🌱 Orlando Patch: What's Happening Today (Wed, Jan 25)

Hi there, Orlando. I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today we'll cover:

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But first, today's weather:

Breezy this afternoon. High: 85 Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Local Music Merch Swap brings together Orlando music past and present at Stardust on Friday (Orlando Weekly)
2. 5 questions with Eric Ushkowitz, Orlando's new business development division manager (The Business Journals)
3. Exclusive: Kobe Japanese Steakhouse fires up new Orlando restaurant near Disney (The Business Journals)
4. Maitland police patrol car involved in crash on SR-414, troopers say (WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando)
5. Theme Park Rangers Radar: A Universal welcome, Woodpecker awakening, more Splash Mountain musings (Orlando Sentinel)
6. This week in West Orange County history: Jan. 26, 2023 | West Orange Times & Observer (West Orange Times & Windermere Observer)
7. Briefs 1-25-23 | Sanford Herald (Mysanfordherald)
8. Westyn Bay home tops Ocoee sales from Jan. 14 to 22 | West Orange Times & Observer (West Orange Times & Windermere Observer)
9. Lydia Lunch blesses Orlando with her presence again this week. Consider yourself warned (Orlando Weekly)
10. Get a rare look inside Orlando’s Florida Coral Rescue Center on the newly rebooted ‘Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom’ (Orlando Weekly)
11. Chicago's Tenci helm a night of stellar indie-rock in Orlando with Zoya Zafar and Fast Preacher (Orlando Weekly)
12. The Zora! Festival's Outdoor Festival of the Arts promises fun for the whole family this weekend (Orlando Weekly)
13. The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band to raise holy hell in Orlando Thursday (Orlando Weekly)
14. New Orlando band Emerging Shadows unleash brooding slice of post-rock "Mudlarking" (Orlando Weekly)
15. Atlanta garage-rocker Rod Hamdallah makes his usual winter visit to Orlando this week (Orlando Weekly)
16. Legal Public Notices 1/25/23 | Legal Advertising (Orlando Weekly)
17. Apopka city leaders hold meeting to discuss annexing South Apopka (WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando)
18. Three Orange County sheriff's deputies resign following sex scandal (WESH 2 Orlando)
19. Orange County officials approve tenant bill of rights (WESH 2 Orlando)
20. 10 Awesome Irish Pubs in Orlando to Visit Right Now (Orlando Date Night Guide)
21. Photos: Closed rides at Universal/Islands of Adventure (ActionNewsJax.com)
22. Five reasons to attend Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando (Attractions Magazine)
23. Pictures: Wah Lum Temple celebrates the Lunar New Year (Orlando Sentinel)
24. Orange County Commission passes tenant bill of rights (Bay News 9)
25. Orange Co. to launch Domestic Violence Childcare Program (Bay News 9)
26. Tired of walking at MCO's new Terminal C? Look for a golf cart (WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando)
27. Orlando's hottest new restaurants, according to Yelp (Orlando Weekly)
28. New details released on deadly hit-and-run involving Orange County correction officer’s car (WFTV Orlando)
29. Universal Guest Suffers "Embarrassing" Injury on Ride (Inside the Magic)
30. The Osprey team takes Ramen Rumble 5, which sets a fundraising record (Orlando Sentinel)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Orlando:

From my notebook:

• Orlando City SC: "GK? CB? Doesn't matter, Rodri can do it. 😤 Orlando City SC signs defender Rodrigo Schlegel to a two-year contract through 2024, with Club options in 2025 and 2026." (Orlando City SC via Instagram)
• Orlando Weekly: "🚨New Restaurant Alert🚨Chef William Shen, the executive chef of the now-shuttered 12-seat French-Japanese omakase restaurant Ato in New York City, will open a brand-new concept called Sorekara in Baldwin Park later this year.👉🏼 Full S..." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Valencia College: "In 2018, The United Nations General Assembly declared Jan. 24 as #InternationalDayofEducation. On this day, we want to shout out all of our #InternationalStudents! Go Pumas! #PumaPride❤️" (Valencia College via Instagram)
• Montgomery Biscuits: "Capital City, here we come! Tickets for our game against South Alabama on Mar. 21 on ON SALE NOW! 🎟️ #WarEagle" (Montgomery Biscuits via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department: "Recently, OPD TAC Officers #ONTHEBEAT were on foot patrol in the Downtown area. They observed an occupied vehicle in the parking lot located at N. Garland Ave and W. Washington St. Upon approach, officers observed an open carry of a fire..." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Police Department: "The City of Orlando - Government and the Orlando Police Department are committed to the safety of all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) residents and visitors. The mission of the OPD Safe Place Initiative is ..." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Valencia College: "#VCPumas, did you know you may be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which helps pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or a tablet? ACP is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communica..." (Valencia College via Instagram)
• Nature Conservancy in Florida: "Tomorrow, join us for our Blowing Rocks Preserve Winter Lecture Series: Dolphin Spotter Program. During this event, learn from Samantha McGuire, outreach and marine education specialist from @floridaatlantic's @harborbranch Oceanographi..." (Nature Conservancy in Florida via Instagram)
• Central Florida Zoo: "The wild just got 176 "newt" residents. This weekend, the @indigo_center released some striped newts with the help of @coastalplainsinstitute institute. These releases play a crucial part in the OCIC's Striped Newt Conservation Program. ..." (Central Florida Zoo via Instagram)
• Pet Alliance Greater Orlando: "Many of you may remember the story of Mia, the Orlando shelter fire survivor who was adopted by Orange County firefighter, Brett. Brett and his team found Mia in the building the morning after the fire. She was shaken up, but otherwise ..." (Pet Alliance Greater Orlando via Instagram)
• City of Orlando - Government: "A City for All! Renovations are underway at the Palm Gardens Orlando Apartments. One Stop Housing is transforming the former dilapidated Ambassador Hotel into a safe, affordable place to live. This is one of the first projects to receive..." (City of Orlando - Government via Facebook)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer: "Homelessness is a complex challenge that cities across the country are facing. In Orlando, we're fortunate to have many non-profit organizations that are compassionately supporting those in need. As a municipal government, City of Orland..." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: "Thank Oz WICKED is returning tomorrow, January 25–February 12. Secure your seats now – limited tickets available. bit.ly/3DdPGgq Part of our Broadway in Orlando 22/23 season." (Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts via Facebook)
• Nature Conservancy in Florida: "Recently, we hosted a Basic Firefighter Field Day Training at our Disney Wilderness Preserve. Our land conservation specialist Chelsea MacKenzie served as the incident commander for this training event that brought together partners from..." (Nature Conservancy in Florida via Instagram)
• Girls on the Run Central Florida: "We can’t host the 5K without the help and support of amazing volunteer groups like Cigna. Thank you for making our 5K a special day for the GOTR Central Florida community!" (Girls on the Run Central Florida via Facebook)
• Girls on the Run Central Florida: "Thank you Greater Orlando Sports Commission for being a Limitless Potential sponsor. We had such an amazing day celebrating our girls and their personal growth this season. Your support fuels our 5K! Thank you!" (Girls on the Run Central Florida via Facebook)
• YMCA of Central Florida: "Friendly reminder that our friends over at Healthy West Orange are kicking off the year with Westly’s 6th Annual Virtual 5K and you're invited! Complete 3.1 miles on your own virtually, or with an awesome community group on January 28 at..." (YMCA of Central Florida via Facebook)
• Thornton Park District: "🎨Come check out the Blacklight Sellout Art Show now on display @thefalconbar!! Orlando Main Streets #TPD #thorntonparkdistrict #itsavibe" (Thornton Park District via Facebook)
• Thornton Park District: "The Art of Plinio Pinto is almost done with Storm Drain Art 😁 Orlando Main Streets #OnlyRainDownTheDrain #TPD #thorntonparkdistrict #itsavibe" (Thornton Park District via Facebook)
• Thornton Park District: "Thank you for the shout out Orlando Main Streets! One day late but we offer all our fellow Community Managers a big thank you for all that you do! Orlando Main Streets #mainstreet #TPD #thorntonparkdistrict #itsavibe" (Thornton Park District via Facebook)
• Audubon Park Garden District: "Come Party With Us This Thursday! - https://mailchi.mp/13e5ceb3f532/apgd-full-sail-the-nature-conservancy-13633139" (Audubon Park Garden District via Facebook)
• Thornton Park District: "We are thrilled to work with @scott_scheidly again (he designed our first mug “The Tiger”) on our next mug. Here is a small peek at what is coming. Really excited. Hope to have in the next month or so. Those interested in the next in ser..." (Thornton Park District via Facebook)
• Gateway District: "Meet eleven of the twelve executive directors of Orlando Main Streets. If you haven't yet, go and check out each one of these districts - excellent shopping and dining, great events and just unique places to visit in our #citybeautiful! ..." (Gateway District via Facebook)
• Melrose Center: "Thursday at 5:30, the Video Studio Orientation is your first step toward gaining access to the studio. https://attend.ocls.info/event/7746178" (Melrose Center via Instagram)
• Thornton Park District: "Our TPD Business Member BeeDazzled Pressure Washing & Paver Sealing helping to keep our district looking shiny! If you are looking for a fab job of Pressure Washing and/or Paver Sealer give them a call. 📲👍 Keeping @thorntonpark beautif..." (Thornton Park District via Facebook)
• ReThink Your Commute: "January is #NationalStayingHealthyMonth. An important part of staying healthy includes your mental health! Physical activity helps to release endorphins and serotonin, improving your mood and overall mental health. Try active forms of tr..." (ReThink Your Commute via Facebook)
• Melrose Center: "Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10:30am in this online 3-part series, learn how to implement VR core concepts like locomotion, hand presence, and player immersion into an interactive VR experience while creating a VR Escape Room Game. ..." (Melrose Center via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Isle Of Catalina: "Fresh video of the thief entering backyard. - Please report if you see him in the area. Person Hair: Beanie, Top: Red Nike Shirt, black lettering, Bottom: Black Nike Shorts, white lettering, Shoes: Black, Sex: M, Race: African American..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Hunter's Creek: "Hi y'all, - I am looking to take my passion to the next level! Looking to build my photography portfolio and I'm offering FREE sessions in the Orlando area. Will do family, couple, maternity, newborn or creative portraits! Must be will..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Woodsong: "Electrical - Troubleshooting a Pool Light power, Replace a Bad GFCI a Weather Resistant and bubble inuse cover" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Southern Hunters Creek: "Looking into internet providers how is the reliability of Spectrum. - I know during hurricane Ian people had issues but that is to be expected. Other than that is the service good? Right now my nephew is using AT&T but I'm looking for..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Quail Trail: "Well son of a gun….. - Cascade and Amron right off Chickasaw. Police on foot in my neighborhood with a dog searching for somebody. Bout three cops. Was taking the garbage out and they were asking me if I saw anybody pass thru my backyard..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Southern Hunters Creek: "Se Busca una persona que ame los gatitos , Lana está buscando un hogar , la rescate porque iba a ser sacrificada pero no la puedo cuidar. - Looking for a home for Lana, I rescued her because she was going to be sacrificed" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Mariners Village: "Looking for an estimate to replace two toilets. - Upgrading to tall ones." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Lake Eola Heights: "Hey all, just found that rodents have caused damage to our new A/C unit. - Looks like they got into the unit through our ductwork. Pro-Tech has quoted $7,500 to replace ductwork. Is replacing all ductwork necessary? If so, is this a fair..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Medallion Estates: "Is someone missing a small white dog? - It looked like a mini poodle or possibly a poodle/Maltese. Saw it running down Bradley Avenue and tried to grab it because it seems like it’s missing but the dog keeps running from me." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Crestwood Estates: "Anybody missing this little girl? - She’s got a heart on her collar. We’re on Crestwood drive" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, College Park: "Please help Morsel to get home to his family who loves him. - Morsel is not my pup...just doing my part by sharing. https://nextdoor.com/p/Z-ZMR7D8P94T?utm_source=share&extras=NDYyODE4NjQ%3D" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Riverside Cove: "Does anyone know how to pick broccoli off a plat? - Where do you cut it and is my broccoli ready or not how long that’s why I gotta wait for it to get matured" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, College Park: "We are looking for someone who does dog sitting at home. - We have a 20 months old lovely German shepherd." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Royal Manor Villas: "If you need your yard cut. - We are available! mowing, edging, weed whacking, and blow off. We take pride in making your yard look brand new! 407-956-9186 - Matthew 🙏" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Airport North: "hi neighbors! - still trying to sell a light brown section couch for 300! pls help!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Kingswood Manor: "Sitting all day is worse than smoking and more! - Prime Your Mind-Body Connection for Health & Success -What exercises do you perform to sharpen your focus and concentration? Share in the comments below ~~~ Join me live on Wed at 8:00..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Spring Villas: "Anyone know of someone that can repair a large Brick Mailbox ?? - An Amazon Driver damaged mine yesterday. I live in the Spring Lake Subdivision off of Wallace Road -- between Dr. Phillips and Turkey Lake Road. Swipe for 4 pictures." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Country Walk: "Get 20% off your first month of Lawn service by including “Nextdoor” on your quote! - www.OrlandoLawnPros.com" (Nextdoor)
• Chief of Police Saima Plasencia, Ocoee Police Department: "🚨🚨9PM ALERT! - 🚨🚨9PM ALERT! Time for our #9PMRoutine. A nightly reminder to make sure you have removed your valuables, locked your car doors, and turned the porch light on. Crime Prevention starts with you! ✔️🚘💡#9PMRoutine" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Hidden Oaks: "Does anyone knows what happened around 2pm in chichasaw park neighborhood? - There was police and helicopter in the area.The school was on a hold because of it.Thanks" (Nextdoor)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update.

— Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel

About me: The original Pirate Queen and QA engineer for Patch. Did you know that this week I have worked at least two fourteen hour days? This sprint has been nuts and the engineering team has been keeping me hopping non-stop. I'm exhausted and very close to needing a vacation.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com