Orange County COVID-19 Goals + Stetson University + Wildfires

Good morning . Welcome to our new Patch newsletter serving the Orlando area. My name is Carlos Hernandez and I'll be keeping you updated on the latest news on what is happening around town each morning. Let's get started.

In this edition, you'll find out about Orange County nearing its Coronavirus goals, Stetson University breaking ground on a new building, wildfires, the death of a local chef and more.

Today’s weather: The high is 87 and the low is 65 with partly cloudy skies.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando:

1. Orange County is closing in on their goals to lift Coronavirus mandates as the 14-day rolling positivity rate falls near 5% which should happen in the next week or two if the trend holds. (Spectrum News 13)

2. The Orlando-based Florida Realtors organization is suing the CDC to try and overturn the pandemic eviction moratorium and want a permanent injunction against the CDC. The current fine for those who violate the moratorium order can be fined up to $100,000 and/or spend a year in jail; if the eviction results in a death, the landlord can be fined up to $250,000. (WFTV)

3. Stetson University is breaking ground on a new 40,000 square-foot health sciences building as their undergraduate degree program grows. The building is named after Hyatt and Cici Brown who donated $18 million to the project in 2018 and are on the board of trustees for the college. (Orlando Business Journal)

4. Over 1,600 acres burned in a Brevard wildfire now dubbed the “Tree Fog Fire”. The lack of rain lately has caused a drought that has led to a number of wildfires around the state. High winds haven’t helped as well. (Fox 35 Orlando)

5. Chef Chico Mendonça of Bem Bom Food in Audubon Park passed away from cancer after a 7 month battle. The restaurant and concept he dreamed up will go on. Mendonça built up his business from a local food truck to a successful restaurant. (Orlando Sentinel)

Today in Orlando:

• Pulse Remembrance Mural Volunteer Paint Day at The Center. Join One Orlando Alliance to help complete a mural honoring Pulse Remembrance project. (7 a.m.)
• Orlando Outdoor Market at Central Florida Fair. Enjoy over 300 vendor locations every week. (7:30 a.m.)
• Orlando Farmer’s Market at Lake Eola Park. Enjoy arts and crafts, pet goods, plants, seasonal produce, and more. (10 a.m.)
• Yoga in the Sculpture Garden at Mennello Museum of American Art. Enjoy a blissful Sunday morning and then a day at the museum on Sundays. (11:30 a.m.)
• 2nd Annual Carribean Food and Music Festival at The Apopka Amphitheater. Enjoy artists, music, and over 15 food vendors. General admission is free. (12 p.m.)
• "We Brunch Orlando" Sunday Brunch party at Shakai Sushi Lounge. Brunch is back on Pine Street with DJs and food and drink packages available in Downtown Orlando. (1 p.m.)

Orlando Patch Notebook:

• Wawa is coming to Unicorp’s West Orlando project to join White Castle and Portillo’s.
• Orlando is now building apartments faster than Phoenix, Charlotte, and Nashville - ranking 16th nationally for building.
• Orange County Library is offering free access from home to their ancestry and genealogy center.
• Disney World is offering discounts to teachers and first-responders from now until July 14th.
• Florida will close 27 state-supported COVID testing sites on May 28th
• The first storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season has formed and is named Ana.

That's all for today. I will be back tomorrow with the latest happening in Orlando. My inbox is open if you have any tips to send or want to reach out: orlando@patch.com.

-Carlos Hernandez

About me: I have lived in Florida since 1999 and covered the Orlando area for nearly 10 years, mainly with a focus on food through my blog at CarlosEats.com.