🌱Russian Ballet Orlando Suffers War Impact + Volusia County Scam

Good morning, Orlando! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in Orlando today.

First, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 82 Low: 68.

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Here are the top five stories today in Orlando:

1. Russian Ballet Orlando is feeling the impact of the Ukraine conflict. The ballet company has been impacted by negative comments on social media and has lost thousands of dollars. The president of the company, Katerina Fedotov, moved from Ukraine to Central Florida with her family 25 years ago. She shared, "Russian ballet is not where we are from or who we are; it is a style of dance that we teach. Russian ballet is the first method that was created." (Click Orlando)

2. A man was struck and killed early Wednesday around 12:30 a.m. in the tourist district of Orlando on Vineland Road near Kirkman Road, police said. Orlando police said the man was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The crash is under investigation. (Click Orlando)

3. A registered sex offender, 29-year-old Angel Cannella, is facing new charges after investigators said he was recording videos of young boys inside the bathroom of a local church. The incident happened at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Alafaya Trail. The Diocese of Orlando says they are aware of the allegations. (WFTV)

4. Detectives in Volusia County say a man convinced a woman he was a licensed contractor before allegedly scamming her out of more than $70,000. The sheriff's office says it has an arrest warrant for 39-year-old Joseph England, accusing him of falsely impersonating a licensed contractor, grand theft and obtaining property by fraud. (WESH)

5. The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is returning for its 63rd year on Friday, March 18th through Sunday, March 20th in downtown Winter Park. The event annually draws more than 350,000 visitors every year and this year's event will feature a Saturday night jazz concert the week before. (Bungalower)

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Today in Orlando:

• Tai Chi at 1st Unitarian Church of Orlando. (9:00 AM)
• JobNewsUSA.com Orlando Job Fair - March 10th at Embassy Suites By Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center. (10:00 AM)
• Walk For Wishes 2022 at Lake Eola Park. (5:00 PM)
• World Kidney Day Virtual Celebration And Patient Support Group Meeting at National Kidney Foundation of Florida. (6:00 PM)
• 1960s Bronx Theme Park Freedomland U.S.A. at The Villages. (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• After a lengthy campaign from activists with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Lakeland-based grocer Publix has dropped controversial coconut milk brand Chaokoh, which has been accused of using monkey slave labor.⁠ (Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer made a statement on the "Don't Say Gay" bill passing. He shared, "I'm disappointed, and I cannot imagine the frustration that members of our LGBTQ+ community feel today. But please know that your city has your back and together we will continue the work to make Orlando (and our state) a welcoming, inclusive place for residents of all ages." (Facebook)
• Orlando Police Department is hiring an Emergency Communications Specialist. Learn more online. (Facebook)
• On March 18, join Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for a 3D musical adventure across 26 national parks and 11 captivating cities, as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performs live. Get tickets online. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! 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.