🌱 Orlando Police Officer Facing DUI Charges + Worrell Fights Back

Hello, hello! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Orlando Patch newsletter. Follow along to find out everything you need to know about what's going on these days in town. Today you'll read about:

• A political battle is heating up between Orlando State Attorney Monique Worrell and Gov. Ron DeSantis after a recent shooting
• Barbarella's John Gardner will speak at an exhibit this weekend at Orange County History Center
• An Orlando police officer is facing DUI charges after allegedly crashing his car while trying to pick up his daughter from after-school care in Seminole County

But first, today's weather: Very warm. High: 88 Low: 65.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. An Orlando police officer is facing DUI charges after allegedly crashing his car into a concrete barrier while attempting to pick up his daughter from after-school care on Tuesday, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. School officials said in an arrest report they were concerned the police officer was "unable to stand on his own and his eyes were bloodshot." (Click Orlando)
2. Orlando-based Tijuana Flats is planning a major expansion with 50 new locations expected by 2025. A new franchise development program is expected to fuel the growth for the Mexican fast-casual chain best known for its "Taco Tuesday" specials and wide-variety of hot sauces. (Subscription: Orlando Business Journal)
3. Orange County History Center’s Figurehead exhibition is hosting Barbarella's John Gardner for a dance music discussion on March 5. Gardner has owned numerous concepts including Faith in Physics, the Beach Club, Barbarella and I-Bar. (Orlando Weekly)
4. The National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express are teaming up to provide grants for historic restaurants that are small businesses in its "Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program." Orlando restaurants could be eligible for the grants. Interested historic small businesses should apply to the program by March 12. (Bungalower)
5. State Attorney Monique Worrell has lambasted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ actions blaming attorneys after a chaotic string of shootings as “shameful” as the battle between DeSantis and elected State Attorneys across Florida continues. “For this tragedy to be politicized, it’s shameful and we should all feel that way about it,” Worrell said. (Click Orlando)

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Today in Orlando:

• Coffee With The Court at Orange County Courthouse. (8 a.m.)
• Free Admission Museum at Osceola County Historical Society. (10 a.m.)
• Bingo at CarePlus Community Center. (11 a.m.)
• Open Mic Night at Iron Cow Cafe. (7 p.m.)
• Milk District Comedy Thursdays at Barley & Vine Biergarten. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tickets are now available for the 19th Dinner on the Avenue in Winter Park. The event will occur on Saturday, April 1 form 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Winter Park. (Bungalower)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "OFD congratulates Engineer David Giovannini on his retirement after 27 years of service. Happy retirement!" (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)
• Valencia College: "A significant piece of music history lives again this Thursday in Orlando. Sam Rivers started his jazz career in the 1950s. After spending time playing with Miles Davis, he launched out on his own musical journey of composing and performing avant-garde big band music. He moved to Orlando in the 90s and began performing and touring regularly with musicians here.⁣" (Valencia College via Instagram)
• Orange County, Florida 🍊 shared: "A new housing resource is now available for residents of Orange County. The Office of Tenant Services is officially open. This new office acts as a one-stop shop and clearinghouse to address landlord and tenant rights issues for citizens in unincorporated Orange County. It focuses on outreach and education for tenants and landlords by providing information about renting within Orange County." (Orange County, Florida 🍊 via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you all tomorrow morning for 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com