Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new power wheelchair is changing one Orlando child’s life

And check out Dia Nacional Urbano Orlando on the Orlando Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Friday September 4th Patch AM
Friday September 4th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi Orlando! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new power wheelchair is changing one Orlando child's life
  • How will OCPS budget cuts shift teachers and services in Orlando?
  • What Loews' new Orlando hotel chief means for tourism and jobs

Also on today's calendar: Paper Possibilities: Gift Pouch and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (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. Advertisement

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 92 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 92, low: 76.
  • Sunday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 90 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Orlando boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy receives new power wheelchair (wftv.com) — An Orlando 10-year-old living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy just received a lightweight Air Hawk power wheelchair, giving him far more independence getting around town and on family trips. Provided at no cost by nonprofit Wheelchairs 4 Kids and a private donor, the chair folds for easy transport and helps conserve his energy while reducing fall risks.
   

2. Orange County Public Schools Face a New Round of Budget Cuts (mynews13.com) — Orange County Public Schools based in Orlando are cutting $8.5 million from central office administration and preparing to eliminate some positions at schools with low enrollment after losing about 7,800 students. District leaders say they'll target vacant roles first, but parents may notice slower responses from the district and shifting of teachers and support staff between schools as staffing is realigned.
   

3. Loews Hotels & Co Names SVP of Operations for Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Portfolio (traveldreamsmagazine.com) — Universal Orlando's hotel partner Loews has promoted Stephen Cummings to oversee operations for its growing resort hotel portfolio, reinforcing Orlando's role as a major tourism hub. His return comes as three new Universal-branded hotels open in 2025 ahead of Epic Universe, promising more jobs, visitors, and lodging options for local residents and workers.
   

4. Undocumented students barred from enrolling in Florida public universities after board vote (wesh.com) — Undocumented students will be barred from initially enrolling in Florida's public universities starting with the 2027–28 academic year, a decision announced from Orlando that leaves current students unaffected but blocks future applicants. A University of Central Florida student in Orlando describes feeling heartbroken for younger peers, while state leaders praise the move as prioritizing citizens for taxpayer-funded education.
   

5. Universal Orlando to Close Notorious 'Animal Actors' Show (peta.org) — Universal Orlando is permanently closing its long-running 'Animal Actors' show on November 3, ending performances that relied on animals from a supplier criticized by PETA. Animal-rights advocates say the move reflects growing public discomfort with using live animals for entertainment and are urging Universal to avoid animals in whatever replaces the show.
   

📸 Around Orlando

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Orlando

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Orlando Shout Outs!

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.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Found dog off Orange and Landstreet!!!
    Someone is missing this baby!!!! He is very kept, nails groomed, docile and he is for sure looking for someone! Not sure if he is chipped. Please… (Nextdoor Southport)
  • Hi guys!
    I did not mean to delete my post without thanking all of those who gave me such great advice on how to find caretakers for my baby, Amber. She is… (Nextdoor Coytown)
  • TJX posted a job opening for Parttime Backroom Associate in Orlando. Apply here.
  • Jobot posted a job opening for Accounts Payable Specialist 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: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Orlando