5 minute read
Getting around town
Scooters + ebikes
There’s a myriad of ways to get around Orlando’s core neighborhoods, thanks to various bike and scooter share programs. Download the Lime, HOPR, Bird, Wheels, Spin or Razor apps to rent a scooter or ebike, but be aware that the scooters are geofenced — if you try to ride one past the service area, it will stop abruptly. The scooters can get up to 10 mph, and the bikes — well, we’ll leave that up to you. Keep an eye out for designated parking areas for both scooters and ebikes and follow safety guidelines when riding.
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Car shares
Due to COVID-19, Uber Pool is temporarily suspended. If you’re catching an Uber or Lyft from the Orlando Airport (MCO), make sure to exit on Level Two of arrivals; for Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), exit the terminal B door and cross Red Cleveland Boulevard. Keep in mind there’s an airport fee tacked on of $5.80 for MCO and $1 for SFB for both ride shares. If you need to rent a car for a few days or hours, Zipcar is a quick and affordable car rental; no more long lines at Enterprise. All you need to do is sign up on their website or mobile app. Gas, insurance, and 180-miles a day are included with each rental.
Lynx and Lymmo buses
The Lynx bus system (golynx.com) isn’t great, but it’s what we’ve got, and it provided 17,832,104 rides in 2020. The fare is $2 or $4.50 for an all-day pass. Lynx’s downtown circulator, Lymmo, is free and very useful if you work and play in the CBD, especially on a rainy day. Disability access pickups are available upon completion of an application with Access Lynx. For more information, call 407-841-5969.
SunRail
Sunrail’s train lines connect commuters from Volusia County all the way down to Osceola County. The Department of Transportation is reviewing options to add an additional 12-mile track to connect DeBary, currently the farthest north point, to DeLand. Each station has a vending machine dispensing tickets, which are priced in zone chunks and can range from $2 to $9.50. Some (but not all) stations have ample parking; the “last mile” is a problem the system hasn’t quite solved yet. Future expansion of the SunRail line will deliver visitors to the convention center and tourist corridor.
Coming soon to the Orlando International Airport
In 2022 the Orlando International Airport will add a Brightline train station, which would become the most direct connection from an intercity trail line in the U.S. — quite a notch on SunRail’s belt, if/when it comes off. The $4 billion expansion project will ultimately connect Orlando to Miami, though trips to Miami would likely cost about $100 one way, which isn’t much cheaper than a flight.
A handy guide to some local resources
Help! Police!
If you’re in the city of Orlando and it’s not an emergency, dial 321-235-5300 for the OPD. Outside city limits (but still in Orange County), call the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 407-254-7000. Of course, if it’s an emergency, the old 911 will do no matter where you are.
I need an attorney, but I can’t afford one.
Check in with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, legalaidocba.org or 407-841-8310.
My dog ran away!
Call Orange County Animal Services at 407-836-3111 while you’re making your posters.
There’s a tree leaning against my power line.
Call the Orlando Utilities Commission at 407-423-9018.
Wait, when do they pick up the garbage? I always
forget. You can find the regulations and the scheduled weekly pickup times within city limits at cityoforlando. net, or call the solid waste division at 407-246-2314. In Orange County, not Orlando? Check ocfl.net or call 407-836-6601.
I want to vote!
You can update your voter registration when you update your driver’s license, but for a direct route — and a guaranteed early voting site — head over to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office, ocfelections.com.
I need a new driver’s license/ID.
You have a couple of options, but both require a wait in line. You can find your closest full-service Department of Motor Vehicles office by going to flhsmv.gov/offices/ orange.html (things have recently been consolidated), or you can just go to the local county tag agency, listed on the same website, or call 850-617-2000.
I need medical attention, but I don’t have insurance.
Theoretically, the emergency room of any local hospital should see you. But there are several free clinics operated by Shepherd’s Hope (shepherdshope.org) around town, serving the ill on a first-come-first-served basis. The downtown medical volunteer health center sees patients from 6-8 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (101 S. Westmoreland Drive). Other locations: The clinic at 9833 E. Colonial Drive is open on Mondays 5-7 p.m. and the West Orange Health Center at 4555 Ninth St., Winter Garden, is open on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. At all locations, arrive by 4 p.m. to secure a spot.
I think I got an STD / I think maybe I’m pregnant. The LGBT+ Center, at 946 N. Mills Ave., offers free HIV testing seven days a week (407-228-8272). The new Out of the Closet thrift store also offers testing at 1349 N. Mills Ave.; you can give them a call at 407-583-4916. For other reproductive concerns (both male and female), Planned Parenthood has two offices in the area. Call 407-246-1788 for information.
My kids are hungry and so am I.
There are several food banks in town – some religious, some not — but Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is the most prominent. It’s at 411 Mercy Drive, 407-295-1066. Another option is the community fridge at East End market, which is stocked and maintained by the community. Check out their Instagram @everybdy. eats for updates.
Can you refer me to some resources for the unhoused?
Best to start at the Coalition for the Homeless downtown, 18 N. Terry Ave., 407-426-1250. Also helpful is IDignity, 407-792-1374, SALT Outrach, 866-2372589, and Orlando Food Not Bombs, facebook.com/ orlandofoodnotbombs.
Just: Help!
If someone is hurting you or you think you might hurt yourself, pick up your phone and call the Crisis Hotline of Central Florida at 407-425-2624.
