🌱 UCF Removes Anti-Racist Statements + Tower Of Terror Billboard

Hey, neighbors! I'm back with your new edition of the Orlando Daily. Here's all the community news you need to know right now...

First, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 89 Low: 77.

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Here are the top five stories in Orlando today:

1. The long-standing Tower of Terror billboard was permanently removed Wednesday night on World Drive by Disney World. The removal of the sign will not impact the ride at Hollywood Studios. (Spectrum News 13)

2. A master sergeant in the Marion County Sheriff's Office, 45-year-old Joshua Sonnes, was arrested Thursday after a domestic violence attack, according to a news release. Investigators say Sonnes hit the victim with an HDMI cable. (Click Orlando)

3. NBA superstar and Finals MVP Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors recently purchased a new home in Winter Park, according to property records. Real estate website Zillow show the four bedroom, five bathroom, 4,200 square foot house sold for $2.1 million. (Fox 35)

4. The median home price in Orlando hit $387,000 in June, the fifth new record and a 22.9% increase over the same time last year, according to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association. The increase comes amid a rise in inventory and a cooling overall market. (Subscription: Orlando Sentinel)

5. Several anti-racist statements put out by University of Central Florida (UCF) departments have been scrubbed from department websites following the enactment of Florida's Stop WOKE Act. The statements were put out after the murder of George Floyd and the nationwide protests that followed. (Orlando Weekly)

Today in Orlando:

• Yoga In The Garden at Mead Botanical Garden. (9 a.m.)
• WOB Bar & Kitchen Orlando Hosts 'Muggles & Mimosa Brunch!' (11 a.m.)
• Summer Splash at Al-Marah Arabian Horses. (1 p.m.)
• Chicago Summer Stock Production at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts. (2 p.m.)
• Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam at Amway Center. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orange County Sheriff's Office is hosting a Back to School Bash today. It will be giving out free backpacks, school supplies and haircuts. Child must be present to receive a backpack and supplies. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2500 West Colonial Drive. (Twitter)
• Check out the food and drinks at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2022 with ThrillGeek. The festival runs through November 19 at the Walt Disney World Resort. (YouTube)
• Kentucky-based ScionHealth is opening its first Orlando hospital for long-term and medically complex patients. The new hospital is planned to open in 2024. (Subscription: Orlando Business Journal)
• A new attraction at Orlando's ICON Park called The Bullseye Blast is drawing scrutiny. The ride allows people to shoot at targets around the amusement park complex. Critics have referred to the new game as "insensitive" and referred to it as a "mass shooting simulator." (WFLA)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! 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 Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com