🌱 Central Florida LGBTQ Business Vandalization + Citizens Insurance

Hello, friends! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Including updates on...

• The number of residents on Citizens Property Insurance in Central Florida has surged.
• Kissimmee Police are launching an investigation after a 4-year-old boy was shot on Thursday and later died.
• A Central Florida man is accused by police of vandalizing LGBTQ businesses in Central Florida in January.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 81 Low: 56.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. The number of policies in Central Florida on Citizens Property Insurance have shot up 159 percent from 2022. The number of policies on Citizens rose from 756,219 to 1.5 million, according to Orlando Sentinel. The increase in policies comes amid a Florida homeowner insurance crisis, with multiple insurers leaving the state, doubling premiums, or going bankrupt. (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel)
2. Kissimmee Police said an investigation is underway after a 4-year-old boy was shot on Thursday inside a home at The Oaks Boulevard and later died at the hospital. The child's father has been arrested on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to police. (WESH)
3. A 49-year-old Central Florida man is accused by authorities of shattering windows at two LGBTQ businesses on East South Street in the beginning of this year, according to the Orlando Police Department. He is facing charges of felony criminal mischief and throwing a deadly missile, according to police. (Click Orlando)
4. A Seminole County firefighter/medic is on unpaid leave after allegedly tagging businesses with anti-law enforcement stickers. The official was allegedly captured on surveillance video from a tattoo parlor on Virginia Drive in Orlando. Criminal charges are being filed by authorities in the incident. (Bungalower)
5. Search and rescue crews are looking for a missing swimmer in Brevard County off Indialantic, according to officials. No other information was available as of Friday evening. One swimmer was rescued, while another is still missing. (Click Orlando)

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Today in Orlando:

• Yoga In The Garden at Mead Botanical Garden. (9 a.m.)
• Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk 2023. (9:30 a.m.)
• Orlando Vegan Market at Vegan Events Orlando. (noon)
• 1U's Milk District Salon Presents: The Orlando Gay Chorus at First Unitarian Church Of Orlando. (8 p.m.)
• That 90s Fete at Rum Jungle Nightclub I-Drive. (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Weekly: shared "As this year's Daytona Bike Week flies by us, we're looking back on all the tricked-out bikes and bikers that make the event the Florida staple it is." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "On Jan. 18, around 3:41 a.m., an adult male was seen on video vandalizing the business (District Dive- Southern Nights Complex) located at 2401 East South St. The business was closed at the time and there were no employees or patrons present. OPD was notified of the incident at approximately 9:07 a.m. at which time officers responded to the scene." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Valencia College shared: "For Valencia College's 2023 Spring Arts Week, the creative community came together to celebrate and 'See Art Everywhere.' Students made decorative pancakes, rock art and origami during the festivities held at the Downtown Campus. 🎨" (Valencia College via Instagram)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "The Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs for the United States visited Fire Station 16 and met with some of our OFD personnel who served in the military. Thank you, Secretary, for taking the time to acknowledge our veterans." (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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