🌱 Disney Battle Continues With Florida Government + Ruth's Chris Sold

Hello, neighbors. It's Thursday in Orlando and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally, including updates on:

• The Republican-led government is continuing its battle with Walt Disney Company, passing new legislative bills that Disney said are targeting one of Florida's largest employers.
• One person died in a house fire in Orlando on Wednesday morning.
• Orlando-based Darden Restaurants has purchased The Ruth's Chris Steak House.

But first, today's weather: Pleasant with plenty of sun. High: 86 Low: 65.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. A bill passed by the Florida Republican-led legislature allegedly targeting the monorails at Walt Disney World in Orlando has passed and is headed to the desk of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, as conservatives escalate attacks on one of Florida's largest employers. One senator asked aloud if "we want Disney to shut down?" The loss of Disney would devastate the economy in Orlando and Florida. Disney has a $75.2 billion annual economic impact for Central Florida, according to a 2019 study. (DIS, Tallahassee Democrat)
2. A Central Florida man is accused of punching an umpire in the head during a high school baseball game near Kissimmee in Osceola County, according to police. 41-year-old Jorge Ignacio Aponte-Gonzalez has been arrested and facing charges of battery on a sports official and disruption of a school function. (Click Orlando)
3. The Republican-led House has approved a bill aiming to nullify a contract Disney signed on the Reedy Creek district before DeSantis appointed board members to control the district. Both Disney and the new board are now in litigation with each other. Disney is citing a book DeSantis recently wrote in their lawsuit to suggest the governor is targeting the theme park. (Florida Politics, Washington Examiner)
4. One person is dead after a fire at an Orlando house early Wednesday, according to Orlando Fire Department. The incident happened in the 6000 block of Sextant Court. Firefighters returned to the neighborhood to install or replace people’s smoke detectors after the incident over concerns of safety. (Click Orlando)
5. Orlando-based Darden Restaurants has purchased The Ruth's Chris Steak House for around $715 million. The franchise was built by Ruth Fertel in 1965 as she aimed to put her sons through college. The company now has over 150 locations around the world. (Fox 35)

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Today in Orlando:

• Coffee Club East at Bonefish Grill Waterford Lakes. (8:30 a.m.)
• Work Session at Orange County Public School District. (10 a.m.)
• Women In Finance Luncheon at The University Club. (11:30 a.m.)
• May The Fourth Be With You Happy Hour at Ember. (5:30 p.m.)
• Bingo at Hemophilia Foundation Greater Florida. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Valencia College shared "On April 28, Valencians came together on East Campus for the Collegewide Student Award Ceremony, to celebrate the accomplishments of our VC Pumas. Musical group 'No Lonely Hearts' performed during the ceremony. 🎉🏆" (Valencia College via Instagram)
• Central Florida Zoo shared: "Have you got plans yet for Mother's Day? Sunday, May 14, bring mom and grandma to the Zoo for some quality time. Moms get free admission on Mother's Day when accompanied by someone with a paid ticket." (Central Florida Zoo via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month. On Saturday, members of our Neighborhood Patrol Unit (NPU) participated in the Parramore Community Engagement Council’s Mental Health and Wellness Community Day." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll see you back 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