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.

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.

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J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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.

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J Willie David III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com