City Notices: Weekend Traffic Advisories and Community Health Updates

Race Day Traffic and Road Closures

The City of Orlando has issued multiple traffic advisories for Saturday, March 7, 2026, due to the scheduled Best Damn Race series. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes as several major downtown and residential corridors will be restricted to accommodate thousands of runners participating in the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K events. The following closures begin as early as 4:00 AM:

• Broadway Avenue is closed from Hillcrest Street to Robinson Street.
• Chrystal Lake Drive from Robinson Street to South Street and Church Street from Washington Street to South Street are closed for the Half Marathon and 10K routes.
• Fern Creek Avenue and North Eola Drive will experience closures starting at 6:00 AM to facilitate the 5K race course.

Most race-related road segments are expected to reopen by 9:00 AM, though secondary closures for event breakdown may persist. Local law enforcement will be on-site to assist with traffic flow and pedestrian crossings.

Downtown Arts Festival Impacts

The IMMERSE 2026 festival continues its weekend run in the heart of the city, bringing significant interactive art installations and performances to the Central Business District. To ensure pedestrian safety, South Orange Avenue remains closed between Central Boulevard and Anderson Street. Additional closures are in effect for sections of Pine Street, Church Street, and Jackson Street. These areas will remain restricted to vehicular traffic until 6:00 AM on Sunday. Eastbound travel on South Street is currently being diverted at Boone Avenue, and commuters are encouraged to use Huey Avenue as a primary detour.

Public Health and Environmental Advisories

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has maintained active health cautions regarding blue-green algae blooms in several area water bodies. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid contact with the water in Lake Gatlin, Lake Killarney, and Lake Conway. Cautionary measures include:

• Avoiding swimming, wading, or using personal watercraft in areas with visible blooms.
• Keeping pets and livestock away from the shoreline to prevent accidental ingestion of toxins.
• Refraining from using lake water for cooking or cleaning, as boiling does not remove algae toxins.

Additionally, the department is hosting a "Fitness for Moms" community wellness session today at the Sunshine Health Welcome Room from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This service is part of the city’s ongoing initiative to promote maternal health and fitness access for local families.

Housing and Community Development Notices

The City of Orlando has finalized its intent to request the release of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the renovation of the Lake Davis Apartments. This $429,000 project at 1301 Catherine Street will provide critical infrastructure upgrades, including new roofing and HVAC systems, to preserve affordable housing for residents. Public comment remains an essential part of the community development process; the city is currently soliciting public feedback for the next five-year Consolidated Plan, with the next pre-application deadline for grant funding set for Friday, March 13, 2026.