On Friday, we asked you to share with us your Orlando love story with a few minor stipulations: We asked that you keep it to 100 words or fewer. We asked for your love stories both good and bad — from experiencing loss (tears, Camilla), to how you met your significant other (perfection, Matt), and even how NOT to find love in the city (oh, Brooke).

So far, we’ve received more than 20 submissions, and we can’t wait to share several of them with you in the next few weeks. But first, we wanted a local’s take on what makes it so damn hard to find love in Orlando.

We sat down with Orlando native Jazmin Diaz of Queens 4 Queens, a local organization that spotlights female unity through thoughtful conversations and meaningful events. As someone who moved to the West Coast and came back again, has dated both men and women, and is strongly against dating apps, her viewpoints are both interesting and relatable.

When she returned to Orlando years ago, Diaz felt that the dating world had changed. Or was it her perception that changed? Read more on what Diaz had to say about our lack of outdoorsy activities, our ever-changing neighbors, and where to meet people here.

Wanna share your 100-word love story with us? Do so here. Or if you want to share your own thoughts on the Orlando dating scene, send us an email at katie@pulp.town, subject line, “Lost in love in Orlando”. 

BATTLE OF THE BAGS

The controversy over single-use plastic bags and straws is heating up in Tallahassee, with the introduction of a pair of companion bills that would essentially ban local jurisdictions from banning plastic straws.

That proposal is in direct opposition to another bill that would prohibit restaurants and grocery stores from distributing single-use plastic bags and straws. And it would prevent towns from going rogue with their own laws — like what happened in Coral Gables in 2017.

So who is likely to win the fight? It’s anyone’s guess at this point. Those who support limitations on bags and straws cite studies showing such rules decrease the amount of plastic floating around in our oceans.

Meanwhile, plastic proponents — like Orlando Sentinel columnist David Whitley — say bag bans are a trendy way to feel good about ourselves. He points out that single-use plastics can be reused and may have less of an environmental impact compared to the alternatives.

In other news…

• Roughly $8 million in federal funding to help address the region’s housing and homelessness problems is headed our way. That includes more than $2 million for people with mental health issues and physical disabilities who have spent years living on the streets. (Orlando Sentinel)
• A ‘glitter-farting troll’ is making the rounds at the Universal Orlando KidZone. Yes, really. (Orlando Weekly)
• Ever wanted to spend $12,000 in one day at Disney World? Here’s how. (Orlando Weekly)

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AND ON THAT NOTE 🦚

Earlier this week, we learned that the Second Chance Wildlife Sanctuary in east Orange County had burned, killing 41 animals. A GoFundMe was created to help owner Jim Bronzo rebuild. As of 6 a.m. today, the GoFundMe has raised $77,640 of its $200,000 goal.

Take care of one another, Orlando,

— Pulptown