🌱 Breeze Airways Adds New Orlando Route + Disney Begins Layoffs

Hi all! Carlos Hernandez here with your fresh copy of the Orlando Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. In this issue, we'll touch on...

• Breeze Airways has announced a new non-stop route to Orlando.
• The Florida DBPR has released a report showing agents "did not witness any lewd acts" at drag shows last Christmas.
• Walt Disney Co. has started layoffs across different divisions.

But first, today's weather: Periods of sun; less humid. High: 80 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) released investigative reports about Christmas drag shows on Monday to WKMG. The report shows that children were not exposed to genitals as claimed by Florida Republican politicians. "Besides some of the outfits being provocative (bikinis and short shorts), agents did not witness any lewd acts such as exposure of genital organs during the acts by various performers," the report said. (Click Orlando)
2. Breeze Airways has announced a new non-stop destination from Orlando to Charleston, West Virginia. The route will begin May 31 with twice weekly service starting from $59 one-way. It is the 8th connection Orlando by Breeze Airways. (WFTV)
3. A 34-year-old man was injured in a road rage shooting in Seminole County on Tuesday, according to authorities. Police said the shooting happened near Red Bug Lake Road and State Road 436 in Casselberry. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact authorities. (Click Orlando)
4. The family of an Embry-Riddle student, whose death was ruled a suicide over two years ago, claims the Daytona Beach Police Department incorrectly labeled his death and that 22-year-old Alexander Bello-Ortiz was murdered. The family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit filed in federal court against those they believe are responsible. Police have re-opened the case are still investigating the incident. (WESH)
5. Walt Disney Company has started layoffs of employees this week in the first round of job cuts announced earlier in the year. Two more job cut rounds are expected this year. The cuts will impact Disney corporate, Disney Entertainment, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segments. (Fox 35 Orlando)

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Today in Orlando:

• Winter Park Chamber Immersive Art Exhibit Field Trip at Mead Botanical Garden. (9:30 a.m.)
• Happy Hour + Art at The Falcon Bar. (5 p.m.)
• Windermere Chamber Business After Hour at American Social Orlando. (5 p.m.)
• Last Wednesdays at Art & History Museums Of Maitland. (5:30 p.m.)
• Goat Yoga at Alaska Farms Orlando. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• "Mayor Jerry L. Demings will host a Women’s History Month Forum which will bring together more than 200 Central Florida female leaders for insightful, and meaningful discussions around stories of strength, struggle, and success. This half-day event will feature two panel discussions and a professional development workshop." In-person tickets are sold out. (Orange County Government, FL)
• Orlando Weekly shared: "A challenge to a 2022 law restricting classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation has gone to a federal appeals court, as state lawmakers and education officials look to expand the restrictions once again." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Orlando Health shared: "Orlando Health Cancer Institute reached an important milestone this month, receiving accreditation from the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)." (Orlando Health via Facebook)
• Central Florida Zoo shared: "Secure your VIP status for Brews Around the Zoo on April 8. 😎 VIP Ticket holders gain early entry, access to a private area with VIP-exclusive food, cocktails, restrooms, your own light-up 2023 Brews Around the Zoo mug and more." (Central Florida Zoo via Instagram)

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That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— 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