🌱 Disney Appeals 2022 Orange Co. Tax Assessments + Local Black Bear

Hey, everybody! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Orlando Daily. Keep reading to find out all the local information you need to know right now, including updates on...

• Walt Disney Parks and Recreations is battling against its 2022 property tax assessments.
• The owners of the Orlando Free Fall ride are appealing a fine after a state investigation from Florida over the tragic death of a 14 year old earlier this year.
• A black bear was captured on camera snatching a Chick-Fil-A bag from the home of a local family.

But first, today's weather:

A passing afternoon shower. High: 72 Low: 55.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has filed a dozen lawsuits to appeal the 2022 property tax assessments from by the Orange County property appraiser. Disney also filed a series of lawsuits six months ago over assessments of several resorts and administrative spaces. Disney said its tax bills are paid off as it fights the assessments. (Florida Politics)

2. A Central Florida man accused of "raping and mutilating a woman" in Orange County and arrested this week was previously released from a state facility earlier this year for sexually violent offenses, according to News 6. In 1987, Bruce Whitehead was found guilty after kidnapping a woman at knifepoint, taking her into the woods, and then raping her repeatedly and stabbing her 25 times. (Click Orlando)

3. A Seminole County man has been found guilty of killing his ex-roommate over a stolen PlayStation gaming console. The jury in the case requested more time Thursday to review body camera and crime scene videos and to listen to testimony from a co-defendant. (WFTV)

4. Owners of the Orlando Free Fall ride at ICON Park have requested a formal hearing to appeal a proposed $250,000 fine from Florida following its investigation into the tragic death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson in June. A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said it had received the complaint and was reviewing it. (Fox 35)

5. A black bear in Seminole County was captured on camera footage snatching a Chick-fil-A bag from a family's porch with his mouth before returning to the darkness. The family lamented the loss. (Orlando Patch)

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Today in Orlando:

• Oh, What Fun!® Holiday Festival at Boxi Park. (All day)
• Gatorland Holidays Ho Ho Ho-Down. (9 a.m.)
• Vegan Holiday Celebration. (noon)
• Orlando Winter Gala — Toy Drive at Rosen Event Center. (8 p.m.)
• Milk District Comedy Saturdays at Barley & Vine Biergarten. (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Visit Orlando shared: "On the 12th day of Christmas, Orlando gave to me... 12 delicious treats 🎶 Check the link in our bio to see where you can find all of these holiday eats and drinks." (Visit Orlando via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department: "Cure Bowl is an annual American college football game that has been played Orlando since 2015. Orlando Police Department Chief Smith was selected as one of the Honorary Captains!" (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Central Florida Zoo: "Illuminate your weekend with the must-see holiday light show in town. With dozens of all-new lanterns, cool interactive elements, live music and delicious food and drinks at 'Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild.'" (Central Florida Zoo via Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "Ted Maines made our community a more compassionate, inclusive place to live. He loved Orlando and gave his time to so many worthy causes, including advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Ted will be missed." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll catch up with you bright and early 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 Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com