Happy Monday, Orlando. Today’s forecast: A mostly sunny day will potentially give way to a few scattered showers in the evening. Highs will be around 92 degrees 🌡️ Here’s what’s on deck:

• Orlando Looks to Add Speeding Cameras to Local School Zones

• New Housing Development Launching to Address Orlando Affordable Housing Crisis

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Let’s dive in.

TRANSPORTATION

Orlando Looks to Add Speeding Cameras to Local School Zones

What's happening: Orlando is considering deploying speed cameras in school zones to reduce speeding and enhance safety. The city council will review a proposal to install the devices near 23 schools.

The details:

• Offenders driving at least 10 mph over the speed limit would be photographed and fined $100.

• Similar to red-light cameras, violators would receive tickets by mail, including a link to a video of the offense.

• Plans include potentially expanding to 60 additional schools.

• Speed cameras could reduce traffic fatalities by 20-37%, according to Tanya Wilder, the city's transportation director.

Context:

• The Transportation Research Board reports 25,000 children are injured due to speeding in school zones, and a 2018 study by Zendrive found Florida’s drivers are among the most dangerous around schools.

• State lawmakers approved school-zone speed cameras last year, but adoption has been slow.

• Eustis Police initiated the state's first program in April; other cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa are planning similar measures.

Funding:

• Ticket revenue is allocated as follows: $20 to the state general fund, $60 to local government, $3 to a law enforcement trust fund, $12 to the local school district, and $5 for crossing guard recruitment.

Next steps:

• The city council will vote on the ordinance, with a second vote required for enactment. If approved, Orlando will seek bids for the camera installation, prioritizing schools with existing zones.

• A public awareness campaign and signage are required before camera use begins.

Read more and check out the full list of schools that would be adding cameras here (Orlando Sentinel)

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ON THE DOCKET

What’s Happening this Week?

1. SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy is set for liftoff Tuesday from the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island. Viewing is available from the center’s visitor complex.

2. Les Misérables is heading to Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center. Shows run Tuesday through Sunday.

3. The Department of Defense Warrior Games run through June 30th at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

HOUSING

New Housing Development Launching to Address Orlando Affordable Housing Crisis

What's happening: The Orlando Union Rescue Mission is launching a new housing development to address Central Florida’s severe housing shortage. The project will offer 108 affordable apartments near their West Washington Street headquarters, aimed at helping program graduates and community referrals achieve financial independence.

Why it matters: With the region facing a "catastrophic" housing shortage, many individuals completing the Mission's programs find themselves unable to afford housing despite having stable jobs and sober lifestyles. This initiative aims to bridge that gap, providing a pathway to self-sufficiency.

The details:

• Residency requirements: “Full employment, mandatory drug testing, adherence to a 10 p.m. curfew, and participation in a savings program."

• Costs: Residents will pay a program fee, set at 50% to 60% of market rates, instead of traditional rent.

• Support services: On-site counseling, case management, financial literacy instruction, positive parenting classes, and behavioral health services.

What they're saying: Freddy Clayton, the organization’s president, highlights the critical need for this development: “We have guests who are ready to graduate our programs. They have good jobs. They are sober and stable, but they are not making enough money to afford an apartment even in a less expensive part of town.”

The big picture: The project will be entirely funded through donations. The Mission is working closely with the city to secure approval for the plan. “This will happen through the generosity and love of the Central Florida community,” Clayton said.

Read more here (Click Orlando)

QUICK HITS

In Other News…

1. Construction has begun on Picklr’s upcoming indoor pickleball facility in Apopka. The courts are set to open this fall.

2. Publix announced its selling a rare plant at select Florida locations (including Orlando).

3. The Magic are looking to level up their roster this offseason.

4. South Florida rotisserie chain La Brasa is on its way to Central Florida for the first time.

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

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