Hurricane Elsa +Taco Concept Expansion+ Downtown Orlando Pushback

Morning, neighbors! It's me again, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Daily. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today in Orlando.

In this issue, you'll get the latest updates about Hurricane Elsa, a taco spot coming to Thornton Park, downtown Orlando businesses pushing for more input on government changes, and more. Now, let's get started.

First, today's weather: Rain until evening. High: 84 Low: 76.

Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Hurricane Elsa has all of Florida in its projected path including Orlando and Central Florida. Floridians are asked to watch for updates and to make appropriate preparations. (Patch)

2. An Orlando bar owner, Jason Lambert, was recognized by City of Orlando for his role helping other owners navigate the pandemic. He is also known for helping workers and organized to help those without work during the bar shutdown and throughout trials of the last year. (Click Orlando)

3. Downtown Orlando business owners met with city officials and police this week to discuss plans to address recent violence. They said they felt excluded from conversations and actions by the government. A recent effort to curb outdoor dining was met with swift pushback by businesses already suffering from the pandemic. (WFTV)

4. A new law signed by Governor DeSantis will make alcohol sales permits affordable for more Orlando businesses. To qualify businesses must be located on a major street, such as Orlando’s Milk District or Mills 50, have at least 1,800 square feet of space, 80 seats and make 51% of their sales from food. (Spectrum News 13)

5. A Lake Mary taco concept called F&D Cantina is set to open its second location in Thornton Park at 617 East Central Blvd. with a projected opening date in September 2021. (Click Orlando)

Today in Orlando

• Winter Garden's Red, White & Blues Weekend. (8:00 AM)
• Backstage Tours at Hard Rock Café. (10:00 AM)
• Independence Day Parade in Celebration. (10:00 AM)
• Introduction to Vietnamese Dance and Culture at Russian Ballet Orlando. (10:00 AM)
• Tai Chi Lesson at Blanchard Park. (10:30 AM)
• 4th of July Celebration at Wekiva Island. (12:00 PM)
• Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show at Wonderworks Orlando. (6:00 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Florida Politics has expanded with new hires, the relaunch of Tampa Bay 100, and a podcast with Jared Moskowitz, former Florida Director of Emergency Management.
• At least 20 people have been reported dead in the Surfside condo collapse and 128 are still missing.
• Rapper Lil Baby is coming to downtown Orlando's Amway Center on August 13th.
• City of Orlando has filed challenges with the state accusing a former Orlando police officer of collecting unemployment last year while receiving a retirement pension from the city.
• Central Florida Zoo: "Happy World Porcupine Day! Check out this video of our animal ambassador, Porcx, enjoying an enrichment activity of s..." (Instagram)
• Visit Orlando : "Take a ride on the wild side. " (Instagram)
• Yelp Orlando: "Travel with your taste buds and get a taste of @nolacookieco, a local New Orleans based bakery specializing in gourmet..." (Instagram)
• Universal Orlando Resort: "Lighthouse Appreciation Post. @angelakisling)" (Instagram)
• Nature Conservancy in Florida: "This Independence Day weekend, we want to encourage you and your loved ones to get outside, stretch your legs, and op..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Main Streets: "Yesterday Mayor Dyer, Commissioner Stuart and Commissioner Sheehan went out to @mills50district to unveil the new Din..." (Instagram)
• Thornton Park District: "Congratulations to Devon Tillman owner of Island Time and his Team on their two year anniversary!! They have been a f..." (Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll see you around. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Daily? Email all inquiries to me at orlando@patch.com.