🌱 UCF Accused Of Hoarding Pandemic Funds + Seminole Tribe Gambling Lawsuit

Happy Monday, neighbors! Here's what's going on today in Orlando.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 82 Low: 61.

Here are the top stories in Orlando today:

1. Polk State College in Winter Haven is eliminating $1.2 million in student debt to alleviate financial hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Students enrolled at the college between March 1st, 2020, and June 30th, 2021, are eligible for the debt cancellation. In addition, the debts of students who were sent to collections during that period are also being taken care of by the school. (WSVN)

2. The Seminole Tribe of Florida shut down its online sports betting app on Saturday after being dealt its latest legal defeat in a case that has halted a massive expansion of gambling throughout Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis made a deal with the tribe earlier this year and the state was poised to receive $20 billion over the next 30 years for exclusive rights to the tribe. The lawsuit is being pursued by Florida residents who say the gambling deal is illegal. (WFTV)

3. Spreading cheer: Gatorland is offering a special discount to senior citizens over age 60 on admission of half off a single-day through the end of December. Gatorland is inviting everyone to celebrate the holidays with its Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down Christmas event. (Spectrum 13)

4. The University of Central Florida (UCF)’s faculty union is accusing the university of hoarding millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds. Of the $164.8 million given to UCF, the university had spent just shy of $53 million, or roughly 32%, by the end of September. The funds can be used on payroll, but the university says the funds are already planned for other university needs. (Orlando Weekly)

5. Officials say a 57-year-old Florida man, who served as the music minister at a church, is accused of fatally shooting his wife and two adult children. The minister told investigators that he shot his wife and children multiple times “just to make sure they didn’t suffer." (WESH)

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Today in Orlando:

• Colorful Christmas - Crayola Experience Orlando. (10:00 AM)
• Feed Our Minds - Alzheimer's Association. (12:30 PM)
• Winter Garden Village's Merry Monday. (4:30 PM)
• Freshman Boys Basketball Game v Timber Creek. (5:00 PM)
• Lady Braves Basketball vs. Edgewater @ Edgewater. (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: On Wednesday night, bring your friends over for dinner and drink delivery during Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party. bit.ly/3o7KyEa Part of our revamped Frontyard Festival™, presented by AdventHealth Orlando. Show sup... (Facebook)
• Creative City Project: "Looking for some live theater this holiday season? Check out Renaissance Theatre’s “Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show” for an extra fun, modern holiday show! #orlandoart #livetheater" (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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 Daily? I'm all ears. You can contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.