Transgender Sports Ban + Mt. Dora Pride Proclamation + Openings

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday! My name is Carlos Hernandez and I am back to update you on the latest happening in the Orlando area.

In this issue, you'll about a new transgender sports ban in Florida, LGBTQIA+ Pride Proclamation in Lake County, events coming to Orange County Convention Center, and more. Now, let's get started.

Today’s weather: The high is 88 and the low is 74 with scattered thunderstorms.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando:

1. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a transgender sports ban on the first day of LGBTQ Pride month. This adds Florida to a list of states passing bans against transgender participation in sports. (Orlando Sentinel)

2. Mount Dora has a LGBTQIA+ Pride Proclamation recognizing June as Pride month. It is the first county in Lake County to sign a proclamation, and activists hope it won’t be the only one. (Spectrum News 13)

3. Orange County Convention officials say that events are coming back starting in June and Orlando’s tourist district is very excited for the business it will bring. 15 events are scheduled for June starting with an event that will draw 6,000. (Fox 35 Orlando)

4. A video from a theme park blogger was shared this weekend showing Portillo’s Orlando in “soft opening”. The Chicago hot dog and Italian beef icon has been out in Tampa for a few years now, but is making a trek across the state now. (Fox 35 Orlando)

5. Costco plans to open a new location in Clermont. The new location will be 151,000 square feet and will bring temporary construction jobs and hundreds of full-time retail positions to the area. (Orlando Business Journal)

Today in Orlando:

• Orange County Housing Finance Authority at County Administration Building. (8:30 a.m.)
• Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District meeting at Barnett Park Dolphin Room. (9 a.m.)
• Lake Eola Park Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Site at Lake Eola Park. (9 a.m.)
• Local Craft Food Manufacturers and Hospitality Job Fair at East End Market. (11 a.m.)

Orlando Patch Notebook:

• A new bakery called Sugar Dough Bakehouse is opening in Audubon Park.
• Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Nikki Fried, has announced a run for Governor.
• Forbes is reporting that Governor Ron DeSantis is crafting a cruise line exemption for his “vaccine passport” ban.
• Orlando ranks among the top 50 cities for hipsters.

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.