Floridians love spotting manatees in the wild — but the gentle giants need our protection, too. With roughly 5,733 of the marine mammals swimming in state waters, Manatee Awareness Month is the perfect time to support their conservation.
🩵 Adopt-A-Manatee
Starting at $25 per year, you can symbolically adopt a manatee with a known history. Adopters get a biography and certificate, with funds supporting imperiled manatees + their habitats.
✏️ Manatee Awareness Month Webinar
Log on at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 to learn about rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts.
👟 Save the Manatee 5K Run/Walk
Around 1,600 participants will gather at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City on Saturday, Nov. 15. The in-person race is sold out, but virtual participation is still available, complete with branded swag.
Bonus: Get the whole family involved with online activities like themed coloring pages, e-cards, and trivia games.
Asked
Asked
Which of these fun facts about manatees is not true?
A. Manatees can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes. B. The average adult manatee weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds. C. A manatee’s call changes when it is frustrated or annoyed. D. Manatees can live up to 60 years or more.
Construction on Camping World Stadium’s $400 million renovation is set to begin next month. Upgrades include replacing the upper deck, increasing seating, adding an events center, and improving amenities. (WESH 2)
Opening
CityArts Café will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12 in downtown Orlando. Its menu boasts Italian espresso drinks, tea, beer, wine, and pastries, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Orlando arts community.
Quoted
“We’ll be back. Soon, we hope.” That’s what founder and artistic director Donald Rupe shared following the Renaissance Theatre Company’s closure. The team has filed its final permit needed to reopen and is aiming to return in December. (Bungalower)
Mansion Monday
Old-world charm meets modern luxury in this Tuscan-inspired residence located in the heart of College Park. Featuring soaring 15-ft ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, and high-end finishes, the villa-style retreat feels like a Mediterranean escape. Take a peek inside.
Real Estate
Homes in the Orlando metro area are lingering longer on the market as inventory increases. Despite widespread price reductions, median selling time has climbed to 84 days, which is 20% longer than last year’s 70-day average. (HousingWire)
Number
25%. That’s how much grocery prices have climbed in recent years, while dining out is up about 30%. According to a new Hims study, Orlando’s still one of the US cities where cooking at home is cheaper than fast food. Pro tip: Skip the math and grab lunch under $15 locally.
Fun Fact
Posting on our local job board is like using a GPS for hiring. It gets you to the right talent without the scenic detours. Ready to find your dream candidate? Post your job today. It’s 100% free.
It’s time to get into the holiday spirit. Miracle on Orange returns to The Courtesy Bar in Winter Park tomorrow, Nov. 11, featuring festive decor and libations like the Christmapolitan and Dancing Sugarplums. Reservations are available now for parties of four or more.
Gutter guards that make clogs physically impossible. Yes, really. Meet LeafGuard, a system with seamless construction that eliminates joints where leaks typically develop. The result? A maintenance-free solution that’s built to last. Bonus: Our readers save 75% off installation + an additional $200 off.
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.
Everyone, I have an announcement. Costumes from “Wicked: For Good” are on display at Universal Studios Florida’s “Wicked: The Experience” attraction. Fans can now lay eyes on Fiyero’s wedding suit + new outfits worn by Madame Morrible and the Wizard.
