🌱 Disney Springs Businesses Furious + Worrell Decries 'Witch Hunt'

Hey, everybody! It's Saturday in Orlando and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town, including news on...

• State Attorney Monique Worrell decried a "witch hunt" by the DeSantis Administration in Tallahassee to target her office and released a scathing letter attacking the Florida governor, vowing to fight back.
• Disney Springs businesses are decrying an effort by DeSantis to allegedly target the district through proposed new taxes as the fight between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney Company continues.
• Few Orlando bars received a permit to operate after midnight as City of Orlando cracks down on nightlife in the area.

But first, today's weather: Cloudy, a t-storm in the p.m. High: 88 Low: 73.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $57,000 for the family of an Uber Eats driver killed after making a delivery to a house in Holiday, Florida. The victim worked two jobs as a delivery driver for Uber Eats and DoorDash to help support his family. (New Port Richey Patch)
2. State Attorney Monique Worrell is dragging Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a new letter. Worrell claims DeSantis is on a "witch hunt" against her office and that he has assigned officials to investigate her office. She decried what she said is the governor's "political agenda" against her during his "dilapidated presidential campaign tour." (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel, Free: Orlando Weekly)
3. Representatives from Wine Bar George, Splitsville, T-Rex Cafe, Yak and Yeti, The Boathouse, and more at Disney Springs in Orlando are fighting back against Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Reedy Creek battle with Walt Disney Company. The small business owners said they feel like "collateral damage" in the ongoing dispute, according to Orlando Business Journal. (Subscription: Orlando Business Journal, Free: Inside The Magic)
4. A Volusia County certified nursing assistant is accused by authorities of defrauding an older Alzheimer's patient in her care of more than $7,000. The woman allegedly obtained a credit card in the name of the patient and used the funds to obtain plastic surgery. (WESH)
5. The new permit for business after midnight is already having an impact on downtown Orlando bars with few obtaining the required permit for operation. Spectrum 13 reports that only 16 bars received an "After Midnight Sales Permit," out of the 80 bars in the area. The restrictions put a number of requirements on the small business owners and part of a push by new residents and police on downtown Orlando businesses. (Spectrum News 13)

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Today in Orlando:

• Zoom Room Longwood Grand Opening. (9 a.m.)
• Aquafest Pool Party 2023 at The Veranda At Thornton Park. (2 p.m.)
• International Vegan Food Festival at Wall Street Plaza. (3 p.m.)
• Virginia Drive Live at Ivanhoe Village Main Street (5 p.m.)
• Seven Lions: Beyond The Veil – The Journey III Tour at Lot 54 At The Vanguard. (6 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Montgomery Biscuits shared: "We’ll be pulling out these jerseys on Saturday for 'Star Wars' Night.🛸 From now until tomorrow, April 29 at 8 p.m. — you have a chance to win a player worn jersey in an online auction." (Montgomery Biscuits via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "It was an honor to host the annual Victim Service Center of Central Florida, Inc. breakfast. Several law enforcement and social service professionals were given awards for their dedicated service for victims." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is expanding to south Hillsborough County in Ruskin. The center hopes to help more people with the expansion. (ABC Action News)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. See you all tomorrow morning 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com