Local Mural Defaced + Convention Cancellations + 37th Cup-A-Thon

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today.

In this issue, you'll learn about the sale of Holy Land Experience, a mural defaced in Orlando, convention cancellations, and more. Now, let's get started.

First, today's weather: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 92 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Orlando’s Holy Land Experience theme park has been sold to AdventHealth for $32 million, one of the most high-profile sales this year. (WFTV)

2. A new mural vandalized along Orlando Trail is set to be restored by local artist Corwin Blackwell. It took months for Blackwell who said he had to battle the rain and uneven metal texture to complete it. (FOX 35 Orlando)

3. Orange County is suffering more convention cancellations as COVID-19 cases surge in Florida. The total economic loss from cancellations in 2021 so far is nearly $700 million. (WESH 2 Orlando)

4. An Orange County teacher is encouraging others to get vaccinated after surviving a battle with COVID-19. Terry Greear spent 72 days in the hospital before being released. (Click Orlando)

5. Crealde School of Art is hosting its 37th Annual Cup-A-Thon event this weekend today and tomorrow at its Winter Park campus. Shoppers can browse hundreds of unique, hand-crafted ceramic cups, bowls, and more. (Bungalower)

Today's Orlando Daily is brought to you by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Orlando!

Today in Orlando

• Zaza New Cuban Diner Teacher Appreciation. (7:00 AM)
• Meet The Teacher - Olympia High School. (9:00 AM)
• First Friday Tours at Mennello Museum. (11:00 AM)
• Meet The Teacher - Lockhart Middle School. (1:00 PM)
• GLOW Back to School at Millie Moo’s. (1:00 PM)
• Endless Summer Nights Orlando at Central Florida Fair. (1:00 PM)
• New Student Orientation (Spanish) - Lake Nona High School. (3:00 PM)
• Return of the Pride - Lake Nona High School. (3:00 PM)
• 7th & 8th Graders Orientation Day - Liberty Middle School. (4:00 PM)
• Enrollment Application Deadline - OCPS Virtual School. (4:23 PM)
• Meet the Teacher - Dover Shores Elementary School. (4:30 PM)
• New Student Orientation (English) - Lake Nona High School. (5:30 PM)
• Falcon Flight - Middle School - Audubon Park School. (5:30 PM)
• Winter Garden's Friday on the Plaza. (7:00 PM)
• West Side Story at Walt Disney Theatre at Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts. (7:00 PM)

Orlando Patch Notebook

• Universal Orlando Resort: "We'd give this view a gold medal too. ( : @busch_studios)" (Instagram)
• Official Gatorland Instagram: "Gatorland Global is proud to help support Dr. Marisa Tellez & the Crocodile Research Coalition. Savannah is there ri..." (Instagram)
• Visit Orlando : "Photo-ops that are dino-mite." (Instagram)
• Orlando City SC: "Loud and proud for the whole night, thank you fam #VamosOrlando | #ORLvMIA" (Instagram)
• Orlando City SC: "Welcoming home our 2021 Gold Cup Champ @daryld09" (Instagram)
• The Florida Aquarium: "Catch flight, not feelings! #OwlAwarenessDay #FloridaAquarium #BarredOwl #Owl" (Instagram)
• Nature Conservancy in Florida: "Knowing that the big cat needs to move, TNC, nonprofits, as well as state and federal agencies are racing to identify..." (Instagram)
• Pet Alliance Greater Orlando: "Get to know the people who make it all happen! Thank you to those who make an effort to save and change the lives of..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department: "BIG SPLASH: We swim into #NationalNightOut with its first community event thanks to City of Orlando - ..." (Facebook)
• Orlando Fire Department: "We joined District 3 Commissioner: Robert F. Stuart, Orlando Police Department and our College Park neighbors for the..." (Facebook)
• Valencia College: "A team of Valencia software development students collaborated with the city of Orlando to create an app that teaches ..." (Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer: "City of Orlando - Government neighborhood centers are the heart of our community: places where residents can all come..." (Facebook)
• Orlando Police Department: "MEET OUR OFFICERS: Officer Michael Monfredo is a born-and-bred New Yorker who is also a member of our newest recruiti..." (Facebook)
• Orlando Police Department: "TODAY: Orlando Police Chief Rolón joined @Office of State Attorney, Monique H. Worrell and our law enforcement partne..." (Facebook)
• Orange County, Florida : "A champion on the basketball court and an All American track star , @olympia_ocps junior, Morgan LaBord, knows C..." (Instagram)
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: "Experience famous masterpieces as if you’re in them. New 3D LED technology brings moments to life by Monet, Van Gogh ..." (Facebook)
• Orange County, Florida : " Would you like to host a COVID-19 vaccination event at your business or in your community? Fill out this request..." (Instagram)
• Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida: "Our Community Outreach for Families team is on the ground! They're traveling around Central Florida meeting families ..." (Facebook)
• Downtown Orlando: "If #NationalChocolateChipCookieDay snuck up on you, don't worry! Here are some downtown spots to grab a chewy, crispy..." (Facebook)
• City of Orlando - Government: "Look at this future Olympian! Our Rosemont Neighborhood Center's brand new gym was unveiled today, providing opportun..." (Facebook)
• Orlando Health: "We're excited to continue our partnership with Orlando City Soccer Club, Orlando Pride and their new owners, the Wilf..." (Facebook)
• City of Orlando - Government: "If you're experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and are behind on your rent payments, help is still availab..." (Facebook)
• Ciudad de Orlando: "¿Tiene una televisión, máquina de fax o estéreo viejos que desea deshacerse? ¿Y qué de esos pantalones ya desgastados..." (Facebook)
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: "Roll call: Who’s coming to watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off tomorrow night? We’ve got dinner, drinks and great seats fo..." (Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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? I'm all ears. You can email me at orlando@patch.com.