Tropical Storm Elsa + Taste Of Chengdu Closing + Unused Rent $$

Good morning, Orlando! Let's get this Friday, July 2 started.

In this issue, you'll learn about unused rent assistance in Orlando, a local restaurant regrouping, a central Florida condo complex deemed unsafe, and more. Now, let's get started.

First, today's weather: Possible light rain until evening. High: 88 Low: 76.

Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Orlando is in Tropical Storm Elsa's potential path. It is recommended that residents monitor the storm trajectory and stock up on hurricane supplies if you haven't done so already for the season. (Click Orlando)

2. City of Orlando has only spent $200K of $8.6 million in the most recent wave of rental aid given. Those in need are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for help. (Orlando Sentinel)

3. Taste of Chengdu in Baldwin Park will close Sunday and reopen in August with a new concept. Plans are to come back as an upscale, reservation-only chef's tasting restaurant with approximately 35-40 seats. (Orlando Weekly)

4. Officials say just over 70 units in a Kissimmee condominium complex were deemed unsafe after a building inspection found the walkways leading to the condos were at risk of collapsing. Concerns are heightened after the Surfside condo site collapse. (WFLA)

5. An Orlando surgeon is hopeful that rescuers will find his mother and other victims at Surfside condo site. He says his 65-year-old mother is a loving wife and grandmother and that his parents bought the condo about 5 years ago. (FOX 35 Orlando)

Today's Orlando Daily is brought to you by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Orlando!

Today in Orlando

• Fun & FREE Online Networking This Friday! (10:00 AM)
• Start your Independence Day Weekend early with some BOOYAH! (4:00 PM)
• Backyard BBQ at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld. (6:00 PM)
• Art After Dark Lake Nona. (6:00 PM)
• Winter Garden's Friday on the Plaza. (7:00 PM)
• Beer Spirits and Ghosts Walking Tour in Winter Haven. (7:00 PM)
• Fireworks at SeaWorld Orlando. (10:00 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Central Florida Expressway has launched a Visitor Toll Pass for summer travel to Florida.
• There is a new president at Valencia College.
• Orlando City SC’s Daryl Dike is headed to USMNT for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.
• A new Amazon warehouse is under construction in Brevard County.
• If you see a bird that looks sick due to Red Tide, experts recommend contacting a local rescue group to cure them for toxicity instead of touching them.
• Orlando City SC: "Representing the Red, White, and Blue " (Instagram)
• Central Florida Zoo: "Here at the Zoo, our animal residents have choice and control over where they spend their time. This means they have ..." (Instagram)
• Universal Orlando Resort: "It's just a little splash. Trust us." (Instagram)
• Valencia College: "Valencians and friends, please extend a warm welcome to Dr. Kathleen Plinske on her first day as Valencia College’s n..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Fire Department: "Nessie, our Arson K9, successfully passed her recertification today. She passed effortlessly and continues to proudly..." (Facebook)
• Orlando Fire Department: "Florida US&R Task Force 4 appreciate the support of our local Fire Chiefs and loved ones. During the most recent 12 h..." (Facebook)
• Downtown Orlando: "Giveaway alert⁠ ⁠ To celebrate all of our followers for #SocialMediaDay, we are giving away a $25 giftcard to @Do..." (Instagram)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Tiana's Tea Inc presents "MASK OFF" (July 24)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Daily? Email all inquiries to me at orlando@patch.com.