🌱 Black Magic Pizza Pop-Up Feb. 12 + Jimmy Hula's Expanding East

Hi all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Patch newsletter — here to tell you all the most important things happening in the community today. In this issue, you'll find news about:

• Winter Park-based Jimmy Hula's has plans to expand on Florida's east coast in the next few years, including at New Smyrna Beach
• Black Magic Pizza is appearing at a pop-up in Central Florida on Sunday, Feb. 12
• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing fixes to I-4 in Osceola County

But first, today's weather:

A thundershower in spots. High: 82 Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Winter Park-based chain Jimmy Hula’s is opening its 10th location in New Smyrna Beach. The new restaurant will run by Parkerstark management, according to WKMG. It is one of 25 locations planned along Florida's east coast in the coming years. (Click Orlando)
2. Black Magic Pizza is hosting a soft opening pop-up on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Milk Mart Lazy Lovers Market. The pop-up is in celebration of National Pizza Day this week. The pizza shop is planning to open at RockPit Brewing soon. (Bungalower)
3. An Orlando couple is among the 20,000 victims dead in a recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The couple was found holding hands in the rubble. The couple was married in July and planned to start a family. (Fox 35 Orlando)
4. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing a $1.5 billon fix to traffic on I-4 in Osceola County. Work will start next year in Central Florida if the project moves forward. It is one of 20 proposals currently being floated by the governor. (WFTV)
5. The LGBTQ+ Center of Orlando's Affirmation Station Pop-up Closet program is now providing gender-affirming chest binders at no cost to the public. It is also offering gender-affirming clothing and other items. Walk-ins are welcome on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the center. (Orlando Weekly)

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Today in Orlando:

• Paws In The Park 2023 at Pet Alliance Of Greater Orlando. (10 a.m.)
• Beginner Line Dancing at Southwest Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center's Community Preview Celebration. (11 a.m.)
• Rotary Club Of Avalon Park 3rd Annual Poker Tournament at Avalon Park Property Owners Association (HOA). (6 p.m.)
• SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival Concert Series. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Weekly shared: "Sample from an unprecedented list of 80+ premium whiskeys, Scotches, bourbons at the stunning Winter Park Events Center at Whiskey Business on Thursday, Feb. 23. 🥃 Enjoy bites from top Orlando restaurants, multiple DJs, vendors and more." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "Thrilled to help the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) celebrate the move of its headquarters from Tallahassee to Orlando. The organization selected Downtown Orlando as the site for its more than 30 employees because of the proximity to its member firms and the quality-of-life amenities that our downtown offers." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)
• Orlando Health shared: "Malcom Harris-Gowdie, Special Olympics Florida athlete and ambassador and Orlando Health's official sideline sportscaster, has been invited to report live from football's biggest matchup this Sunday! Congratulations, Malcom!" (Orlando Health via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today.

— 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com