🌱 Rep. Darren Soto Blasts Attacks On Disney + Miami Grill Revival

Hi all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Patch newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. In this issue, you'll learn about...

• Congressman Darren Soto recently criticized the attacks on Disney as bad for jobs and bad for the community in Orlando's Lake Nona neighborhood.
• Miami Grill is opening multiple locations in Orlando soon.
• A Central Florida restaurant owner's family joined protests Thursday against Florida's new immigration law and decried the impact the law will have on food and costs for business owners and consumers.

But first, today's weather: Thunderstorms. High: 83 Low: 71.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. A homophobic slur was displayed at Rick's Repair Shop in Tallahassee on Memorial Day, just ahead of the beginning of Pride Month. The incident comes just weeks after a sign that said "Kill The Gays" was displayed in Orlando on traffic signs and led to a police investigation. The incidents come as the state grapples with travel advisories and a partisan environment after the passage of the "Don't Say Gay" law in Florida. (Patch, Orlando Patch)
2. Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies are expected to head to Orlando this weekend for the annual Gay Days with organizing vowing to push back against new laws created by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-led state government. Over 150,000 people will flood Orlando's theme parks and hotels. The gathering will kick off at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. (WPTV)
3. Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL) has attacked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over his feud with Disney, stating the fight has hurt the economy in Central Florida. He said, "Divisive politics is bad for business and it’s bad for jobs." Disney pulled the plug on over 2,000 high-paying jobs and blamed Florida's "retaliation" against the major employer. (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel)
4. Miami Grill, previously known as Miami Subs, is coming to Orlando with two locations planned. Latin rapper and "Mr. Worldwide" Pitbull is an investor in the restaurant group. The chain is famous for its cheesecakes, wings, fries, salads, and more. (Orlando Weekly)
5. A well-known restaurant business in Central Florida's Apopka joined a protest against a controversial new immigration law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The business owners from the Honorato family closed for a day in solidarity and call on the government to acknowledge the contributions made by immigrants. They warned the increased cost of goods will be passed to consumers at restaurants and grocery stores. (WESH)

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Today in Orlando:

• Central Florida Homeless Education Summit 2023 at Windermere High School. (8:30 a.m.)
• Lunch & Learn: The Orlando Who? at Orange County Regional History Center. (noon)
• Opus 5 Woodwind Quintet at Timucua Arts Foundation. (7:30 p.m.)
• San Holo at The Vanguard. (9 p.m.)
• Miguel Migs at Iron Cow Cafe. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Weekly shared: "Orlando's 34-year-old football bowl is toasting to a new name & sponsor. 🏈🏟️ The college bowl formerly known as the Cheez-It Bowl is now the Pop-Tarts Bowl, as the brand takes the spot as the game's new title sponsor." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• City of Orlando shared: "Pride Month is underway. 🌈⛲️🦢 We’re proud to showcase Orlando’s Pride and diversity reaffirming our collective commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming and equitable community for all. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜" (City of Orlando - Government via Facebook)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "It’s an OPD Chief reunion at the Committee of 100 of Orange County Annual Meeting. Chief Smith had a great time catching up with former Orlando Police Chiefs: Paul Rooney; John Mina, Orange County Sheriff; and Thomas Hurlburt Jr." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "Orlando's newest signature park is open. Located in the new Packing District development at Princeton Street and Orange Blossom Trail, The Grove Park has 66 acres of space for residents to enjoy." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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