Happy Friday, Orlando. Expect a partly cloudy one today with the potential for some afternoon showers or storms. With a tropical wave brewing off the coast, there could be some flooding in the coming days. More on that in a bit. Highs today will reach 92° with lows of around 77°. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Tropical Wave Could Bring Heavy Rain to Florida

• Orlando Secures NFL Pro Bowl for 2025

Let’s dive in.

WEATHER

Tropical Wave Could Bring Heavy Rain to Florida

What's happening: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a system in the Atlantic, designated as Invest 97L. It has a 40% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next two days and a 70% chance over the next week.

Why it matters: This system could bring a lot of rain to Florida, potentially becoming a tropical depression or storm. Forecasters are using data from hurricane hunters to improve predictions, and current models suggest it may head toward Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

Key points:

• Potential growth: The system could strengthen due to favorable conditions for development with a timeline of this weekend or early next week.

• Expected impact: Central Florida might see significant rainfall, with heavy showers lasting for several days. This could lead to concerns about flash flooding, especially if the system moves slowly.

• Current status: There’s increased storm activity near Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, with less interference from Saharan dust.

What's next: The system is expected to move near Cuba and into the Straits of Florida by Friday night or Saturday. If it strengthens into a storm, it would be named Debby.

Stay updated here (Click Orlando)

ON THE DOCKET

What’s Happening this Weekend?

1. Lindsey Stirling’s Duality Tour comes to the Dr. Phillips Center tonight at 7 PM. Tickets start at $46.

2. Weather permitting, Lake Nona Live returns on Saturday night from 6-10 PM at Lake Nona Town Center in front of the Beacon.

3. Orlando City hosts Atlético de San Luis on Sunday. The match kicks off at 8 PM at Inter&Co.

4. Tony Award winner Idina Menzel performs at the Dr. Phillips Center on Sunday at 8 PM. Tickets start at $49.50.

SPORTS

Orlando Secures NFL Pro Bowl for 2025

What's happening: The NFL Pro Bowl Games will return to Orlando in 2025, with events centered at Camping World Stadium and other local venues. The main flag football game is scheduled for February 2nd.

Why it matters: Orlando's appeal as a family-friendly destination and its upgraded stadium facilities make it a favored location. The 2024 Pro Bowl attracted over 55,000 fans, including 30,000 out-of-towners, contributing over $45 million to the local economy.

The details: The Pro Bowl has evolved from a traditional game to include skills competitions and flag football. Orlando previously hosted from 2017 to 2020 and again in 2024.

What’s next: Camping World Stadium is set to undergo more renovations going into 2027, which might impact future events, but Orlando remains a top candidate for hosting the Pro Bowl in the future.

Read more here (Orlando Business Journal)

QUICK HITS

In Other News…

1. MCO launched a new program that allows travelers to get rewarded with airline miles for airport purchases like food and parking.

2. Orange County will offer free meals to students again this year provided by the Community Eligibility Provision.

3. A UCF alum is set to open a second Orlando brewery location later this summer, this time at ICON Park.

4. Coast to Coast Pizza Company, which currently has locations in Marathon and Fort Lauderdale, will open its Ocoee location on August 5th.

5. Orlando native Ethan Andrews recently launched Parfour, an app specifically for streaming golf content, and is now looking to raise a Series A round. OBJ has the full story here.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s edition of the newsletter. 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.