Orange County commissioners, mayor give themselves a raise

The pay increase comes at the same time that many local governments in Florida, including Orange County, are looking for ways to cut their spending.

by McKenna Schueler October 1, 2026October 2, 2026

Orange County commissioners and the mayor have approved four- and five-figure pay raises for themselves as part of this year’s $9 billion budget.

Elections

Bernie Sanders to give cash boost to Angie Nixon campaign

The democratic socialist and U.S. Senator from Vermont endorsed Nixon for U.S. Senate shortly after her Democratic primary win in August.

by McKenna Schueler September 30, 2026September 30, 2026

Florida News

Florida’s minimum wage hits $15 this week; organizers reflect on the fight

This week sees the final phase-in of a $15 minimum wage ballot measure approved by a majority of Florida voters in 2020.

by McKenna Schueler September 30, 2026September 30, 2026

Orlando Area News

Orlando’s paid parking goes fully digital next month

The city is getting rid of its parking meters and transitioning to a cashless system, effective Oct. 1.

by McKenna Schueler September 25, 2026September 28, 2026

Dignity bus program in Orlando launched in August 2025

Orlando Area News

Orlando’s bus shelter program helps 169 people find permanent housing in the first year

The $3 million program has a goal of finding permanent housing for at least 400 people over a three-year period.

by McKenna Schueler September 25, 2026September 25, 2026

News

Nearly 100 teachers could lose jobs in Orange County Public Schools

The cuts come as the school district continues to grapple with steep declines in student enrollment.

by McKenna Schueler September 22, 2026September 22, 2026

Orlando Area News

Disney to host $25K-per-head ‘family’ fundraiser for Uthmeier

The days of Disney’s post-Don’t Say Gay decision to avoid exerting its political influence via campaign contributions are over.

by McKenna Schueler September 22, 2026September 22, 2026

Mosquito biting human skin and feeding on blood.

Orlando Area News

Orange County issues dengue fever alert

Watch out, Orlando: At least three cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been confirmed in Orange County.

by McKenna Schueler September 18, 2026September 18, 2026

Large-scale data center under construction.

Orlando Area News

Orange County moves closer to temporarily banning data centers

Tuesday’s discussion was just that: a discussion only. But a vote on the moratorium is expected Dec. 1.

by McKenna Schueler September 16, 2026September 23, 2026

News

Winter Park scraps plan for paid parking at Lake Baldwin Park

Paid parking pilot program at Dinky Dock will still be moving forward

by McKenna Schueler September 15, 2026September 15, 2026

Orlando Area News

Orange County could temporarily ban AI data centers

County commissioners will discuss the idea at their scheduled board meeting Tuesday.

by McKenna Schueler September 14, 2026September 14, 2026

Orlando Area News

Winter Park advances plan for paid parking at Lake Baldwin Park, Dinky Dock

Residents of Winter Park would still be able to park there for free.

by McKenna Schueler September 11, 2026September 11, 2026

Labor

World’s largest houseplant company faces pressure to sign onto worker protections

Plant nursery workers in Apopka and across Florida are urging growers, nurseries and retailers to agree to adopt ‘Planting Justice’ standards to protect workers against hazards on the job.

by McKenna Schueler September 9, 2026September 22, 2026

Orlando Area News

Orlando Starbucks workers call for boycott over union contract fight

Thousands of baristas organized with Starbucks Workers United have been fighting for a union contract since 2021.

by McKenna Schueler September 8, 2026September 8, 2026

Orlando Area News

Billionaire attorney John Morgan boasts surveillance state work-from-home policy that pushed 23 employees to quit

“You can work from home, but guess what? We’re going to put a camera on your computer. We’re going to put a camera up your ass.”

by McKenna Schueler September 3, 2026September 3, 2026

Orlando Area News

Darren Soto one of eight House Democrats to denounce socialism, support Trump’s SAVE Act in Tuesday vote

Following redistricting that made his district redder, Soto is facing greater pressure to win over Republican and independent voters in Central Florida this November.

by McKenna Schueler September 2, 2026September 2, 2026