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Smith urges state of emergency declaration over affordable housing crisis Florida Democrats are pushing Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody to declare a state of emergency over the state’s affordable housing crisis. In a letter to DeSantis, Orlando Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith urged the state’s top executive to take action, as much of the state has seen rapid rent increases and housing price booms. A declaration of a state of emergency would bring such sudden increases under greater scrutiny. Smith tweeted, “This is price gouging. We have state laws that are meant to protect consumers from price gouging and it’s time that we use and enforce those laws.” DeSantis spokeswoman Christina Pushaw responded: “Democrats like Rep. Smith support economy-killing lockdowns and believe that woke corporations should have the power to fire people over vaccine mandates.” The statement takes whataboutism to such heights it will give you a nosebleed if you think about it for too long.
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Demings tries out some positive thinking as Omicron variant is confirmed in country wastewater Following reports of the Omicron variant of coronavirus appearing in Orange County’s wastewater, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings noted in a news conference last week that the county is still in good shape compared to the bleakest days of the pandemic. “The 14-day rolling positivity rate continues to go in the right direction. As of today, the rate remains below 5%,” Demings said. While Orlando Utilities Commission confirmed the presence of the Omicron variant, and said it’s by far the most prevalent strain found in their testing, it appears that it is not the culprit behind recent COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to area hospitals.
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Jacksonville Jaguars fire coach Urban Meyer Following news that he kicked ex-kicker Josh Lambo during warmups, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer was fired late last week. The former Florida Gators head coach had been off to a troubled start even by the remarkably low standards of the hapless Jaguars. Lambo said that Meyer walked up to him while he was stretching to berate him over his early preseason performance. “I’m in a lunge position. Left leg forward, right leg back,” Lambo said. “Urban Meyer, while I’m in that stretch position, comes up to me and says, ‘Hey, dipshit, make your fucking kicks!’ And kicks me in the leg.” After that interview spread, Jaguars owner Shad Khan announced that Meyer’s contract would be terminated.
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Orlando International Airport Terminal C announced open for business by summer 2022 Orlando International Airport last week confirmed that Terminal C should be open to passengers by July 2022. The south terminal, which is estimated to cost more than $2 billion, is 87 percent completed. As many as 10 million more passengers will be able to pass through the terminal’s 15 new gates, capable of accommodating up to 20 aircraft. Other promised improvements include fully automated TSA security screening checkpoints and RFID luggage tracking.
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The Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival winds down As the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts gears up for its Steinmetz Hall kickoff, it closed the book on the Frontyard Festival series of outdoor events. “For now, we’re saying goodbye to our Frontyard Festival,” read a post on the Dr. Phil’s Facebook page. “What an incredible experience — and it was all possible thanks to the most amazing colleagues, partners, donors and community.” Though reactions online were of saddened surprise, this wasn’t an abrupt decision. In June, the Dr. Phil was granted funds by Orange County for an extension of Frontyard Festival programming through mid-December — which is right where we are now. The “for now” seems to indicate the door is open for future Frontyard Festival-style programming, and with Omicron ... well, maybe it would be best to hold on to all those outdoor seating pods for a little while yet. orlandoweekly.com
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DEC. 22-28, 2021 ● ORLANDO WEEKLY
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