🌱 New Universal Campus Commons Underway + Michelin Bib Gourmand List

Hello, friends! Carlos Hernandez here with your fresh copy of the Orlando Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Including updates on:

• An officer in Central Florida was photographed relocating a gator on a lasso.
• Universal Orlando is opening a new Campus Commons in 2024 for its team members.
• Four Central Florida restaurants are joining the Michelin Bib Gourmand award list this year.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 85 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Officer Doug Roberts from Tavares Police Department lassoed and relocated a gator to a nearby body of water in Tavares, near Mount Dora in Central Florida. A photo captured the gator on a leash with the officer holding it. The interaction shows the quirky nature of Florida gators. (Orlando Patch)
2. Universal Orlando is launching a new Campus Commons for over 25,000 team members and future team members. Construction starts in May. Theme park leadership said it is being designed "for team members by team members." It is expected to open in the second half of 2024. (WESH)
3. Otto's High Dive, Isan Zaap, Norigami, and Taste of Chengdu have been added to the Michelin Bib Gourmand list for Orlando by the popular guide. The new locations are a credit to Orlando's growing recognition as a foodie city. A full list will be released after Michelin has its next ceremony showcasing the new locations. (Orlando Weekly)
4. Pat Williams with Orlando Dreamers Baseball is planning to make a pitch for Orlando to be a Major League Baseball (MLB) town. Williams was involved in the planning and pitching for the Orlando Magic. Williams would like $975 million in tourist tax dollars to help fund the new stadium, which Mayor Jerry Demings opposes. (WESH)
5. An Orlando firefighter was honored for pulling Seminole County Deputy Matt Luxon from a burning vehicle. The firefighter saved Luxon after his cruiser crashed and caught fire and was off duty when he saved him. The first responders said they consider each other to be family. (WSVN)

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Today in Orlando:

• Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: Wayback Burgers. (10:30 a.m.)
• Beginner Line Dancing at Southwest Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Rollins College Softball at Saint Leo University. (noon)
• Derby Day 4 Autism at Ember. (3:30 p.m.)
• Embrace Families Annual Ballroom Dance Competition "Dance Dream & Inspire" (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Official Gatorland Instagram shared: "You never know who or what you might see when you’re hanging out at Gatorland. Yesterday Oscar and Casey hosted MMA Superstar Chuck Liddell and his family on an incredible Gatorland nightshine." (Official Gatorland Instagram via Instagram)
• Pet Alliance shared: "Pet Alliance stood in solidarity against a requested Special Exemption for a Commercial Kennel designed for the breeding and sale of puppies in Orange County." (Pet Alliance via Instagram)
• Pet Alliance shared: "Our adoptable dog month dog of the week is Blue Bear. 🐻 This 6-year-old came to us back in January and was placed in foster care due to a deep wound of unknown origin on his paw." (Pet Alliance via Instagram)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody presented her Back The Blue award to Orlando Fire Department Lieutenant Benjamin Wootson for saving the life of a deputy. He is the first firefighter to win this award." (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! 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