🌱 MCO Spirit Airlines Customer Arrested + Vision 2050 Townhalls

Hello, everybody. Carlos Hernandez here with your Friday edition of the Orlando Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on:

• Orange County residents are fighting against a proposed Hindu temple in Gotha.
• An angry Spirit Airlines customer was arrested at MCO for putting an officer into a chokehold, according to police.
• An annual convention has been canceled over, citing Florida's toxic political culture.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 93 Low: 74.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. An Ohio man and Spirit Airlines customer was arrested for putting an officer with the Orlando Police Department in a chokehold during an incident at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Tuesday, according to police. Police said the man was upset with the staff at the ticketing desk and became aggressive. The suspect is facing one count of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, battery on a law enforcement officer, and disorderly conduct. (Fox 35)
2. Con of Thrones 2023, a “Game of Thrones” themed convention, has canceled its gathering due to Florida's "anti-humanitarian legislation," according to organizers. Those who purchased tickets will receive an email with the option to transfer tickets or get a refund. The convention was held in the Orlando area since 2017. (Click Orlando)
3. A Florida man is accused of shooting into a car in DeLand on Wednesday and was taken into custody, according to police. Authorities said the suspect in the incident is 26-year-old Oscar Torres. Anyone with information is asked to contact the DeLand Police Department or the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. (WESH)
4. Orange County residents in the Gotha community are fighting a proposed Hindu temple that along Hempel Avenue. Residents argue the building would make the area more flood-prone and not fit the character of the neighborhood. The temple has not gained approval yet. (WFTV)
5. Orange County is inviting residents to participate in townhalls for its upcoming Vision 2050. The townhall meetings will run through July 20. The meetings will focus on housing, transportation, and the individual needs of neighborhoods in the area. (Orange County Government, Florida)

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Today in Orlando:

Friday, June 30

• Leu Garden's Dinosaur Discovery Hunt. (9 a.m.)
• Art Of The Future — Orlando at Boxi Park Lake Nona. (5 p.m.)
• Evening At The Farm at Alaska Farms & Co. (6 p.m.)
• Flamenco Fridays at Jaleo Disney Springs. (7:30 p.m.)
• Teen Night at Astro Skate Orlando. (8 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Orlando. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• Visit Orlando shared: "No matter what house you're in, Hogwarts (and Orlando) will always be there to welcome you home. 🏰 ✨ #OrlandoForAll 📍: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter." (Visit Orlando via Instagram)
• Ricky Ly shared: "Did you know there is an epic food and beverage event that also helps to fight childhood hunger and homelessness in Central Florida? Taste Central Florida finally returns this year presented by Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and will be hosted at the Orlando World Center Marriott on Aug. 18." (Ricky Ly via Instagram)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "Congratulations to Master Police Officer Juan Gonzalez who is retiring after 28 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. MPO Gonzalez has worked in East Patrol, the Neighborhood Patrol Unit and the Criminal Investigations Division. He finishes out his long career as part of the Criminal Investigations Division at the airport." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• YMCA of Central Florida shared: "We're hiring teachers and assistant teachers at the Lake Buena Vista and Sherberth Learning Centers. If you enjoy impactful work that helps foster children’s social, physical, spiritual, and mental growth, we encourage you to apply." (YMCA of Central Florida via Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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