130 Mexican Families Reunite + Storm Watch + Viral Salad Gate

Good Morning. My name is Carlos Hernandez and I am back to update you on the latest happening in the Orlando area.

In this issue, you’ll learn about a new controversy dubbed #SaladGate, the scooter program in City Beautiful, developing tropical systems, and more. Now, grab your coffee and let’s get started.

Today’s weather: The high is 87 and the low is 74 with scattered thunderstorms. The chance of rain is 60%.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando:

1. Orlando is moving towards a permanent scooter program for the city. The scooter companies have recorded nearly 900,000 rides since January 2020. (Orlando Sentinel)

2. A Winter Park man was asked to leave a restaurant after asking for his salad to-go and made a scene on social media channels in what is being dubbed #SaladGate after the video went viral. He photographed himself with Winter Park police officers smiling afterwards and the restaurant filed a complaint about how its trespass call was handled by authorities. (Click Orlando)

3. The National Hurricane Center is tracking two potential weather systems that could develop tropical characteristics soon in the Caribbean. (Click Orlando)

4. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico, Federation of Hidalgo in Florida, and Consulate of Mexico in Orlando helped reunite 130 Mexican families through a special program to reconnect separated families. They had gone over a decade without seeing each other. (Spectrum News 13)

5. Orange County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Raul Pino says that in order to reach the Latino community in Orange County, employers must give workers time off to get vaccinated. (WFME)

Today in Orlando:

• Tales for Twos at the Winter Park Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Family Swim Day at Goldfish Swim School. (12 p.m.)
• Ryan White Planning Council Business Meeting. Monthly business meeting of the Central Florida HIV Planning Council. Participation via phone allowed. (6 p.m.)
• Ancient Civilization Passport Art Class at CFCArts. (6 p.m.)
• Bingo Night at Hourglass Brewing (7 p.m.)

Orlando Patch Notebook:

• School bus drivers are in high-demand across Central Florida.
• The Museum of Illusions at ICON Park has announced the return of their “Puppy Paw-ty” this September.
• Walt Disney World announced new ambassadors for the 2022-2023 year.
• The Chainsmokers and Diplo are playing in Kissimmee this August.
• Here's a handy list of things you can save on during the "Freedom Week" tax holiday starting July 1st.

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That's all for today. I will be back tomorrow with the latest happening in Orlando. My inbox is open if you have any tips to send or want to reach out: orlando@patch.com.

-Carlos Hernandez

About me: I have lived in Florida since 1999 and covered the Orlando area for nearly 10 years, mainly with a focus on food through my blog at CarlosEats.com.