In the wake of COVID-19, everyone is all about sanitization. It’s essential to wash your hands, clean your phone, and make sure your home and workspace are sanitized to help prevent the spread of the virus. However, what about your car? If you’re like most people, you’re in and out of your Orlando Toyota several times a day, every single day. If your car isn’t clean and sanitized, it doesn’t matter how clean your hands are – the moment you touch the door handle, steering wheel, or shifter, your hands are essentially dirty again. Toyota of Orlando is here with car detailing tips to help you get your ride as clean and sanitized as possible.

1. Stock up on supplies 

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we’re of the opinion that you should always have hand sanitizer on hand because… germs. But you definitely want to stock your car in the wake of COVID-19. Try to keep your car stocked with disinfectant wipes so you can quickly access them and wipe down surfaces on a regular basis. It’s also a good idea to have hand sanitizer or antibacterial hand wipes on deck for when you have to pump gas, pay tolls, etc.

2. Rethink how you’re cleaning surfaces

When it comes to car detailing, you’re probably using the usual cleaners. However, you need to up the ante if you want to sanitize and disinfect your ride. This is the time to swap out your supplies. Did you know that you can use simple soap and water against the Coronavirus? We vote you shoot for antibacterial soap for a more comprehensive clean, but plain dish soap will work, too. Mix up a soap-and-water solution and use it to scrub down seats and other fabrics, or throw seat covers in the washing machine. You can use disinfectant wipes to hit things like the dashboard and center console.

3. Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces

You’ll want to pay special attention to high-touch surfaces and make sure you clean them (often) with disinfectant wipes. These areas include:

• Door handles (both inside and exterior)
• Steering wheel
• Turn signal/windshield wiper controls
• Seatbelt buckles
• Shifter
• Infotainment screen and buttons
• A/C and heat controls

And any other knobs or buttons on the interior that you touch. You should also consider where droplets may land if you cough or sneeze into your arm, like the driver’s side door.

4. Don’t forget the car seats

Do you have car seats or booster seats in your backseat? Make sure you clean them, too. You can use the soap and water mixture we mentioned above to get the fabric (and some car seats allow you to remove the fabric surfaces so you can throw them in the washing machine) and disinfectant wipes for all the plastic parts.

5. Get on a follow-up schedule 

Now that your Orlando Toyota is sparkling clean and disinfected from your car detailing, keep it that way! Get on a routine cleaning schedule to wipe down surfaces, especially high-touch ones, on a routine basis. This will KEEP your car disinfected for the long-term.

Have questions? Call us – Toyota of Orlando is here to help with all of your car detailing questions. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

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When was the last time you brought your car in for an oil change?

If it’s been a while, then you might be due for this essential auto service appointment. However, it’s not always easy to tell if you’re due for an Orlando oil change, especially if your oil light doesn’t illuminate in the dash. We sat down with a few of our Orlando Toyota techs to pinpoint some signs that it might be time to give our Toyota service center a call and schedule an appointment. Read on!

6 signs you need to schedule an oil change

Sign #1: Your oil is dark and dirty. If you take a peek at the motor oil on your dipstick and notice that it’s dark in color (dark brown or black) or dirty, then you’re due for an oil change. Your oil should be tan or caramel in color and clean for it to properly function inside of the engine. Dark or dirty oil prevents your engine from functioning properly and can ultimately lead to damage.

Sign #2: Knocking sounds from inside the engine. Do you hear knocking sounds from inside the engine bay when you’re out and about? Oil is responsible for lubricating the inside of the engine and keeping things cool. If you’re hearing knocking or rumbling noises, it could be the inside of your engine deteriorating due to lack of clean oil.

Sign #3: The smell of oil inside your vehicle. If you smell oil inside the car, you very may well have an oil leak and you should have our Orlando car maintenance techs take a peek at things to ensure your engine is functioning as it should.

Sign #4: Racking up the miles. Have you been putting extra miles on your car due to a long commute or a road trip? It may be time to schedule an Orlando oil change – after all, depending on the type of motor oil you’re using, you could be due for a change every 3,000 – 10,000 miles.

Sign #5: Smoke from the exhaust. If you see smoke – not vapor – coming out of your car’s exhaust tailpipe, it could be because of a problem with your car’s oil. Give Toyota of Orlando a call to see if our techs can check things out for you.

Sign #6: Doesn’t hit the tic marks. When you pull the dipstick out of your car’s engine, you should see the oil hitting in between the two tic marks on the stick. If it falls below the bottom tic mark, then you’re low on oil and need to get an oil change to ensure your engine stays cool and lubricated no matter how hard your car works.

Call Toyota of Orlando and schedule your car care today!

See any of these signs and feel like you’re due for a change? Call us! Toyota of Orlando’s service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. Don’t forget to check out service specials page to see our service coupons. We’re conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

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Do you feel confident that you engage in safe driving whenever you get behind the wheel? Most people do – but some of them are wrong. There are actually some pretty dangerous driving mistakes that you could be making without even realizing it, and Toyota of Orlando is here to discuss the most dangerous ones to help you break the habits.

Don’t make these dangerous driving mistakes

#1: Driving on underinflated tires. Underinflated tires won’t just put a damper on your Orlando Toyota’s fuel efficiency – they also make you a lot more prone to a blowout. While a flat tire may not seem like too dangerous of a situation, reframe it like this: you’re driving at high speeds on the highway around other vehicles and your tire blows out. Pretty dangerous, right? Fill up your car tires to the proper PSI.

#2: Driving while sleepy. You should never drive while fatigued – it’s just as bad as driving drunk. Pull over and take a nap in a safe spot, or call it quits for the night and get some sleep so you’re refreshed in the morning.

#3: Speeding. Speeding makes you a lot more likely to get into a bad accident – it’s the second highest cause of fatal accidents. Follow the speed limit for safe driving habits, no excuses!

#4: Distracted driving. Texting while driving, putting on makeup, eating, talking to passengers… anything that takes your attention off the road and the task at hand puts you at a much higher risk of an accident. Use safe driving habits and put away the distractions.

#5: Not wearing a seatbelt. Safe driving means buckling up no matter what. This means even if you’re just going a block to the 7-11 for a soda. 33% of accident fatalities happen because people aren’t wearing seatbelts. You should also teach your children and any other passengers this safe driving habit.

#6: Driving while under the influence. Don’t drive drunk. Period. Have a zero tolerance policy for yourself and anyone you’re supposed to ride with.

#7: Not taking care when driving in bad weather. You need to adjust your safe driving habits when you hit the road in bad weather. Rain, snow, high winds, and icy conditions all require extremely careful driving, slower speeds, and more even acceleration and braking. Be sure to adjust your drive time style accordingly.

#8: Following too closely. Don’t tailgate people. When you drive too closely to the person in front of your Orlando Toyota, it makes you a lot more likely to rear-end them if they have to hit the brakes or drop their speed. Leave the proper distance between your vehicle and the cars around you.

Get more tips from Toyota of Orlando

Want more tips about safe driving or have questions? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. You can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall.

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Summer is coming – things are already heating up here in Central Florida as we faced record highs in the 90s this weekend. With summer comes some pretty intense sun, and that sun can do some serious damage to your car if you’re not prepared for it. Toyota of Orlando is here with quick car care tips to help you protect your car from the sun all summer long.

Use these 6 tips to protect your ride

Tip #1: Wax

Wax is your #1 defense against the sun if you want your car’s paint to stay looking like-new. Our Orlando auto service center recommends that you invest in a quality wax and apply several coats to your car a few times a year as part of your car care routine – every three months should do the job to protect your car’s paint from harsh UV rays that can cause fading and peeling. Ask the Toyota of Orlando parts store which wax is best for your ride.

Tip #2: Park in the shade

If you can park in covered parking, do it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a garage, a carport, or even a big, shady tree – any cover you can afford your Orlando Toyota will help shield if from the sun.

Tip #3: Invest in a sunshade

A sunshade will help protect your car’s dash and interior from the sun. You should get a quality one (the cheap ones tend to be too flimsy to last long) and put it up in your windshield every time you park your car. This simple car care step will also help keep things cooler in the interior of your car.

Tip #4: Consider tint

Tint is another great way to shield the interior of your car from the sun AND keep things cooler. And the best news? We offer affordable tinting services right here at Toyota of Orlando. Schedule an appointment today at our auto service center.

Toyota of Orlando’s car care routine to protect your ride from the sun

Tip #5: Buy seat covers and a steering wheel cover

Still concerned about the interior of your car? You should be – sunlight coming in the windows and windshield can fade your upholstery and the plastic in your car. It can also cause leather seats to crack. Seat covers and a steering wheel cover can protect your interior as well as offer a more affordable way to switch up the look of the interior.

Tip #6: Condition leather well

We mentioned that the sun can do a number on leather seats, shifters, and steering wheels. Seat covers and a sunshade are a great deterrent to this damage, but you should still ensure that you condition anything leather well and make it a normal part of your car care routine.

Want more tips? Think you need to shop for supplies? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 or you can stop by our auto parts store at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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In the wake of COVID-19, the entire state of Florida has been put under a stay-at-home order until the end of April. That means 4 weeks of staying home unless you’re an essential worker or on an essential errand. That also means 4 weeks of probably not driving your car much, which can be a big change if you regularly commute on a daily basis to school or work. But just because you’re not driving your car often doesn’t mean you can let maintenance slip – in fact, there are certain car care items you’ll want to check off the list while your car sits in the driveway. Here’s the info you need straight from our Orlando Toyota service techs.

Don’t skip this essential car care during quarantine

Tip #1: Keep an eye on your tires. 

When your car sits in one spot for a long time, your tires can develop soft, flat spots. Obviously, when you’re back to hitting the road these flat spots make you incredibly prone to a blowout. To avoid this car care issue, you can move your car a few feet every few days so it’s not putting pressure on the same areas all the time, and check your tire pressure regularly to ensure they’re not losing air.

Tip #2: Go outside and start it every so often. 

You run the risk of your battery going bad if you let your car sit for 30 days, which means you’ll have a hard time getting back up and running when you’re free to do so. Go outside every few days and start your car to top off the battery, and consider taking your ride for a quick drive around the block. (It’ll be a nice break from whoever you’re quarantining with, anyway.)

Tip #3: Don’t skip oil changes. 

Just because you’re sitting at home doesn’t mean you don’t need essential car care like oil changes. Oil can deteriorate with temperature fluctuations, so it’s a good idea to get an oil change now and keep an eye on the condition of the oil by pulling the dipstick out of the engine every few weeks.

Tip #4: Fill up your gas tank now. 

You should fill your gas tank before you stay home if you’re not planning on going anywhere for the next 30 days. If the tank isn’t full, you run the risk of condensation developing inside of it, which can spell big problems. You can even look into fuel-additives that help maintain the integrity of the fuel – ask our Orlando Toyota service center which is best for your car.

Tip #5: Try to find covered parking. 

The sun is out in full force already in Florida, so try to find covered parking for your ride if possible to shield it from paint damage and fading. If nothing else, you may want to look for a car cover to keep it protected for the duration of your quarantine.

A few other things to maintain when it comes to car care? Make sure you visually check your belts, hoses, transmission fluid, and coolant before you hit the road again to ensure all is in order.

Toyota of Orlando is here for you

Need more tips? Call Toyota of Orlando – our service center is open and ready to help. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!

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Your car battery is an essential part of your car’s performance. It produces a ton of power so that you can both start your car AND keep it running while it’s out on the road. In fact, it produces so much power that without some assistance, it would drain pretty quickly. That’s where your car alternator comes into play – this critical component actually recycles energy to charge your car battery AND help power the electrical system. Without it, you’re going nowhere fast.

That’s why it’s important to be able to recognize when you’re having problems with your car alternator, and Toyota of Orlando’s auto service techs are here to help. Check out their quick checklist and if any of these signs sound familiar, schedule car care with them today!

Don’t ignore these six signs of car alternator issues

Sign #1: The warning light is on 

There’s actually a warning light for your car alternator in some vehicles; it’s shaped like a battery and may say ALT or GEN underneath. However, your battery warning light might also serve as a warning sign that you’re due for some car maintenance at Toyota of Orlando. Don’t ignore it!

Sign #2: Your car battery is giving you trouble 

Does it seem like you’re having trouble getting your car started, even when you know your battery should be good? This can be a sign that your car alternator isn’t working. Remember, it recharges your battery when the engine is running because the battery has to produce so much power. If it’s not working, the battery will start to drain fast.

Sign #3: Your car’s lights are dim 

When you start your vehicle, do you notice that your interior and exterior lights seem dimmer than normal? Or maybe they start out bright but as you drive, they start to dim. This is an indicator of a problem with your car alternator; it helps to power your electrical system, so your lights dimming means the system isn’t getting enough power.

Sign #4: You smell something burning when the car is running

Sometimes you can have problems with this essential part because of the belts it’s associated with. It works in conjunction with a system of belts and when they aren’t working properly or turning as they should, they can create friction. In turn, this can create a weird burning smell (kind of like an electrical fire) when your car is in action. Luckily, our Orlando car maintenance techs can fix this by tightening or repairing the belts to get you back out on the road.

Sign #5: You see a broken belt

If you can actually see a broken belt under the hood, that’s likely your issue! Bring your car to Toyota of Orlando to have our expert auto service techs get things up and running again.

Sign #6: You hear grinding or whining noises from the engine bay

Your car alternator has to utilize a lot of moving parts to be able to create all the necessary power. If one of those parts breaks or comes loose, it can create odd noises inside the engine bay. If you hear these alongside any of the above signs, it’s time to visit our Toyota service center.

Schedule auto repairs at Toyota of Orlando today

Have questions? Come on in – we’re open and ready to serve you at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. You can call to schedule an appointment ahead of time at (407) 298-0001!

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The rainy season is on its way – we’re getting our fair share of wet weather this weekend in Central Florida. Are you ready for our notorious summer thunderstorms? It seems it rains nearly every day in the summer in the City Beautiful, and it can make your daily commute a little bit messier than usual if you’re not prepared. Check out our car care tips for getting your ride ready for the rainy season, and visit our Orlando Toyota service center to make it happen!

Don’t skip these four car care appointments before rainy season starts

TIRES

Before rainy season arrives, take the time to check out your tires. How’s the tread looking? You can do a simple tread check by inserting a penny into the tread of your car’s tire with Abe Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of his hair, then your tread depth is too low and you need new tires. Tires without the proper amount of tread can’t grip the road, especially in wet weather, which means you’re at high risk of getting into an accident. You should also stay on top of car care like tire rotations, wheel alignments, and inflation.

BRAKES

Slick conditions may mean you need to come to a sudden or unexpected stop to avoid road hazards and other vehicles. Are your brakes in good enough shape to handle it? Make sure you stay on top of car care like brake service at our Orlando Toyota service center so you’re ready for anything, no matter how wet the weather outside.

WIPERS

Are your wipers in good enough condition to tackle the rainy season? They should be able to clear your windshield with every pass. If your windshield wipers are smearing water around, leaving streaks, or making squealing or chittering noises, then you need to visit our car care center for a new set. We can help you pick them out AND install them on your car.

HEADLIGHTS

You’ll also need to ensure your headlights are in good condition when the weather is wet. You should always turn on your headlights (but not your brights) when driving in the rain so other drivers can see you. Check your brake lights and turn signals, too, so other drivers know where you’re going and when you’re slowing down or stopping. And just a friendly reminder – you should NOT drive with your hazard lights on in heavy rain. These lights are only intended for use if you’re pulled over on the side of the road and trying to alert other drivers of your car’s whereabouts.

Schedule your car care at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about car care for rainy season? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open and ready to help at (407) 298-0001. You can also visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall, and rest assured – we’re taking every precaution in the wake of COVID-19 to protect our customers AND our employees.

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Toyota is renowned globally for having a wide variety of drive time options. We make trucks, sedans, SUVs, hybrids, minivans, hatchbacks, coupes, sports cars, and more, giving our drivers a vast array of choices when it comes to finding the perfect new car. And one more is being added to the lineup – it was just announced that an all-new Toyota SUV is hitting the market in Europe, and Toyota of Orlando has the details.

Meet the 2022 Toyota Yaris Cross

Get ready to meet the new 2022 Toyota Yaris Cross… if you live in Europe, that is. This compact SUV won’t be available stateside, but it’s still a pretty cool vehicle that we’d like to get behind the wheel of. Here are some of the details we’ve gathered so far!

• This new Toyota crossover was supposed to be unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show back in the beginning of March, but that show was postponed due to COVID-19. Toyota decided to reveal the Toyota Yaris Cross on their website last week instead to give consumers a sneak preview.
• The 2022 Toyota Yaris Cross will have the same wheelbase as the Toyota Yaris, but is more spacious thanks to a taller height, more interior space, and longer overhangs. This new Toyota also showcases the new TNGA platform.
• Should you choose to get behind the wheel, this Toyota SUV will also offer a hybrid engine option, as well as either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It’ll have a 1.5L 3-cylinder engine under the hood and drivers will be able to choose between a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission.
• In terms of looks, this new Toyota reminds us of the Orlando Toyota C-HR. The original Toyota Yaris is sporty, compact, and fun, but this Toyota SUV showcases a sleeker and more sophisticated look. It’s more angular and aggressive, packing features like a 2-color paint scheme, edgy new headlights, brand-new taillights, and black wheel arch surrounds.
• The interior is more spacious than the Orlando Toyota Yaris, but has a similar feel in terms of design. It also offers touchscreen audio and will have both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you connected at all times.

• While we won’t be seeing the 2022 Toyota Yaris Cross at Toyota of Orlando anytime soon, it’s been announced that the SUV will be up for grabs in Japan this fall (2020) while Europe will see it sometime in the middle of 2021.

Test drive the 2020 Toyota C-HR today at Toyota of Orlando

We’re bummed we won’t see the 2022 Toyota Yaris Cross arriving at our Orlando Toyota dealership anytime soon, but then we remembered – we have the Toyota C-HR. It’s our sleek, stylish, and one-of-a-kind compact SUV, and you can get behind the wheel of it today! Just give us a call to set up a test drive. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500, and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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Summer is coming to the City Beautiful, which means temperatures are about to climb (they’re already in the 90s and we foresee them creeping upward in the next month or so). This intense season can do a number on your car if you’re not ready for it, but don’t worry – Toyota of Orlando is here to get you prepped and ready with seasonal car maintenance for summer today. Even if you’re spending your summer social distancing, you still need a reliable ride to get to the grocery store and other essential errands. Let us help you have a car that you can depend on, no matter how hot the weather!

Schedule these four seasonal car maintenance appointments before summer arrives

1. Schedule an oil change. Oil will keep your engine cool and lubricated no matter how hot it gets outside, and without it you’re running a big risk of serious damage and very expensive repairs. Schedule an Orlando oil change as part of your seasonal car maintenance to ensure your oil tank is full of clean oil. This way, your engine can stay cool when working hard and you have a reliable ride all summer long.

2. Have your tires rotated. Your tires take a beating in the summer. Not only is it hot out, the pavement is also extremely hot. You should schedule a tire rotation for your seasonal car maintenance so your tires wear evenly, but also have our techs inspect your tires. They can check to ensure they don’t have any issues other than normal wear and tear and that they’re inflated to the right PSI for safety and fuel efficiency.

3. Have our techs inspect your air conditioning. There’s not much worse than riding around in a car with no air conditioning. Have our techs inspect your system NOW for any flaws or issues that might prevent you from staying cool this summer. They can get you on track to a much more comfortable drive time in no time!

4. Buy new wiper blades. Summer means rain in Central Florida (contrary to what tourists think). Make sure you’re ready to complete your commute in bad weather – get a new set of wiper blades! Yours are probably worn out from the heat last summer, so get a fresh pair at our Orlando Toyota parts store. Our techs can even help you install them!

Toyota of Orlando’s DIY tips for summer car prep

And here are a few DIY things you can tackle from the comfort of your garage (or just ask our techs – they’re happy to help!):

• Check your coolant levels – make sure you take a peek at your coolant tank to ensure it’s full and ready to handle the heat.
• Inspect under the hood – be on the lookout for any cracked or worn belts and hoses that could lead to issues when faced with summer heat
• Ask our techs to check your battery – you don’t want to be stranded with a dead car if your battery isn’t ready for summer

And don’t forget to wax your car! The summer sun is intense and can damage your car’s paint over time. Get a quality wax from the Toyota of Orlando parts store and give your ride a coat of sunscreen.

Have questions or need to schedule service? Call us at (407) 298-0001 today!

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Going green is pretty easy nowadays. There are plenty of eco-friendly solutions for almost every problem, especially when it comes to driving. There are tons of hybrid car options on the market, including right here at Toyota of Orlando. However, the lineup is about to be expanded – two new Toyota hybrids are about to be unveiled on May 18th. Toyota hasn’t said much in regards to what these brand-new models will have to offer, but there ARE a few theories floating around the internet.

Three possible new Toyota hybrids that could be headed our way

The first rumor is that the 2021 Toyota Sienna will be available in a hybrid drivetrain. This family-friendly Orlando Toyota is already the epitome of comfort and convenience when it comes to your drive time – it offers the best safety and entertainment technology for you and your passengers and additionally tacks on features like dual power sliding doors, a spacious interior that’s easily rearranged, and a super sleek and stylish exterior that breaks the “soccer mom” mold. We’d love to see this Toyota hybrid hit the market and offer an even greener option for your day-to-day commute.

The second rumor that’s floating around involves the once-loved Toyota Venza. This popular crossover was retired in 2013 but there are whispers that it’s about to be revived as a Toyota hybrid and put back on the market. Judging from its prior models, this new Toyota would be spacious but compact (like the Orlando Toyota RAV4) and offer plenty of entertainment and convenience technology. It would also offer a comfortable interior with luxury accents and a sporty, stylish exterior. And the fuel efficiency would definitely be boosted thanks to the new hybrid drivetrain. This Toyota hybrid would likely drop in 2022.

The third and final rumor that’s making its way around the internet is that the popular Orlando Toyota Tundra will be getting a hybrid drivetrain option for drivers who need a truck with power and durability but also want to save on fuel and make their commute a bit greener. 2021 could bring a new electrified twin-turbo 3.5L V6 into the picture, which would offer upwards of 350 horsepower for some pretty impressive power.

New special edition Orlando Toyota Prius coming soon

Additionally, a new special edition Toyota Prius will be introduced in the next few weeks. The 2021 Toyota Prius 2020 Edition will celebrate 20 years of this hybrid vehicle in the US and the innovation that it’s brought to the market. Only 2,020 models will be made, so it’s a limited edition and will offer a unique exterior (available in Wind Chill Pearl or Supersonic Red with tons of blacked-out accents) and updated driver assistance technology.

Regardless, we’re thrilled to see two new Toyota hybrids headed our way. These versatile vehicles always come decked out with top technology both under the hood and inside the cabin and are an easy way to make your time on the road a lot greener. They also save money thanks to their fuel efficiency, so your fuel stops will be few and far between.

We’ll keep you posted on what’s to come, but you can also explore all of our existing Orlando Toyota hybrid options today! Shop online or call for an appointment at (407) 298-4500.

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