🌱 SeaWorld Orca Severely Injured Trainer + Brightline Orlando

Hey, neighbors! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. In today's issue, we have these stories and more:

• Brightline has hit a major milestone in Orlando.
• A trainer at SeaWorld was injured by an orca last year in a previously undisclosed incident.
• A Winter Park couple is in the middle of suing the owner of the submarine lost at sea.

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Now, today's weather: Heavy afternoon thunderstorms. High: 87 Low: 72.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. A trainer at SeaWorld Orlando was severely injured last year when one of the theme park's killer whale's bit her arm. The incident happened on June 13, 2022, according to a report made by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently obtained by WKMG and never widely reported before. The report said the victim was attempting to rinse the mouth of Malia, a 5,500-pound killer whale, and accidentally went within the less than 3-foot stay away rule. (Click Orlando)
2. Brightline in Orlando has finished construction in a major milestone and will soon connect Central Florida to South Florida on Sept. 1 during Labor Day Weekend. Tickets are now available for those interested. The project began in 2019 before the pandemic and could soon connect regions from Tampa to Miami. (Fox 35)
3. Orlando International Airport has announced that Bahamasair will resume its weekly non-stop flight service to Freeport, Bahamas. The route is seasonal and could provide a quick escape from Florida this summer. MCO is up for an award for 2023 North America’s Leading Airport. (All Ears)
4. The company that owns a submarine lost at sea after a recreational trip to see the Titanic is being sued by a Central Florida couple. Marc and Sharon Hagle from Winter Park filed a lawsuit against OceanGate's CEO Richard Stockton Rush in recent months after investing hundreds of thousands into the company without going on an expedition. (WESH)
5. F&D Woodfired Kitchen has re-opened in a new location in the Hourglass District. The new location is at 2635 Curry Ford Road. The restaurant was forced to re-locate after its previous property owner decided to convert real estate into apartments. (Bungalower)

Today in Orlando:

Thursday, June 22

• 9th Annual Biohacking Conference at Hyatt Regency Orlando. (8:30 a.m.)
• Realtor's Summer Brunch at Dockside Lake Nona. (10 a.m.)
• Happy Hour at Adega Gaucha Bar. (4:30 p.m.)
• TenX Tech Wall Street Takeover at Wall Street Plaza. (6 p.m.)
• O-Town Real Estate Investors at Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Official Gatorland Instagram shared: "Happy Birthday 🐊🌎 We are so thrilled to announce the arrival of the third generation of the mighty American crocodile, BONECRUSHER, here at Gatorland.🎉🥳" (Official Gatorland Instagram via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "On May 29, a suspect opened fire at a festival held at 2100 W. Washington St. Two adult victims were struck by gunfire. One of those victims was holding a young child in his arms and was fired upon multiple times at a close distance." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida shared: "Last week, our lovely Ms. Betty was recognized as the ELCOC Teacher of the Year by the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County for her amazing efforts as an educator." (Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com