🌱 Drury Plaza Hotel Walt Disney World + Paolo Banchero Goes To Magic

Hi all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Daily. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

First, today's weather:

Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 91 Low: 74.

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Here are the top five stories today in Orlando:

1. City of Orlando is accepting applications for next year's Mayor's City Academy. Those selected will receive a free 12-week crash course in what makes the city of Orlando function. The deadline for the 2022 program is Monday, July 3, with classes beginning on Thursday, August 25. (Bungalower)

2. Central Florida Congresswoman and U.S. Senate candidate Val Demings said she was disappointed with the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and open states up to ban abortion, saying it seems we're going back in time. "As a woman, a mother, a woman of faith and a former law enforcement officer, I am furious and I am disappointed, but I have not despaired. I am ready to fight. We won’t go back," Demings said in a statement. (WESH)

3. Drury Hotel Co. is working on its first property at Walt Disney World. The new Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista will open October 27 with 264 rooms, the first phase of the proposed 604-room hotel tower. It will also feature 17,000 square feet of meeting space, a Starbucks coffee, a Pizza Hut Express and two restaurants on site, according to the Orlando Business Journal. (Subscription: Orlando Business Journal)

4. The FBI took possession of an art exhibit from the Orlando Museum of Art on Friday, amid allegations of fraud that began with a New York Times investigation. The art works were said to be worth $100 million. (WFTV)

5. Paolo Banchero is headed to the Orlando Magic. The six-foot-ten college basketball star from Duke University was chosen by the Magic as the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday, ESPN reported. (Yahoo!)

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Today in Orlando:

• Orlando Seafood Festival at Festival Park. (11 a.m.)
• Veg-Fest at Persimmon Hollow Brewing. (11 a.m.)
• 2nd Annual Boozy Brunch Crawl: Orlando. (noon)
• Disney's The Jungle Book Kids at Central Florida Community Arts. (2 p.m.)
• Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix™ In Concert at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association is backing Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings as well as other incumbents across Central Florida for re-elections to new terms. (Florida Politics)
• Central Florida-based U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy tweeted on Friday, "For the first time in three decades, Congress passed a bipartisan bill to reduce gun violence in America. It’s a modest but meaningful step forward to protect our children and our communities. Proud to cast a “yes” vote in honor of all the innocent lives we’ve lost." (Twitter)
• The City District Main Street recently announced the hiring of its new executive director, Nikki Aviles. (Bungalower)
• In response to the Supreme Court ruling decision on Roe v. Wade made Friday, Disney issued an internal memo to employees stating that the company would cover travel costs for all eligible employees seeking an abortion. (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com