🌱 Petland Orange County Fined $85K + Flight Cancellations Continue

Hi there, Orlando! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including updates on:

• Petland in Orange County has been ordered to pay $85,000 to customers by the State of Florida.
• The Orlando Bike Coalition is looking for new board members with urgent availability.
• Airline cancellations continued at MCO on Wednesday for holiday travelers.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cool. High: 62 Low: 41.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Petland in Orange County has been ordered to pay $85,000 to consumers after the Florida attorney general’s office said customers were scammed and sold sick or dying puppies. Petland has already paid $123,000 in refunds to customers. The total monetary relief for customers now stands at $200,000. (Click Orlando)

2. Attorneys for a man accused of killing a Daytona Beach police officer are seeking records on who donated to the victim's family. The defense team wants GoFundMe to reveal the location of who donated to the victim at the tune of $388,000. (WFTV)

3. Police are asking the public for help after two people allegedly robbed and vandalized a Salvation Army store on Union Street in Kissimmee during Christmas Eve. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kissimmee Police Department. (WESH)

4. The Orlando Bike Coalition is looking for new board members to help them advocate for cyclists. The group works with local goverment groups and advisory boards. Applications are available online and must be completed by Saturday, Dec. 31, so apply soon if interested. (Bungalower)

5. Southwest Airlines canceled over over one hundred flights out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Wednesday, as travel woes continue for those trying to return home from Christmas holidays. Southwest Airlines has canceled 49 percent of the airport's canceled flight, according to Flight Aware. (Fox 35 Orlando)

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Today in Orlando:

• Orlando Magic Vs. Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Center (6 p.m.)
• Goat Yoga at Alaska Farms Orlando. (6 p.m.)
• Orlando's New Christmas Pop-Up Bar: The Mistletoe Lounge at Blue Martini. (6 p.m.)
• Ghosts Of Orlando: Haunting Stories & Legends Outdoor Game at Chinese Pagoda. (7 p.m.)
• Jim Brickman - A Very Merry Christmas LIVE! at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts.(7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Police Department shared: "Chief Smith and a group of patrol officers stopped by to see OPD’s AWESOME Emergency Communications Specialists who are working around the clock to support our officers in keeping our City of Orlando safe." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "Orlando Wetlands Park is a hidden jewel for our community. Its new boardwalk, which we unveiled last week, will help visitors access more of the park in east Orange County." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Park Manor at Green Tree shared: "Looking to see if anyone spotted our dog. - He goes by Jackson, Jackie, or Jackie Bobos. He is mostly black and has some spots of white Pointer/Collie medium to large size dog. He is a bit deaf and about 14 years old." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Lake Buena Vista shared: "Room for rent in a three bedroom apt at Sabam Palm at Lake Buena Vista. - $840 plus electricity and internet. In unit laundry, pool and gym in the complex. Includes queen sized bed and shared bathroom with one more person." (Nextdoor)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— 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