It’s Tuesday, Orlando. Expect a partly cloudy morning with thunderstorms likely in the afternoon and evening. It’ll be another warm one, with highs around 93. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Delta Set to Add Nonstop Route from Orlando to London this Winter

• New Lake Eola Housing Project Receives Mixed Feedback

Let’s dive in.

FLIGHTS

Delta Set to Add Nonstop Route from Orlando to London this Winter

Driving the news: Floridians can now fly directly to London with Delta’s new seasonal service from Orlando (MCO) to London Heathrow (LHR) starting October 26. This is Delta’s only direct flight from Florida to the U.K., and it marks Delta's 8th nonstop destination from London this winter.

Why it matters: The route enhances travel options and connectivity between Florida and Europe, complementing Virgin Atlantic’s daily Orlando to London Heathrow service.

Key details:

• New Route: Operates four times weekly until March 29 using the Airbus A330-900neo.

• Expanded Network: The route adds to Delta’s winter service from Orlando to Amsterdam and the new Tampa-Amsterdam route.

What they’re saying: Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior VP for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India, says the new route “seamlessly connects two diverse destinations…Floridians can explore London’s historic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and enjoy world-class dining, while Londoners can escape to the sunny beaches and world-famous attractions of Orlando.”

The experience:

• Delta One: Lie-flat seats, plush bedding, and chef-curated meals.

• Delta Premium Select: Wider seats, deeper recline, and adjustable footrests.

• All passengers: Access to Delta Studio’s entertainment, onboard Wi-Fi, and free mobile messaging.

Broader context: Delta’s U.K. flights, in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, Air France, and KLM, will offer up to 187 weekly flights from London Heathrow to 14 U.S. destinations this winter, including Miami, Tampa, and Orlando.

Read more about the new route here (Gotta Go Orlando)

HOUSING

New Lake Eola Housing Project Receives Mixed Feedback

What's Happening: Banyan Development Group's Mariposa Grove, a proposed all-affordable senior housing project near Lake Eola, recently unveiled updated renderings to the Orlando Appearance Review Board.

Key Details:

• Size: The project, located at 410 Mariposa Street, is currently set to include 12 stories and 138 units (47 studios, 88 one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom)

• Affordability: The project is limited by its 100% affordable housing status, specifically for residents earning 70% or less of the area median income (AMI), with an average of 60% AMI. Units are set to be affordable for at least 50 years.

Community & Board Reactions: Nearby Star Tower residents worry about the project's proximity and potential impact on property values. The board praised the retail plaza design but criticized the building's lack of color, texture, and garage visibility.

Developer's Stance: Banyan emphasizes the importance of affordable housing in downtown Orlando, urging against additional barriers.

Next Steps:

• Final Review: Scheduled for August with the Orlando Appearance Review Board.

• Funding Efforts: Banyan has applied for financing from Orange County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The Bottom Line: Mariposa Grove aims to address a critical need for affordable senior housing in Orlando, balancing tight budgets with design expectations. The final review in August will be crucial for the project's future.

Read more and view the new project renderings here (Growth Spotter)

QUICK HITS

In Other News…

1. A local college student famous for tracking Elon Musk’s private jet on Twitter is looking to make a deal with the billionaire.

2. A new downtown Orlando art installation is catching everyone’s eye.

3. After almost blowing a 3-game lead, the Panthers finished the job last night in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s edition of the newsletter. See you back here tomorrow.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

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