UCF Donation + Disney World Fireworks + Portillo's Orlando

Good Morning. 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 learn about a donation to UCF, a new Chicago hot dog spot, return of fireworks, and more. Now, let’s get started.

Today’s weather: The high is 90 and the low is 75 with scattered thunderstorms. The chance of rain is 50%.

Here are the top 5 stories happening around Orlando:

1. Disney World is bringing back fireworks next month starting July 1st. The popular fireworks were halted during the pandemic. (Bay News 9)

2. Portillo’s is now open in The Village at O-Town West. The Chicago-based restaurant chain is known for dishes such as their Chicago-style hot dogs, famous Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, and Portillo’s famous chocolate cake. (Fox 35 Orlando)

3. Orlando City SC signed a 16-year-old Titusville native, Thomas Williams, to their team. The youngest player in Club history. He is the 11th Homegrown Player signing and the club’s third this year. (SB Nation)

4. Hundreds of healthcare positions are available in Central Florida amid a shortage. The final day of the AdventHealth led job expo will be at Amway Center today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Click Orlando)

5. MacKenzie Scott, the billionaire philanthropist, plans to give $40 million to the University of Central Florida - the most in history for the university. It will primarily fund programs through UCF’s endowment including scholarships, research, and partnerships. (Orlando Sentinel)

Today in Orlando:

• The Fernwood String Quartet at the University Club — Fernwood String Quartet (1 p.m.)
• Orange County Community Development Advisory Board meeting. (6 p.m.)
• Cocktails for Cause Benefitting Pace Center at The University Club. (6 p.m.)
• Jeep & Truck Night at the Ace. (6 p.m.)
• OrlandoVeganMarket (OVM) Night Market at The Veranda at Thornton Park. (6 p.m.)

Orlando Patch Notebook:

• Iceland Air is returning to Orlando International Airport starting July 24th.
• Universal Studios has opened a new Asian restaurant called Bend the Bao at CityWalk.
• Orange County Public School students can get free lunches at area libraries over summer break.
• City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer held a belated ribbon cutting at Mason Jar Provisions. The small business opened during the pandemic.

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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.