🌱 Orlando Baby Swans Disappear + Downtown Orlando Bars Imperiled

Good morning, friends! It's Wednesday in Orlando and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community, including news about...

• City of Orlando is expected to pass a measure curtailing drinking in downtown Orlando against the wishes of Orlando nightlife businesses and bars.
• Winter Park could soon ban special event banners including rainbow banners during Pride Month.
• Osceola leaders have backtracked on approving new development after outcry from residents about increasing traffic and urban sprawl.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 82 Low: 61.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. City of Orlando is expected to pass an ordinance curtailing drinking in downtown Orlando in a major blow to nightlife and bar business in the area. Bars and nightclubs in the area are blamed by elected officials for crime in the area. A survey of the area revealed office workers in the area support the measure, while businesses oppose it. (Bungalower)
2. Winter Park commissioners are expected to vote on changes to its special event banner policy that could ban rainbow banners on city poles during Pride Month. The changes come as Florida lawmakers work to restrict what flags can be flown in the state. The city could face challenges and litigation if it approves the measure at the expense of taxpayers. (Click Orlando)
3. Osceola County commissioners denied a plan to rezone rural land to allow for more urban development after outcry and anger from residents about increasing traffic and urban sprawl that resdents blame on elected officials. (WFTV)
4. Orlando’s Municipal Planning Board has passed a request made by private school, St. James Cathedral School, to limit sidewalk access to the public. Several residents from Lake Eola Heights present at the meeting did not agree with the change. The measure impacts public sidewalks along East Ridgewood Street between Hillman and Cathcart avenues. (Click Orlando)
5. Downtown Orlando's Lake Eola Park baby swans have been disappearing after falling prey to raccoons. Residents demanded an investigation into the mysterious disapperance of the swans. An investigation into their disapperance found surveillance camera with raccoons entering the nest of the swans. (WESH)

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Today in Orlando:

• Winter Park "Wine & Dine" - SPRING Edition at Winter Park Farmers Market. (6:30 p.m.)
• Board Game Night at Deadwords Brewing. (6 p.m.)
• Orlando Devs March Meetup at Stardust Video & Coffee. (7 p.m.)
• Orlando Solar Bears Game at Amway Center. (7 p.m.)
• Bachata at Novelty. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Weekly shared: "We can’t wait to welcome Shaq's Big Chicken newly revealed Orlando location to the food map. The address was revealed to be at the Market at Southside, 250 E. Michigan St. with a purported opening date of late 2023." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "For the 2022 year, CSI Taylor has received the most fingerprint identifications within the Crime Scene Unit. She received 17 identifications. 10 out the 17 identifications are related to homicide investigations." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• City of Orlando - Government shared: "It’s the first official week for the enhanced Downtown Ambassador Program as newly trained Ambassadors hit the streets in Downtown Orlando. The new team is all specially trained with an emphasis on safety and homelessness." (City of Orlando - Government via Facebook)

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