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The Federal Farm Bill could make hemp farming legal – but in the meantime, Big Pharma and the FDA have quietly moved in on CBD
Anyone even vaguely familiar with cannabis law knows it’s fraught with complications and contradictions. Now, in light of recent legal developments, the legal status of cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, the non-psychoactive medicinal compound derived from cannabis, has never been hazier. The federal farm bill being considered by Congress could legalize hemp – the Senate…
Will’s Pub will celebrate their 23rd anniversary in style next month
Why not commemorate 23 years of proudly loud existence anchoring the Mills 50 strip? The venerable Will’s Pub is throwing a big party to celebrate and it’s happening at the beginning of September. So far confirmed to perform: Phil-gazi, Precious, Pet Detector (aka Debt Neglector), Bob on Blonde. And our own Bao Le-Huu spinning at Lil…
Orlando mayor unveils plan for Florida’s first ‘all-user’ bathrooms in government building
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer unveiled a plan Tuesday for a “multi-stall, all-user” bathroom at City Hall, the first of its kind in a Florida government building. The “all-user” restrooms can be accessed by a person of any gender identity, including transgender people and gender non-conforming people. The restrooms will also benefit people with disabilities who…
Pam Bondi doesn’t want us to smoke weed
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office filed a 57-page brief last week supporting Florida’s ban on smokable medical marijuana, challenging an earlier ruling from a circuit judge. Back in May, Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers ruled that a smoking ban was unconstitutional and violated the spirit of the 2016 amendment overwhelmingly approved by Florida voters…
Florida Republican who tried to abolish EPA says toxic algae crisis is ‘horrifying’
Matt Gaetz, a Republican congressman from Florida who once filed a bill to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency, has realized that our state’s current incredibly disgusting algae crisis is indeed “horrifying.” The congressman tweeted out his environmental epiphany Monday evening, saying, “This is horrifying,” while retweeting a post showing photos of toxic sludge, scores of…
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine will perform at CFE Arena this September
Tekashi 6ix9ine, a controversial rapper and convicted child pornographer, will be performing at University of Central Florida’s CFE Arena this fall. Known for a massive social media following and songs like “Fefe” and “Gummo,” the rapper has also pleaded guilty to the use of a 13-year-old girl in a sexual performance, and is currently facing multiple…
SeaWorld just eliminated 125 jobs one day after stocks rose 17 percent
One day after reporting significant increases in both revenue and attendance, SeaWorld has decided to eliminate 125 total positions across all of their theme parks and corporate offices, which are based here in Orlando. In a statement released Tuesday morning, SeaWorld said that the layoffs, which went into effect immediately, are part of a company-wide…
Florida Rep. Ron DeSantis backs Trump’s threat of a government shutdown
At a campaign stop in Miami yesterday, U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis voiced his support for President Donald Trump’s threat of a government shutdown to secure funding for his campaign-promised border wall. DeSantis, R-Palm Coast, is running against state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam in the GOP primary for Florida governor. In recent weeks, following Trump’s endorsement…
Orlando hip-hop icons DiViNCi and Swamburger to crash DK the Drummer’s performance Thursday at the Social
DK the Drummer, the current vehicle for Mutemath co-founder Darren King, is playing the Social on Thursday (Aug. 9). The appearance of this innovative live-percussion-meets-DJ project promises to be anything but an exercise in ordinary on its own. What will make it a one-of-a-kind performance, however, are cameos by a couple locals. We got word…
More Q Than A film series persists post-Avalon Island with a screening of ‘Dead Man’ at the Rogers Kiene Building
Although the Gallery at Avalon Island is no more and the ultimate use of the Rogers Kiene Building where it was located is still a matter of speculation, we were happy to hear that the More Q Than A film series will continue for the foreseeable future. (More questions than answers, indeed.) This month’s offering…
Florida judge rejects state limits on number of medical marijuana businesses
In a ruling that could have a revolutionary impact if it stands, a Tallahassee judge has found a law limiting the number of medical marijuana operators in Florida runs afoul of a constitutional amendment approved by voters two years ago. The cap on the number of “medical marijuana treatment centers,” as they are known in…
Florida GOP has early lead in mail-in ballots
Nearly 260,000 people have already voted in the Aug. 28 primary elections, with Republicans having an early edge over Democrats in returning vote-by-mail ballots, according to figures updated Monday morning by the Florida Division of Elections. With nearly 2.5 million ballots sent out, the state reported that Republicans had returned 120,939 ballots, compared to 98,493…
Artegon is about to become one the world’s best car museums, and that’s just the beginning of what’s planned
UPDATE: PrimeTime Amusement’s David Goldfarb issued a statement clarifying that they are no longer a part of the Artegon project. “We have decided to go a different direction as a company in this project, and are no longer affiliated with Artegon. We wish Dezer Development only success moving forward.” Back in January, when South Florida…
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party opens next week and this year’s event features a ton of new stuff
Now in its 23rd year, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be bigger than ever when it opens next week. The special ticketed, after-hours event in Magic Kingdom is one of the biggest family-focused Halloween events in the nation, with tens of thousands in attendance each year. Over the years the offerings at the event haven’t…
4 Rivers will debut a new food truck in Disney Springs, and it sells a ‘Taco Cone’
It was only a matter of time before a 4 Rivers Smokehouse location opened at a Disney property. Announced today, 4 Rivers will launch a new specialty food truck in Disney Springs. Though no exact opening date has been issued, the 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck will debut in the Marketplace sometime in late August. As…
Al Sharpton and Trayvon Martin’s family were among those rallying against ‘stand your ground’ in Clearwater
Led by civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, activists rallied in Clearwater over the weekend to protest Florida’s “stand your ground” law. The rally followed the fatal shooting of an African American man named Markeis McGlockton, who was murdered outside a convenience store after an argument over a handicapped parking spot went awry. According to McGlockton’s…
Grape & the Grain Wine Bar is throwing a grand opening party Aug. 23
Grape & The Grain Wine Bar, a new spot for wine-os and beer heads in the Mills50 District, is hosting their official grand opening at the end of the month. On Thursday, August 23, Grape & The Grain’s “Summer Wine Down” will allow guests to sip craft beers and international wines, sample delectable bites and…
Bob Dylan is coming to Orlando in October
The legendary Bob Dylan – a performer who doesn’t need our paltry introductions – has announced an Orlando show set for right around Halloween, as part of a lengthy North American jaunt. Bob Dylan plays the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center on Friday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $59.50 and…
A new seafood restaurant and a Sephora are coming to the Waterford Lakes Town Center
The ever-expanding Waterford Lakes Town Center is awaiting the opening of a new seafood eatery, a Sephora and an eyelash studio. Slapfish, opening in late 2018, describes itself as a casual American seafood restaurant with Southern Cali flair. There are currently a dozen locations scattered across the U.S., but their new home near The Brass…
Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda to play solo in Orlando this October
Linkin Park”s Mike Shinoda has been named to be the headliner of this year’s Monster Energy Outbreak Tour set for this autumn. This will be Shinoda’s first U.S. solo tour, so expectations are high. Shinoda will be touring behind his new solo album, Post Traumatic. Mike Shinoda brings the Outbreak Tour to House of Blues…
Band of the Week: A Place Beyond Giants
Welcome to Orlando Weekly’s “Band of the Week.” Every week, we highlight one of our favorite local bands. This week, we’re pleased to bring you A Place Beyond Giants. A Place Beyond Giants is playing their album release show on Aug. 10 at Henao Contemporary Center. Just the facts: When did the band form?The band…
GoFundMe setup for Central Florida military family torn apart by Trump’s ‘zero-tolerance’ immigration policies
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help a Polk County military family who has called Florida home for nearly 20 years stay connected after the mother self-deported last week. Despite efforts from U.S. Rep. Darren Soto and a team of immigration lawyers, last Friday, Alejandra Juárez volunteered to deport herself back to Mexico after a…
Melrose in the Mix at Orlando Public Library offers one of the city’s most engaging live-music experiences
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Terri Binion, Melrose in the Mix, Aug. 5 Of course, local Americana diamond Terri Binion was good. That’s a given, not a revelation. What was, however, is the event and milieu in which she recently performed. Generally speaking, the public library is an undervalued community asset. However much it may be appreciated,…
Florida students get boost from changes in Bright Futures scholarships
Florida “medallion scholars” will be among the biggest beneficiaries this academic year of the state’s efforts to expand financial aid for university and state college students. As students enroll for their fall classes this month, the projected 46,000 medallion scholars will have their Bright Futures scholarships increased to cover 75 percent of tuition and fees,…
Grayson, Soto duke it out during debate at Central Florida’s Tiger Bay Club
As he seeks to return to the U.S. House, liberal firebrand Alan Grayson is banking on Central Florida Democrats wanting a quick impeachment vote on President Donald Trump, rather than taking the wait-and-see approach of Grayson’s congressional successor Darren Soto. In an exceedingly contentious Democratic primary, Grayson also views himself as better able to work…
New government documents indicate Aquatica is planning a new attraction for 2019
On the heels of this year’s Ray Rush, it looks like SeaWorld is planning yet another new attraction at Aquatica. New permits pulled with the South Florida Water Management District discuss an area along the southern end of the water park, near the wave pools, for what is called “Aqo Project 2019.” The permits don’t…
Disney is rumored to be spending $450 million on a new Epcot pavilion
Rumors of Brazil being added to Epcot’s World Showcase stretch back for decades, but more recently there seem to be signs that the pavilion is finally moving forward. In 2011, an odd newspaper article claiming Disney was in talks with the Brazilian government was published in one of São Paulo’s most prominent papers, Folha. Then…
Ferg’s Depot has closed
Ferg’s Depot, the 15,000-square-foot restaurant/sports bar housed inside the original 1889 Church Street Station train depot, has closed. Employees were notified that Saturday, Aug. 4, would be the final night of service. Owner Mark Ferguson had listed the property for sale last summer for $4,500,000. No word on whether the property was sold, or who’ll…
Florida’s Bethune-Cookman marching band gets a series on Netflix
The Marching Wildcats band of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach debuted a Netflix series Friday. “Marching Orders” is a 12-episode unscripted series produced by Stage 13 that follows the nationally recognized band as they hold auditions and run drills under the Florida sun. “Two things are gonna happen,” band director Donovan “The Devil” Wells tells…
Rick Scott calls for action on South Florida’s red tide amid political blame game
Political broadsides continue over who is to blame for ongoing water-quality problems across South Florida, as Gov. Rick Scott on Friday ordered more action to address red tide in coastal communities. Scott directed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to “mobilize all available resources” to address impacts…
Adopt a new low-maintenance pet at Lil Indies’ Orlando Plant Swap
We read a Los Angeles Times article last week claiming that millennials are “obsessed” with houseplants (headline: “They don’t own homes. They don’t have kids. Why millennials are plant addicts”). This may be true or it may be just another lukewarm internet take, but there’s no denying that potted plants are A Thing right now,…
March for Marijuana at Lake Eola Park calls for reappraising Florida’s medical cannabis restrictions
In Florida, even if you have a medical marijuana registry card, it’s still illegal to possess whole flower cannabis. So come out to the beautiful shores of Lake Eola and let your pot-friendly flags fly as Orlandoans march for their right to medicate with the stickiest, ickiest herb of them all. State and local politicians…
The NFL Pro Bowl is coming back to Orlando in 2019
For the third year in a row, the Pro Bowl is heading back to Orlando, the NFL announced earlier today. “We’re excited to return to Orlando for the Pro Bowl, and to provide the ultimate football and family experience to our fans, players and partners,” NFL senior vice president of events Peter O’Reilly says in…
Central Florida military family torn apart after veteran’s wife forced to deport to Mexico
Alejandra Juárez was exhausted as she took the first steps away from the life she built in Central Florida for the past 18 years. For months, she fought to prove her humanity to federal immigration authorities who wanted to deport her back to Mexico, forcing Juárez away from her husband, a U.S. Marine combat veteran, and two…
You’re paying too much for rent in Orlando
If you feel like you’re paying too much for rent, you undoubtedly are. Average rental prices in the Orlando area increased by 7.7 percent from July 2017 to July 2018, according to a new monthly report from RentCafe. The average rent for a studio in Orlando is currently $1,010, which is $99 more per month…
Orange County teenager wielding a BB gun dies in officer-involved shooting
After a four-hour standoff Thursday afternoon, 18-year-old Landon Christopher Wooten was killed in an officer-involved shooting after he opened fire at authorities, says Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. Deputies arrived at Wooten’s residence in Paradise Heights to serve him an outstanding arrest warrant for burglary and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Upon the deputies’…
Guy Fieri’s new chicken tender joint is now open in Disney Springs
The Mayor of Flavortown’s new chicken tender-focused restaurant is now open in Disney Springs. Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy! officially hatched – er, opened its doors – at Disney Springs yesterday, located next door to the Planet Hollywood Observatory. The menu is simple – guests can choose between having their chicken crispy-fried or grilled, and then…
Orlando’s Main Street Restaurant Week kicks off this weekend
Orlando’s Main Street Restaurant Week returns for its fourth year in a row, running from Saturday, Aug. 4, through Saturday, Aug. 11. Throughout the weeklong event, participating restaurants offer prix fixe (fixed price) menus, with prices ranging from $5 for a cookies-and-coffee snack to $30 for a full meal. Specials may vary and no admission…
SeaWorld launches new craft beer festival this fall
Back in May, SeaWorld Orlando announced guests can grab up two free beers with every visit to the park through September. Now they’re taking their love for brews to the next level with a brand-new event. The SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival will run for two weekends in November and feature more than 100 brews on…
Florida Democrats take off the gloves in final debate before governor primary
With one candidate equating this year’s election to the Normandy battle and another proclaiming it “the most important election in Florida’s history,” five Democrats seeking to succeed Gov. Rick Scott briefly took off the gloves Thursday night in their last onstage matchup prior to the Aug. 28 primary. The televised debate in Palm Beach Gardens…
Florida seeks to keep greyhound racing ban on ballot
Attorneys for the state moved quickly Thursday to appeal a circuit judge’s ruling that would block a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at banning greyhound racing in Florida. The state filed a notice that it is taking the case to the 1st District Court of Appeal. The move came a day after Leon County Circuit Judge…
Iron Reagan announce Orlando show set for this September
Richmond’s crossover thrash heroes Iron Reagan brought down the house at their 2016 show at Will’s Pub and if you missed out on that, you’ve got a second chance later this year. Iron Reagan will be playing only one headlining Florida show when they’re down here to play Sing Out Loud in late September, and…
Parliament House holds a ball hosted by Mother Elektra from FX’s ‘Pose’
The success of the FX Network’s drama Pose has been gratifying on many levels: The show is a faithful depiction of New York’s legendary ball culture of the 1980s (also immortalized in the essential Paris Is Burning documentary), the writing is top-notch, and the casting of gay, transgender and POC actors is pitch-perfect. Seems there’s…
Machine Gun Kristin curates a retro sock hop at the Nook on Robinson
The Nook on Robinson brings in DJ Machine Gun Kristin for a retro sock hop this weekend. Kristin is a studied aesthete of retro kitsch, running the Kick Bright online and pop-up vintage shop with her husband, Jeff –which means that the curated selection of all-vinyl ’50s and ’60s tracks will probably be a dance-friendly…
Anime Festival Orlando throws a Japanimation rave at the Wyndham this weekend
The annual convention for fans of all things related to Japanese cartoons, Anime Festival Orlando, returns to the Wyndham this weekend, and their official rave is the capstone party for the weekend. Featuring music from the likes of Ben Briggs, PolyKarp and other chiptune/nerdcore/whatever DJs, this is the place to dance with tons of people…
Candidates for Florida governor target toxic algae outbreaks, water problems
As they address environmental issues on the campaign trail, Florida’s gubernatorial candidates are all for doing what is necessary to eliminate toxic algae outbreaks and for preserving natural springs and rivers. But the candidates’ solutions are mostly general and vary on how to keep up with the state’s growing population and businesses while keeping springs…
Erin Brockovich to Florida officials overseeing algae crisis: ‘You cowards’
Erin Brockovich, a legal consultant known for her efforts in a landmark environmental case later turned into a movie, called out Florida Gov. Rick Scott and other state officials to do their “damn jobs” in regards to our state’s toxic algae crisis. In a Facebook post, Brockovich attached photos of dead manatees, and beaches filled…
Megaplex 2018’s furry convention comes to Orlando this week
Hundreds of furries – adults dressed in anthropomorphic animal suits – will be descending on Orlando this week. Central Florida’s Furry community will gather at the Megaplex Anthropomorphic Convention 2018 at SeaWorld Doubletree in Orlando from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5. This year’s theme is “The Furnesian Islands,” a look into South East Pacific cultures.…
Sing Out Loud reveals huge lineup for 2018 including Jason Isbell and the Decemberists
St. Augustine’s Sing Out Loud Festival has announced the lineup for its third annual event and it’s bigger than ever this year. The sprawling festival takes place over every weekend in September at venues large and small across the city of St. Augustine, and it’s completely free. Headliners for this year include: Jason Isbell and…
Publix’s sales increased over last three months, despite NRA controversy
Publix stores sold $8.8 billion worth of goods during the months of April, May and June, representing a $400 million increase over the same period last year, according to the company’s second quarter results. Why do those months in particular matter? Well, for one, they encompass the time period in which gun reform activists held…
Orlando astrologer RJ Speiser talks connections and relationships for August and Leo season
Most people I meet are not interested in sitting for a full 90-minute natal chart reading. Typically, that is, until I explain I offer compatibility readings. When it comes to love and matters of the heart, even the average skeptic will sit with me to determine if they’ve found their soulmate. When analyzing two natal…
You can now buy ‘I-4 Eyesore’ socks
In commemoration of Orlando’s most aggravating construction project, a company is now selling commemorative socks honoring the Majesty building, also known as the “I-4 Eyesore.” “The Eyesore on I-4” sock is made by Rock ‘Em Socks and runs $14 a pair. “Orlando is not only the City Beautiful, but also the home to Rock ‘Em…
Foxtail Coffee’s new Hourglass District location is now open
Foxtail Coffee Co. has officially opened its Hourglass District location, the latest of several in the Central Florida region. The new location at 2401 Curry Ford Road will celebrate its official grand opening Saturday, Aug. 4. The new spot, dubbed “Hourglass Social House,” took the home of a former gas station convenience store. With a…
Deeply Coffee is now open in downtown Orlando
Orlando has yet another new coffee shop, but this time, it’s not a Foxtail. Deeply Coffee is open for business downtown at 111 N. Magnolia Ave. in the Aspire building. Their grand opening will be held on Saturday, Aug. 4. The coffeehouse is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6:30 a.m. to…
Enzian asks Maitland City Council to postpone final vote on expansion
The Enzian Theater has asked the Maitland City Council to delay their vote on the theater’s expansion proposal, which was scheduled for Monday, Aug. 13. The request to postpone the vote was a surprise, considering the Council recently decided to vote on the proposal in August, following a positive recommendation from the Planning and Zoning…
Local musicians pay tribute to ’90s country at Watermelon Crawl at Will’s Pub
If you’ve been listening to Tyler Mahan Coe’s breakout podcast, “Cocaine & Rhinestones,” as much as we have, you’re probably ready for a night of classic country covers. The Watermelon Crawl brings together some local luminaries to cover a selection of country stars from the 1990s, including the Woolly Bushmen’s Jacob Miller & Friends as…
Terri Binion pops into two different venues for two different shows this weekend
Golden-voiced local singer-songwriter Terri Binion has a double-header this week: On Friday, she plays a show with finger-picking guitarist Jack Graham. The two are close friends, so expect some collaboration onstage. Then on Sunday evening, she heads down to the Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center at the Orlando Public Library for the latest in their Melrose…
Protests continue over Florida’s plan to terminate AIDS Healthcare Foundation contract
A fight over who should provide care for patients struggling with HIV and AIDS is growing increasingly bitter as opponents continue to blame Gov. Rick Scott. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which is battling a state plan to terminate its Medicaid contract, has been leading protests against the Scott administration. More than 100 HIV/AIDS activists will…
Here’s what the new Grumpy’s Underground Lounge could mean to the Mills Avenue scene
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Too Bad and Alien Witch, Grumpy’s Underground Lounge, July 31 In terms of new openings, it’s been a historically ambitious year on the city’s music club landscape. Not all has panned out exactly as promised, but shit’s been interesting. Among the quietest entrants, though, has been new Mills 50 spot Grumpy’s Underground…
Judge blocks proposed ban on greyhound racing from Florida ballot
A circuit judge on Wednesday knocked a greyhound-racing ban off the November ballot, calling the proposed constitutional amendment misleading and “outright trickeration.” “Contrary to the words presented for consideration by the voters, the amendment would not end dog racing, nor would it eliminate wagering on dog racing,” Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers wrote in…
The Ying Yang Twins are coming to Orlando this fall
Hey lil mama, lemme whisper in your ear, tell you something that you might like to hear: the Ying Yang Twins are coming to Orlando this fall. The duo known for crunk anthems like “Low,” “Wait (The Whisper Song)” and “Salt Shaker” will be at The Abbey in Thornton Park on Oct. 18. Tickets start…
Conspiracy theory group QAnon made an unusually large debut at Trump’s Tampa rally
WE ARE Q sign at the Trump rally tonight #Qanon #MAGA pic.twitter.com/mgoVb661Kc — Matt Daniher ॐ 🇨🇦 🐶 (@_Daniher) July 31, 2018 Life is like a box of conspiracy theories at one of President Donald Trump’s political rallies – you never know what sort of absurdity you’re going to get. That was the case last…
Federal judge extends shelter assistance for Puerto Rican evacuees through August
Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane María can continue using FEMA hotel vouchers until Aug. 31, according to a federal judge in Massachusetts. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Timothy Hillman again ordered FEMA to extend its Transitional Shelter Assistance Program for Puerto Rican families after a July ruling extended the program until midnight on Aug. 6. Hillman’s…
Orlando will host the 2019 MLS All-Star Game
The City Beautiful can now add the MLS All-Star Game to other major sporting events like the NFL Pro Bowl and World Cup qualifying matches on its docket. This game came to Orlando once before, in 1998 at the Citrus Bowl – which is a strong candidate for the 2019 match. Of course, so is the…
11Eleven Fest announces Diet Cig as first performer
A sequel of sorts to last year’s Ten10 Fest, the 11Eleven Fest promises even more of what made the inaugural event such an intriguing prospect: live music and a selection of custom drinks (craft cocktails this year) that correspond to each performer on the day. And now the first of this year’s headliners has been…
Canadian firm poised to enter Florida’s medical marijuana market
A Canadian love-fest for Florida pot companies continues to blossom with a $93 million deal that includes a Ruskin-based grower yet to begin selling marijuana products. Toronto-based Scythian Biosciences Corp. announced Monday it intends to purchase a company that will take over the grower 3 Boys Farms, which received a highly sought-after medical marijuana license…
30 free shows happening in Orlando this week
Wednesday, Aug. 1 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. The Daniel Heitz Band 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Thursday, Aug. 2 Leisure Chief 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Raleigh Estes and Friends 8 pm at Muldoon’s Saloon, 7439 Aloma Ave.,…
New cocktail bar moving into former Red Mug Diner space in downtown Orlando
Downtown Orlando will see yet another new bar, this time just for cocktail lovers. The Robinson Cocktail Room, a new cocktail bar and lounge operated by Team Market Group LLC, will open in the second-floor space above the old Red Mug Diner location (63 E. Pine St.) by the end of the year, according to…
Jinya Ramen Bar will open in Thornton Park next week
The much-anticipated Jinya Ramen Bar will officially be open for business in the former Verde Cantina space next week. The Thornton Park location will hold its grand opening Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 8 N. Summerlin Ave., and hours of operation will be 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Jinya has 27 locations…
California lawyer seeks dismissal of lawsuit from NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer
A California attorney accused in a federal lawsuit of sending harassing emails to National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer argued in a court document Tuesday that he should be dropped from the case. Lawrence Sorensen, a Camarillo, Calif., attorney who works as a mediator and arbitrator, contended in a motion to dismiss that a federal…
Bernie Sanders endorses Andrew Gillum in Florida governor’s race
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum Wednesday morning for Florida governor. The Vermont senator announced on Twitter he was “proud” to back Gillum for the Democratic nomination against former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, real estate billionaire Jeff Greene, Winter Park businessman Chris King and former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. As governor, @AndrewGillum will…
ICYMI: Bill Nelson calls for investigation into SunPass operator, SunRail opens four new stops, and more
Nelson calls for a federal probe into SunPass contractor Conduent: U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Conduent State & Local Solutions, the troubled vendor responsible for the upgrade to the SunPass system that has caused a backlog of 170 million unprocessed transactions. In a letter sent to FTC chairman…
Chicago’s Negative Scanner tear through Florida for the first time
Notes from the underground
Who’s up, who’s down this week in Florida politics
Welcome to Orlando Weekly’s latest semi-regular column, a scatter graph where we rank Sunshine State pols’ behavior each week. Candidate making crowd-savvy moves? Elected official got a case of foot-in-mouth disease? Read about it here.
Winter Park Playhouse’s ‘Gigolo’ is more than just a ‘park and bark’ cabaret – it’s essentially a sung-through Cole Porter opera
Jukebox musicals are still multiplying like rabbits on Broadway, but even a promising play full of legendary songs can languish on the shelf without a producer’s support. That helps explain why Paul Gilger, who conceived Gigolo: The New Cole Porter Revue, was so emotionally overwhelmed when we spoke on Friday night following his show’s premiere…
Opening in Orlando: The Darkest Minds, Disney’s Christopher Robin and more
THIS WEEK: The Darkest Minds Local girl made great Mandy Moore co-stars in the latest filmed adaptation of dystopian YA fiction. In a kind of cross between Children of Men and X-Men, 98 percent of human minors die and the remaining 2 percent get superpowers. Moore plays a scientist who’s sympathetic to the plight of…
Savage Love: ‘Differences’
I’m gay and have been dating a guy for 10 months. He’s great overall, and I would say for the most part we both want it to work out. But I am having a problem with his friends and other lifestyle choices. All of his friends are straight, and almost all of them are women.…
Gimme Shelter: Meet brothers Bruce Lee and Conor McGregor
Meet brothers Bruce Lee (A407815) and Conor McGregor (A407814). These two cuties were surrendered to Animal Services recently, at about one year in age, due to a change in their family. They’ve spent the past few weeks in foster care recovering from a minor cold and are just about adoption ready. They are very people-oriented…
Casselberry’s Wa Sushi makes a big splash with its creative cuts
Big fish, little pond
New pop-up space the Heavy comes to the old Lombardi Seafood building, Terralina adds late-night happy hour, plus more in Orlando foodie news
NEWS: The Heavy, a multi-use venue in the old Lombardi’s Seafood building on Harmon Avenue, will open doors to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, selling coffee and home decor items during the day; by night, expect pop-ups of all sorts … Terralina, the newest restaurant to open in Disney Springs, now hosts…
The best concerts coming to Orlando this week
Femme Hop The inimitable Gay-Z moves his Femme Hop ultra-parties to Stonewall Bar. Joining in this time are Amorphous and YourMobileGeek. 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, at Stonewall Bar, $5 MurDur the Clown An evil clown is DJing dubstep and hardstyle at an afterparty for what appears to be a furry convention? Sign us up. 10 p.m.…
