🌱 Orlando Woos Tampa Bay Rays + Pine Hills Gun Violence Townhall

Hi all. I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Orlando Patch newsletter. Let's get this Wednesday started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on:

• The co-founder of the Orlando Magic is trying to capture the interest of the Tampa Bay Rays in Central Florida.
• A City of Kissimmee employee is accused of recording over 150 adults and children using the restroom.
• State Attorney Monique Worrell held a townhall this week in Pine Hills addressing gun violence.

But first, today's weather: An afternoon t-storm or two. High: 93 Low: 73.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Discussions of a potential Orlando MLB stadium are reportedly meant to draw the attention of the Tampa Bay Rays by Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams or a new team. The stadium was be located in the tourist district near International Drive by SeaWorld Orlando and feature 45,000-seats on 35.5 acres. (St. Pete Patch)
2. An employee at city of Kissimmee is accused of secretly recording over 150 people using the bathroom, including children on a cruise ship from Miami, according to the FBI. He is facing charges of video voyeurism. Authorities said the incident happened on the Harmony of the Seas cruise from April 30 to May 6. The employee has worked for the city since 2004 and confessed to police, according to authorities. (Click Orlando)
3. Universal Orlando Resort is offering Americans and Canadians a new deal that includes an extra three days of theme park fun with a two-day ticket. Minion Land and Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast are coming this summer to Universal. Guests can also upgrade their ticket and add Universal Volcano Bay. (Attractions Magazine)
4. A Florida man is accused of smacking a school employee on a Marion County bus. The man was reportedly upset his son was not allowed to ride the bus and confronted the bus driver. The father denies the allegations. (WESH)
5. A gun violence townhall was held by State Attorney Monique Worrell in Pine Hills on Monday as part of a series to connect with the community. Worrell is seeking funds for "community violence intervention" and hopes to give the community good news soon. One thing lacking in the community that residents want to focus on is economic opportunities. (Spectrum 13)

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Today in Orlando:

• Magical Midway's Half-Priced Arcade Games. (10 a.m.)
• Southwest LEGO Club at Southwest Branch Library. (4 p.m.)
• Goat Yoga at Alaska Farms Orlando. (6 p.m.)
• The Wednesday Wine Down In Lake Nona at Drive Shack Orlando. (6:30 p.m.)
• Tibetan Meditation With Puja Madan at Timucua Arts Foundation. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Weekly shared: "America's favorite beer festival, BEER 'MERICA, is happening on Saturday, May 20 at the stunning lakeside of Gaston Edwards Park in Lake Ivanhoe." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Valencia College shared: "Congrats to all of our #ValenciaGrads who earned their bachelor's degree on Sunday. ❤️" (Valencia College via Instagram)
• Visit Orlando shared: "Here's a sweet way to start your day! At Sampaguita Ice Cream, you can indulge in various delicious desserts like their Ube Brownie Sundae and massive Halo Halo Sundae and sample every ice cream flavor." (Visit Orlando via Instagram)

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