🌱 Brightline Orlando Station Revealed + Universal Raises Pass Prices

Hello there, Orlando. I'm Carlos Hernandez, here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including updates on...

• Brightline high speed rail has unveiled its new and upcoming Orlando station.
• A Celebration school coach has been accused of sexual misconduct.
• Universal Orlando Resort has increased its prices.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny with a shower. High: 88 Low: 67.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Disney is reminding Floridians and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that the theme park giant, "paid $1.146 billion in state and local taxes, making the Walt Disney Company the largest single taxpayer in Central Florida," according to a news release. Disney refuted claims from DeSantis that Disney does not pay taxes. (Orlando Weekly)
2. Brightline, Florida's only high-speed rail company, has unveiled its new Orlando station that will connect the region to South Florida. The station is located next to the Orlando International Airport’s new Terminal C and is connected by a walkway. Guests at the unveiling included City of Orlando Mayor John Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. (Bungalower)
3. Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik and city officials are planning to install security cameras after a woman was allegedly attacked and raped at Lori Wilson Park. A suspect has been detained and faces several charges. People tried to detain the suspect during the incident, but he escaped before eventually being captured by police. (Click Orlando)
4. A Celebration High School coach has been accused of sexual misconduct. The accused coach was arrested on Thursday amid multiple accusations. Some students said the coach allegedly told them to take inappropriate photos before being allowed to get a pass to get back to class. (WFTV)
5. Universal Orlando Resort has announced price increases for the top two tiers of its Annual Passes. The price increases come as increased inflations squeezes Americans and Floridians. A Premier Pass is now $789.99, up from $639.99. (WDW News Today)

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Today in Orlando:

• Ward & Wellbeing Earth Day Block Party at Center for Health and Wellbeing. (7:30 a.m.)
• Ivanhoe Village & Mills50 Clean Up With Keep Orlando Beautiful at Ivanhoe Village. (9 a.m.)
• Gin & Tonic Festival at Jaleo By José Andrés. (11 a.m.)
• John Lumpkin at Timucua Arts Foundation. (7:30 p.m.)
• Davis Vs. Garcia Fight Watch Party at SHOTS Bar Orlando (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Police Department shared: "Chief Smith awarded our TAC Officers of the Quarter, Officer McKenzie Greene and Officer Colin Dodd. Take a look at what they accomplished in the first quarter of 2023 to keep our city safe." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "It was a pleasure to welcome members of the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Orlando to our headquarters. Deputy Chief Caro gave them a tour of our facilities. We are proud to serve a diverse community." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Downtown Orlando shared: "Take a piece of DTO with you wherever you go with the Explore DTO app. This app generates the iconic DTO sign and even a swan for those picture-perfect moments. Download now and tag us in your photos." (Downtown Orlando via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for another 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