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BREAKING NETWORK NEWS
KUA Kicks off Movie in the Park Season with ‘Toy Story 5’ • Hit the Trails: Green PLACE Launches New Annual Hiking Spree in Orange County • Your Guide to UCF Space Week 2026: Discovery, Connection and SpaceU Pride
CENTRAL FLORIDA / FEATURE COVER ISSUE NO. Vol. 42 Issue 11 Source: Kissimmee Utility Authority

KUA Kicks off Movie in the Park Season with ‘Toy Story 5’

KUA will begin its 2026-2027 Movie in the Park season on Friday Oct 2 at the Veterans Lawn of Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The outdoor screening is part of the utility authority’s seasonal program. The event is being held in partnership with an organization, though details of the partner are not provided in the announcement. Press release issued by Kissimmee Utility Authority: https://kua.com/news/kua-kicks-off-movie-in-the-park-season-with-toy-story-5/ 🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.

Published Oct 1, 2026 📷 Photo: Kissimmee Utility Authority

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City of Lake Mary

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HYPERLOCAL REPORT Attribution: Kissimmee Utility Authority

KUA Kicks off Movie in the Park Season with ‘Toy Story 5’

KUA will begin its 2026-2027 Movie in the Park season on Friday Oct 2 at the Veterans Lawn of Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The outdoor screening is part of the utility authority’s seasonal program. The event is being held in partnership with an organization, though details of the partner are not provided in the announcement. Press release issued by Kissimmee Utility Authority: https://kua.com/news/kua-kicks-off-movie-in-the-park-season-with-toy-story-5/ 🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.

Read Original Story on Kissimmee Utility Authority ↗
HYPERLOCAL REPORT Attribution: Orange County Government Newsroom

Hit the Trails: Green PLACE Launches New Annual Hiking Spree in Orange County

The Orange County Environmental Protection Division is launching the Green PLACE Hiking Spree, a program that runs from September 26, 2026, on National Public Lands Day through Earth Day on April 22, 2027. Participants can hike any of the 40 trails on Green PLACE properties and record their hikes to reach three achievement levels. Completing three trails earns the Green PLACE Hiker designation and a limited‑edition vinyl sticker; ten trails grant the Green PLACE Trail Leader title with a sticker and a choice of a Hiking Spree pin or hiking stick medallion; fifteen or more trails confer the Green PLACE Trail Warrior status with all three rewards, including a limited‑edition Hiking Spree bandana. The program also includes free guided hikes each month from September through April, allowing hikers to learn about the natural features and wildlife of the protected lands. Green PLACE properties are generally open from sunrise to sunset, and visitors are asked to stay on designated trails, dispose of trash properly, keep pets leashed and avoid disturbing plants and wildlife. After completing hikes, participants must submit a Hiking Form by May 1, 2027, to receive any earned rewards. Press release issued by Orange County Government Newsroom: https://newsroom.ocfl.net/2026/10/green-place-launches-hiking-spree/ 🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.

Read Original Story on Orange County Government Newsroom ↗
HYPERLOCAL REPORT Attribution: UCF Today

Your Guide to UCF Space Week 2026: Discovery, Connection and SpaceU Pride

UCF’s second annual Space Week begins on Oct. 25 and runs through the following week, highlighting the university’s historic role in advancing the United States’ space program and its connections to Florida’s growing space economy. The schedule includes the National Space Society Space Settlement Summit on Oct. 25‑26, an inaugural UCF Innovate Day on Oct. 26, a SpaceU Symposium and the university’s second SpaceU Awards Dinner on Oct. 27, and The Economist’s fourth Space Economy Summit spanning two days. Campus activities also feature a space‑themed Spotify playlist created by UCF Libraries staff and students and culminate with the UCF football team’s 10th annual Space Game. Community events during the week include a panel titled Space in the Popular Imagination at the John C. Hitt Library on Oct. 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., a full‑moon observation at Robinson Observatory on Oct. 26 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a movie night showing Starman (2025) at the John C. Hitt Library on Oct. 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Press release issued by UCF Today: https://www.ucf.edu/news/your-guide-to-ucf-space-week-2026-discovery-connection-and-spaceu-pride/ 🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.

Read Original Story on UCF Today ↗
HYPERLOCAL REPORT Attribution: Orlando Museum of Art

The Path of The Panther Film Screening

Event details When: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM Where: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. Category: Free The Path of the Panther is a documentary screening about efforts to track and protect the endangered Florida panther in the southern Everglades. According to the venue's description, a wildlife photographer, veterinarians, ranchers, conservationists and indigenous people join forces in that work, and the film uses striking images of the big cats to build support for restoring the species and the dwindling wilderness around it. The description notes that photographer Carlton Ward, Jr. uses camera traps to capture video and still portraits of panthers and other marshland creatures, while biologists track the elusive felines, veterinarians rehabilitate them after car strikes, and ranchers work to preserve working land and prevent overdevelopment. Creating wildlife corridors through ranch lands and nature preserves is the long-term plan. The film is presented as a gripping tale of survival that offers hope for following a love of beauty and nature toward better stewardship of the Earth. This screening is free and part of Access for All. Registration / ticket information Event listing published by Orlando Museum of Art: https://omart.org/events/the-path-of-the-panther-film-screening/ 🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.

Read Original Story on Orlando Museum of Art ↗
HYPERLOCAL REPORT Attribution: Orlando Museum of Art

Florida Bear Tracks Film Screening

Event details When: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM Where: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. Category: Free Florida Bear Tracks Film Screening is a public event listed on the Orlando Museum of Art calendar for Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM, at Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave.. From the listing published by Orlando Museum of Art: An all-female team of biologists sets out to collar black bears in South Florida on a quest to learn what the future holds for the species. Free Screening during Access for All Confirm details with the organiser before travelling -- public calendars change. The original listing is linked below. Registration / ticket information Event listing published by Orlando Museum of Art: https://omart.org/events/florida-bear-tracks-film/ 📅 Automated listing notice: This is an automated listing, not an article. It was transcribed directly from the public calendar entry linked above -- the date, time and venue are the organiser's own, and no AI-written text was used. We did not attend, verify or report on this event. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.

Read Original Story on Orlando Museum of Art ↗
HYPERLOCAL REPORT Attribution: Orlando Museum of Art

The Little Brown Bird Film Screening

Event details When: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 1:30 PM Where: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave. Category: Free The Little Brown Bird Film Screening will present a documentary about the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, a species whose wild population has declined to about 80 individuals and is considered at risk of extinction. The film follows biologist Fabiola Baeza‑Tarin and a team as they work to protect the sparrows, their shrinking habitat, and the headwaters of the Everglades. The screening is offered free as part of Access For All. Registration / ticket information Event listing published by Orlando Museum of Art: https://omart.org/events/the-little-brown-bird/ 🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.

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HYPERLOCAL REPORT Attribution: City of Tavares

Together for Mental Health Walk

Event details When: Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 08:00 AM - 11:59 PM Where: 100 E. Ruby Street, Tavares, FL 32778, Description: , Registration for the Together for Mental Health Walk is free!, We want everyone in our community to be able to join us and walk together for mental health awareness, there is no cost required to participate. The Together for Mental Health Walk invites community members to join a walk that promotes mental health awareness. Registration is free, allowing anyone who wishes to participate to do so without a fee. The event encourages people to come together and show support for mental health causes while enjoying a group walk in the local area. Event listing published by City of Tavares: https://www.tavaresfl.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=5288 🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.

Read Original Story on City of Tavares ↗
HYPERLOCAL REPORT Attribution: Orange County Government Newsroom

Monthly BAT Days Initiative Connects Residents to Free Health, Recovery and Support Services

The Better Access to Treatment (BAT) Days initiative brings together a coalition of local agencies to provide free health, recovery and support services to underserved residents. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Annie‑Grace Funderburg leads the effort, which partners with the Orange County Drug‑Free Coalition, AdventHealth, Orlando Health, CAN Community Health, Hope & Help, Recovery Connections, STEPS Inc., the Orange County Public Library System and the Orlando Police Department. The monthly event takes place on the second Wednesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Centers for Addiction and Mental Health Programs on Orange Blossom Trail. During BAT Days participants can receive HIV and Hepatitis‑C testing, referrals to affordable or free primary care providers, mental‑health resources and case‑management assistance. Community donations also supply free snacks, toiletries, feminine hygiene products and clothing. The schedule is intended to accommodate individuals who work early mornings or late nights, reducing barriers such as work schedules, transportation and cost. Residents seeking help with substance‑use issues or looking to connect with local resources are encouraged to contact Orange County Responds for more information. Press release issued by Orange County Government Newsroom: https://newsroom.ocfl.net/2026/06/bat-days-initiative/ 🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.

Read Original Story on Orange County Government Newsroom ↗

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