Things To Do In SW Florida

SpaceX announced it had submitted its mishap investigation report to the Federal Aviation Administration after an issue that led to the grounding of its Falcon 9 rocket, and the FAA determined the company could resume launches.

“SpaceX’s investigation team, with oversight from the FAA, was able to identify the most probable cause of the mishap and associated corrective actions to ensure the success of future missions,” the company posted on its website Thursday.

The grounding came after a July 11 launch from California on a Starlink mission that saw its second stage fail to reignite as planned because of a liquid oxygen leak.

The FAA issued a statement Thursday saying it determined “no public safety issues were involved in the anomaly that occurred” during the launch.

“This public safety determination means the Falcon 9 vehicle may return to flight operations while the overall investigation remains open, provided all other license requirements are met,” the FAA stated.

SpaceX also announced its first planned return to flight for the rocket is on another Starlink mission this Saturday from Kennedy Space Center’s Space Launch Complex 39-A during a four-hour window that opens at 12:21 a.m. It has another launch from nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station also for Starlink slated for early Sunday. read more

Mayors or attorneys representing most Orange County cities and towns declared their opposition Thursday to a pair of proposed ballot measures imposing new restrictions on development, drawing battle lines with county leaders over how the region should grow.

Their objections took the form of a sharply-worded letter to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, signed by local officials including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson. Also onboard are representatives of Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Maitland, Oakland, Winter Garden, Ocoee and Windermere.

One of the measures would erect higher hurdles to development in rural areas, while the other could grant the county veto power over cities’ efforts to annex land outside their limits, which are often a precursor to denser development.

But the cities contend the efforts – set to be discussed in a county workshop planned for Tuesday – impede their “Home Rule” authorities, granted by Florida’s Constitution.

“We must object to proposals that may invade the constitutional and statutory prerogatives of municipal home rule for these and other reasons of advancing responsible growth and governance,” the letter reads. “We must also carefully safeguard the rights of our taxpayers and residents.” read more

The Orlando Sentinel took home seven first-place awards, including two for its Toxic Secret series, at the Florida Society of News Editors’ annual statewide journalism awards luncheon Thursday.

Toxic Secret, a series reported by Kevin Spear, Martin Comas and Caroline Catherman that revealed a little-known chemical contaminated water in Seminole County, won first place for enterprise while the community forum livestream for the series won first place for live video. The series won second place in the features video category for the Sentinel’s staff piece on how 1,4-dioxane tainted Central Florida tap water.

“I’m so proud of our journalists, who strive to bring stories to the community that otherwise wouldn’t be told,” said Julie Anderson, editor-in-chief for the Orlando Sentinel Media Group and Sun Sentinel Media Group. “They deserve the recognition.”

The Sentinel also won first place for breaking news video and features video. Rich Pope won for his feature video on high school football player Alex Pring and again Pope, alongside Matthew J. Palm, won for their breaking news video on the Orlando Museum Basquiat scandal. read more

Boards of directors

Jason Schrago, real estate broker, Newmark, Winter Park, was appointed to the board of directors of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Michael D. Piccolo, senior associate, Lowndes, Orlando, was appointed to the board of directors of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Robert Beckner, principal of Lightle Beckner Robison Inc., Melbourne, was appointed to the board of directors of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Law

Thomas S. Cargill has joined Shutts & Bowen’s Orlando office as a partner in the Business Litigation Practice Group.

Submit professional appointments, management-level promotions and significant awards for individuals, along with photos as .jpg attachments, to peopleonmove@orlandosentinel.com.