🌱 Game Social Room Club Now Open + EPCOT Int'l Art Festival Returns

Hey, friends! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Daily. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town. Today you'll find these stories and more...

• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is back at Walt Disney World.
• The Orange County Library System has launched a new Wi-Fi hotspot lending program.
• Game Social Room Club is now open in downtown Orlando.

But first, today's weather:

Warmer with a shower in spots. High: 81 Low: 61.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts has returned to Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista. Artists and chefs are able to put their creative work on display at the annual festival. The event runs through Feb. 20. (Spectrum News 13)
2. The Orange County Library System has launched a new Wi-Fi hotspot lending program to help provide wireless internet to library cardholders. Wi-Fi Hotspots can be checked out for up to 30 days at a time, but renewals are not allowed. The devices can be placed on hold and picked up at any location. (Bungalower)
3. A University of Central Florida (UCF) football player and a woman were recently arrested in connection with an armed home invasion robbery, according to the police department. In response, The University of Central Florida’s Athletics Department released a statement Friday that said Hodges was on the football team and has been dismissed from the program. "Per university policy, the UCF student conduct process will be initiated," UCF said. (Click Orlando)
4. The Apopka City Council approved the creation of an economic development department with a 3-2 vote last Wednesday. The first step will be to create a job description and hire an economic development director to run the department into the future. Funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act. (The Apopka Voice)
5. Game Room Social Club opened this weekend in downtown Orlando. The bar is from the same group running Sly Fox and the upcoming Parliament House. The space was previously occupied by Lizzy McCormack's. (Orlando Weekly)

Today in Orlando:

• Forest Bathing With Julie at Mead Botanical Garden. (11 a.m.)
• Bonsai Sunday Brunch at Shakai Sushi Lounge. (noon)
• Soca Reggae 5K & Wellness Festival at Harbor Park - Baldwin Park. (1 p.m.)
• "Henry V" at Orlando Shakes (2 p.m.)
• Mo Lowda & The Humble, Trash Panda, The Forum at The Abbey. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Girls on the Run Central Florida shared: "We have so many people and groups to thank. We’ll start with the Junior League of Greater Orlando. Their provisional class teamed up with us to plan and deliver this 5K event." (Girls on the Run Central Florida via Facebook)
• Creative City Project shared: "Huge congrats to Renaissance Theatre Company on the debut of “From Here” this weekend in NYC! Orlando is sending you love and support." (Creative City Project via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Bonneville Section 2 shared: "LOST CAT: 1/20/2023 goes by the name Davina , baby blue eyes mixed calico color, bushy tail. - Please help bring her home. Call 609-501-5144." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Colonial & Goldenrod shared: "Please spread the word! - Papi was LOST on January 15, 2023 in Orlando, FL 32807 near Marcia dr and Colonial Description: Tan adult chihuahua. For more info or to contact Papi's owner, click here: https://www.pawboost.com/nd/87..." (Nextdoor)

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That's it for today. 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 Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com