🌱 Man Arrested Over MCO Threat + DeSantis Targets Drag Show Venue

Hello and happy Saturday. I'm back in your inbox this winter morning with the most important things happening in Orlando these days. Today you'll learn about...

• A Central Florida performance center has lost its liquor license after hosting a drag show and drawing the ire of Florida politicians.
• Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has announced progress on solving the homeless problem in Central Florida.
• A special session is planned Monday to revoke Disney's access to Reedy Creek by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy with clouds and sun. High: 71 Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Orange County Sheriff's Office is searching for a suspect accused of robbing and battering two women in Orlando. Police said the incident happened Thursday morning at a bus stop on Hiawassee Road and River Oaks Drive in Orlando. The suspect was wearing a mask, according to authorities. (WESH)
2. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has revoked the liquor license of a performing arts facility in Central Florida over them hosting a Christmas drag show, a move decried by the LGBT community. The state accused the facility of targeting minors without evidence, a topic hotly contested by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans. (Click Orlando)
3. A Florida man allegedly threatened to bomb a plane at Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Thursday. An arrest report claims the man was upset about Spirit Airline's carry-on bag fees and threatened that there was a bomb on-board. The employee called 911 on the passenger. (Fox 35)
4. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced that his team has housed 486 previously homeless individuals so far in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 805 affordable rental units are currently in development along with 110 for extremely low-income households, according to a news release. (Bungalower)
5. Disney World’s Reedy Creek Improvement District is staying silent as Gov. Ron DeSantis seeks to end the self-governing district. DeSanits and his allies has called for an end to Disney's governance and Florida to take control of the top employer in Florida's district. A special session is planned by Florida Republicans on Monday to address the district. (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel, Free: WDW Magic)

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Today in Orlando:

• Tai Chi In The Garden at Mead Botanical Garden. (10:30 a.m.)
• HAPCO Jazz Fest Ocoee & Wine And Dine For The Arts 2023 at Ocoee Lakeshore Center. (6 p.m.)
• Tet Gala Dinner at Ten Ten Seafood & Grille. (6 p.m.)
• Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort — Universal Orlando. (6 p.m.)
• Movie Nights With Goats at Oak Aged Farm. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando City SC shared: "Orlando history is Black history. Together, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month." (Orlando City SC via Instagram)
• Orlando Weekly shared: "The Orlando Local Makers Fashion Market is back! Come by the Abbey this Sunday and revamp your closet." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "After the Pulse tragedy, art played a key role in helping our community unite and honor the 49 angels taken. This included the mosaic mural located on the wall of the former Lamp Shade Fair building on Mills Avenue." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com