Orlando Meadery + Universal Drops Masks + School Dean Arrested

Good morning and welcome to Memorial Day weekend. My name is Carlos Hernandez and I am back to update you on the latest happening in the Orlando area.

In this issue, you'll learn about a new meadery coming to Orlando, change in mask policies at Universal Studios, arrest in Osceola School District, and more. Now, let's get started.

Today’s weather: The high is 91 and the low is 71 with partly cloudy skies.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando:

1. An Orlando couple is looking to open the first meadery in Orlando by the end of 2021. It will be called Zymarium Mead and they are looking for a 5,000 to 7,000 square foot location. (Click Orlando)

2. Universal Studios Orlando has dropped their mask requirement for vaccinated individuals. The theme park will rely on an honor system to determine who is vaccinated. (ABC Action News)

3. Popular Orlando bakery and Disney Springs hotspot, Gideon’s Bakehouse, is warning resellers to stop falsely selling their cookies. The owner took to Facebook to send out a warning and reminded others they are not FDA approved for shipping. (Inside the Magic)

4. An Osceola County school dean in St. Cloud was arrested after being accused of molesting a student. This is the third Osceola County School District employee in two weeks accused of a sex crime. (Orlando Sentinel)

5. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is being sued in federal court by tech groups, after passing a “social media censorship” bill. DeSantis prioritized the bill after social media companies “deplatformed” former President Donald Trump after the 2020 Election and a violent insurrection on U.S. Capitol Hill that left multiple people dead. The lawsuit was expected by DeSantis. (Politico)

Today in Orlando:

• Orlando Carnival Downtown Weekend at Festival Park. (8 a.m.)
• Flavors of Winter Park Foodie Walking Tour. Enjoy a 2 1/2 hour walking tour of Winter Park’s famous Park Avenue with local historical commentary and 8 food samples. (10:30 a.m.)
• Rock N’ Blues Concert & Car Show at Lake Concord Park in Casselberry. (4 p.m.)
• Trap Soul: Tees in the Trap Edition at Celine Orlando. (5 p.m.)
• Saturday Sounds Concert at Apopka Amphitheater. (5 p.m.)
• Washington Street Outdoor Market at The Falcon Bar & Gallery. (5 p.m.)
• Orlando Solar Bears vs. Florida Everblades at Amway Center. (7 p.m.)

Orlando Patch Notebook:

• Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday has started. Grab important goods to prepare for Hurricane season tax-free.
• Orlando’s air and road traffic are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels according to Orlando Sentinel, but bus and SunRail are still not back yet. There is a similar phenomenon happening around the nation.
• A new report found that Orlando saw a 22% increase in the amount of plant-based meat products and 8% increase in plant-based dairy substitutes purchased this past year, according to Instacart.
• Walt Disney World has announced that they expect to return to full capacity by the end of 2021.
• DreamWorks Destination is now officially open at Universal Studios Orlando.
• Seminole County has flipped from red to blue in voter registration.
• Floridians will be able to use their hazard lights when it’s raining legally starting July 1st.

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured Classified: Gigs and Services — $99 Driveway Cleaning Savings Spectacular- NRC Pressure Washing

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.