🌱 Orlando Museum Of Art New Interim CEO + Holocaust Victim Swindled

Hello and happy Thursday! I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox this morning with the most important things happening locally. Today's issue includes...

• Orlando Museum of Art has a new interim executive director and CEO.
• A Central Florida woman has pleaded guilty to stealing millions of dollars from an elderly Holocaust survivor.
• Orlando Police are searching for a suspect accused of stealing guns from outside of a gun store.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 84 Low: 64.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. A Central Florida woman from Champions Gate has pleaded guilty to stealing from an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor from New York, who she met on an online dating site, of more than $2.8 million, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. She faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. (Orlando Patch)
2. Orlando Museum of Art has appointed Cathryn Mattson as its new interim executive director and CEO, starting May 1 of this year. A news release reads, "Cathryn’s deep history as a senior executive and commitment to the arts make her our clear choice to lead the Museum." The last director resigned amid a fake art scandal that has led to multiple arrests around the country. (Bungalower, ARTnews)
3. Orlando Police are searching for a suspect accused of stealing guns in a Central Florida robbery outside of a gun store. Authorities said the suspect fled the scene in a white Toyota Camry. Surveillance captured a photo of the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact Orlando Police or Crimeline. (WESH)
4. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing increased attacks from Republicans and conservative media over his decision to battle Disney. New critics include former Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey and the Wall Street Journal editorial board. Meanwhile, DeSantis continues to double down. (Subscription: New York Times, Wall Street Journal)
5. The Orlando Science Center is hosting its 11th annual Science of Wine benefit this weekend. There will be over 150 wines from around the world for guests to enjoy while supporting a good cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Orlando Science Center. (Orlando Weekly)

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Today in Orlando:

• Coffee Club Nona at Sam's Club Lake Nona. (8:30 a.m.)
• Orlando Speedworld Dragway's High Performance Racing. (4 p.m.)
• Opening Reception: Spring 2023 BFA Exhibition II at UCF Art Gallery. (5 p.m.)
• 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop at Downtown Arts District. (6 p.m.)
• Worry Free Flowers For Busy People at Harry P. Leu Gardens. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Visit Orlando shared: "Looking for a sweet escape? Look no further than Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal's CityWalk. Indulge in decadent desserts, delicious milkshakes, and unique chocolate creations that satisfy any sweet tooth." (Visit Orlando via Instagram)
• Orlando Food & Travel Guide shared: "A spring 🌺 twist on the flavors of Latin America have debuted at Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant BACÁN (@bacanlakenona) located at Lake Nona Wave Hotel." (Orlando Food & Travel Guide via Instagram)
• Downtown Orlando shared: "Introducing PrettySMART Studios: Your creative oasis in the heart of DTO. PrettySMART Studios is an event space and media production company founded by creatives for creatives." (Downtown Orlando via Instagram)
• Pet Alliance shared: "This National Volunteer Week, we'd like to highlight some of the passionate individuals that help us care for our cats and dogs in the shelters. First up, let's get to know a few of our Downtown Orlando cat shelter Kitty Cuddlers." (Pet Alliance via Instagram)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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