🌱 ICE Backlog Brings Migrant Crowds + Disney Backlash Price Tag $2B

Good day, neighbors! It's me again, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Daily.

First, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds; breezy. High: 81 Low: 67.

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Here are the top five stories today in Orlando:

1. The effort by Governor DeSantis and Republicans in Florida to punish Disney for speaking out against Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill could backfire, leaving the state with Disney World's estimated $2 billion in bond debt. Senate Bill 4-C stripping Disney of its right to self-govern could also place Florida in a legal quagmire. (Tampa Patch)

2. The Orange County Public Works Department is opening a new roadway extending Holden Avenue west from Texas Avenue to John Young Parkway. This extension will allow residents of the nearby neighborhoods to access John Young Parkway and Millenia Boulevard to the west. (Orange County Government)

3. Dozens of migrants and hundreds by some counts stood in line and camped outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Orlando waiting to speak with an agent on Wednesday afternoon. Later that evening, some people were seen putting up tents, seemingly prepared to stay the night. One camper said the Orlando ICE office was closed for nearly two years because of the pandemic and now faces a massive immigration backlog. (Fox 35 Orlando)

4. The Ford Cuban Sandwich Festival returns to Kissimmee in Central Florida this weekend for its 7th iteration. Guests will be able to enjoy dance performances, listen to live music, and eat Latin food inspired by Cuba, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and more. (Orlando Weekly)

5. Orlando is currently processing 4,501 applications for rent assistance due to COVID-19. Of those 2,480 applications have been submitted, and of those 439 applications have been approved. So far 225 applicants have been paid by the city. The city of Orlando was awarded $6.8 million in COVID-19 Relief Funds to provide assistance to households that were financially impacted by the pandemic. (Bungalower)

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Today in Orlando:

• Open Skate at RDV Ice Den. (12:00 PM)
• Morse Museum's Spring Friday Nights. (5:00 PM)
• Winter Garden's Friday On The Plaza. (7:00 PM)
• UCF Knights Baseball Vs Tulane University Baseball at John Euliano Park at UCF Baseball Complex. (7:00 PM)
• Orlando Ballet Great Gatsby at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Two young men were accused of shoplifting pizza and Pokémon cards from an Osceola County Target store, before deputies shot and killed a man and three others were injured outside the store Wednesday night. (WFTV)
• The Lake County Quilters guild donated 72 quilts and 150 pillowcases to the Ukrainian refugee support effort. Donations are being accepted to help with shipping costs. (Click Orlando)
• The team at Tori Tori will host a Block Party Fundraiser on Monday, May 9, in honor of the late Chef George Foss, who passed away on March 10 after a tragic motorcycle accident in Davenport, with proceeds going to Foss’s family. (Bungalower)
• Puerto Rican World War I Navy hero, Frederick Riefkohl, from Merritt Island may get a Medal of Honor nearly 52 years after his death. As a lieutenant and commander of the armed guard of the cruiser USS Philadelphia, Riefkohl was awarded the Navy Cross after an engagement with an enemy submarine. (Click Orlando)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next 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