Shaq Congress Endorsement + New Art Exhibit + Fiery Volusia Crash

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 powerful endorsement for Aramis Ayala in the race for Val Demings’ congressional seat, a vaccine drive-thru, a new art exhibit, and more. Now, let’s get started.

Today’s weather: The high is 88 and the low is 75 with scattered thunderstorms. The chance of rain is 50%.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando:

1. Two new “Our Collection” exhibitions that celebrate artists in the Mennello Museum of American Art’s permanent collection are now on display including an exhibit that celebrates 10 Black artists. (Orlando Sentinel)

2. Orlando Health is offering free vaccines ahead of the 4th of July. No appointments are necessary at their drive-thru clinic. (Click Orlando)

3. A Volusia County employee was killed Monday morning in a fiery crash involving a VOTRAN bus and a county utility truck near Daytona Beach. (Click Orlando)

4. Former Orlando Magic player Shaquille O’Neal endorsed Aramis Ayala for Congress on Monday. She is running to succeed U.S. Rep. Val Demings in a crowded Central Florida Democratic primary. (Orlando Sentinel)

5. A Winter Haven man attacked and threatened to kill officers while trying to grab a gun. He faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting arrest with violence, and depriving an officer of means of protection or communication. (Fox 13)

Today in Orlando:

• Fruit Tree Planting at UCF Creative School. (9 a.m.)
• Summer Herbs That Can Take The Heat at Harry P. Leu Gardens. (10 a.m.)
• Public Skate at RDV Ice Den. (12 p.m.)
• Jewelry Workshop at Maitland Art Center. (6 p.m.)
• Taco Tuesday Networking Event for Realtors at Don Julio Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar Eagle Creek. (6 p.m.)
• Tuesday Night Run at Ten10 Brewing Company. (6:30 p.m.)
• Tasty Trivia at Hourglass Brewing. (7 p.m.)
• Diverse Word, the longest running open mic in Orlando at Downtown CREDO. (7:30 p.m.)

Orlando Patch Notebook:

• Disney has delayed its test cruise over “inconsistent” virus results.
• Orange County now has a drive-thru vaccination site open 7 days a week at Barnett Park.
• Dole blueberries have been recalled due to potential parasite contamination.
• The Drug Enforcement Administration has officially denied a Central Florida church’s petition for a religious exemption, which would have allowed it to continue providing a Schedule I drug for religious purposes legally.

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured Event: Tiana's Tea Inc presents "MASK OFF"

Featured Classified: Housing - Search Homes In Orlando For Sale

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.