Happy Monday, Orlando. Welcome back to the newsletter. Expect partly cloudy skies to start the day, with scattered storms and showers popping up later. Highs will reach 93 degrees. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Orange County is Bringing Bird & Lime Scooters to I-Drive

• Salt Life’s Florida Stores at Risk Amid Parent Company Bankruptcy

Let’s dive in.

TRANSPORTATION

Orange County is Bringing Bird & Lime Scooters to I-Drive

Driving the news: Orange County is partnering with Lime and Bird to introduce 200 electric scooters along International Drive, offering a cost-effective transportation alternative for residents and tourists.

The details: The scooters will be placed between Carrier Drive and Destination Parkway, covering popular spots like Icon Park and Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. As with other Bird and Lime programs, scooters will be available for rent to riders 18+.

Who’s in charge? The county’s traffic engineering division will manage the program, with 10 designated parking locations.

Context: The initiative aims to boost “micromobility,” as Orlando faces criticism for its heavy reliance on cars. A Preply study ranked it last in walkability among major U.S. travel destinations.

Past, present, and future: Orlando introduced electric scooters in downtown and Lake Eola five years ago, and while the new program's initial phase focuses on International Drive, successful implementation could lead to expansion across Orange County.

In other EV news… Announced this summer, Downtown Orlando will see the launch of an on-demand electric shuttle service, Ride DTO, starting this fall. Approved in June, this service will use five mini-shuttles to offer private rides to small groups.

Read more here (Orlando Weekly)

ON THE DOCKET

What’s Happening this Week?

1. Orlando’s food truck block party, dubbed Tasty Takeover, is back on Tuesday in the Milk District.

2. Orlando City faces Nashville on Wednesday in an away match. Kickoff is set for 8:30 PM ET, with the match streaming on Apple TV and FS1.

3. The Orlando Museum of Art’s third Thursday event returns this Thursday with free admission for all visitors from 10 AM to 8 PM.

BUSINESS

Salt Life’s Florida Stores at Risk Amid Parent Company Bankruptcy

Catch up quick: Salt Life, a popular lifestyle brand, may shut down several Florida locations if its parent company, Delta Apparel, doesn't secure a buyer amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

The details:

• Delta Apparel, based in Georgia, plans to sell Salt Life at a bankruptcy auction on August 20th, with a stalking horse bid of $28 million from FCM Saltwater Holdings Inc. This bid sets the low end for potential buyers, but it doesn’t guarantee a deal will take place.

• Without a buyer, 16 Salt Life stores in Florida will close, including in Orlando, affecting 98 jobs by August 29th.

Zooming out: The potential closures highlight the challenges facing retail brands across the map, particularly as high interest rates and persistent inflation foster a more cautious consumer environment.

What's next: The outcome of the bankruptcy auction and Delta Apparel's search for a buyer will determine whether Salt Life retains its retail presence across the state.

Read more here (Orlando Business Journal)

QUICK HITS

In Other News…

1. Orange County commissioners voted to approve a tax hike, paying for 163 firefighters and four new fire stations.

2. Orlando’s new Sixty Vines location is projected to open on August 20th.

3. NFL defensive tackle Jalen Carter returned to Apopka High School on Saturday for his annual free football camp.

4. The Imperial Kitchen and Wine Bar announced an upcoming location in Winter Park scheduled to open in October.

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

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