Orlando Daily Brief: Driverless Taxis Arrive, Stormy Weather Returns, Fair Season Starts
Orlando, FL – February 28, 2026 – Waymo’s driverless taxis roll out, rain and storms return today, and the Central Florida Fair opens for 114th year.
Top local headlines
Driverless taxis are now live in parts of Orlando
Waymo has officially launched its driverless taxi service in Orlando, opening autonomous rides across roughly 60 square miles. The rollout begins with a limited fleet, and rides are currently restricted to surface streets while the service scales up.
Riders use the Waymo app to request trips, unlock the vehicle, and manage the ride. The company has also said it is working toward future airport access, but that is not part of the current service area.
Saturday brings another round of rain, with a few stronger storms possible
A cold front is expected to lift rain chances through late morning and early afternoon today, with scattered showers and a few thunderstorms. Forecasters say the strongest cells could bring brief heavy rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds, and they note that a brief tornado cannot be ruled out in the region.
Conditions should gradually improve after the front moves through, with lower rain chances expected by Sunday.
State bill could shift who has authority to rename major Florida airports
A Florida bill would place the power to rename major commercial service airports under state control, explicitly covering Orlando International Airport among other large hubs. The proposal would rename Palm Beach International Airport as President Donald J. Trump International Airport, pending final approval steps, and would take effect July 1 if signed.
Central Florida Fair opens its gates for the season
The Central Florida Fair is underway, running February 26 through March 8. Organizers are highlighting a mix of longtime favorites and new attractions, including new rides and special weekend programming, alongside the classic midway food and family-friendly entertainment that draws crowds each year.
Sources
https://www.wftv.com/news/local/waymo-driverless-taxis-launch-orlando/A3QPARE5KZCGXLI7XH2KC55Y4Q/
https://www.clickorlando.com/weather/2026/02/28/second-round-of-rain-expected-across-central-florida/
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/florida/2026/02/28/could-florida-soon-get-to-rename-the-orlando-international-airport/
https://www.wesh.com/article/central-florida-fair-returns-orlando-celebrate-114-years-family-fun-food-tradition/70494408
