It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Jack Kerouac House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Orlando, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lake Eola Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Bull Bear or visit Wonder House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Orlando, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Orlando, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Orlando, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Orlando, FL (June 8, 2025) – Emergency responders were dispatched to a vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of Daryl Carter Parkway and Palm Parkway in Orlando early this Sunday, June 8. The crash, reported at 7:53 a.m., led to significant traffic disruption, but fortunately, there is no roadblock, and all lanes are open for traffic.Medics arrived at the scene to provide care to those injured in the crash. Although the specific details regarding the number of people involved and the extent of their injuries hav...
Orlando, FL (June 8, 2025) – Emergency responders were dispatched to a vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of Daryl Carter Parkway and Palm Parkway in Orlando early this Sunday, June 8. The crash, reported at 7:53 a.m., led to significant traffic disruption, but fortunately, there is no roadblock, and all lanes are open for traffic.
Medics arrived at the scene to provide care to those injured in the crash. Although the specific details regarding the number of people involved and the extent of their injuries have not been fully disclosed, it is known that emergency responders worked swiftly to treat and transport the victims to the hospital. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident, and we hope for a quick recovery for all involved.
Orlando, a bustling city in Central Florida, is home to high traffic volume and numerous intersections, including Daryl Carter Parkway and Palm Parkway. As with many urban areas, crashes are unfortunately a common occurrence. Whether due to distracted driving, weather conditions, or simply road congestion, accidents like this can disrupt the flow of traffic and create hazardous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, it is crucial for drivers to remain cautious at all times, especially in busy intersections. Ensuring a safe following distance, using turn signals, and avoiding distractions like mobile phones can all help reduce the likelihood of accidents.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a crash in Orlando, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, even those that may seem minor. Many injuries from car accidents are not immediately apparent but can have serious long-term effects. Additionally, it’s wise to contact an attorney who specializes in accident cases to help with the legal and insurance processes following a crash.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.
Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.
Orlando isn't just theme park heaven. Yes, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and ...
Orlando isn't just theme park heaven. Yes, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Legoland are all here and draw thousands of tourists each year. But Orlando and the surrounding area have so much more going on that you'll want to experience. The city itself is ever-evolving with vibrant parks, public art and award-winning restaurants. Not to mention awe-inspiring day trips to the Kennedy Space Center or New Smyrna Beach.
Whether you're heading to Orlando for the first time or looking for something new to explore, here's how to make the most of your trip.
There’s no wrong time to visit Orlando, but these facts will inform your decision. First, holidays are crowded and expensive no matter the time of year. (This includes the days framing the actual holiday.) Orlando also has a rainy season from May to October. Luckily, in a place as lovely as Florida, rainfall can be intense but mercifully brief.
Hurricane season usually runs from June through November. In recent years, weather systems like Hurricane Ian have caused theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios to close for multiple days. If you’re visiting Orlando during these months, it’s best to book flexible airfare, lodging and rental car reservations.
The high tourist season in Orlando is from March to April and June to August. Kids are typically out of school for spring and summer breaks, so big attractions like theme parks are often crowded. Humidity is high, and temperatures are often in the 90s.
The shoulder seasons in Orlando are in May and September through November,and you'll usually find better deals on lodging. Temperatures reach the mid- to high 80s in May and drop to the upper 70s in November.
December is usually the low season (excluding Christmas through early January when kids are on holiday break). Temperatures are cooler but exceedingly pleasant, with averages in the middle 70s. This is the when you’ll usually get the best pricing as long you avoid school breaks and holidays.
The average visitor spends five to seven nights in Orlando, although you can easily spend longer and not regret it. A stay of at least five nights ensures you’ll have time to visit theme parks if they're on your itinerary, explore downtown Orlando and other neighborhoods (like Baldwin Park or the Milk District) and visit beyond city limits.
Most long-distance travelers fly into Orlando International Airport. If you’re staying at a Disney-area hotel and don’t plan to spend much time outside the resort, you might find it cheaper to take the Mears Connect shuttle over an Uber or rental car, although this largely depends on your group size. The shuttle operates 24/7.
If you’re a Florida local, the recently debuted Brightline offers fast train service connecting Orlando to cities like Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Alternatively, the Sun Rail offers train service with stops in Poinciana (about half an hour from Disney World), downtown Orlando, Kissimmee and DeBary.
Downtown Orlando has an excellent public transportation system. LYMMO provides free Bus Rapid Transit service seven days a week to major downtown destinations like Lake Eola Park. (The Lymmo does not provide service to the airport or theme parks.) Or enjoy the beautiful Florida weather and utilize Orlando’s bike and scooter share program.
Don’t make the mistake of skipping downtown Orlando on your visit to the Sunshine State. Lake Eola Park is the heart of the city, with a paved, wheelchair-accessible walking trail circling the lake. Colorful gardens blossom against the backdrop of the Orlando skyline while swan boats (and real swans) swim in the water. A wheelchair lift was recently installed to make it easier for people with disabilities to enter the ADA-accessible swan boats. If you’re at Lake Eloa on a Sunday, check out the Orlando Farmer’s Market, where local vendors showcase seasonal produce, arts and crafts, plants and even homemade dog treats.
A whopping 59 Orlando restaurants were honored by the Michelin Guide in 2025, so be sure to arrive hungry. For a bucket list dining experience, the intimate Natsu Omakase has just two seatings per night and flies most of its seafood in from Japan. For a casual meal, it’s hard to beat Super Rico, with Columbian dishes like Churrasco or fried green plantains topped with steak, chicken and mushrooms.
While you’re walking around downtown, keep your eyes open for public art. Orlando boasts over 900 paintings, sculptures, tapestries and mixed media displayed in its city hall, neighborhood centers, public buildings and parks.
Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre plant-life paradise. Since this is Florida, there is always something in bloom, and each trip to the gardens is different than the last. Throughout the year, roses, hibiscus, bananas, tree orchids and citrus trees fill the grounds with perfume and color. This is also home to the Historic Leu House Museum, originally built in 1888. Today, the mansion has been restored to offer visitors a glimpse into the past.
The artificial Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas, about 30 miles east of downtown Orlando, was designed to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water. An education center houses seasonal exhibits that include live animals and interactive displays. From the center, set off on the 2-mile Birding Loop, one of many trails that wind through the park. There are more than 220 bird species to see, including osprey, hawks and bald eagles.
Not all trails are open to cyclists, but many are accessible to horseback riders. Be cautious of alligators while traversing the park – they're especially attracted to the sun-warmed, lime-rock surfaces that line many trails.
In Lake Wales – about 53 miles south of Orlando – trails in Bok Tower Gardens lead through four diverse native Florida ecologies: a pine savanna, oak hammock, wetland prairie and bog, home to 126 species of birds. Designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr, the gardens have azaleas, camellias and magnolias that burst into bloom in the spring. Twice a day the 23 bronze bells of The Singing Tower – a 205ft-tall carillon – ring with a melody that reverberates among the magnificent flora.
Cool off in emerald springs at Wekiwa Springs State Park, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Orlando in Apopka. You might spot some of the 190-plus species of birds that can be found here while hiking miles of trails meandering through woods and swamplands and along the banks of the Wekiwa River.
You can rent a kayak or canoe from Wekiwa Springs State Park Nature Adventures to paddle the scenic, still waters. It's possible to kayak 8.5 miles from the state park through neighboring Rock Springs Run State Reserve into Kelly Park. Along the way, enjoy the beauty of the turquoise waters and fairytale-like, Spanish moss–laden trees, all while keeping an eye out for birds, fish, turtles and the occasional alligator. Be sure to arrive early, as parking can regularly reach maximum capacity.
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has been recognized as one of the world's most acoustically sound arts venues. The building takes up two city blocks, offering multiple performance spaces, a school of the arts, event rooms and an outdoor plaza with a welcoming lawn. An ever-changing calendar of events includes family-friendly programming, Broadway touring productions and local theater groups.
The Kennedy Space Center is only 50 miles from Orlando, and it’s worth a side trip. You can easily spend an entire day exploring, so don’t short yourself on time. Attractions include encounters with real astronauts, hands-on activities like astronaut training simulators and virtual reality experiences. Kids love visiting here, and so do adults.
Drive about an hour to New Smyrna Beach, where you’ll find 17 miles of sugar sand beaches, some of Florida’s best surfing waves and a cute, walkable downtown brimming with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Nearby Blue Springs State Park is a designated manatee refuge with hundreds of manatees from mid-November through mid-March that visitors can see via a wheelchair-accessible path and viewing platform.
My favorite thing to do in Orlando might seem a little cheesy, but I always recommend Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Yes, there are Titanic museums elsewhere, but that doesn’t make this one any less worthwhile since each exhibition is different. This one has more than 300 artifacts recovered from the wreckage and 500 personal items from passengers.
Costumed actors wander through full-scale room recreations of the Titanic’s interior, pulling you into an eerie, immersive experience. A regular roster of programs includes dinner galas, formal teas and guided tours with rotating themes.
Dozens of delivery drivers employed by Breakthru Beverages, one of the largest alcoholic beverage distributors in the U.S., have officially gone on strike in Orlando and five other major cities throughout Florida.The strike, which kicked off yesterday, was launched over allegations of unlawful firings and the company’s failure to make meaningful concessions on wages, healthcare and a secure retirement plan during union contract negotiations, a Teamster told Orlando Weekly.“When the Teamsters brought up the fa...
Dozens of delivery drivers employed by Breakthru Beverages, one of the largest alcoholic beverage distributors in the U.S., have officially gone on strike in Orlando and five other major cities throughout Florida.
The strike, which kicked off yesterday, was launched over allegations of unlawful firings and the company’s failure to make meaningful concessions on wages, healthcare and a secure retirement plan during union contract negotiations, a Teamster told Orlando Weekly.
“When the Teamsters brought up the fact that four drivers were fired illegally and they wanted to bring them back, talks pretty much came to a halt,” said Arte Hoffman, a Breakthru delivery driver of 2.5 years and proud new member of the Teamsters Local 385. “Teamsters had offers they were trying to negotiate out — the company was not willing to negotiate at all,” he said. “And at some point they had zero counter-offer whatsoever.”
According to the Teamsters, the open-ended strike involves roughly 170 Breakthru employees across Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Pensacola and Tallahassee who first joined the union last September, despite opposition from their employer.
Federal records show Breakthru, a company that posts sales of $8.5 billion annually, paid Nevada-based “union avoidance” firm Action Resources more than $375,000 last year to convince their employees in Florida and in California not to join the Teamsters. Instead, the drivers in Florida voted overwhelmingly in favor of unionization, while Breakthru warehouse workers in California voted against.
“They're trying to show you all of the negativity about the union,” Hoffman recalled, remembering two union avoidance consultants — or “union-busters,” as Hoffman called them — who were hired to convince him and his co-workers not to join the Teamsters last year. According to federal records, this “union buster” firm was paid $3,750 per day per consultant, “plus reasonable travel expenses.”
“That money could have been well-suited to take care of us,” said Hoffman. “Put it towards the people who take care of your business.”
According to the Teamsters, Breakthru’s counter-offer to them during contract talks was a significant wage cut compared to what the drivers are currently making. Furthermore, Breakthru offered to make no improvements to their current health care and retirement benefits.
Hoffman said, in fact, that Breakthru decided unilaterally to change drivers’ pay structure this week, from a commission-based model to a flat rate that he says will reduce drivers’ annual earnings by $15,000 to $30,000 a year.
“That is downright insulting,” he said. Teamsters organizer Jose Faneitty described it as “corporate greed at its finest.”
Breakthru Beverage did not respond to questions from Orlando Weekly about the union’s allegations of unlawful firings — which the Teamsters believe was retaliation for supporting the union — nor the company’s alleged failure to make a meaningful offer at the bargaining table.
“While we respect the rights of our associates, we are disappointed that our Northern Florida drivers, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, have initiated a strike,” a spokesperson shared in a statement, describing drivers who are also very much based in Central Florida, not North.
“We have contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption to the business,” the spokesperson added, declining to expand on what exactly those contingency plans are. “We value all our hard-working associates and always strive to provide them with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a positive work environment.”
Hoffman admitted that the pay and health benefits Breakthru offered “isn’t horrible,” but said that there’s room for improvement. “I mean, we’re all striking because we actually want to get back to work,” he said. “If we didn't like it that much, we’d probably quit. But a lot of us actually enjoy the job.”
The job itself often involves a long “spaghetti” route of drop-offs for the company’s more than 6,000 beverage brands, including various liquor, wine, beer and non-alcoholic products, such as Stoli, Guinness, Redbull, Sazerac and Margaritaville.
“We deliver at the convention center, hotels, restaurants — anybody that carries our brands only get it from us. If it's a particular whiskey and you want it, you can't get it unless we deliver to you,” said Hoffman. Although their employer has brought in temp workers — strikebreakers, or “scabs” as they’re often described — Hoffman says that if their clients, including high-end restaurants on I-Drive and Disney, can’t get their products, “they are going to hurt very badly.”
“Eventually, there’d definitely be a trickledown effect,” he believes. “Customers are going to feel it, and hopefully they'll start putting pressure on their company to finally, at least come back to the table with a reasonable offer.”
Hoffman doesn’t have any ill will toward the temp workers that Breakthru brought in. “They’re trying to make a living,” he admitted. “But we are trying to make a living for us, too.”
Teamsters Local 385, based in Orlando, also represents character performers at Disney World (that’s right, Princess Tiana is a Teamster), as well as thousands of workers for UPS, Aramark, and blue-collar employees in Osceola County Corrections and Osceola County schools.
Teamsters Local 166 in November secured “significant wage increases, protections against unjust reprimand and termination, and seniority rights” for dozens of Breakthru Beverage workers they represent in Commerce, California, according to the union, after spending less than 24 hours on strike.
“We feel like we’ve done wrong and all we’ve done is right for them,” said Shawn Rhames, an Orlando delivery driver of five years. “For them to bring us down drastically [in pay] when we’ve got families to take care of, like, the cost of living is going up.”
Rhames has never been a union member before, nor has his co-worker Arturo Lewis, a driver of less than two years. “It was only right for us to join the Teamsters,” said Lewis, who pointed out changes their employer has historically made to their pay and other job benefits without their say. “We’re out here giving you our all each and every day.”
This isn’t the first time Breakthru Beverage employees have gone on strike to get their demands met by the company. Breakthru workers, represented by the Teamsters, also struck in Philadelphia and Chicago in 2022, where workers rejected the company’s reportedly less-than-stellar offers on personal days, sick time, and health and safety on the job.
Just 6.3 percent of Florida’s workforce — equal to 569,000 workers — has union representation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of 16 million unionized workers nationwide.
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The crash resulted in a complete roadblock on both directions of Hiawassee Rd, causing significant disruptions to traffic in the area. Emergency crews worked diligently to clear the wreckage and secure the scene, while motorists were advised to avoid the area and take alternate routes. The roadblock created major delays for drivers, particularly as the morning commute was starting to pick up. By 7:30 a.m., the scene was cleared, and normal traffic flow began to resume, though some residual delays were expected.Traffic Safety in Or...
The crash resulted in a complete roadblock on both directions of Hiawassee Rd, causing significant disruptions to traffic in the area. Emergency crews worked diligently to clear the wreckage and secure the scene, while motorists were advised to avoid the area and take alternate routes. The roadblock created major delays for drivers, particularly as the morning commute was starting to pick up. By 7:30 a.m., the scene was cleared, and normal traffic flow began to resume, though some residual delays were expected.
Injury crashes like the one on Hennepin Blvd at N Hiawassee Rd are a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially in areas with heavy traffic and complex intersections. Orlando’s busy streets, including those near major roads like Hiawassee Rd, see high volumes of traffic and are prone to accidents, especially during the morning rush hours.
Although the cause of the crash remains under investigation, common contributing factors to accidents include distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield at intersections. Drivers are encouraged to stay focused on the road, obey speed limits, and avoid distractions such as texting or using mobile phones while driving. It’s equally important to adjust driving speed to road conditions and ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, especially key safety systems like tires, brakes, and lights.
In addition to physical injuries, accidents can have lasting emotional and psychological effects on those involved. Victims may experience trauma, anxiety, or stress as they recover. It is crucial for anyone involved in an accident to seek immediate medical attention for injuries, no matter how minor, as some issues may not become apparent right away. Legal consultation can also assist in navigating the insurance claims process and ensuring that victims receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.
Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.
ORLANDO, Fla. —A thick cloud of Saharan dust is moving into Central Florida and will linger through the weekend.While it might sound crazy, it is actually a common occurrence, especially during the summer months.What is Saharan Dust?Saharan dust comes our way from the Saharan Air Layer — clouds of dry, dusty air that form over the Saharan Desert in Africa. The dust clouds blow across the Atlantic Ocean, where they can impact the Caribbean and southeast United States.>> R...
ORLANDO, Fla. —
A thick cloud of Saharan dust is moving into Central Florida and will linger through the weekend.
While it might sound crazy, it is actually a common occurrence, especially during the summer months.
Saharan dust comes our way from the Saharan Air Layer — clouds of dry, dusty air that form over the Saharan Desert in Africa. The dust clouds blow across the Atlantic Ocean, where they can impact the Caribbean and southeast United States.
>> Related: Saharan dust blowing toward Florida
Saharan dust can reduce visibility and cause hazy skies. First Warning Meteorologist Cam Tran also said that the dust also creates colorful sunrises and sunsets, advising you to have your cameras ready over the next few days.
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Lots of Saharan dust in our atmosphere for now, helping keep the tropics around us nice and quiet.Also makes for some stunning sunrise/sunset scenes! pic.twitter.com/pyG12fJk1r
— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) June 4, 2025
When the Saharan dust is over the Atlantic and Caribbean, the dusty, dry air stifles tropical development and offers brief protection. Tropical systems thrive off warm, moist air, and with the dusty, dry air over the area where most tropical systems form in the Atlantic and Caribbean, known as the main development region, tropical waves struggle to develop.
>> 2025 hurricane season | WESH long-range forecast
While gorgeous sunsets are a positive impact of the dust, it can also have a negative impact on those who have respiratory issues or asthma. The American Lung Association explains that the particles can lead to an increase in sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes and nose or throat irritation. They advise those sensitive to the dust to stay indoors as much as possible, close car windows and vents, wear a mask or face covering, monitor their symptoms, and seek medical care if conditions require.
>> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival Guide
The Saharan dust is forecast to fade by midweek next week, but we'll likely see more rounds of Saharan dust throughout the summer.
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