🌱 Central Florida Youth Homelessness Surging + St. Cloud Murder

Hello, everybody! I'm here right on time with your fresh copy of the Orlando Daily, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. In today's issue, you'll find news about these stories and more...

• Youth homelessness is on the rise in Central Florida amid an affordable housing crisis.
• If you're looking to dine out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there a few local options to consider.
• Five people have been charged in connection to a St. Cloud murder after investigators found a fingerprint on the victim's car door.

But first, today's weather:

A shower in the afternoon. High: 71 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Five people have been arrested and charged in reference to a murder in St. Cloud that happened back in October of this year, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. A fingerprint found on the victim's car door led police to the suspects in question. (Fox 35 Orlando)

2. There are a number of local restaurants open during the Christmas holiday in Central Florida. Dining options include Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen, Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille, and more. Reservations are suggested. (Click Orlando)

3. Central Florida's Camping World Stadium is hosting the annual Cheez-It-Bowl on Dec. 29 and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Jan. 2. Hilton Orlando will be the hotel partner for the rooms during the event, according to Bungalower. Fans will also have the opportunity to spend the night inside Camping World Stadium in a pop-up version of the themed hotel rooms. (Bungalower)

4. The splash pad at Kissimmee Lakefront Park is now closed for seasonal maintenance and will reopen on Jan. 5, 2023. The city encourages residents to visit downtown Kissimmee and enjoy other amenities and recreational options in the meantime. (Positively Osceola)

5. More than 9,000 students in Orange, Osceola and Seminole county public schools are currently homeless in Central Florida, a new record amid an affordable housing crisis that is showing no sign of ending. Residents are being squeezed as rents and cost of living rises and income does not match a dramatic rise in the cost of living. (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel)

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Today in Orlando:

• Coffee And Cookies at Climate First Bank. (10 a.m.)
• Grinch Fruit Kabobs at CarePlus Community Center. (1 p.m.)
• Ericka Dunlap: Christmas With Soul at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts. (7:30 p.m.)
• "Holiday Punch" Starring Laura Hodos at Orlando Shakes. (8 p.m.)
• Swiftiemas: A Taylor Swift And Friends Holiday Dance Party In Orlando at Will's Pub. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Weekly shared: "I'm sure many of you saw the sign reading "She's back... XOXO" outside the old Marlow's Tavern in Winter Park in late January. The sign was a reference to a new restaurant concept Chelsie DiPaolo was planning to open." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "OPD's Neighborhood Patrol Unit, Santa and U.S. Marine Corps continue to spread the holiday cheer City of Orlando as they continue to deliver gifts!" (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "Orlando Fire Department partnered with Orange County Fire Rescue and Orlando Police for the 6th Annual Holiday Elf Repelling Event. Their mission is to spread holiday cheer to patients of Advent Health Hospital for Children." (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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 Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com