🍽 11 places to eat right now per local blogger Lemonhearted

Plus, relief is on the way for city of Orlando renters and Paws in the Park returns to Lake Eola.

By Katie Johnston

It’s Thursday, party people.

And if you’re looking for something to do that’s mostly outdoors, may I recommend the new and improved Third Thursday? The Downtown Arts District announced the expansion of its monthly art night to now include a makers market, live entertainment, museum visits, and more. It’s part of a cool new partnership with City District Main Street, the Dr. Phillips Center, and the History Center. 

What’s the cost for all this greatness, you might ask? It’ll set you back a whopping zero dollars to participate, although a $10 wristband does get you some sweet drink deals. 😉 The festivities start at 6 p.m. and you’ll want to reserve your time slot for the gallery part. Get the details here. 

Once you’re done planning out how to make this a Thursday to remember, keep reading for today’s top headlines, including how to get your hands on N95 masks and COVID-19 tests, why Florida is making headlines in The Washington Post (and no, it’s not COVID-related), where to see new art in Downtown Orlando next week, and the 11 Lemonhearted-approved places to get your grub on ASAP. 👇

What Orlando is talking about

😷 First things first: The Biden administration plans to send out 400 million N95 masks across the country at the end of this week. Masks will be distributed to pharmacies and community health centers, where they’ll be available for pick up at no cost. As we know more about where and when you can pick up your masks, we’ll let you know in the newsletter! And ICYMI, you can now order four free at-home COVID-19 tests shipped directly to your home. (NPR)

🗣 “I have a hard time understanding how we can be in public health and not practice it…”  That’s how Orange County Health Director Dr. Raul Pino began his department-wide email over its low employee vaccination rates. Now, Pino has been placed on administrative leave while the Florida Department of Health determines if his comments actually violated anything. (WFTV) 

🏠 The affordable housing crisis stretches far beyond Central Florida and Orange County. National media outlets are picking up on what Floridians have been feeling in their wallets for a while now: A recent story in The Washington Post notes that while home prices have risen faster in Florida than any other state over the last six months, wages have not kept pace with the national average. The disparity has caused a squeeze that’s left working-class residents with few choices in where they can call home. “Although Florida has long been associated with pockets of extreme wealth, local leaders say they are most unsettled by how quickly home prices are rising at the bottom of the market,” the story says. “Those trends now threaten to drive away scores of working-class residents, who remain the backbone of the state’s tourism-driven economy.” (The Washington Post)

💰 Good news for renters: As reported by our buds at Bungalower, the City of Orlando was just awarded $6.8 million in COVID-19 Relief Funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to provide Emergency Rental Assistance for households that have been financially impacted by the pandemic.The city council has partnered with KPMG to oversee the program, and residents will be able to apply for relief funds starting Feb. 1. (Bungalower) 

Meanwhile, in lighter news… 

🍽 The Deli Llama in Eustis, The Duck & Drake Kitchen Truck at Digress Wine in College Park, Jimotti’s in Sanford… These are just three of the 11 hotspots local blogger Lemonhearted has put her stamp of approval on. Go ahead and learn more about these yummy local spots over at the link. (Lemonhearted) 

🎨 There’s new art coming to Downtown Orlando. The folks at Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs shared earlier this week that the Sculpture Garden at the admin center will debut its latest sculptures on Jan. 24. You can check out the new pieces for yourselves at 5:30 p.m. on Monday or take an early look by following the link. 👉 (Bungalower) 

🐶 Paws in the Park is heading back to Lake Eola next month. The annual fundraising festival for Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando is arguably the most fun your furry friends will have all year. Fortunately, it’s right around the corner and going down on Feb. 12. Adopt a pet, parade your furry companion around in a costume, sign up your pup for a sport, or let ‘em go nuts in the dock diving contest — there’s paw-lenty (see what we did there?) to do. (Orlando Weekly) 

🎯 This week’s trivia award goes to…