvals. The program offers major tax credits for projects investing at least $5 million in historic buildings, drawing both support and concern from local leaders about preserving character while encouraging growth. Residents can expect renewed attention on Church Street and other downtown landmarks.
2. Downtown Orlando businesses say nightlife concerns persist (mynews13.com) — Downtown Orlando bar and club owners say safety worries are still keeping customers away, even as police report a 20% drop in overall crime this year. They're pressing the city on enforcement of youth, open-container and After Midnight Sales rules, while Orlando officials tout new downtown marketing, placemaking efforts and quarterly meetings aimed at boosting foot traffic and confidence.
3. The best restaurant in every part of Orlando, according to our readers (orlandoweekly.com) — Orlando-area diners just crowned their favorite restaurants in nearly every neighborhood, from Downtown and Mills 50 to Lake Nona, College Park, Winter Park, and beyond. The 2026 Best of Orlando readers' poll highlights local spots like Maxine's on Shine, DOMU, Pizza Bruno, and dozens more, giving you a ready-made checklist for exploring the city's most-loved flavors.
4. Lewandowski leads Chicago Fire to victory over Griezmann's Orlando City (abc7chicago.com) — Orlando soccer fans saw Orlando City fall 2-1 at home to the Chicago Fire after a 90-minute weather delay, despite a goal assisted by Antoine Griezmann. Robert Lewandowski's late penalty decided the match, leaving Orlando 6-11-3 this season and slightly ahead in the all-time series at home.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Orlando PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Orlando Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.