🌱 Hamburger Mary's Sues Florida & Gov. Ron DeSantis + Disney Layoffs

Hello all! I'm here right on time with your fresh copy of the Orlando Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's going on in town. Including updates on...

• Orlando-based Hamburger Mary's has filed suit against the State of Florida and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis after new anti-LGBTQ+ legislation was passed last week.
• Orlando Police is still investigating a sign displayed in Lake Nona that said, "Kill All Gays."
• UCF student Jack Sweeney has created a new tracker of the jet used by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

But first, today's weather: Occasional rain and a t-storm. High: 85 Low: 70.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. An investigation is still underway after "Kill All Gays" was displayed on traffic signs in Orlando’s Lake Nona area. The city told The Washington Post the sign was intended to welcome guests to a 5K in the area before being allegedly tampered with. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer decried the hate-filled message. (Orlando Patch)
2. University of Central Florida student, Jack Sweeney, has launched new social media channels tracking Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his jet as he is expected to announce a run for President of the United States. Sweeney famously tracked Elon Musk's jet and turned down a cash offer to cease tracking, leading to retaliation from Musk. Flight data is public information, all Sweeney does is pull the data. (Fox 51, Orlando Sentinel)
3. Orlando-based Hamburger Mary's has sued the State of Florida and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis after a law was signed last week banning drag shows in Florida along with other anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The business said the law is a violation of its First Amendment rights and the Freedom of Speech. Walt Disney Company is also suing the state on First Amendment grounds and claims it is being targeted as well. (WFLA)
4. The City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board has re-launched a free parking program in downtown Orlando through the ParkMobile app as well as complimentary valet at participating restaurants downtown. It is known as the Park DTO Program and hopes to boost business in the area amid a crackdown in Orlando nightlife. (Bungalower, Spectrum News 13)
5. A third wave of planned layoffs has hit Walt Disney Company. More than 2,500 jobs were cut in this wave, bringing the total to over 7,000 layoffs. The cuts were much higher than the original estimation which only suggested 700 layoffs in this round. (WDW News Today)

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Today in Orlando:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week. (8:30 a.m.)
• Public Skate at RDV Ice Den. (noon)
• Microsoft 365 Basics at Southwest Branch Library. (1:15 p.m.)
• School Board Meeting at Orange County Public School District (4:45 p.m.)
• City Of Ocoee's Autism Open Gym. (6 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Orange County, Florida 🍊 shared: "During National EMS Week, we honor the contributions of those who work on the medical front line. Orange County Fire Chief James Fitzgerald presented Jordan Allen 2023 Paramedic of the Year Award." (Orange County, Florida 🍊 via Instagram)
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts shared: "Due to popular demand we've added another chance to see 'Beetlejuice' in Walt Disney Theater on June 29 at 1 p.m. Get tickets now and save 10 percent on groups of 10 or more. bit.ly/3pUp80Z. " (Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts via Facebook)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "OFD congratulates Mike Grahl of Engine 10 B shift for his 20-year service award as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Serving on some of the busiest units, Mike still has a great smile, like it’s 'Nothing But a Thing.'" (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Weekly shared: "Three new foodie spots are currently under construction. Fuwa Fuwa, the Toronto-based Japanese pancake chain, will open this summer. Chuan Fu, a Sichuan restaurant will be in the former Orlando Meats space in Winter Park and will open later this summer along with Lazy Moon Pizza in Maitland." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. I'll see you around!

— 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