🌱 Ocoee Black History Month Contest + The Veranda At Thornton Park Purchased

Welcome back, Orlando! Here's everything you need to know to get this Tuesday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 72 Low: 58.

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Here are the top five stories in Orlando today:

1. Twitter users reported that guests at Universal Studios Orlando booed Diana Ross, the "Endless Love" and "I’m Coming Out" singer, recently during her Mardi Gras performance when she asked guests to put on a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Universal does not have an outdoor mask mandate in-place and recently dropped an employee mandate as well. (Inside The Magic)

2. Verax Investments, led by local neurosurgeon and developer Dr. Ravi Gandhi, has purchased The Veranda at Thornton Park. Gandhi hopes to update the mixed-use development and make it the talk of the town. Ideas floated for additions to the site include a possible taproom or wine room, on-site food trucks, a cocktail lounge, and more. (Bungalower)

3. The City of Ocoee is hosting its annual Black History Month Essay Contest in recognition of Black History Month. The theme this year is "Connecting Through Diversity in an Isolated Environment to Support Positive Mental Health." The essay competition is open to 5th grade students that attend Ocoee schools. The winner of the contest will be awarded a $300 gift card from Best Buy, while first place winners will receive a $100 gift card from Best Buy. (West Orange Times & Windermere Observer)

4. On Sunday, Orlando Pastor Stovelleo Stovall and his congregation at God is Able Outreach church were commemorating the church's tenth anniversary, but also the day his own daughter, Renisha Lee, was found shot to death two years ago. Investigators have not been able to close the case. (Fox 35 Orlando)

5. The Orange County Board of Commissioners recently voted unanimously to update its Fertilizer Management Ordinance to prevent further nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient pollution from entering county water bodies. The changes are expected to protect rivers, lakes, and springs from nutrient pollution. (The Apopka Voice)

Today in Orlando:

• Osceola County Fair at Osceola Heritage Park. (all day)
• School Board Work Session at Orange County School District. (12:00 PM)
• Water Polo Vs. Wekiva at Colonial High School (5:00 PM)
• Varsity Baseball vs. West Orange at West Orange (Pre-Season). (6:00 PM)
• Open Fencing at Orlando Fencing Sports Center. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join Melrose Center on Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a Virtual Audio Meetup as audio instructor Drigo leads a one-hour mix tutorial. Learn to prioritize the most important actions to complete a mix in 60 minutes. (Instagram)
• Kevin Hart is returning to Orlando's Amway Center for the first time in four years on September 16th. Tickets go on sale Thursday, February 17th at 10 p.m. (Orlando Weekly)
• Amway Center is hosting a job fair today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Opportunities include food and beverage, guest services, security, and more. (Twitter)
• Central Florida Collaborative needs your help to identify the region's current needs and issues. Complete the 2022 survey online. (Facebook)
• The FAA has delayed the SpaceX Starship launch site determination another month. (Twitter)

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Events:

• Social Security Webinar 2/21 & 2/23 (February 21)
• Alternative Products Expo - Fort Lauderdale (March 11)
• Alternative Products Expo - Fort Lauderdale (March 12)
• Alternative Products Expo - Fort Lauderdale (March 13)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next 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.