Happy Friday, Orlando. Here’s your weekend weather outlook: Temps hover in the low 90s with humidity sticking around. Today and Sunday bring a solid chance of afternoon storms, while Saturday’s shaping up to be the driest day if you’re planning to be out and about. Evenings stay warm, with lows in the mid-70s.

Here’s what’s on deck:

• 120-Mile Trail Could Transform Central Florida Outdoors

• What’s Happening This Weekend? (Make Fest, Harry Potter in Concert, Club World Cup)

• Potential Rays Sale Puts Orlando MLB Plans in Limbo

• In Other News… (Downtown Dining, Orlando to Paris Flights, and a Local Star’s USMNT Debut)

Let’s dive in.

DEVELOPMENT

120-Mile Trail Could Transform Central Florida Outdoors

Big picture: A 120-mile “Lake to Lake” trail connecting Sanford’s Lake Monroe to South Florida’s Lake Okeechobee is gaining traction — with backers touting its benefits for eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, and local recreation.

Why it matters: If completed, it would be Central Florida’s longest continuous paved trail, connecting communities and natural areas. According to conservationists, it could also potentially help endangered Florida panthers by preserving land and creating safer pathways through rapidly developing regions.

Driving the news:

• Osceola and Seminole county commissioners recently endorsed the project; Orange County is expected to weigh in soon.

• Planners propose ambitious infrastructure — including a multimillion-dollar land bridge over SR 528 and an elevated roundabout across East Colonial Drive.

Yes, but...

• There’s no defined route or cost yet.

• It still needs buy-in from key agencies like the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the Florida DEP.

• Competition is stiff for state trail funding — even with the SunTrail program now receiving $50M annually.

Zoom out: Florida’s existing trails already draw 10M users a year. Advocates say this new route could elevate the state’s national profile as a car-free adventure destination — while also helping protect fast-disappearing natural areas.

What’s next: Backers hope to complete the trail within 10 years. For now, the focus is on mapping a route, securing funding, and building agency support.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FRIENDS AT 1440

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

Join for free today!

ON THE DOCKET

What’s Happening This Weekend?

1. The Orlando Pride head to Kentucky on Saturday to take on Racing Louisville, still searching for their first win in the last five meetings between the two clubs. Kickoff is at 7 PM.

2. Make Fest returns to the Orlando Science Center this weekend with hands-on workshops, local makers, and family activities—all included with admission from 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday.

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in Concert takes the stage at the Dr. Phillips Center tonight and tomorrow, with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performing the score live alongside the film. Tickets start at $55.50.

4. The Club World Cup returns to Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday as Benfica faces Auckland City at noon.

5. Family Fun Day is back at Boxi Park on Sunday at 1 PM, featuring live music, great food, and activities for everyone.

SPORTS

Potential Rays Sale Puts Orlando MLB Plans in Limbo

The big picture: The Tampa Bay Rays are in exclusive talks to sell the team to a group led by Jacksonville homebuilder Patrick Zalupski — raising new questions about Orlando’s long-shot bid to bring Major League Baseball to town.

Why it matters: The Orlando Dreamers have been positioning themselves as a potential landing spot for a relocated team or future expansion franchise. The Zalupski group’s $1.7B reported offer suggests there’s serious momentum elsewhere in Florida — possibly leaving Orlando on the outside looking in.

Where things stand:

• The Rays confirmed June 18 they’re exploring a sale to Zalupski’s group, which includes investors from Tampa Bay and other Florida markets.

• The franchise is under lease at Tropicana Field through 2028, but its stadium future in St. Pete remains uncertain.

• Orange County officials have since confirmed multiple groups — not just the Dreamers — have approached them about MLB opportunities, though details are scarce.

Zoom out: MLB expansion or relocation requires deep pockets and political support. The A’s relocation to Las Vegas last year won unanimous owner approval; new cities will need public-private partnerships to get serious consideration.

What’s next: The Dreamers say discussions with the county are underway. But with more suitors circling and a high-stakes sale in motion, Orlando’s baseball ambitions may face steeper competition than expected.

Source: OBJ

QUICK HITS

In Other News…

1. Allure Restaurant & Lounge, a Cape Town-inspired fine-dining spot, has opened in downtown Orlando—its first US location. The upscale venue offers global cuisine with a South African twist and received city support to boost the local dining scene.

2. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman made his US men’s soccer debut at 20 and is now starting in the Gold Cup as he pushes for a World Cup roster spot.

3. Air France is launching year-round nonstop flights between Orlando and Paris, its first return to MCO in over a decade. Gov. DeSantis announced the new route during a business seminar in Paris, calling it a win for tourism and international travel.

Thanks for reading — See you back here on Monday.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Interested in sponsoring O-Town Daily? Let us know here.