🌱 City Of Orlando Downtown Nightlife Compromise + SeaWorld Mardi Gras

Hello all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally. Today you'll read about:

• City of Orlando is seeking a compromise with local bars and nightlife to increase safety in downtown Orlando
• SeaWorld Orlando's Mardi Gras festivities kick off today
• A child from Winter Park has died after becoming infected with a flesh-eating bacteria

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and very warm. High: 84 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Antoni Porowski from "Queer Eye" is coming to Orlando next week for "An Evening with Antoni" at The Plaza Live in Orlando on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Tickets start at $25. The event will feature bites and entertainment from the popular television personality. (Orlando Weekly)
2. City of Orlando wants to require special permits for alcohol sales after midnight in downtown Orlando, despite heavy opposition from local bars and nightlife businesses. A potential compromise could include making the permits a pilot program, while the group works to make a permanent solution to the situation. (WESH)
3. SeaWorld Orlando's Mardi Gras kicks off today, Feb. 16. Guests at the Orlando theme park can enjoy a parade, live music, a street party, mask-making, and more. There will also be concerts in the coming weeks with guests including Sean Kingston, Tito Nieves, The Commodores, and more. (Click Orlando)
4. An 11-year-old boy from Winter Park has died after a flesh-eating bacteria killed him, according to family members. The issues began when the boy twisted his ankle, and a scratch became infected. He was then diagnosed with group-a strep, which worsened. (Fox 35)
5. The Orlando Pottery Festival is hosting a Spring Arts Market on April 29 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Florida Army National Guard Armory. The market will feature over 50 local ceramic artists for guests to enjoy. The festival is family-friendly and free to attend. (Bungalower)

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Today in Orlando:

• Orlando Fearless Caregiver Conference at Presbyterian Church Of The Lakes. (9 a.m.)
• TopGolf's $15 Unlimited Play Deal at TopGolf Orlando. (10 a.m.)
• Mix, Mingle, and Mocktails at UCF Lake Nona Hospital. (5:30 p.m.)
• 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop at Downtown Arts District. (6 p.m.)
• Cocktails & Karaoke at Elixir. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Unions representing Disney workers have voted to reject the company’s latest contract proposal. Negotiations lasted more than 9 hours. (Twitter)
• Orange County Sheriff's Office shared: "Come out to our Shred-A-Thon on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon (or until the truck fills up) at Wekiva High School- OCPS & get your sensitive info securely shredded." (Twitter)
• Orange County, FL shared: "Check out these recent photos from Dover Shores Head Start. To celebrate 100 days of learning, student arrived at school dressed as 100-year-old senior citizens." (Twitter)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow 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