🌱 Paws In The Park + New York's Park Avenue Tavern Coming Soon

Hello, everybody! It's Wednesday in Orlando and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community. In today's issue, you'll read about these stories and more:

• The annual Paws in the Park is coming Feb. 12 to Lake Eola Park.
• Buc-ee's gas station could be opening its first gas station in Marion County soon.
• New York's Park Avenue Tavern is expanding to Winter Park in February.

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Now, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 77 Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando is hosting its annual Paws in the Park in Lake Eola Park on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested in attending can register themselves and their dogs online and invite others to join them for an awards ceremony, costume contests, and plenty of other fun at the festival and parade. (Bungalower)
2. The American Lung Association in Orlando hosted the 5th annual Lip Sync For Lungs, presented by AdventHealth, on Thursday, Jan. 12. The event raised more than $57,000 in charity funds to support the association in improving lung health and fighting lung disease. (Orlando Patch)
3. Marion County could soon have its first Buc-ee's gas station in Ocala. The new location would be the closest to Central Florida yet. The company is requesting a 30-acre site just east of I-75 and not far from Highway 326. The closest location right now is in Daytona Beach. (WESH)
4. New York's Park Avenue Tavern is expanding to Winter Park at 558 W. New England Ave. Items on the menu include burrata, watermelon salad, pastrami Reuben, and more. The restaurant will have a private VIP opening party on the 29th before opening to the public in early February. (Bungalower)
5. Orlando’s historic "Sioux Villa" is now available for sale. It is the previous home of Orlando's 13th mayor, Mahlon Gore. The home was restored in 2022 for the first time since 1996. The current asking price as of Tuesday is $1,297,777. (Orlando Weekly)

Today in Orlando:

• Wildflower Farm's Baby Goat Yoga. (9 a.m.)
• OCPS K-12 Mental Health Commission Meeting at Center for Health & Wellbeing. (11 a.m.)
• Trivia at CarePlus Community Center. (noon)
• Second Harvest's “Food For Thought” Tour To Kick Off Your New Year’s Resolutions. (6 p.m.)
• "Henry V" at Orlando Shakes. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Police Department shared: "Thank you OPD officers for assisting the Sanibel Police Department keeping their community safe as they recovered from Hurricane Ian." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• City of Orlando - Government shared: "Congratulations to FPR employee Rebecca Pickett, who was recently promoted to Parks Supervisor after 24 years with the city’s Parks Division." (City of Orlando - Government via Facebook)
• Orlando Health shared: "Our Diversity and Minority Business Development team, alongside Orlando Health team members and our partners from Orlando City Soccer Club, participated in the 39th Annual Downtown Orlando MLK Day parade." (Orlando Health via Facebook)
• Girls on the Run Central Florida shared: "We're proud to welcome Orlando Health as a Girl Power sponsor this year. They are dedicated to supporting their community and believe in our mission and our girls." (Girls on the Run Central Florida via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 20)
• ORLANDO FL LOCK & KEY SINGLES EVENT at Bitters & Bottles • Ages 21-59 • Better than Speed Dating! (January 21)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! See you tomorrow morning for 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 Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com