🌱 Orlando Rent Dips Slightly + Orlando Drag Show Venue Warned By FL

Hello all. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Orlando Daily, filled with all the local news you need to know right now. In today's issue, you'll read about these stories and more...

• Rent finally saw a dip in the Orlando area, but still remains far above pre-pandemic levels.
• Demand for rental cars in Orlando surged amid traveler woes and a meltdown at Southwest Airlines.
• The Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation has been placed on notice by the State of Florida over a drag show held during Christmas.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 77 Low: 59.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Orlando saw a 0.5 percent rent decrease in November 2022 to an average asking rent of $2,008 per month, far above pre-pandemic levels amid growing demand to move to Florida. Florida was the fastest growing state this year and added 414,771 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel, Free: Axios)

2. The demand for rental cars has surged in Orlando after Southwest Airlines canceled thousands of flights during the Christmas holiday. Several travelers chose to rent cars to get to their destinations instead of waiting days for flights to become available amid one of the worst meltdowns in recent memory for an airline. (WESH)

3. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation sent a notice letter to The Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation on Wednesday regarding the performance of “A Drag Queen Christmas” by the group Drag Fans. The state accused the venue of "the exposure of sexual organs, simulated sexual activity, and/or the sexualization of children’s stories." The state of Florida is ramping up investigations and warnings into drag shows and the venues that host them. (Click Orlando)

4. The Jazzberry Jammin' New Year’s Eve party is coming to Crayola Experience Orlando. Planned activities include new year’s coloring pages, customizing a Jazzberry Jam crayon, as well as a confetti countdown. The main event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the dance party will be from noon to 4 p.m. (WFTV)

5. Orlando Fringe is opening Fringe ArtSpace on Jan. 11, 2023 and has released a programming schedule for the first and third quarter in the space. The location is at 54 W. Church Street above where Graffiti Junktion once stood. (Bungalower)

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Today in Orlando:

• Tremonti Sings Sinatra at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts. (4:30 p.m.)
• Rollins College Men's Basketball at Eckerd College (5 p.m.)
• Orlando Solar Bears Vs. Florida Everblades at Amway Center. (7 p.m.)
• Milk District Comedy Thursdays at Barley & Vine Biergarten. (8 p.m.)
• Cocktails & Karaoke at Elixir. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Police Department shared: "Congratulations to Sergeant Dan Robertson on his promotion to Lieutenant! Lt. Robertson has been with OPD since 2008, serving in the Patrol Services Bureau, Downtown and Parramore Bikes and the Patrol TAC Unit." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "Orlando Police just expanded our team of Traffic Control Specialists. They help manage pedestrian safety and traffic flow during City of Orlando - Government events." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Central Florida Zoo shared: "Make sure your new year is bright by joining us for New Year's Eve at Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Night, presented by Publix! This is sure to be a wild celebration." (Central Florida Zoo via Instagram)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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 Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com