It’s Friday, Orlando. Per usual, we’ll see mixed clouds and sun again today with some scattered thunderstorms. Highs will be around 89. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Gov. DeSantis Tied Up in Yet Another Lawsuit

• Universal Orlando Unveils Details about New Epic Universe Park

Let’s dive in.

POLITICS

Gov. DeSantis Tied Up in Yet Another Lawsuit

Driving the news: A former Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) chief of staff, Shane Desguin, is suing Gov. Ron DeSantis and top aides, claiming he was forced to retire for refusing to carry out allegedly illegal orders.

The big picture: Desguin's lawsuit, filed in state Circuit Court in Tallahassee, describes his retirement as a "wrongful termination" due to whistleblowing on various issues, including:

• Alleged violations of state public records laws.

• Orders to arrest demonstrators without probable cause.

• Directives to collect photos and personal information of migrants unlawfully flown into Florida.

Details: The lawsuit accuses DeSantis and FDLE of treating Desguin unfairly and retaliating against him despite his stellar performance record. Desguin is seeking unspecified damages from both FDLE and DeSantis.

Between the lines: This legal battle follows Desguin's retirement and the firing of his deputy, Patricia Carpenter. Both were investigated by FDLE for workplace rule violations, though no criminal charges were brought.

The backstory: Desguin alleges his troubles began in late 2021 when he resisted DeSantis' orders to collect data on migrants, which he warned was unlawful. His refusal to arrest demonstrators without legal grounds also contributed to his forced retirement, according to the lawsuit.

What else to watch: The lawsuit is tied to another high-profile case involving The Washington Post, which seeks records on DeSantis' travel during his presidential campaign. Desguin claims he faced pressure to withhold these records, in violation of public records laws.

Read more here (ABC News)

ON THE DOCKET

What’s Happening this Weekend?

1. The undefeated Pride take on Utah tonight at 8 PM at Inter&Co.

2. Orlando City faces Chicago tomorrow, hoping to get back on track amidst a five-game winless streak. Kickoff at 7:30 at Inter&Co.

3. The Orlando Rodeo will be in full force tomorrow night from 4-9 PM. Last-minute tickets start at $55.

4. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in concert, featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, performs tonight and tomorrow at the Walt Disney Theater.

THEME PARKS

Universal Orlando Unveils Details about New Epic Universe Park

What's new: Universal Orlando has revealed new details about Dark Universe, an upcoming park within its highly anticipated Epic Universe project.

The Details:

• Key Attractions: The park will feature several monster-themed rides, as well as some unique dining options. Highlights include Monsters Unchained, marketed as Universal’s “most chilling ride ever”, and Das Stakehaus, a vampire-themed dining experience offering kebabs, burgers, and sandwiches.

• Location: Dark Universe will be strategically placed between Super Nintendo World and the Helios Grand Hotel.

Check it out: A preview center at Universal CityWalk features a scale model of Epic Universe with augmented reality elements, giving a sneak peek into the park's attractions.

Bigger picture: Epic Universe is set to nearly double Universal Orlando's footprint, with themed areas dedicated to Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon. It’s expected to attract 5-6 million visitors in its first year, contributing significantly to the region’s tourism economy.

Read more here (Orlando Sentinel)

QUICK HITS

In Other News…

1. 3 of UCF’s finest are set to compete at the 2024 Track & Field Olympic Trials.

2. Publix takes the cake at Orlando’s 2024 American Pie Council Pie Championships.

3. Sabrina Carpenter’s coming to the Kia Center in October. Tickets go on sale today.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s edition of the newsletter. See you back here on Monday.

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