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🚕 Behind the ride
Waymo uses GPS maps and sensor data to operate its vehicles. | Photo via Waymo
Orlandoans could be hailing a driverless ride as soon as 2026.
Waymo — the autonomous vehicle company launched in 2009 — has already logged over 10 million paid robotaxi trips in cities like Austin, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Phoenix. Now, it’s steering toward expansion plans for Orlando, Miami, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
To get a feel for the future, we — with a little help from our sister publication, ATXtoday — hopped into a fully autonomous Waymo with the company’s product communications manager, Chris Bonelli. Here’s what our editors wanted to know as first-time riders.
What do you say to skeptics or people who have concerns about AVs?
Bonelli: “It’s a very mundane answer, but the literal best way of convincing someone is to experience it. Everyone is hesitant until they try something like this. That’s not going to be the answer for everyone, of course, but it is the best or most effective way.”
With Unison, you can access up to $500K of your home’s equity with no monthly payments. | Photo via Unsplash
Your home equity belongs to you. Period. And there are ways to access these funds when you need them.
One way: An Equity Sharing Agreement that lets you turn your equity into cash, without a traditional loan. Think: No monthly payments or interest, and you share in your home’s future value changes.
With Unison as your partner, you can make those renovations you’ve been dreaming of, travel, pay off debt, or even fund retirement.
After nine years of slinging cocktails and late-night eats, Dapper Duck Bar has permanently closed its doors. The beloved hangout shuttered without a public announcement, but its space on South Orange Avenue is locked and vacant. (Bungalower)
Travel
Heads up, frequent fliers. A fresh lineup of restaurants and retail shops is coming to Orlando International Airport as part of its $5.9 billion expansion. Favorites like Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack, Just Love Coffee Cafe, and more will soon be landing in Terminals A and B.
Holiday
Holiday Movies in the Park returns this December with screenings of “Frozen,” “Elf,” and “Christmas with the Kranks” at Lake Eola Park. Bonus: There’s more in store than just free flicks — come ready to shop the Merry Market and take photos with Santa.
Biz
Ramen Takagi has permanently closed its City Food Hall Orlando location, with the owners citing a renewed focus on the Oviedo shop. Translation: Devoted customers will now need to drive ~30 minutes to satisfy their ramen cravings. (Bungalower)
Coming Soon
Just Salad will soon take over the former Smashburger space on East Colonial Drive. The fast-casual chain — which serves market plates, warm bowls, wraps, and smoothies — has 80+ locations across the US. An opening date is yet to be revealed. (Bungalower)
Award
Orlando was one of 23 US cities recognized in the Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel Awards. Taking home the “Thrills & Tranquility” title, O-Town earned high praise for its Michelin-starred restaurants, kayaking opportunities, charming cobblestone streets, and bustling farmers markets.
Are you taking advantage of all the savings opportunities for adults ages 50+? This list of tips can support your continued saving and help build additional wealth.*
Skip sitting on the couch this Sunday — watch them race instead.
Decked-out sofas and recliners will zoom through the streets of Historic Downtown Sanford on Sunday, Nov. 23 for Sofas and Suds. The races run from 2 to 6 p.m., with local businesses competing for a coveted trophy and yearlong bragging rights.
The event is free to attend, but VIP tickets score you five drink tickets, pit row access, private restrooms, and prime views of the action.
The Buy
Lifetime language learning in Babbel’s biggest sale of the year, with access to all fourteen languages 65% off for Black Friday. Think: Bite-sized lessons, easy-to-grasp grammar, bingeable podcasts, and interactive speaking practice, all simple to fit into your everyday routine. Fuel your own curiosity or grab the 65% off deal as a holiday gift for a loved one.*
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.
“I get more from this daily newsletter than any other news outlet!” That’s what Tiffney C. said during our fundraising campaign last year. Each week, we strive to bring you positive, impactful news about Orlando, and you can help us in our mission with a one-time donation.
