🌱 State Rep. Anna Eskamani Chides New Immigration Law + Pulse Ribbons

Hi all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Orlando Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town these days. Including news about:

• Prayer ribbons are being displayed at Orlando City Hall in honor of the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016.
• Central Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani has chimed in as Republicans decry their own immigration law and its impact on agriculture and construction.
• Two groups have canceled planned conventions in Orlando amid a heated political climate in Florida.

But first, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 90 Low: 74.

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Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Prayer ribbons are being displayed this week with names of the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting outside of Orlando City Hall. The Pulse shooting occurred on June 12, 2016. A gathering will be held on Friday at City Hall Commons Plaza at 1:30 p.m. with City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. (WFTV)
2. Florida Republicans have admitted that a new immigration law is hurting employment at farms and other businesses as migrant families leave the state for other opportunities in Georgia and other states. Republican elected officials at the townhall asked migrants to stay and work despite the new law. Central Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani chimed in, "Welcome to the reality of your policy decisions." (Florida Politics)
3. Moms For Liberty has been labeled an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The group is based in Melbourne and joins the far-right's Oath Keepers, Proud Boys, and Patriot Front. Chapters are present throughout the state. The members of the group are supporters of Florida's controversial "Don't Say Gay" law. (Across Florida Patch)
4. A 21-year-old man from Osceola County is accused of raping a child in Kissimmee. Osceola County deputies are warning that there could be multiple victims involved. The suspect is currently charged with multiple counts of sexual battery and lewd lascivious molestation. (Click Orlando)
5. Two groups have canceled planned conventions in Orlando amid a heated political climate in Florida. The groups include AnitaB.org and Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. Both groups are political in nature. The decisions come as LGTBQ+ and multicultural organizations pass travel advisories against the state of Florida. (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel)

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Today in Orlando:

• Do Good, Have Fun Community Clean Up at Hankins Park. (5 p.m.)
• The Unreal Garden - Orlando at Boxi Park Lake Nona. (5 p.m.)
• Educating Eats Culinary Series: Cooking For Diabetes at Center For Health & Wellbeing. (6 p.m.)
• Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk. (6:30 p.m.)
• Gametime's Play Your Way. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Weekly shared: "Arguing that the measure has violated speech rights and led to discrimination, attorneys for students, parents and teachers are urging a federal appeals court to revive a challenge to a 2022 Florida law that restricts instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Valencia College shared: "Throwback to the summer kick-off event held at East Campus on June 1. Students were able to cool down with Italian ice, networking and summer vibes. 😎☀️🌸" (Valencia College via Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "Henry has much to be proud of. Over the years, he has played a role in helping our city's food scene grow. He may be the first, but I'm certain Henry won't be the last Orlando chef to be a finalist for a James Beard Award." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "OFD’s Chief Salazar spoke to senior citizens at the Hispanic Safety Summit at Englewood Neighborhood Center. Firefighter Benigno Sevilla along with Station 11 Firefighters were there to teach CPR Hands Only to all the seniors." (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)

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• Taxes in Retirement (June 8)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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