🌱 DeSantis Attacks Disney During Presidential Launch + City Address

Hi all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Patch newsletter — here to impart everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally. Today we have these stories and more...

• City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer gave his State of the City address on Wednesday.
• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launched new attacks on Walt Disney World during his presidential announcement on Wednesday, amid litigation between Disney and the presidential hopeful.
• A Volusia County teacher accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with students is facing new charges.

But first, today's weather: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 79 Low: 68.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his run for President of the United States on Wednesday on Twitter. The announcement was plagued by technical problems and was called a "disaster" by media outlets around the world. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump also mocked the announcement as a "failure." The run-up to his run has been filled with battle with Orlando businesses including Walt Disney Company and Hamburger Mary's. (Tampa Patch, Orlando Patch)
2. City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer gave his State of the City address on Wednesday. The speech was delivered at Harriett's Orlando Ballet Centre. Dyer discussed plans to increase Orlando's police force and 911 responders. He also discussed his happiness with a controversial After Midnight Alcohol Sales permit that bars in downtown Orlando vocally opposed. (WESH)
3. The fight continues between Disney and DeSantis. Gov. Ron DeSantis attacked Walt Disney World, one of Florida's largest employers, during his presidential announcement on Twitter Spaces Wednesday, saying that Disney made money from Florida remaining open during the COVID-19 pandemic and said the Reedy Creek special tax district had "outlived its usefulness." Walt Disney Company is currently suing DeSantis and Florida for alleged retaliation and an attack on the company's First Amendment rights. (Fox Business)
4. Orange County Fire Rescue responded to a fire at the 1500 block of 38th Street on Wednesday afternoon. No injuries were reported in the incident. The state fire marshal was notified of the fire, according to authorities. (WFTV)
5. New charges have been announced by authorities against a Volusia County teacher accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student. The teacher is being held in jail until his trial date by a judge. The teacher is now facing six felony charges in the case. (Fox 35)

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Today in Orlando:

• The EOCC Business Expo Volunteer Information And Recruitment Meeting at East Orlando Chamber Of Commerce. (11 a.m.)
• Commissioner Nicole Wilson Mobile Office Hours at Southwest Branch Library. (1 p.m.)
• Orange County School Board Discipline Task Force Meeting. (5 p.m.)
• Asian Fusion Night at Hawkers Asian Street Food. (6 p.m.)
• Veggies In Summer at Harry P. Leu Gardens. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County, Florida 🍊 shared: "Orange County Fire Chief James Fitzgerald presented Matt Pellot the 2023 EMT of the Year Award. Out of 654 EMTs, Matt was recognized for this award by his peers for his knowledge, compassion, great positive attitude and great patient advocacy." (Orange County, Florida 🍊 via Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "In some places across the country, communities are desperate to reclaim their past success. Not in Orlando. We’re certainly proud of our history and accomplishments, but we’re focused on our future." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)
• Melrose Center shared: "Game Dev Saturdays continue this week. First, learn how to create custom behaviors without writing a single line of code with Unity's new visual scripting tools. Then, learn how to set up a mobile app development environment, test and debug a mobile app during development, and publish an app through an app store." (Melrose Center via Instagram)
• YMCA of Central Florida shared: "Thank you to all who donated to our annual Day of Giving campaign. Your unwavering support and generosity helped our association raise a total of $112,854.93. These funds will directly support the YMCA's scholarship program." (YMCA of Central Florida via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com