🌱 New Restaurant Coming To Disney's EPCOT + Orange Co. Stormwater Fee

Good morning, Orlando. I'm Carlos Hernandez, here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today we'll cover these stories and more:

• New details have been revealed about Universal's Epic Universe coming to Orlando.
• Orange County is considering imposing a stormwater utility fee on residents.
• Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is coming to Walt Disney World's Epcot.

But first, today's weather: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm. High: 81 Low: 68.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Orange County is considering imposing a stormwater utility fee on residents. The county is working to address flooding that plagued the area during Hurricane Ian. City of Orlando already has a $10 fee that generates around $25 million in Orlando. (WESH)
2. The Orange County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Citizen Advisory Task Force will meet today, May 24, at 9 a.m. The task force is run by Jane Healy, the former managing editor of Orlando Sentinel, and Tony Jenkins, Florida Blue Market president for the Central Florida region. (Orange County Government, Florida)
3. Disney has shut down any discussion of "miniparks" coming from the theme park after Universal has announced a number of parks planned around the nation. The news comes after Disney pulled a $1 billion investment in Lake Nona amid a legal battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. (Orlando Weekly)
4. Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is opening at Walt Disney World's EPCOT in Orlando this summer at the Japan Pavillion. The new restaurant will offer sharable Izakaya-style tapas to enjoy. Menu items include Kobore Sushi, Tokyo Negi Roll, and Funamori. (Fox 35)
5. New details are out about Universal Orlando's Epic Universe which is planned for summer 2025. Construction was paused during the pandemic for the upcoming them park but has since resumed. One planned park includes the much-anticipated Super Nintendo World. (Orlando Weekly)

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Today in Orlando:

• 2023 State Of The City Address at Harriet's Orlando Ballet Centre. (10:30 a.m.)
• District Literacy Council Meeting at Orange County Public School District. (3 p.m.)
• ConNECtions 2.0 at East Orlando Chamber Of Commerce. (5:30 p.m.)
• Crafting The Perfect Resume Using ChatGPT at CREDO Conduit. (6:30 p.m.)
• Benoit's AudioFile Sessions at Timucua Arts Foundation. (7:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Orange County, Florida 🍊 shared: "Orange County Fire Chief James Fitzgerald presented Carls Torchon the 2023 Paramedic Preceptor of the Year Award. The Paramedic Preceptor is an integral part of the education of a newly certified paramedic." (Orange County, Florida 🍊 via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "MISSING: 33-year-old David M. Porta was last seen on 4/20/23 in the area of the 5700 block of Gatlin Avenue. His mother has not heard from him and is concerned for his safety." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Main Streets shared: "🎉 Join us in congratulating Kyle Reynolds on his new role as the City of Orlando's Main Street Administrator. 🙌🏼🌟" (Orlando Main Streets via Instagram)
• Audubon Park Garden District shared: "Congratulations and welcome to Melissa Lee, the APGD’s new board member. Melissa is not only a resident of Audubon Park, but is a Master Gardener, a huge advocate of the community and all our partners and was our Volunteer of the Year." (Audubon Park Garden District via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com