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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Provides Crucial Updates on Tropical Storm Helene

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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Tropical Storm Helene
Mayor Jerry Demings gives update on Tropical Storm Helene Source: Orange County Government

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

Central Florida News

Temple Hands USF First Loss, 17-13

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Cameron Seldon races toward the sideline as Temple defenders force him out of bounds. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

Bulls move to 4-1 as Hartline turns attention toward corrections and the week ahead

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida’s unbeaten start ended Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium as Temple defeated the Bulls 17-13. USF struck first behind a Nico Gramatica field goal but went into halftime trailing 10-3 before finding momentum after the break.

USF responded in the third quarter as D.J. Crowther’s one-yard touchdown tied the game at 10.

USF and Temple battle at the line of scrimmage. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

The Bulls’ defense added a key stop when No. 1 C.J. Hicks recovered a Temple fumble in the end zone. Gramatica later connected from 49 yards to give USF a 13-10 fourth-quarter lead. Temple answered with the defining possession of the night, driving 96 yards before quarterback No. 13 Ajani Sheppard scored on a 34-yard run to put the Owls ahead for good.

Temple’s 96-yard fourth-quarter drive became the turning point in the 17-13 finish.

Joshua Porter sprints for catch with Adrian Laing closing in for Temple. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

USF was unable to answer late, dropping to 4-1. Following the game, head coach Brian Hartline focused on returning to the film, correcting the mistakes that surfaced and making sure the Bulls use the loss to improve heading into the next week.

FINAL: Temple 17, USF 13

Up Next: USF travels to San Antonio to face UTSA on Thursday night.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

 

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Central Florida News

Orange County Announces $28,200 Public Art Opportunity at Tangelo Park Community Center

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Artists and artist teams invited to submit qualifications for artwork at the renovated center in Orlando’s historically Black Tangelo Park community

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Public Art Review Board is seeking artists or artist teams to develop artwork for the newly renovated Tangelo Park Community Center, according to a public art call announcing a $28,200 commission budget.

The request for qualifications invites participation from one or more artists or artist teams. Applications must be submitted through CaFÉ by 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 4, 2026, according to the announcement.

Art Opportunity in a Historically Black Community

The announcement describes Tangelo Park as a historically Black community with a proud heritage. The artwork will be developed for a community center designed to bring residents of different generations together through social services, recreation and community activities.

The center sits within a midcentury modern neighborhood next to Tangelo Park Elementary School and an adjoining outdoor recreation center.

Renovated Center Expands Community Space

According to the announcement, the renovated community center features a multipurpose meeting space, classrooms, a computer lab and offices. The site also includes an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor pool and solar gazebos available for community use.

The center’s primary purpose is to support county social service programs and recreational activities. Its spaces are also intended to accommodate family programs, community gatherings, art exhibitions, festivals and other events.

The announcement describes the facility as a welcoming extension of home, where individuals and families can gather safely and comfortably.

Application Details

The public art call lists the following information:

  • Project: Tangelo Park Community Center public artwork.
  • Location: Orlando, Florida.
  • Seeking: One or more artists or artist teams.
  • Commission budget: $28,200.
  • Application platform: CaFÉ.
  • Deadline: Nov. 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Artists interested in the commission should consult the complete CaFÉ listing for submission requirements and additional project details.

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Business

Hola at the Park Set for Oct. 3 in Altamonte Springs; Admission Free

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Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.

According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.

FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices

Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.

The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.

Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.

Photo: Florida National News

Food, Entertainment and Family Activities

The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.

Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.

Photo: Florida National News

A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte

Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.

The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
  • Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
  • Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
  • Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
  • Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
  • Admission: Free and open to the community
  • Registration: Not required

Photo: Florida National News

Vendor Inquiries

For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.

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