Convenience Big Store: Bill voids Disney deal | No Orange 'puppy mega-mill'

Orlando Morning Report

Friday, May 5, 2023

Bill voids Disney deal | No Orange 'puppy mega-mill' | Cinco de Mayo

Good morning. It's Friday, May 5, 2023. Central Florida weather looks to be partly cloudy with a high of 88 and low of 70. Click here for more weather. We launched a new-look website this week. Read our FAQ to read everything you need to know.

Lawmakers OK bill to void Disney's Reedy Creek deal

TALLAHASSEE — The Republican-controlled Florida Senate took one last swipe at Disney on Thursday, voting to give the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board the power to cancel development agreements approved by the previous board controlled by the entertainment giant. The bill now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who called for the measure as part […]

Orange Zoning Board rejects proposed 'puppy mega-mill'

Animal-welfare advocates, most wearing red, erupted in applause Wednesday when an Orange County advisory board voted to deny a zoning exception for a dog breeder to build what critics derided as a "puppy mega-mill." Juan David Valencia Santa, who sought permission to build a 4,800-square-foot commercial kennel on four acres in rural east Orange, said […]

Cinco de Mayo in Orlando: Celebrate with events and deals

Cinco de Mayo typically involves tacos, margaritas and merriment for many across the United States. Here are ways to celebrate in Orlando.

DeSantis-backed libel bill appears to fail in Florida Legislature

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis' push to make it easier for prominent people to sue media outlets for defamation appears to have failed in the Legislature this year, one of the few things lawmakers didn't deliver for him as they finish their session Friday. The measure would have made sweeping changes to Florida's libel and defamation […]

Gillum found not guilty of lying to FBI, but mistrial declared

TALLAHASSEE — Former Florida Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum, who came within a whisker of defeating Republican Ron DeSantis in 2018, was acquitted Thursday of lying to the FBI in a corruption case that also involved illegal use of campaign contributions. But after five days of deliberations, the federal jury said it was deadlocked […]

Facing termination, Apopka attorney resigns: 'I'll save you the time'

Apopka City Attorney Michael Rodriguez tendered his resignation Wednesday, saying to the city, "I'll save you some money."

Ruth's Chris deal could bring Darden expansion to Asia

Orlando-based Darden Restaurants' $715 million deal to buy Winter Park's Ruth's Hospitality Group could open the door for other Darden brands to go global. Darden, which owns Olive Garden and other chain restaurants, revealed Wednesday the deal to acquire Ruth's, which has 80 company-owned or operated Ruth's Chris Steak House restaurants and 74 franchised locations. […]

DeSantis vendetta targets Worrell, sends shrapnel flying \| Editorial

In going after 9th Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell, Gov. Ron DeSantis is striking out at Central Florida voters, public safety.

Jonathan Isaac's return to Magic cut short but he remains optimistic for future

Magic forward Jonathan Isaac expects to have most of the summer to work on his game after rehabbing the last few offseasons.

Mother's Day offerings around Orlando

The Alfond Inn: This popular Winter Park spot will offer its annual Mother's Day Brunch on May 14 with two seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Menu features one complimentary welcome mimosa, multiple carving and serving stations, dedicated children's buffet and an impressive seasonal dessert display. $89/pp for adults; $29 for […]