Jun 1-7, 2016

Jun 1-7, 2016 / Vol. 32 / No. 24

Cover Story

Florida probably won’t be prepared to battle Zika

Two weeks ago, a desperate plea from a small Central Florida government was entered into the Congressional Record. “Current staffing levels are not sufficient to meet this emergency,” read the letter from Osceola County Manager Donald Fisher to the state Health Department. “County resources are exhausted, and funds are not readily available to respond to…

18 boozy options for ‘bottomless’ mimosas in Orlando

Bottomless mimosas are the essential brunch beverage that is, without a doubt, the cornerstone of successful day drinking. Thankfully, Orlando has quite a few local spots offering up infinite breakfast booze.  We decided to dig up the details on 18 local spots that serve bottomless mimosas.  Also check out our “27 Orlando brunch spots worth…

Tapa Toro’s wine dinner series kicks off Thursday, June 9

Sister resto Taverna Opa has experienced such success with their wine dinner series that Spanish tapas spot Tapa Toro, helmed by LCB-Orlando graduate Wendy Lopez, is launching “Sabor,” a wine dinner series of their own. The dinners will show off the kitchen’s Spanish prowess with five courses made from ingredients imported from the Iberian peninsula,…

Pam Bondi buckles down on Trump donation as Florida Dems call for probe

Attorney General Pam Bondi is coming out swinging after the Associated Press reported she “personally solicited” a political donation from Donald Trump before killing an investigation into Trump University and its affiliates.  Politico reports Bondi released a statement, saying:  “Yesterday’s story was false and misleading — including statements that my office ‘publically announced it was…

Organize Now plans to deliver 7,000 petitions to Congress members demanding no austerity cuts in Puerto Rico

Organize Now plans to deliver almost 7,000 petitions to Central Florida’s Congressional representatives, calling on them to vote against any austerity measures for Puerto Rico.  The Orlando-based organization plans to deliver the petitions by hand to U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, at his office on Wednesday, says Frederick Velez III, the Latino outreach organizer…

Donald Trump plans to rally in Tampa with Rick Scott, Pam Bondi

Attorney General Pam Bondi hasn’t answered anyone’s questions about the $25,000 donation she reportedly requested from Donald Trump, but apparently, she is expected to join Trump and Gov. Rick Scott for a Saturday rally in Tampa.  The Tampa Bay Times reports the 11 a.m. event will be held at the Tampa Convention Center. The Republican…

Chef Tim Dacey leaving Capa Steakhouse

Tim Dacey, one of this city’s most talented young chefs, is no longer with Capa Steakhouse at the Four Seasons Resort. The Florida native and FSU grad amassed an impressive résumé with stints at the Reynard restaurant in Brooklyn, and the Setai and NoMad, both in Manhattan. He also served two years as the chef…

Law abiding alligator uses crosswalk in Flagler County

A law-abiding alligator in Flagler County stopped traffic Monday afternoon while he used the crosswalk.  On June 6, authorities were called when the gator was first spotted near some bushes in Palm Coast, Florida. Two police officers stopped traffic while the gator, more than five-feet long, walked politely across the crosswalk for 30 seconds, according to News…

Here’s what Cannibal Corpse would sound like if they were on Radio Disney

We knew the music biz ain’t what it used to be, but this too-good-not-to-be-true version of death metal legends Cannibal Corpse’s gory anthem “Evisceration Plague” spit-shined and cleaned up, worthy of Kidz Boop or Radio Disney chart success, really had us going for a minute. The note-perfect parody, courtesy of YouTube Wilton Turdley (who also gave…

Tropical Storm Colin brings manatees to Florida woman’s backyard

A video posted by Nancy Smith 🌼 (@glassartistry) on Jun 5, 2016 at 1:39pm PDT Tropical Storm Colin is bringing heavy rain and apparently manatees right into some Florida resident’s backyards.  Nancy Smith captured a video of manatees eating grass in her yard near St. Petersburg, Florida, Sunday and Monday afternoon.  Due to the heavy…

Disturbing video shows killer whale beaching itself at theme park

Disturbing footage shows a captive killer whale beaching herself for more than 10 minutes on a concrete slab at a theme park in Spain.  According to the Dolphin Project, which is run by Richard O’Barry of the documentary The Cove, the video shows Morgan the orca beaching herself after a show that had ended on…

AP: Attorney General Pam Bondi asked Donald Trump for donation before dropping Trump U fraud case

Like the wet-dog smell at your favorite Golden Corral, Attorney General Pam Bondi’s connections to this Trump University fraud case just won’t go away.  The Associated Press reports Bondi “personally solicited” a political contribution from presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump while her office decided whether to join the investigation into Trump University. After Bondi’s political…

New co-op moves into old Propagation location in Mills 50

There’s a new co-op coming to Propagation’s old storefront in the Mills 50 ‘hood.  Bungalower announced on Sunday that build-out for this new marketplace, which will be called The District, has officially begun at 1221 N. Mills Ave.  The retail concept will be led by the same people in charge of Re:Innovation, who make custom furnishings…

Lakeland resident wants to rename Lake Horney, for some reason

It’s quite possible that a lake in Lakeland, Florida, will soon cease to be Horney.  Lakefront resident Barry Zimmerman has petitioned the U.S. Board of Geographic Names to rename Lake Horney, reportedly due to being frustrated of the jokes concerning the lake’s sexy name, according to the Lakeland Ledger. Zimmerman has suggested renaming the lake…

Every concert happening in Orlando this summer

Here’s every single show worth seeing in Orlando this summer, at least what’s been announced so far, in one big massive list. Of course, check our ever-growing online listings as the summer goes on.  WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 Drag the River, Bartender Brian, Dancehall Revelry, Johnny Knuckles 8 pm; Will’s Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave.; $10-$12.…

19 awesome Florida cabins you should rent out this summer

Forget five star hotels, sometimes getting into the wild and becoming one with nature is a good thing. If popping up a tent isn’t quite your idea of rough it, some of Florida’s state parks have got you covered with a variety of fun cabins to rent. A photo posted by red (@clickit305) on May 17,…

Maddey’s Craft and Cru is in soft opening phase on Church Street

Get a sneak peek at the new kid on the block over on Church Street – Maddey’s Craft & Cru is currently operating in soft opening mode. The “new Americana cuisine and New York style” restaurant will serve artisanal pizzas, seasonal menus, craft cocktails and fine wine. Heading the operation is chef Jason Schofield, who isn’t new…

Rapper Bas to play Orlando next week

Queens-via-Paris rapper and J. Cole protege Bas will be playing Orlando next week. Bas, the mulilingual hip-hop artist who was the first signing to J. Cole’s Dreamville imprint (in tandem with Interscope Records) and Cole tourmate, will hit Backbooth on Monday, June 6, with support from the Hics, Cozz, EarthGang and Ron Gilmore. Tickets can…

Puscifer to play Bob Carr Theater in November

Incongruous band plays incongruous venue, why not? Puscifer, the current main musical outlet for Tool singer and vintner Maynard James Keenan, has announced an Orlando show for this November. Puscifer is a far looser and more performance art-based entity than Tool, with a rotating membership, a creative reach that goes beyond music, and a live…

UCF grad stumbles across yet another monster gator on a golf course this week

Lately, it seems like massive, dinosaur-sized alligators prefer golf courses over swamps.   Last week, a monster gator took a leisurely stroll through a Florida golf course, and now a video has surfaced of yet another golf-loving gator.  Austin Swanger, a Savannah, Georgia resident and communications major from UCF, posted the above video to his…

Planned Parenthood sues Florida over new abortion law

Florida’s Planned Parenthood affiliates filed a federal lawsuit against the state challenging a new abortion law that, among other things, stops abortion providers from receiving Medicaid funds for separate services, such as cancer screenings, STD testing and contraception.  “We have a message for politicians in Florida, and across the country,” says Cecile Richards, president of…

This Florida mall really really wants you to know they don’t have mold

The Crystal River Mall wants everyone to know they no longer have a mold problem, and they have the papers to prove it.  A recent photo posted to Reddit shows the mall’s marquee reading, “No mold inside mall/passed all tests/copies available in mall office.”  Here’s a little background…   Earlier this year, Citrus County Sheriff’s…

Music legend Prince reportedly died of opioid abuse

In a story that is still very much developing, CNN via the Minneapolis Star Tribune, is reporting that Prince died due to an overdose of opioids. A “source familiar with the investigation,” also referred to as an “anonymous law enforcement official” in a BBC piece, reportedly confirmed to the Minneapolis paper that tests have established…

Shirtless Florida man refuses to believe he just met R. Kelly

R. Kelly believes he can fly and more importantly, that people should recognize him on the street.  Over Memorial Day weekend, a shirtless (and probably inebriated) man just happened to run into the legendary R&B singer in Jacksonville, Florida, and, of course, refused to believe he was standing next the real deal.  Despite R. Kelly…

Daytona Beach just decriminalized small amounts of marijuana

The city of Daytona Beach voted to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana Wednesday night.  According to FOX 35, the ordinance allows police officers to issue tickets to offenders who have less than 20 grams of marijuana, as opposed to taking them to jail.  Daytona Beach City Council approved the ordinance unanimously and it will go…

According to a recent study, Orlando is fat

We need to hit the treadmill.  According to a recent study from the American Fitness Index, Orlando came in near the bottom of the list of the 50 fittest US cities, rolling in at number 43.  Not a single Florida city made it to the top half of the list. Tampa was the closest, reaching 26th, and…

Copa America comes to the fútbol capital of the South for three games

Be a part of history when the Copa America football tournament comes to Orlando this week. This is the tourney’s 100th anniversary, making it the oldest international continental football tournament in history. This year in particular is special, as it’ll be hosted outside of South America for the first time ever. Sixteen teams from two…

Ex-officer charged in fatal shooting of Florida musician Corey Jones

Fired Palm Beach Gardens Police Officer Nouman Raja was arrested and charged with manslaughter and attempted murder in the fatal shooting of Corey Jones on Wednesday.  The Palm Beach Post reports State Attorney Dave Aronberg says the grand jury found the Oct. 18 shooting “unjustified.” Raja was investigating burglaries in plainclothes with an unmarked police…

AC/DC and Axl Rose are coming to Florida this summer

Oh, sweet child of mine, if you want to see AC/DC with Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose this summer you don’t need to take a highway to Hell.  The hybrid band announced their rescheduled U.S dates for their “Rock or Bust” Tour, and will be coming to Ft. Lauderdale on Aug. 30. It’s only…

Yes, that massive Florida gator video is definitely real

It’s not a modern-day Bigfoot: there really are alligators that large. Following the video of the 13-to-14-foot gator strolling through the Buffalo Creek Golf Course in Palmetto, Florida, many viewers believed the reptile in question had been digitally edited to appear larger. After all, it’s not very hard to manipulate videos on the internet, and…

26 fun things to do in Orlando this week (6/1-6/7)

Wednesday, June 1 Punk on the Patio with the Woolly Bushmen at 64 North Drag the River at Will’s Pub Thursday, June 2 Surfin Serf at Will’s Pub She Wants Revenge at House of Blues Alejandro Escovedo at the Social Genitorturers at the Abbey Friday, June 3 José Alberto, “El Canario,” at Hard Rock Live…

21 free concerts in Orlando this week (6/1-6/7)

Wednesday June 1Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints Of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. Oriented Music Group Open Jam 10:45 pm at St. Matthew’s Tavern, 1300 N. Mills Ave. Reggae Night with Hor!zen and DJ Red I 10 pm at the Caboose, 1827 N. Orange Ave.  The Get 2nds 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s,…

NRA wants Florida to continue, expand black bear hunt

Surprise! The National Rifle Association and the Unified Sportsmen of Florida have come out in a letter supporting Florida’s black bear hunt and asking that it be expanded.  Marion Hammer, an NRA lobbyist, distributed the letter on behalf of the organizations to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, according to Political Fix Florida. The…

‘Scandinavian Justin Bieber’ to play the Volusia Mall

When you’re making your shopping list for the Volusia Mall next week, be sure to add “lose your shit to the Scandinavian Justin Bieber” alongside Breaking Bad koozie and gigantic pretzel. That’s because Finnish teenage pop sensation Isac Elliot is reviving the time-honored tradition of the mall tour (a concept perfected down to a science by…

Review Poem: ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’

‘Twas Disney in its slithy realm Who thought a sequel they’d create. So Tim Burton they asked to helm, And mouse and man did bloviate. Beware the Moviecrap, my son! The script that stinks, the actors who suck. Beware Johnny Depp and shun Sacha Baron Cohen’s murky muck. Burton took his producer’s sword in hand…

Savage Love (6/1/16)

There’s this boy – he’s 29; I’m 46 and female. We met when we were 23 and 41. I was not and am not into little boys. The Kid chased me and I turned him down for months – until I got drunk one night and caved. It was supposed to be a one-night stand,…

!!! incite a party as both themselves and Stereolab tribute band, False Punk homecoming show destroys Uncle Lou’s with Socialite, Ian Iachimoe and Thee Wilt Chamberlain

Cover bands are usually good or bad. But great? The derivative nature of the idea all but precludes such a laurel. Stereolad (May 26, the Social), however, may be the coolest cover-band concept ever. Stereolad is Sacramento alternative dance-rock band !!! opening for themselves as a Stereolab tribute band, in a take that packs both…

Free Will Astrology (6/1/16)

ARIES (March 21-April 19) The voices in our heads are our constant companions. They fill our inner sanctuary with streams of manic commentary. Often we’re not fully cognizant of the bedlam, since the outer world dominates our focus. But as soon as we close our eyes and turn our attention inward, we’re immersed in the…

Gimme Shelter (6/1/16)

Are you looking for a new furry friend? Adopt Harvey! Harvey (A346782) is a 4-year-old dog who is looking for his forever home. He is an energetic dog and he loves to run around and play outside. Harvey would love to have a yard that he can enjoy playing in! He likes to eat doggy…

Selections: Our picks of the week’s best events, June 1-7

Wednesday, 1 Drag the River MUSIC A devoted local fan base of hard-drinking diehards keeps the stream of national touring alt-country and country-rock acts through Orlando pretty steady (Chuck Ragan was just here last month, Cory Branan will be here June 17 and Austin Lucas and Matt Woods will both be here July 8). But…

Picks This Week: Jose Alberto, Surfin Serf, Punk on the Patio and more

Punk on the Patio Newest installment in this downtown performance series features the Woolly Bushmen, the Sh-Booms and Zap Dragon & the Attack. It’s a weeknight deal you can’t beat. 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, at the Patio, $5 Surfin Serf Orlando-to-Sacramento escapee Byron Lynch returns for a far too brief night at Will’s Pub…


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