🌱 Walt Disney World Drops Masks + Sports Illustrated Resort Coming To Orlando

Morning, neighbors! Carlos Hernandez here with the latest Orlando Daily. Grab your coffee and let's get this day started right.

First, today's weather:

Breezy with clouds and sun. High: 84 Low: 68.

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Here are the top five stories in Orlando today:

1. Parlay Orlando, an upscale sports bar concept, is taking over the old Finnhenry's space in downtown Orlando. The ownership group also owns Tier Nightclub, Eden the Lounge and Celine Orlando. (Orlando Weekly)

2. Walt Disney World Resort has dropped its face mask policy for theme park guests. Starting Friday, face coverings will be optional for all fully vaccinated guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. Face coverings will still be required for all guests ages 2 and older on enclosed Disney transportation. (Orlando Patch)

3. Police announced on Wednesday the arrests of two women and a man who are accused of trafficking at least three teens for sex acts at several hotels in Orlando. 34-year-old Tracy Koger, 46-year-old Tyrell San Juan Ponds, and 36-year-old Shana Marie Lee Bryant are the accused. The hotels include Quality Inn on Colonial, Motel 6 on Adanson, Budget Inn on Colonial and Quality Inn on Jamaican Court. (Click Orlando)

4. Seminole County leaders are going against the recommendations of Seminole staff and advisory members to spend nearly double to build trail tunnels instead of bridges at two busy roads. Officials say it would cost more to maintain the bridges long term. (Spectrum News 13)

5. Sports Illustrated Resort is coming to Orlando with a planned 2024 opening. The resort will include a baseball diamond, go-kart track, and water park as well as swim-up bars, spa and wellness center, and other activities. (Fox 35 Orlando)

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Today in Orlando:

• Tai Chi at 1st Unitarian Church of Orlando. (9:00 AM)
• Walk A Mile In Her Shoes at City Of Orlando. (6:00 PM)
• 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop at Downtown Arts District. (6:00 PM)
• Makers Market at Heritage Square Park. (6:00 PM)
• Live at Timucua: Muriel Anderson at Timucua Arts Foundation. (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Universal Orlando Resort has launched an all-new "Discover Universal" hub. It has dynamic videos, podcasts, planning guides, and more for travelers. The podcast will discuss tips, tricks, and must-know details to plan vacations. (ThrillGeek)
• Orlando City SC has signed defender Alex Freeman as the club's 12th all-time Homegrown. (Instagram)
• This year's Paws in the Park was a success with a record-breaking $163,776 raised. This amount goes directly to support Pet Alliance’s mission of caring, compassion, and hope for the over 5,500 dogs and cats. (Instagram)
• Tasty Chomps is hosting a giveaway for a $50 gift card to Nile Ethiopian Restaurant Orlando. The deadline is Tuesday, February 22nd at 8 p.m. (Instagram)
• City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer joined Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ- Orlando Shoppes of South Orange for their grand opening in SoDo District on Tuesday. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.