Central Florida News
Florida Congressman Darren Soto, EPA Announce $188.3M Loan to Toho Water Authority
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) – Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water Mae Wu announced a transformative $188.3 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Toho Water Authority. This federal funding will modernize water infrastructure in Osceola and Polk Counties, ensuring a resilient water supply for over 450,000 residents.
“We are thrilled to secure this $188 million WIFIA loan for Toho Water Authority, which will play a crucial role in protecting clean water, preserving our environment, and meeting the needs of our rapidly growing community,” said Rep. Soto. “This investment is a significant step towards a sustainable water future for Central Florida.”
The WIFIA loan will support the Toho Water Authority’s One Water Initiative, designed to reduce reliance on fresh groundwater by expanding water treatment facilities and improving the drinking water distribution system. The initiative will also implement cutting-edge technologies to enhance water quality, increase system resilience, and reduce operational costs. The project, expected to create approximately 1,750 jobs, aligns with the state’s Central Florida Water Initiative rule and aims to protect the environment by reducing effluent discharges.
“This $188.3 million loan will fund key upgrades that are essential for public health, environmental protection, and economic growth in Central Florida,” said EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator Mae Wu. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s investment in America’s infrastructure, we’re ensuring a sustainable water future for communities across the nation.”
Toho Water Authority’s CEO/Executive Director Todd Swingle expressed gratitude for the continued support: “Supported by this WIFIA financing, Toho’s One Water Initiative will deliver a portfolio of water projects to responsibly serve our rapidly growing Central Florida community in the years and decades to come.”
The U.S. EPA’s WIFIA program has been instrumental in accelerating water infrastructure investment nationwide, having announced over $20 billion in financing to support $44 billion in projects, creating approximately 150,000 jobs. This latest loan to the Toho Water Authority is part of a master agreement that will commit a total of $292 million in WIFIA assistance to the authority.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Downtown Orlando is getting a major boost with the launch of Ride DTO, a new multimodal transit service brought to life by the City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Beginning Monday, October 7, 2024, this eco-friendly option will allow residents, workers, and visitors to travel conveniently throughout downtown for just $1 per ride, while promoting local businesses and reducing traffic congestion.
Ride DTO, operated by Circuit Transit, Inc., features a fleet of all-electric vehicles, offering a sustainable and efficient way to navigate Orlando’s urban core. Running daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the service is designed to improve access to downtown’s vibrant restaurants, shops, and attractions while contributing to the city’s green initiatives.
“Ride DTO makes it easier than ever to experience everything downtown has to offer,” said a CRA spokesperson. “This initiative not only supports local businesses by bringing more people downtown, but also aligns with our goals of reducing the city’s carbon footprint and enhancing the overall downtown experience.”
In addition to the $1 daily rides, new users can enjoy three free trips with the promotional code RIDEDTO, making it easier for everyone to try out the service. The service’s first-mile, last-mile connections also make it ideal for commuters using other transportation modes like SunRail or LYMMO.
WHEN:
- Launch: Monday, October 7, 2024
- Daily service: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE:
- Downtown Orlando
Download the app on Apple or Android to access Ride DTO and start exploring downtown Orlando.
Central Florida News
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Issues Critical Update on Hurricane Helene; Schools and Services Set to Reopen Friday
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings provided a vital update ahead of Hurricane Helene’s impending landfall in Florida’s Big Bend, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance as the storm approaches Central Florida.
Key Highlights:
- Tropical Storm Warnings and Tornado Watch: Central Florida remains under Tropical Storm Warnings, with Orange County under a Tornado Watch until 8 p.m. Mayor Demings urged residents to stay alert as “conditions will deteriorate rapidly in the coming hours.”
- Severe Weather Forecast: Sustained winds of 25-35 mph with gusts reaching 45-55 mph are expected. Rainfall could range from 1-2 inches, with localized areas receiving more.
- Garbage Collection Resumes: Garbage, yard waste, and recycling collection will resume on Friday, September 27, 2024. Those with missed service on Thursday will have a makeup day on Saturday, September 28, 2024. “We are committed to restoring services as quickly as possible,” Demings stated.
- Power Outages: Several outages have already been reported across the county. Residents are advised to report outages directly to their service providers, including OUC, Duke Energy, and Winter Park Utility.
- Shelter Status: Over 80 residents are currently housed in shelters, which are scheduled to close tomorrow morning. “We’re here to ensure everyone’s safety through the night,” Mayor Demings assured.
- Reopenings on Friday: Orange County Government, schools, courts, and other services will resume normal operations on Friday, September 27, 2024, as weather conditions improve. “Our goal is to return to normalcy as swiftly as possible,” Demings emphasized.
- Neighboring Assistance: Orange County Utilities and Fire Rescue teams are preparing to assist neighboring regions, with deployments planned for Tallahassee and Ocala. “We stand ready to help our fellow Floridians in their time of need,” Demings affirmed.
Impact and Precautions:
Residents are urged to stay indoors during peak storm hours and monitor local news for updates. The Orange County team is on high alert, ensuring that all essential services are restored and that community members are safe.
______________________
J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Provides Crucial Updates on Tropical Storm Helene
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – As Tropical Storm Helene approaches, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has issued critical updates to ensure residents are well-prepared for the impending weather.
The National Weather Service has placed Orange County under a Tropical Storm Warning. Residents should be alert to the possibility of isolated tornadoes starting as early as Wednesday evening. The storm’s most severe conditions are expected to develop by Thursday.
Key Weather Conditions
- Sustained Winds: 25-30 mph (gusts up to 45-55 mph)
- Rainfall: 1-4 inches expected
Residents are strongly encouraged to complete all storm preparations by this evening.
Sandbag Distribution
Orange County Public Works is continuing to offer free self-serve sandbags to residents until 7 p.m. tonight, weather permitting. So far, 13,000 sandbags have been distributed at the following locations:
- Barnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
- Bithlo Community Park: 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820
- Clarcona Horse Park: 3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703
- Downey Park: 10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825
- Meadow Woods Rec Center: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824
- West Orange Rec Center: 309 S West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Garbage Pickup Schedule
- No garbage collection on Thursday, Sept. 26, for unincorporated Orange County.
- Makeup day will be Saturday, Sept. 28.
- Visit www.ocfl.net/UtilitiesStormInfo for more details.
Shelter Information
- General Population Shelter:
- Barnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
- Special/Medical Needs Shelters:
- West Orange Rec Center: 309 S.W. Crown Point Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
- Goldenrod Rec Center: 4863 N. Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792
Shelters will open on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 a.m.. No ID cards are required, and all shelters are pet-friendly. LYNX will provide free transportation to shelters. Visit ocfl.net/shelters for details.
Power Outages
Report power outages to your electric provider:
- Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC): 407-423-9018
- Duke Energy: 800-228-8485
- Winter Park Utility: 877-811-8700
Lake and Pond Preparations
- Orlo Vista: Ponds have been pumped down, and additional mobile pumps are on standby.
- Big Sand Lake: Sediment has been cleared from the drainage canal to ensure proper outflow.
County Closures
- Orange County Government: Closed Thursday, Sept. 26.
- Orange County Public Schools: Closed Thursday, Sept. 26. All after-school activities will end by 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
- Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida: Closed Thursday, Sept. 26.
- Solid Waste Facilities: Closed to the public on Thursday, Sept. 26.
- SunRail: Closed Thursday, Sept. 26.
Residents are urged to stay informed and take all necessary precautions as Tropical Storm Helene nears.
___________________
J Willie David III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
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