🌱 Infectious Avian Flu In Central Florida + Peppa Pig's Theme Park Now Open

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

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 84 Low: 64.

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Here are the top five stories in Orlando today:

1. A highly infectious strain of bird flu has been detected in wild birds in several Florida counties, including Brevard, Indian River, and Volusia counties, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Wildlife experts said there is a low risk of bird flu transmission to humans. (Orlando Patch)

2. Dozens of people rallied near Orlando's Lake Eola on Thursday night standing with Ukraine. They carried flags and chanted, "Glory to Ukranian Heroes." Many participants in the rally are afraid for the safety of their loved ones in Ukraine as the country battles Russia. (Click Orlando)

3. Peppa Pig's theme park is now open in Winter Haven at Legoland Florida Resort. It features six play areas, slides, and more. The park is focused on inclusivity and is certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards as an Autism Center. (Orlando Weekly)

4. Florida manatees are struggling to survive in Brevard County's Indian River Lagoon after years of polluting from fertilizer runoff. Environmentalists are asking residents to reduce fertilizers and chemicals if they live next to the lagoon and change from septic to sewer if possible. (Fox 35 Orlando)

5. Osceola County teachers will receive a one-time $500 bonus ahead of Spring Break along with a pay raise to $15 an hour starting next school year in an attempt to attract talent and retain current employees. County leaders say they have no choice but to offer more due to a severe staffing shortage. (WMFE)

Today in Orlando:

• Yoga in the Garden at Mead Botanical Garden. (9:00 AM)
• 6th Annual Windermere Fine Art Show at Downtown Windermere. (12:00 PM)
• Orlando Taco Festival at Drive Shack. (2:00 PM)
• Maskenball- Mardi Gras 2022 German Style at German American Society Of Central Florida. (5:00 PM)
• Live At Timucua: Philippe Lemm Trio at Timucua Arts Foundation. (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The chairman of Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard, Inc. has been charged with two felonies amid a state financial investigation. (Click Orlando)
• Orlando-based Disney has donated to every single sponsor and co-sponsor of the "Don't Say Gay" bill. (Twitter)
• Timeshare giant David Siegel's Westgate Resorts Ltd. recently sold one of its Orlando office properties to a faith-based nonprofit. (Subscription: Orlando Business Journal)

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You're all caught up for today! 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.