🌱 Disney Shares Epcot Eco-Friendly Revamp + Iconic 7-Eleven Bulldozed

Good day, neighbors! It's me again, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Daily.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 88 Low: 68.

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Here are the top five stories today in Orlando:

1. Disney has shared concept art for its planned revamp of Epcot at Walt Disney World. The planned World Celebration neighborhood of Epcot will be filled with gardens and shade, to help get away from the hot Florida sun. (Orlando Weekly)

2. A Lake Weir Middle School dean in Marion County has been arrested for sexually battering a juvenile victim, according to the sheriff’s office. 40-year-old Henry Lee Anderson was arrested Thursday and is charged with sexual battery on a victim 12 years of age or older but younger than 18, according to a news release. (WFTV)

3. The City of Orlando finally demolished the former 7-Eleven building at Rosalind Avenue and Central Boulevard by Lake Eola this week. The 7-Eleven company vacated the property back in October 2021 and it has sat vacant ever since, awaiting demolition. (Bungalower)

4. In a letter he sent to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announcing his retirement, retiring Police Chief Orlando Rolón said, "I have had the privilege to serve with the most remarkable men and women in law enforcement dedicated to selfless service without thought of recognition or gain." He noted his family is looking forward to the next chapter. (WMFE)

5. Orange County has announced the 10th Annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration. Mayor Jerry L. Demings will join Orange County Government's Asian Committee to celebrate the occasion. This year's theme is Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration. It will take place May 10 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the County Administration Center in downtown Orlando. (Orange County Government)

Today in Orlando:

• Celebrate Mom with some BOO-YA at Bulla Gastrobar. (10:00 AM)
• Mother's Day Brunch at Infusion Tea. (10:00 AM)
• Brunch With Orlando Vegan Market. (11:00 AM)
• Mother's Day Brunch at American Kitchen Bar & Grill. (12:00 PM)
• Pied Piper Presents XOXO Carnival at Armature Works. (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Take Mom to the Central Florida Zoo on Mother's Day. Today, mothers and grandmothers will get in FREE with the purchase of one single-day admission. (Instagram)
• Attorneys representing the family of a 20-year-old man shot and killed by Osceola County deputies in a Target parking lot revealed new details on Wednesday about what led to the shooting. (Click Orlando)
• Orange County deputies are investigating a shooting that left a young man in critical condition. This happened around midnight Saturday at the Lofts Apartments on Cuesta Drive just east of North Alafaya Trail. (WESH)
• Orlando Fringe announced details for the 31st Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. This year’s festival will take place at Orlando’s Loch Haven Park from May 17 to May 30. (WFTV)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for 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