🌱 SeaWorld Orlando Coral Rescue Center + Taco Bell Vegan Crunchwrap

Hello, neighbors! I'm Carlos Hernandez, back with your new copy of the Orlando Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today. Today you'll find news about...

• A new Coral Rescue Center has opened at SeaWorld Orlando.
• Three people were killed in a crash in Clermont early Friday morning.
• Foxtail Coffee Co. is seeking to join forces with Leu Gardens.

But first, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 90 Low: 72.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Taco Bell is testing its new Vegan Crunchwrap menu item in Orlando. Orlando is one of three cities selected to test the item due to its vegan population. The Taco Bell location testing the item is at 11893 East Colonial Dr. near the University of Central Florida. It features a plant-based protein as well as vegan blanco sauce and warm vegan nacho sauce. (Fox 35)
2. Foxtail Coffee is seeking to transform the gift shop space inside the Leu Gardens Welcome Center into a new "reimagined food, beverage, and retail cafe space," according to an Orlando city council agenda obtained by Bungalower. The new space would open by Dec. 1, if approved. (Bungalower)
3. SeaWorld Orlando has opened a new Coral Rescue Center at the theme park. It features over 350 coral colonies and 15 different species, with many of them being classified as endangered species. Corals were transferred from from Orlando's Florida Coral Rescue Center. (Spectrum News 13)
4. A 2-year-old toddler has died after parents in Orange City accidentally left the child in the family pickup outside their Highland Drive home Thursday afternoon. An investigation is underway. No charges have been filed in the case. Half of eight fatalities in the heat nationwide have been in Florida this summer. (WESH)
5. Three people were killed in a deadly crash early Friday morning in Clermont. The incident happened at 5:35 a.m. on State Road 33 at Bakers Lane when a pickup truck hit an asphalt truck. An investigation is underway into the incident. (Click Orlando)

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Today in Orlando:

• Brunch On Saturday at City Pub. (noon)
• Boxi Park's Summerween. (noon)
• Rose Growing Simplified at Harry P. Leu Gardens. (1 p.m.)
• Forbidden Kingdom 2023 at Central Florida Fair. (3 p.m.)
• Orlando City SC Vs. Colorado at Exploria Stadium. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando City SC shared: "✍️ Orlando City has signed midfielder Alejandro Granados to a short-term agreement from Orlando City B." (Orlando City SC via Instagram)
• Pet Alliance shared: "Some kitten season advice - Don't kit-nap kittens. Follow these guidelines if you come across a litter. 🐱 Want to learn more about kitten season and TNVR services? Check out the Cat Resource page on our website." (Pet Alliance via Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "I know that barbecue rankings can be controversial. But I still think it's pretty special that one of the restaurants in our Orlando Main Streets that has contributed to Orlando's vibrant food scene - Pig Floyd's Urban Barbakoa - is listed among the best barbecue spots in the entire country." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)

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• Play Day for a Cause at Kiddie Academy of Lake Nona (June 10)
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• Last day to register for Spikeball at JAX Beach Pier (June 13)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 16)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. See you all tomorrow 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com