Things To Do In SW Florida

By PAUL WISEMAN, AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Farmers, cattle ranchers and hotel and restaurant managers breathed a sigh of relief last week when President Donald Trump ordered a pause to immigration raids that were disrupting those industries and scaring foreign-born workers off the job.

“There was finally a sense of calm,’’ said Rebecca Shi, CEO of the American Business Immigration Coalition.

That respite didn’t last long.

On Wednesday, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin declared, “There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine (immigration enforcement) efforts. Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard public safety, national security and economic stability.’’

The flipflop baffled businesses trying to figure out the government’s actual policy, and Shi says now “there’s fear and worry once more.”

“That’s not a way to run business when your employees are at this level of stress and trauma,” she said. read more

Boards of directors

Brian Fery, partner at Cole, Scott & Kissane, was appointed to the UCP of Central Florida board of directors.

Sadia Sewnauth, market development manager for Florida Blue, was appointed to the UCP of Central Florida board of directors.

Education

Rae Mair was appointed embedded learning librarian serving the College of Community Innovation and Education for the University of Central Florida Libraries.

Real estate

Derec G. Sylvia has joined NAI Realvest, Orlando, as an associate.

Trip Parker has joined Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Central Florida.

Submit professional appointments, management-level promotions and significant awards for individuals, along with photos as .jpg attachments, to peopleonmove@orlandosentinel.com.

More monster-related details have emerged about Universal Horror Unleashed, the year-round haunt set to open in Las Vegas later this summer.

The attraction, created by Orlando-based Universal Destinations & Experiences, will feature four mazes a la Halloween Horror Nights, as well as themed bars with craft cocktails and a retail location, at the AREA15 entertainment complex.

In the Universal Monsters house’s storyline, visitors will see the mausoleum of monster hunter Van Helsing, the Mummy’s tombs, Castle Dracula and the lab home of Frankenstein’s monster and his bride.

“You get to follow Van Helsing as he battles all of your favorite classic monsters,” show director Nate Stevenson said in a promotional video for the attraction.

“Costuming and makeup have always been a key part of telling the Universal monsters’ stories,” said Lorelei Lee, production manager. “The more details that we’re able to put into these costumes and makeup, the richer the character becomes and the scarier they will be for all of our guests to encounter.” read more

Orlando Science Center is preparing for this weekend’s two-day Make Fest, an event that centers on crafting and mastering the art of tools.

The sessions will include interactive workshops and local artisans presenting handcrafted goods.

Participants may meet makers from Burning Designs Creations, Wonderly Co., Black Bee Honey, Love Club Labs, Black Lab Soapery, Florida Dairy Farms and others. They will share their work and stories during the weekend. The museum lists activities such as 3D modeling and designing a paper roller coaster as possibilities.

Hands-on projects and storytime session for children will be held at Kidstown’s Creative Corner at the science center. Also available will be “Robots,” a 40-minute National Geographic film that focuses on emerging technologies.

Make Fest is included with regular admission to Orlando Science Center. Tickets are $31 ($24 for ages 2-11). Operating hours Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For tickets, go to OSC.org.

Disney dates: When Epcot’s Test Track reopens but the Boneyard bows out read more