🌱 Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar Coming Soon + Heath Gill Orlando Ballet

Good morning, everybody! It's Thursday in Orlando and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally. In today's issue, you'll find these stories and more:

• A former Full Sail University was denied release to the public on Wednesday by a judge after threatening a mass shooting.
• Atlanta-based dancer and choreographer Heath Gill is heading to Orlando.
• California-based Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is coming to Kissimmee this summer.

But first, today's weather:

A morning thundershower. High: 75 Low: 52.

Business owners and marketers in Orlando: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. A Central Florida man was arrested after police found him living with his dead mother's body. According to an affidavit from the Cocoa Police Department, officers were called to Otterbein Avenue on Jan. 1 for a welfare check when they discovered the dead body. A relative of the man arrested called the police for the welfare check. (WESH)

2. A federal judge determined Wednesday that a former Full Sail University student is too much of a danger to the community to be allowed out of custody after allegedly posting online and threatening a mass shooting. The FBI has been tracking the suspect since 2021 and that the suspect allegedly supports white supremacist and neo-Nazi ideals. (WFTV)

3. Atlanta-based dancer and choreographer Heath Gill is retiring from Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre to join Orlando Ballet. He will help stage "Moulin Rouge, The Ballet" in February 2023. His title will be Guest Ballet Master and Choreographer starting in January 2023. (Bungalower)

4. California-based Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is opening its first Central Florida location this summer at 8019 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. The new restaurant will create 200 jobs, including jobs for bartenders, cooks, servers and more. (WFTV)

5. Several travelers caught in the Southwest Airlines meltdown this past month are still searching for their bags after arriving at Orlando International Airport. "We intend nearly all baggage delayed during the recent holiday travel week to be shipped or delivered by midweek," said the airline company on Tuesday in a statement. (Fox 35 Orlando)

Today in Orlando:

• Krampus Con at Krush Brau Park. (5 p.m.)
• IDrive’s Longest Happy Hour at ICEBAR Orlando. (5 p.m.)
• Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild at Central Florida Zoo & Botanic Gardens. (6 p.m.)
• Memphis Grizzlies Vs. Orlando Magic at Amway Center. (7 p.m.)
• Milk District Comedy Thursdays at Barley & Vine Biergarten. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Police Department shared: "MISSING: 40-year-old Runy Leidy Medina-Pacheco. Last seen in the area of the 6200 block of Curry Ford Rd (Cadence Crossing Apartments) on Dec, 25 at approximately 10 p.m. She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black T-shirt." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "After nearly nine years at OFD, we wish Jun Verde the very best in his next endeavor. We'll miss you." (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)
• Pet Alliance Greater Orlando shared: "Pet Alliance is celebrating its 86th birthday in 2023. Welcome back to our week of revisiting our organization’s past and the role we have played in Florida’s animal welfare causes over the better part of the last century." (Pet Alliance Greater Orlando via Instagram)
• Thornton Park District shared: "Veranda Thornton Park is kicking off the first Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk of 2023. For only $10 (pre-sale) you get a wristband, glass and a map of over 20 places to stop." (Thornton Park District via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Satisfaction Delivery
• Add your business here

Events:

• ORLANDO FL LOCK & KEY SINGLES EVENT at Bitters & Bottles • Ages 21-59 • Better than Speed Dating! (January 21)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow 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