🌱 SeaWorld Releases Virtual Ice Breaker Coaster Footage + New York-based Fresh&co Opens

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. Here's everything you need to know today in town.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 76 Low: 57.

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Here are the top five stories today in Orlando:

1. In the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan area, a total of 524,044 COVID-19 cases have been reported as of January 19th. Adjusted for population, there have been 21,387 reported infections for every 100,000 people in the area, above the national average. Seminole County has the lowest per capita infection rate in the Orlando metro area and a relatively low per capita fatality rate. (24/7 Wall St. Orlando)

2. SeaWorld Orlando has released virtual ride footage of its new Ice Breaker roller coaster that is opening later this month. Ice Breaker begins passholder previews Sunday, January 30th and then opens to all SeaWorld visitors on Friday, February 18th. (Theme Park Insider)

3. New York-based, fast-casual chain fresh&co opened its first Florida location in Orlando on Thursday. The restaurant is located at 7728 West Sand Lake Road and will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, according to a news release. (Click Orlando)

4. An investigation is underway after an East Ridge High student was raped going to school bus stop, Lake County deputies say. The suspect allegedly wore a medical face mask, hat, and hoodie. (WESH)

5. Winter Park Police Chief Michael Deal was arrested by Seminole County deputies on domestic violence charges, city officials said late Wednesday. Both of Deal’s daughters said they witnessed the incident. (WFTV)

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Today in Orlando:

• Tai Chi in the Garden at Mead Botanical Garden (10:30 AM)
• Butterfly Lifestyle's Free Food Distribution at New Life Church. (11:30 AM)
• Florida Film Academy's Kids Night Out: Wands & Wizards. (5:30 PM)
• Boys Soccer vs. Winter Park @ Home at Boone High School. (6:00 PM)
• Winter Garden's Friday on the Plaza. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Orlando City SC signed defender Rodrigo Schlegel to new contract. (Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department is searching for 63-year-old Rufus Bynum III and asking the community for help. His family has not heard from Mr. Bynum, who has dementia, for over 20 days now, the same day he heard his son had died. He was last seen at the 3700 block of Starks Street on the west side of Orlando. (Facebook)
• The 2022 Epcot International Festival of the Arts is happening now through February 21st, 2022. Guests can enjoy a month-long festival that includes delicious culinary offerings, photo ops, chalk art, live entertainment, art seminars, and more. (Instagram)
• Orlando Science Center is hiring a curator for upcoming exhibit LIFE, who will provide leadership and direction for animal welfare programs and conservation efforts. (Instagram)
• Ford’s Garage, a burger-and-craft-beer franchise that gives the vibe of being in a 1920s service station, recently opened its newest franchise location in Orlando, located at 5375 Hamlin Groves Trail in Winter Garden. (Patch)

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That's it for today. 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.