🌱 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Author Pleads Guilty + Tyre Sampson Bill

Hey, neighbors. 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. In today's newsletter, you'll read about these stories and more...

• Residents in Flagler County found a sea critter on shore Friday that is believed to be a baby whale.
• Former state Rep. Joseph Harding of Ocala, the author of Florida's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill has plead guilty to multiple criminal charges.
• Attorney Ben Crump and the father of the victim in the FreeFall collapse at Orlando's ICON Park that tragically killed a teenager are calling for new legislation.

But first, today's weather: Hot. High: 93 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Former state Rep. Joseph Harding of Ocala has plead guilty to criminal charges of wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements in connection with COVID-19 relief fraud, according to a U.S. Department news release. Harding is the author of Florida's controversial so-called "Don't Say Gay" or parental rights bill. (Patch Orlando)
2. A video submitted to WKMG in Central Florida by a viewer on Friday shows residents helping a sea critter that washed up on the shore in the area of Gamble Rogers Park in Flagler Beach. Residents believe the creature to be a small whale, but no other information is available at this time. (Click Orlando, WFTV)
3. New Smyrna Beach in Central Florida is marking a successful spring break with calls more heavily policed events in the future. Police still made nearly 80 arrests over the spring break period, although that number includes adults as well. A curfew was held for teenagers during the entire period. (WFTV)
4. Attorney Ben Crump and the father of the teenager who died on the FreeFall ride at Orlando's ICON Park have called for Florida lawmakers to pass the Tyre Sampson bill after the tragic death of the teenager. The bill is proposed by Sen. Geraldine Thompson in Tallahassee. (WESH)
5. Phat Ash Bakes was recently featured on local show "Restaurants On The Radar," featuring Bungalower editor Brendan O'Connor. Very Local is a free channel for shows about Central Florida with 24/7 access to news from trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. (WESH)

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Today in Orlando:

• Toddler Time at Launch Entertainment Park Orlando. (8 a.m.)
• 16th Annual Parachutes For Patriots Weekend at Skydive DeLand. (8 a.m.)
• Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival at Orlando Garden Club. (9 a.m.)
• Free Screening Event at Kissimmee Walmart Health Center For Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. (9 a.m.)
• Hoppin Easter Brunch at The Florida Mall. (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Police Department shared: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Milmerstadt, his family and everyone at the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Florida. His service to the community will not be forgotten." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Weekly shared: "The Great Duck Derby is happening this weekend at Mead Botanical Garden! Hosted by Mead Botanical Garden this Saturday (March 21) at 10 a.m." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "After 33 years of dedicated service to the Orlando Police Department and City of Orlando - Government, Latricia Newby is retiring. With an average of 125 calls a day, Latricia has handled close to 1 million calls in her career." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "It's wonderful that after experiencing homelessness, Calvin is now thriving with an apartment of his own. I'm proud of our partnership with First Step Staffing, a nonprofit that helps those with barriers to employment take the first step." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)

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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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com