🌱 Citrus Farmers Prep For Hard Freeze + SeaWorld Shifts Weekend Hours

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Today's briefing includes updates on:

• SeaWorld Orlando is opening an hour later than usual this weekend due to weather.
• Local citrus farmers have spent the week prepping their crops for a hard freeze coming to the area this weekend.
• Vandals in Volusia County have destoyed built by Florida offcials.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and much colder. High: 45 Low: 30.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Pat Greene has been named as the new Public Art Coordinator for the City of Orlando. The role oversees two public galleries in City Hall as well as The Garden House Gallery at Leu Gardens, and coordinates with other city-related art projects. Greene was a former candidate for mayor. (Bungalower)

2. The popular Disney World Railroad is back this holiday for fans to enjoy. It originally began in 1971 and stopped operations in 2018 for construction on a new ride. "We are delighted to share Walt Disney’s love of trains with the world once again, taking guests for the iconic grand circle tour of Magic Kingdom this holiday season," Disney's blog post said. (Florida Politics)

3. Local citrus farmers in Central Florida have spent the week preparing their crops for this weekend's hard freeze. The damage to crops will not be known until days after the hard freeze, after a year that has already proved challenging for citrus crops. (Click Orlando)

4. Vandals in Volusia County have destroyed a dam built by state officials to temporarily fix Daytona Beach shores. Authorities said they are checking cameras posted along the beach to observe the dam and plan to prosecute whoever is responsible for the damage. (WFTV)

5. SeaWorld Orlando announced late Friday that theme park will delay openings over Christmas weekend due to “unseasonably cold” weather. In a release, SeaWorld Orlando said that the opening times on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 would be pushed to 10 a.m., which is an hour later than usual for weekends. (Click Orlando)

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Today in Orlando:

• Christmas Eve at The American Legion, Department Of Florida. (all day)
• Toddler Time at Launch Entertainment Park Orlando. (8 a.m.)
• Christmas Eve Celebration at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum Of American Art. (9:30 a.m.)
• 'A Christmas Carol' at Orlando Shakes. (2 p.m.)
• 'Holiday Punch' Starring Laura Hodos at Orlando Shakes. (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Police Department shared: "OPD OFFICER OF THE MONTH Congratulations to Officer Jason Stewart with North Patrol Charlie Dayshift for being named "Officer of the Month." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "Orlando Fire Department wants to wish everyone Happy Holidays." (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)
• Central Florida Zoo shared: "Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. Join us for our spectacular holiday lights show, plus music and plenty of fun for the whole family." (Central Florida Zoo via Instagram)
• Orlando Food & Travel Guide shared: "Orlando's Ramen Rumble Returns this coming Jan. 23, 2023 at Morimoto Asia in Downtown Disney." (Orlando Food & Travel Guide via Instagram)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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