In this year’s election, you’ll find six constitutional amendments on your ballot that are a little complicated and oftentimes, confusing.

Today, we’re breaking down Amendment 2 which aims to raise Florida’s minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Florida’s current minimum wage stands at $8.56. A few years ago, Orlando attorney John Morgan started the group Florida for a Fair Wage with the main purpose of upping our minimum wage to $15 per hour (for non-tipped employees, $12 per hour for tipped employees). That’s when Amendment 2 was born.

Amendment 2 proposes increasing the minimum wage gradually, raising it to $10 per hour by this time next year, then upping it $1 per hour each year for five years until 2026 when it would reach $15 per hour. After that, minimum wage increases would be tied to annual inflation adjustments (as it is currently).

Morgan says people should be paid a living wage and that 40 percent of Americans don’t have $400 in case of emergency, a statistic from a 2019 Federal Reserve survey. He said, “You’ve got to think about it like this. Our system is broken when you make more money and do better staying at home than going to work.”

Meanwhile, Amendment 2 opponents say it’s a recipe for disaster and will cost many moms-and-pops to go out of business. “Voting ‘no’ on Amendment 2 may save your favorite restaurant from closing or your favorite waiter or waitress from losing their job,” said Chris Sprowls, incoming House speaker, during an online presser.

According to a recent poll by Monmouth University, two-thirds of Florida voters support the ballot measure which is more than the 60 percent needed for the vote to pass. But that’s still a close call between now and the election on Nov. 3.

Care to share your opinion on the matter with fellow Pulptown readers? We’re all ears. Send me an email, subject line: Minimum wage, schminimum wage and I’ll share your thoughts in a future newsletter. (You can totes stay anonymous if you must.) 

In other news… 

The Walt Disney Co. announced yesterday that it’s laying off 28,000 employees due to COVID-19 and it’s still unclear how many of those people are being laid off specifically at Walt Disney World. Over on the east coast, California has yet to allow Disneyland to reopen. (Orlando Sentinel)

Hungry? Already thinking about your next meal? I hope so because this roundup of the 10 new hot spots in town will have your mouth watering in no time. Whether it’s a comforting Peruvian meal you crave or an escape from reality, this list by foodie reporter Faiyaz Kara has you covered. (Orlando Weekly)

Um, hi. Anyone out there with the first or last name Orlando? Because Frontier Airlines wants to give you a free flight next month. Okay, well technically not FREE, but a $250 voucher which depending on where you’re off to, it’s same-same. (Bungalower)

Last week, Stonewall Jackson Middle School in East Orlando was renamed Roberto Clemente Middle School. The Orange County School Board voted to drop the name of the Confederate general and instead, replace it with the Hispanic Hall-of-Famer and humanitarian’s name. The middle school opened 55 years ago as a “whites-only” school but is now majority Hispanic. (Orlando Sentinel, ClickOrlando)

Universal unveiled plans of the new Velocicoaster yesterday and the crowds went wild. Well, maybe just some of the peeps on Pulptown’s Instagram feed. For the thrillseekers out there, the scoop is that it’ll reach 70 mph in 2.4 seconds, propel you 155 feet in the air and then plunge you 80 degrees and at one point, you’re airborne for 12 seconds. It’s set to open next summer. (Forbes)

If anyone out there loves learning about Orlando’s architecture and history as much as we do, then you’re in for a real treat. Our friend Jillian just launched a new IG account called @oldlando that is dedicated to tracing our favorite buildings’ lineage and honestly, it’s just the social media reprieve we need right now. (Instagram)

Guess who’s back? Back again… OCLS’s back, tell a friend. 🎶 No, but really, today we’re coming in hot with reasons No. 79 through 83 in our 101 reasons to love the library series, starting with its trick or treat safe zone. 👇

#79 Trick or Treat Safe Zone: Beginning tomorrow and running through the end of October, you can pick up Halloween treats and crafts at any OCLS location. In addition to in-person goodies, be sure to check out the full lineup of digital offerings this year. Where else can you find Hocus Pocus trivia and Halloween-themed nail art? If you head into the library next month, have fun with it and dress up as your fave literary character. Then take a pic and tag @pulptown and @OCLS on Instagram for bonus points.

#80 Spooktober Reading Challenge: Get your ghost stories ready in this spoOoOoOOoky challenge for adults. Sign up at Beanstack to participate and be eligible to win prizes.

#81 “We Remember” Guides: OCLS librarians create collections celebrating the lives of people who have recently passed. You can read all about U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and actor Chadwick Boseman in their latest collections.

#82 Resume help: Elevate the job hunt by registering for this Oct. 13 workshop on best practices for writing a resume and cover letter. Even if you aren’t currently looking, this will be a good refresher.

#83 Virtual Library Card: This type of library card is a great option for Orange County Public Schools educators and currently enrolled students. One major benefit? No fines or fees — that’s because there’s no physically checking out of library materials or registrations for classes or events.

Check out #’s 1-78 on the Pulptown site and if you have your own favorite thing to add, drop it in the comments on our Instagram or submit it here.

Advertisement for Orange County Library System produced by The Pulptown Creative Studio

Thanks for reading all the way to the end; your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.

‘Til tomorrow,

– ✌️ Katie at Pulptown