'Suspicious' Hit-And-Run + Fishing Tournaments + Local Artists

Good morning. My name is Carlos Hernandez and I am back to update you on the latest happening in the Orlando area. Just a few more days to go until Memorial Day weekend!

In today’s issue, you’ll learn about the return of an art showcase, a hit-and-run that killed a Sanford woman, efforts for housing, and more.

Today’s weather: The high is 93 and the low is 69 with partly cloudy skies.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando:

1. Congressman Darren Soto in Kissimmee is hoping to secure $1 million in federal funding to support Hope Partnership’s housing proposal. The idea is to transform a struggling hotel into rapid re-housing. Affordable housing continues to be an issue around the Orlando area as more people move to Florida and rent climbs. (Spectrum New 13)

2. Lake County is planning to bring in more bass fishing tournaments with the county deciding this week on whether to commit $325,000 dollars in tourism development funds to support it. (WMFE)

3. Orlando Museum of Art has unveiled the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art will return next month after a 2020 hiatus due to the pandemic. It will showcase both local artists and those from around the state. One artist will receive a $20,000 prize for their art. (Orlando Weekly)

4. A 35-year-old Sanford woman was “suspiciously” killed in a hit-and-run. Police are investigating whether the driver intentionally hit the woman. (Click Orlando)

5. Vaccinated SeaWorld employees can now take off their masks, the first theme park to do so. Employees are required to provide confirmation of vaccinations to the theme park first. (Orlando Sentinel)

Today in Orlando:

• Mayor’s Committee on Livability and Healthy Aging meeting. (9 a.m.)
• Fruit Trees for Central Florida at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Tips on growing your own fruits in Central Florida. (2 p.m.)
• GMF Exclusive Cocktail Party at Tapa Toro. (5:30 p.m.)
• Bingo Night at Hourglass Brewing. Win up to $250 in gift cards at this weekly event. (7 p.m.)
• Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns at Exploria Stadium in Downtown Orlando. (7 p.m.)
• Workout at Topgolf Orlando. Dance, eat, and golf while enjoying live music. (8 p.m.)

Orlando Patch Notebook:

• The Monroe is now open in Downtown Orlando and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was there to celebrate.
• Downtown Orlando business owners are pushing back against efforts to end late night patio outdoor seating saying it could hurt their businesses.

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That's all for today. I will be back tomorrow with the latest happening in Orlando. My inbox is open if you have any tips to send or want to reach out: orlando@patch.com.

-Carlos Hernandez

About me: I have lived in Florida since 1999 and covered the Orlando area for nearly 10 years, mainly with a focus on food through my blog at CarlosEats.com.