🌱 Smoke And Donuts Opens + Orlando's First 'Listening Bar' Coming

Hi all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Patch newsletter — here to tell you everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Today you'll read about:

• Smoke and Donuts is now open in Orlando's Milk District
• The first "listening bar" is opening soon in downtown Orlando
• Officials are addressing concerns after a five-acre Kissimmee plastic facility recently caught fire

But first, today's weather: Some sun; breezy, cooler. High: 70 Low: 56.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. Orlando will soon have its first "listening bar," a trend that is catching on across the nation. The bar will be called Proper and is planned at 112 S. Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando. The concept comes from the same group behind businesses including SideBar, Hanson's Shoe Repair, and Room 22. (Subscription: Orlando Business Journal)
2. Central Florida residents are concerned about potential health implications after a five-acre fire at a Kissimmee nursery supply company. Plastic burned in the fire; however, public health officials said the fumes are not toxic to residents. (Fox 35 Orlando)
3. A new bill has been filed to improve theme park and amusement ride safety after the tragic death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson at ICON Park in Orlando. Florida fined Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot $250,000 in November 2022 after the deadly incident and permanently revoked the permit of the company. The bill was filed by State Sen. Geraldine Thompson of Orlando. (WESH)
4. Smoke and Donuts is now open in Orlando's Milk District at 601 N. Primrose Ave. The menu includes a variety of barbeque items, sandwiches, doughnuts, and more. Vegetarian options are also available. (Bungalower)
5. A teacher in Central Florida being charged with child abuse after an incident that took place on Feb. 8 at River Springs Middle School in Orange City. The teacher allegedly slapped an 11-year-old student. (WESH)

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Today in Orlando:

• Toddler Time at Launch Entertainment Park Orlando. (8 a.m.)
• Celebrating Black Arts And Culture at Orange County Regional History Center. (10 a.m.)
• February Vendor Market at Ellipsis Brewing. (1 p.m.)
• Jalen Baker at Timucua Arts Foundation. (7:30 p.m.)
• Sidepiece at The Vanguard. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Weekly shared: "A record-setting 12 manatees were released back into the wild in Central Florida after rehabilitation in a single day this week, thanks to the efforts of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "Tina, Marylouise, and Yolanda, Thank you for your 25 years each of continued dedication and service to City of Orlando! It's amazing that the three of you have dedicated a total of 75 years to our 911 Communications Division." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "Honored to be a part of Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost’s ceremonial swearing-in ceremony at our Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center. He's committed to serving our city in Washington, D.C., and I'm proud to call him my congressman." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)

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That's it for today. See you next time.

— 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