🌱 Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls Coming To Orlando + Reedy Creek Bill

Hello all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Patch newsletter — here to impart all the most important things happening in the community today. Today you'll learn about...

• Tampa's Suncoast Credit Union is opening three locations in Orlando this year
• Popular seafood concept Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls is coming to downtown Orlando
• Tourist tax collections are surging as Central Florida continues to rebound from the pandemic in travel

But first, today's weather: Very warm with clouds and sun. High: 84 Low: 66.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. The Republican-led Florida House's House State Affairs Committee has approved a bill that moves control of Reedy Creek Improvement District from Disney and gives Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis the power to place five board members in control of the district. The district would be renamed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. (Click Orlando)
2. Orange County's tourist development tax collections for December 2022 increased 10.2 percent to $31.22 million from $28.33 million year over year in 2021. Month to month tax collections increased $300,000, according to a news release. Tourist tax collections show the health of the tourism industry and show a strong increase in travelers to Central Florida. (WFTV)
3. Tampa-based Suncoast Credit Union is expanding into Central Florida with at least three locations planned in Orlando by the end of 2023, according to Tampa Bay Business Journal. The branches will have bilingual support, an important part of their business model and growth. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Business Journal)
4. Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls is coming soon to downtown Orlando at 2 South Orange Ave. The restaurant has signed a 10-year rental lease, according to Orlando Business Journal. The menu at Mason's includes a variety of lobster rolls, crab rolls, lobster bisque, New England Clam Chowder, salads, and more. (Subscription: Orlando Business Journal, Free: Bungalower)
5. Orlando Utilities Commission is in the planning stages for a potential new energy plant. The project is planned for the company's 5o-acre land located in Central Florida's Brevard County. The new plant could help bring new jobs to the community. (WFTV)

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Today in Orlando:

• Goodwill Asks Central Florida To 'Declutter For A Cause' In February. (8 a.m.)
• Coffee Club Downtown at East Orlando Chamber of Commerce. (8:30 a.m.)
• Food Distribution at CarePlus Community Center. (9 a.m.)
• Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk at Wine & Corks. (6 p.m.)
• Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Nature Conservancy in Florida shared: "Our Blowing Rocks stewardship team joined our Disney Wilderness Preserve and Tiger Creek Preserve stewardship teams to work on invasive species removal and trail work at our Disney Wilderness Preserve." (Nature Conservancy in Florida via Instagram)
• Orlando Main Streets shared: "This past Sunday we had the pleasure of joining Mills 50 District for the 11th annual Lunar New Year Dragon Parade, celebrating the Year of the Rabbit." (Orlando Main Streets via Instagram)
• Visit Orlando shared: "Celebrate the creativity, inspiration, and cultural heritage of African American artists at the Black History Month Art Exhibition, hosted by City of Orlando. 🗓️ : Now through April 30 at City Hall’s Terrace Gallery. " (Visit Orlando via Instagram)
• Central Florida Zoo shared: "Attention Parents: Registration for Zoo camps is officially open. Whether your little ones are into nature, animals or simply love having an adventure, this is the perfect way to keep them entertained during upcoming breaks." (Central Florida Zoo via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. See you all tomorrow morning 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com