Florida Skunk Ape Headquarters | Photo by @katielated
Something is lurking in the forests of Orlando. Perhaps it’s just a Florida Man, but it’s possible that cryptids have decided to call O-Town home. These mysterious creatures have been reported in Florida — have you spotted any nearby?
Skunk Ape
This hairy cryptid is considered Florida’s version of Bigfoot. It’s supposedly been spotted — and smelled — in the Everglades, so we think the lakes in Osceola County could be a homey habitat. Learn more at the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee.
Wampus cat
What has six legs, razor-sharp claws, a 9-ft tail, and a taste for blood? That would be the panther-like creature whose story reaches across the South. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission’s latest official Orlando-area panther sighting was just outside of Kissimmee. Maybe he was on his way to hang with wampus cats at Lake Tohopekaliga?
Incogni can help remove your personal information from the web. | Image via Incogni
Using hidden cameras, the BBC caught workers at a scam call center laughing at the people they were tricking.
The disturbing truth? Scammers don’t pick phone numbers at random. They buy your data from brokers.
Once your data is out there, it’s not just calls. It’s phishing, impersonation, and identity theft.
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Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center is getting global recognition. National Geographic included the venue on its list of eight theaters across the globe to put on your bucket list. It’s noted for being “one of the world’s most acoustically advanced theaters,” and also for its beautiful decor.
Cause
Peanut butter. Rice. Fruit + veggies. Those are among the most needed items at food banks across the country. Orlando-area organizations like the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida are looking for donations. (Move for Hunger)
Community
Have you noticed an odd smell in Sanford lately? Officials have responded to community complaints about the odor, and announced some changes this week in an attempt to rid the city of the issue. (WKMG)
Weather
We’ll be waking up to lows in the 50s this weekend. Finally. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a fallsy walk through one of Orlando’s beautiful green spaces. We like having a locally brewed coffee in hand as we stroll.
Sports
Orlando City SC’s Alex Freeman was named MLS Young Player of the Year yesterday. The 21-year-old defender has had quite the season, getting his first call up to the US Men’s National Team and and receiving his first invite to the MLS All-Star Game. (Orlando Sentinel)
Watch
“Rain isn’t always a bad thing,” according to the Orlando Families, Parks, and Recreation Department. Recent rainfall at Bill Frederick Park is a soothing sight + sound, to say the least.
Feel Good
This one puts “Homeward Bound” to shame. A Chihuahua was recently found in Volusia County years after going missing. Penny vanished from her home in Mississippi five years ago, and was reunited thanks to her microchip. (WESH)
Biz
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Number
21. That’s how many months you could enjoy 0% APR with a balance transfer card. Read: You can tackle credit card debt while enjoying stellar perks, like up to $200 cash back. Discover top cards + apply.*
Orlando International Airport is giving its own twist on some seasonal spirit with a much calmer, far more comforting costume than the usual ghoulish garb.
The Shark Matrix IQ Robot Vacuum that’s 40% off for a limited time. Psst — that’s a savings of $120. The Buy Editor Emily loves its precision home mapping technology that results in a more thorough clean on multiple surfaces.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Halloween is many people’s favorite holiday — mine included. It’s actually my birthday today. I’m turning 29 for the first time.
A small birthday wish: please keep Hurricane Melissa victims in mind. Time Magazine rounded up a list of ways to donate and offer support to people across the Caribbean impacted by the storm, and every little helps.
Remember, when it was Florida’s turn last year, the outpouring of support was overwhelming. Now, it’s our turn to help.
