🌱 FreeFall Dismantling Begins One Year After Death + Half-Toberfest

Hello, hello! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. Today's briefing includes updates on...

• Half-Toberfest returns March 25 to Ivanhoe Village with drinks, food, and festivities.
• The dismantling of the FreeFall ride at ICON Park in Orlando has started nearly one year after the death of a teenager who fell to his death on the ride.
• A Central Florida man is wanted by police for skipping out on his DUI and manslaughter trial after lunch.

But first, today's weather: Sunny, pleasant and warmer. High: 77 Low: 56.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. A Central Florida boy is accused of using a kitchen knife to cut another child's throat in Lake County, according to multiple news reports citing the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Police said the boy threatened to kill everyone in the house when a neighbor took the weapon from the boy, according to an arrest report obtained by WESH. (Orlando Patch, WESH)
2. The dismantling of the FreeFall ride at ICON Park has begun nearly one year after a teenager tragically died on the ride and fell to his death. 14-year-old Tyre Sampson's mother and her attorneys spoke Wednesday about the death of the teenager during her first visit to the site. (WESH)
3. A Florida man was arrested by police on Tuesday in connection to a shooting last week at Sonic restaurant on International Drive that left a teenage girl wounded. The suspect was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery with a firearm. The suspect allegedly threw a drink at a worker at the Sonic and also punched a restaurant manager in the face. (Click Orlando)
4. A Central Florida man is wanted by police after leaving court for lunch and not returning to court, according to authorities. Police said Zachery Waldo is facing charges of DUI and manslaughter after a crash in Leesburg on Christmas Eve 2021 that left three people dead. (Fox 35 Orlando)
5. Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company is hosting its annual Half-Toberfest on March 25 in Ivanhoe Village. The event will run from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature an exclusive award-winning beer on tap as well as games and German food to enjoy. The event is free to attend. (Bungalower)

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Today in Orlando:

• RDV Ice Den's Public Skate. (noon)
• Orlando Speedworld Dragway's High Performance Racing. (4 p.m.)
• Kevin James Thornton at Improv Orlando. (6:30 p.m.)
• "Shout! The Mod Musical" at Winter Park Play House. (7:30 p.m.)
• Shen Yun at Walt Disney Theater. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "Officer Valencia served our community with great courage and dedication. He is a hero who we will never forget." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)
• Central Florida Zoo shared: "Our annual Brews Around the Zoo helps to fund enrichment activities, habitat remodels, animal treats and more. Tickets are available now on our website for guests 21+. Join the party on April 8." (Central Florida Zoo via Instagram)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar and his staff participated in this year’s Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida’s 'O-Town show us your Motown' video. The video was made for the 2023 'Celebrate the Children' Gala." (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 17)
• STEM Adventures at Kiddie Academy of Apopka (March 18)
• STEM Adventures at Kiddie Academy of Clermont (March 18)
• STEM Adventures at Kiddie Academy of Hunters Creek (March 18)
• STEM Adventures at Kiddie Academy of Oviedo (March 18)
• STEM Adventures at Kiddie Academy of Winter Park (March 18)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (March 21)
• 9th Annual Walk for Parkinson (April 1)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with 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