🌱 Rep. Eskamani's Rent Control Bill + Orlando Rideshare Drivers

Hello, neighbors! It's me again, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Daily.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cool. High: 65 Low: 53.

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Here are the top five stories in Orlando today:

1. Disney unsuccessfully worked behind the scenes for the past two months to try and convince Florida lawmakers that a bill restricting LGBTQ school lessons was not good policy. Lobbyists working for Disney set up a series of calls with the Florida Senate Education Committee Chairman before the bill received a hearing, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The legislation has led to protests in front of Walt Disney World in Orlando from LGBTQ activists and an apology from Disney CEO Bob Chapek for not publicly opposing the legislation. (Tampa Bay Times)

2. Orlando rideshare drivers for Uber and Lyft are considering other jobs due to rising gas prices, as oil rises from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "Now I use $240 to $300 a week for gasoline...a lot of money...I need to look for a different job," said Uber driver, Marco Padron. Uber has announced it will be implementing a temporary surcharge to offset the increased cost of gas starting March 16. (WESH)

3. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash involving a pedestrian in Brevard County at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday morning near the intersection of U.S. 1 and Pam Lem Street. Officials say an SUV was traveling southbound on U.S. 1 when a man walking in the same direction, stepped in front of the SUV. (WFTV)

4. The Swamp Sistas La La Foundation will host a benefit event today from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring a variety of entertainment at each of three Will's Pub venues, including Will’s Pub, Lil Indie’s and Dirty Laundry. Guests can enjoy improv comedy performances, an open jam session, live local bands and more. (Bungalower)

5. Central Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani's bill to repeal a law that blocks rent control is currently making its way through committees in Tallahassee, but the Florida legislature's session is expected to end on Monday. Until then there are local programs that aim to help citizens with home ownership in Central Florida. (Click Orlando)

Today in Orlando:

• Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras. (9:00 AM)
• Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park. (10:00 AM)
• Leesburg Arts Fuse Festival at Historic Downtown Leesburg. (10:00 AM)
• Apopka Fair at Kit Land Nelson Park. (12:00 PM)
• Central Florida Fair at Central Florida Fairgrounds. (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The St. Paddy's Day Truck Pull is being held on Saturday March 19 from 4 p.m to 9 p.m. and will include live music, food trucks, artisans and craft beer in a family-friendly environment. Admission is free to the event. (Historic Downtown Sanford)
• Some Orlando food businesses are supporting Ukraine this weekend including Foxtail Coffee (Winter Park), while other Ukrainian owned business are seeking local support. Food blog Tasty Chomps is also hosting a fundraiser for Ukraine. (Orlando Weekly)
• The Rotary Club of St. Cloud's 39th Annual Spring Fling will take place at St. Cloud’s Lakefront the first weekend of April. (Osceola News-Gazette)
• Viet-Nomz has opened its 3rd location out in Lake Mary. The Grand Opening was held on Friday. (Orlando Weekly)

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• Alternative Products Expo - Fort Lauderdale (March 13)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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.