Today we’re introducing you to our new business and partnerships manager, Yadia Suarez. Yadia is a former Miamian who got lost in advertising in NYC for a short stint before making her way back to The Sunshine State and ultimately to The City Beautiful.

THE SKINNY ON YADIA

Yadia loves fewer things more than her pup, Mia, her grandpa, her fiance and her Cuban heritage. With a background in media sales and strategy, she’s coming in hot, connecting us with local businesses and organizations that love Orlando and want to help us do more cool work about it.

Favorite Neighborhood: “I am a little biased because I live here but …Winter Park. I truly love people-watching on the Avenue.”

Favorite place for a cocktail: How about favorite day and place? On Sundays  Courtesy downtown (right next to Saddle Up) provides complimentary Pig Floyds with a purchase of a cocktail. Pro Tip – get there around 4 to get the food while it’s hot!

Favorite restaurant: Kabooki Sushi

Best off-the-beaten-path spot in town: You’ll probably be ashamed of me but after three years, I just discovered Pom Pom’s in the Milk District. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Your perfect Orlando weekend: Anything that involves hanging out with my Maltese, Mia, and my fiancé. You can say that we are crazy (cool) dog parents.

Favorite town/weekend getaway only a drive away: MOUNT DORA. It is such a cute town with great food, art and live music. If you appreciate history, I recommend staying at Lakeside Inn (it was built in 1883). Plus they have the best views. For brunch and cocktails, walk over to 1921. Save room for dessert and try the milk chocolate, Panna Cotta. (Hey, we love Mount Dora too. Check out our itinerary for a day trip.)

Fun Fact: When I was in high school I was a karate instructor … true story!

Finish this sentence: You’re not a true Orlandoan if you’ve never … received a text message from a friend who is dropping in from out of town saying “Hey, I’m in Orlando, want to meet up? I’m staying at {Insert Disney Property here} – is that close to you?”

Know someone Yadia should meet? Hit reply and let us know.

We regret the error. Last Tuesday, we highlighted Church Street as a Pulpism and incorrectly stated that the Church Street district was purchased by Digvijay Gaekward and Rob Yeager. Thanks to insight from Church Street Orlando, we want to clarify that they purchased a few buildings on Church Street, not the whole district. The district itself is a 501c6 non-profit made up of property owners, commercial businesses and stakeholders. Thanks team Church Street for helping us out with the correction!

Do you have your passport? Your Florida state parks passport, that is. There are 175 state parks in Florida, and for just $17.99, a passport guide to all of them could be yours. If you and the fam visit all the parks and collect all the stamps, you win free entrance to any state park for a year. (Orlando Date Night Guide)

Save these digits. Victim Service Center of Central Florida (VSC) is expanding to Seminole County after 20 years of service in Orange County. VSC serves victims of sexual assault with free therapy services and collaborates regularly with police departments and first responders. Those who might need help can call the 24/7 hotline – (407) 500-4325. (Wesh)

The green shirts are coming, the green shirts are coming. The Downtown Ambassador program started on Wednesday. A team of 17 Orlandoans will serve the city by assisting with hospitality, acting as safety escorts, reporting suspicious behavior or aggressive panhandling, and working with the Downtown Clean Team on beautification efforts. Call or text  (407) 902-4374 to get in touch with an ambassador or look for them on the streets in their bright green shirts. (Click Orlando)

A Pulse update. Attorney Solomon Radner is representing more than 50 Pulse survivors in a lawsuit claiming that Orlando police officers violated their civil rights by not apprehending the shooter fast enough, and by detaining survivors on the night of the attack until they gave statements. Federal Judge Byron ruled that Radner has two weeks to file a more detailed complaint, including exact accounts of what happened to the victims and how their rights were violated. (Orlando Sentinel)

Don’t skip this one. Epcot is featuring American Indian art from 40 tribes across the country in a newly opened exhibit called Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art. The showcase will feature historic pieces along with modern art, including features from Florida’s own Seminole tribe. (WFTV 9)

HUNGRY?

Then don’t look at this year’s Epcot Food and Wine festival menu.

You’re welcome.

– Pulptown