My recent obsession has been listening to the new Lizzo album at max volume while dancing naked in my room. I always manage to carefully execute a hair toss to the beat. Honestly, it’s a profound daily meditation in self-confidence. In her most recent single, “Soulmate,” Lizzo explains, “The old me used to love a…
It may seem like lifetimes ago to those of us “of a certain age”, but all-ages matinee shows were an important proving ground for punk and hardcore bands in bigger cities like New York in the 1980s. Matinees are not as regular of a phenomenon as they once were, but Will’s Pub will be throwing…
Hair metal lifer and Skid Row screamer Sebastian Bach today announced dates for a 30th anniversary tour of the record that propelled him to the front of the metal pack, the 1989 self-titled debut album from Skid Row. Bach plans to play the record from start to finish every night, and one of those nights will…
Wednesday, June 5: The Daniel Heitz Band 10:30 p.m. at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth 10 p.m. at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. Hump Day House Music: DJ Hardway 8 pm at Uncle Lou’s Entertainment Hall, 1016 N. Mills Ave. Thursday, June 6:Leisure Chief 10:30 p.m. at Tanqueray’s,…
Disney’s nonstop pursuit to fill every square inch of Walt Disney World with film franchises is now rumored to be heading to the Contemporary Resort. According to WDW News Today, a site with a mixed track record regarding Disney rumors but one with some impressive accurate scoops as of late, is reporting The Wave restaurant…
The Big Ten and Southeastern Conference have agreed to continue their partnership with the Citrus Bowl through the 2025-2026 season, Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan announced in a press release Tuesday. Included in the agreement is a clause that allows the Citrus Bowl to select the top teams from both conferences outside of those…
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office is urging the Florida Supreme Court to reverse course on decisions that allowed dozens of convicted murderers to have their death sentences reconsidered. Moody’s office late Monday filed a 59-page brief in a case in which the Supreme Court is delving into whether changes in Florida’s death-penalty sentencing system should…
In an apparent break with tradition, televangelist Paula White took to the pulpit of her predominantly African American Apopka megachurch Sunday to come to the aid of President Donald Trump. White joined a national coalition of 250 evangelical pastors convened by Franklin Graham to offer a special message of support for Trump on June 2. Although…
A federal disaster-relief package, long sought by Florida officials and Panhandle residents recovering from the ravages of Hurricane Michael, received approval Monday from the U.S. House after three earlier attempts were blocked. The 354-58 vote, which came after the House returned from a 10-day holiday recess, sends the $19.1 billion package to President Donald Trump.…
Gov. Ron DeSantis faces a Wednesday deadline for deciding whether to approve a bill that would prevent elected officials from using blind trusts — an issue that led to a controversy involving former Gov. Rick Scott. The Legislature this spring unanimously passed the bill (SB 702) and formally sent it to DeSantis on May 21.…
Scot Peterson, a former Broward County Sheriff’s deputy, was arrested Tuesday on charges stemming from the law enforcement response to the Feb.14, 2018, shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Peterson, who was assigned to the Parkland high school as a “school resource officer” that Valentine’s Day, is facing charges of neglect of a child,…
We’ve been readers since The Russian Debutante’s Handbook, devotees since Super Sad True Love Story, but haven’t yet gotten our hands on Gary Shteyngart’s latest novel, Lake Success. How fortuitous, then, that Writers Block Bookstore and Quantum Leap Winery are hosting this event! For $25, get a copy of the book, a glass of wine,…
Later this month, astronauts and crew members from NASA and the European Space Agency will begin an expedition that seeks to both train the crews for space and restore some of the state’s damaged coral reefs. In an underwater habitat near the Florida Keys, the crews will build and install a series of underwater coral…
A pedestrian died Tuesday morning after being struck by a SunRail train just south of downtown Orlando. The incident was reported at 8:17 a.m. on Michigan Avenue near Kunze Avenue. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, train P310, which was carrying 150 passengers and two crew members, was northbound when a pedestrian stepped onto…
Alice Cooper — a links-loving man who’s seen actual children thrown into sewers (seriously, read Creative Loafing’s interview) — is headed back to Orlando. Today, the 71-year-old shock-rocker announced a November show at the Hard Rock Live. The gig is Cooper’s much-anticipated return to the City Beautiful since a March show last year at Hard…
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Body Heat, Dearest and Lexi Long, The Nook, June 2 Ugly Orange’s latest show featured young Florida band Body Heat. Although somewhat chameleonic, their indie rock generally rides a garage-psych wavelength that balances sun and fuzz with cool restraint. Body Heat usually perform as a full band, but tonight they played as…
Orlando City Stadium officially has a new name. On Tuesday, Orlando City SC announced the sale of its stadium naming rights for the privately funded, 25,500-seat venue to the Clermont-based timeshare and vacation rental company Exploria Resorts. In other words: So long, Orlando City Stadium. Hello, Exploria Stadium. “We are thrilled to have Exploria Resorts…
Last summer, gothic rock godfathers (but don’t you dare call them that) the Cure celebrated the band’s passage into middle age with an outdoor show at London’s Hyde Park. The Cure went all out, playing an unbelievable mix of their hits and deep album cuts, that covered every single era and mood of their long – and…
As court battles continue about whether the state is properly carrying out a 2016 constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana, the Florida House is again trying to weigh in. House attorneys Friday gave notice that they will appeal a Leon County circuit judge’s ruling that blocked the House from intervening in a lawsuit to…
On Tuesday, the Trump administration imposed a hefty set of new travel restrictions on U.S. citizens hoping to visit Cuba, banning many forms of educational and recreational travel. This ban focuses largely on what is known as “people-to-people” travel, wherein groups are allowed to visit the island as part of educational or cultural trips. The…
As Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge welcomes guests at Disneyland, the nearly identical land at Hollywood Studios wraps up construction ahead of its Aug. 29 grand opening. With that project now almost complete, the focus at Walt Disney World is quickly turning to the updates heading to Epcot. The multi-year, multi-billion-dollar reimagining of the park is…
The state had 63 cases of hepatitis A reported during the last week of May, bringing the total number of infections this year to 1,373 as of Saturday. The Florida Department of Health has been encouraging people to get vaccinated to protect themselves against infection. Two doses — six months apart — are required. According…
With the fifth pick of the 2019 MLB Draft, the Detroit Tigers selected Oviedo native and outfielder Riley Greene on Monday night. Greene attended Hagerty High School in Oviedo and was Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year this past season, in which he batted .422 with eight home runs, 27 RBIs and 38 runs over…
Amanda Kondrat’yev, a Florida woman who was arrested last weekend after allegedly throwing a beverage at Congressman Matt Gaetz, is now hoping to cover her legal costs through a Facebook fundraiser. So far, the fundraiser has raised nearly $2,000. “Not sure how much court stuff costs but I was charged with Battery today for allegedly…
Long-sought federal money is coming to complete a project that will raise a section of the Tamiami Trail to improve the flow of freshwater through the Everglades. U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao advised state officials Monday that $60 million will be provided to the National Park Service for elevating a 6.5-mile section of the roadway…
Disney debuted the West Coast incarnation of their heavily hyped Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expansion last weekend. But to whet your appetite while we wait for the Orlando version to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29, here’s our Bothan spy’s report on the exclusive food and beverages only available at Black Spire Outpost…
Single-use plastics and polystyrenes are now a thing of the past in Orlando’s city-owned and operated spaces. The Orlando City Council unanimously signed off on a policy Monday that bans the use of items such as plastic straws, bags and utensils, and Styrofoam ice chests and cups, at city parks and venues including the Amway…
Last weekend, an activist and political rival of Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz irresponsibly threw a beverage at the congressman as he left a town hall meeting located at the Brew Ha-Ha restaurant in Pensacola. The act of throwing beverages at politicians is called “milkshaking,” and it is not funny or acceptable in any way. As…
The Orlando Fire Department was on the scene at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park Sunday after several guests reported minor electrocutions. Four patients were transported to area hospitals, the Orlando Fire Department tells Orlando Weekly. Universal spokeswoman Alyson Lundell says the patients were Universal employees, and that they were transported to the hospital as a…
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts chose two young performers Saturday evening to represent Orlando at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City. Thomas Dyer from Lake Nona High School and Hannah Restuccia from Timber Creek High School will participate in the awards later this month. Also known as…
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announced 19 new titles for their 2019-2020 season Monday morning, including an additional Broadway touring production. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical will return to the Dr. Phillips Center June 11-14 as an add-on to the Broadway season. The Tony Award-winning musical tells the life story of singer/songwriter…
In one of the more exciting announcements for the upcoming fall concert season, young hip-hop firebrand and boundary-pusher Tyler, the Creator has just announced a show in Orlando as part of his tour kicking off in August, with special guests Jaden Smith (!) and GoldLink along for the ride. Tyler, the Creator will be touring behind…
In the western Gulf of Mexico, forecasters are keeping their eye on a group of thunderstorms which have a 60% chance of strengthening to become tropical storm Barry. The National Hurricane Center has stated that the southern Bay of Campeche does not have well-defined circulation. In a recent statement, a senior hurricane specialist wrote, “This…
Universal Studios Orlando will be throwing three days of Independence Day celebrations at the music plaza, July 4, 5 and 6. The festivities will begin each day at 5 p.m. with live music from Raydio and DJ M Squared. The character dance party, featuring all sorts of lovable goofballs, will begin at 6:15 p.m. And then the…
We’re just days away from the June 13 grand opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure, but rumors point to some concerning issues regarding the groundbreaking launch coaster. The ride has the most launches of any coaster in the world and is only the second in the nation to feature a…
Amendment 13, which passed with a 69 percent “yes” vote last year, banned betting on greyhound races in Florida. Now, the head of a pro-greyhound racing group says they’re fighting to bring the so-called sport back. In a public Facebook post last week, Jennifer Newcome, chairman of the Committee to Support Greyhounds, announced the group’s…
With Toy Story 4 less than four weeks away from theatrical release, Disney Parks are readying for the summer blockbuster with a slew of new Toy Story experiences, including one that will surely haunt many guests for years to come. Years after her last appearance at Disney Parks, Bo Peep will return for a limited…
Still no sign of remorse.NO condemnation of stoning gays.NO apology to LGBTQ Floridians.Too late for an apology anyway. Time to start talking censure.Time to start talking removal.#ResignMikeHill https://t.co/FkfQO0phEv — Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) June 3, 2019 House Speaker Jose Oliva and other Republican leaders Friday condemned Rep. Mike Hill, R-Pensacola, for his “laughter and…
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 Suburban Drive. Suburban Drive is playing June 4 at Will’s Pub with A Wolf in the City, Plans, and Forges. Just the facts: When did the band form?January 17, 2018…
Following a string of far-right politicians getting doused in milkshakes, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is the latest to join the club. The Republican congressman, who represents Florida’s 1st District, was leaving the Brew Ha Ha town hall in Pensacola, Florida, on Saturday, June 1, when police say 25-year-old Amanda L. Kondrat’yev successfully drilled a milkshake…
Musically, bassist and singer David J has done it all in his four decades of making music: help set the template for gothic music with Bauhaus, play as a founding member of Love and Rockets, release intriguing solo albums, moonlight in the Jazz Butcher, engage in total art-pop comedy with the Bubblemen, and even record…
Casey Anthony is planning a biopic about her trial for the murder of her daughter Caylee titled As I Was Told, she told the Daily Mail. “I just feel my truth needs to be out of me,” Anthony, now 33, told the British publication. “I need to close the book.” As I Was Told will be shot…
After coming tantalizingly close to the Sweet 16 last season, UCF has extended men’s basketball coach Johnny Dawkins’ contract through the 2024-2025 season, the University announced on Friday. “As impressive as the progression of our men’s basketball program has been in the last three seasons, it should not come as a surprise to anyone because it’s…
Ryan Morales, a Democratic candidate who’s running for a Florida House seat that covers much of Lake County, claimed in a Facebook post Friday morning that his campaign website had been accessed by Russian hackers. Morales, who’s challenging Republican incumbent state Rep. Anthony Sabatini in HD 32, tells Orlando Weekly that he woke up this…
In what will surely be another obstacle preventing sexual assault victims from coming forward, Florida A&M University and Dartmouth College have recently threatened to dismiss lawsuits unless the accusers reveal their names in public. According to the New York Times, both schools have demanded in court that sexual assault accusers, whose identities are known to…
With Memorial Day now past and the mercury hitting 100 degrees, true summer is finally upon us. And across Central Florida’s theme parks, summer means more than just crowds of tourists who have yet to discover sunscreen. SeaWorld Orlando’s Electric Ocean festival returns for a third year. The event takes place on select nights through…
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND The Circle with Thomas Wynn, Hannah Harber and Erica Blinn, Dexter’s Winter Park, May 28 Winter Park is many lovely things. But a musical hotbed? Not generally. However, there is something that’s been going on recently that’s more interesting than it might look at first glance. Right under all the bougie noses,…
Nationwide, over 828,000 fewer children were enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program combined at the end of 2018. A new report says about 70% of those losses took place in seven states, including Florida. Usually, a drop in enrollment for government programs means the economy is improving and people are getting services…
An executive order signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in February helped increase the number of counties participating in a controversial “guardian” program that allows school staff members to be armed on campus, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said Thursday. A total of 30 school districts have told the state they are participating in the Coach Aaron…
Impossibly dapper musician, bon vivant, and peer to Alex Chilton and Lux Interior, Tav Falco has lived many lives in the underground in Memphis and around the world. With his Panther Burns, Falco has been storming stages with a potent and raucous rockabilly/garage rock hybrid since the late 1970s, churning out classic albums like Behind the…
Homeowners in Clearwater woke up to a massive alligator in their kitchen last night. According to the Clearwater Police Department, the 11-foot apex predator was found inside a home on Eagles Landing Circle West, after it broke through a kitchen window. CPD says a trapper was called and the gator was captured and removed from…
Hi diddly ho neighborinos, and see you in the pit. The Ned Flanders-themed metal (or “Nedal” as it were) band Okilly Dokilly has announced a return to Central Florida, closely on the heels of their Will’s Pub show back in April. The best part is that McDonald’s-themed rock band and Orlando Weekly favorites Mac Sabbath…
The president is coming to town next month for a campaign rally. President Donald Trump is planning a June 18 rally in downtown Orlando as part of his 2020 re-election campaign. Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale told WKMG that he expects 30,000 or more people to attend. Cassandra Lafser, a spokeswoman for Mayor Buddy Dyer’s office,…
For the third time, a lone congressional Republican on Thursday blocked a federal disaster-relief package that has been long-awaited by Florida officials and residents of the hurricane-ravaged Panhandle. U.S. Rep. John Rose, R-Tennessee, objected to the $19.1 billion package being approved by unanimous consent in a “virtually empty” House chamber. Congress is on recess, and…
With the 407 area code running out of numbers, a new 689 area code will begin Tuesday in parts of Central Florida. The state Public Service Commission last year approved moving ahead with the new area code. The change is what is known as an “overlay” of the 407 and 321 area codes in Orange,…
Here’s the truth: The new summer “Prime Pair” menu at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse on International Drive is probably the best value in dining we’ve seen in a while. For $59, you’ll get your choice of three salads (including a classic wedge salad that all other wedge salads wish they could be), an entree…
Orlando-based writer and University of Central Florida alum Brian Druckenmiller bravely went where few have dared to go this morning in an Orlando Sentinel op-ed on UCF athletic director Danny White. In particular, Druckenmiller’s guest commentary focused on how White’s arrogant promotional tactics for the football program has “turned UCF’s Cinderella story into one of…
Former Democratic nominee for governor Andrew Gillum and his campaign are back in the Sunshine State’s spotlight. The Tampa Bay Times is reporting that a federal grand jury has issued a subpoena to Gillum and his campaign. It was issued in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida in Tallahassee; the subpoena…
The city of Orlando introduced two new black-necked swans to Lake Eola on Thursday, with hopes that one of them will mate with the lake’s lone current black-necked swan, a female named Queenie. Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 4 Commissioner Patty Sheehan introduced the new swans, who have yet to be named, to the public.…
Seminole County Public Schools’ and Orange County Public Schools’ Dining Services Departments will participate in the Summer Food Service Program, providing more than 6,000 nutritionally balanced meals a day from May through August at Summer BreakSpot locations. With school out of session for the summer, some children will have no source for the free and…
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office is warning consumers about scammers trying to trick people into giving up their Social Security numbers. In what Moody’s office called “a new twist on an old scam,” the fraudsters are using robocalls and “spoofing,” which disguises the number displayed on targets’ caller IDs, to impersonate the Social Security Administration.…
There are few people more synonymous with the electronic music scene in Florida than Tampa’s Brian Thomas. Whether it’s a local EDM show in Ybor, Miami Music Week in South Florida, or damn near any festival in the Southeast region, the always-smiling 28-year-old is usually found in attendance, either as a fan or promoting his…
Outlaw country survivor Steve Earle, who has been expanding the boundaries of country music since his 1986 debut, Guitar Town, is on tour and set to play Orlando next week as one of a trio of Florida dates. Earle is touring behind a new covers album that pays homage to legendary country music cult figure…
Gov. Ron DeSantis isn’t backing down in his support for President Donald Trump, despite Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Wednesday morning statement that declined to clear the president of obstruction of justice. “If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so,” Mueller told reporters yesterday during…
The 2019 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival came to a close on Memorial Day, and after seeing 80 different productions – and writing reviews of 50 of them – all I can say is this: The weather was dry and hot, the beer was cold and wet, and the lineup of shows was arguably the…
This year’s Bite Night event, June 20, will be the final one in the Orchid Garden and Church Street Ballroom. As has been reported, Church Street Ballroom will be torn down to make way for the second tower in the SunTrust Center, which is now under construction in what was the dirt lot adjacent to…
Right now, abortions are at an all-time low across the country, but that hasn’t stopped Dennis Baxley, a Florida Senator who hashtags his Instagrams at barbecue chain restaurants with #prolife, from somehow arguing that abortion bans are necessary to reverse our country’s low birthrates. Speaking with the South Florida Sun Sentinel Wednesday, Baxley was asked…
During the Florida cabinet’s trip to Jerusalem, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Wednesday banning anti-Semitism in the state’s public schools. The bill – HB 741, the first piece of Florida legislation ever signed on foreign soil – was unanimously approved last month. The new law bans discrimination on the basis of religion in public schools,…
Volusia County launched an animal abuse registry on its website Tuesday in an effort to prevent abusive owners from adopting pets. The database includes the names, photos, descriptions of the crimes and dates of birth of residents who have been convicted of animal abuse crimes in the past 10 years. The registry does not list…
Staying close to home seems more essential than ever, with 52% of Americans reporting having unused vacation days last year, according to WalletHub. Simple but entertaining activities such as biking, swimming, playing tennis, shopping and more can help any worker have a little “staycation.” With summer just around the corner, WalletHub compared more than 180…
Songwriter Yoni Wolf has reconvened his shapeshifting indie-rap (and so much more) ensemble Why?, today releasing new music (their first since 2017’s Moh Lhean) and announcing a North American tour starting in August, that will take in the City Beautiful as one of only two Florida dates. Wolf and co. unveiled their new EP I: I…
It’s been a while coming, but fave College Park juice joint New Moon Market has finally opened its downtown outpost. We told you back in July of 2017 about Jennifer Moon and husband Paul Huggett’s plans to open their second juice bar in the old Swalstead Jewelers space in the Citrus Center downtown. Moon cites new…
Regal Cinemas movie theaters across Orlando will offer $1 morning movies this summer as part of their annual Summer Movie Express program. Each week, theaters will screen kid-friendly movies at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Will Rogers Institute, which helps fund the research of cardiopulmonary diseases, according to a press release.…
Disney is once again being sued for not being able to control every aspect of nature. According to a new lawsuit, in May 2017 Lisa Dixon, a resident of Celebration, Florida, suffered a brain injury and herniated discs when a bird at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort slammed into her head. The Orlando Sentinel reports that…
Deaths among Florida bicyclists age 20 and older have tripled since 1975, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration. That’s a stark reality to face during Bike Safety Month in Florida. In all, the latest figures show 783 cyclists were involved in fatal accidents in the U.S. in 2017 – 125 of whom, or 16…
Lobbying the Legislature is big business. During the first three months of the year, companies, local governments and other clients paid an estimated $37.4 million to lobbying firms for legislative work, according to state numbers. Lobbying firms are required to file quarterly reports that offer a picture of how much they get paid. The numbers…
When you watch the buck of bad luck get passed this many times at Suite 104 of 100 S. Eola Drive, you can’t help but think that only a Starbucks or a clothing-optional kombucha bar could put the space out of its misery. It’s a cursed location, we all know it – just ask the…
OPENINGS: A gorgeous new food hall will open in the soon-to-be-preserved and repurposed Great Southern Box Company building, a structure dating back to the 1930s. The Southern Box Food Hall will be completed late next year on the corner of Princeton Street and Orange Blossom Trail in the Packing District. A microbrewery and signature restaurant/bar…
After a year spent in Austin, Timothy Eerie (the man) is back in Orlando, happily reunited with the rest of his band and set to release a debut record, Ritual, on Fat Elvis Records and Nomad Eel Records. ”I moved out there by myself,” he tells Orlando Weekly. “So I was out there playing shows as…
Opening this week:All Is True Whenever Kenneth Branagh directs and acts in a movie based on Shakespeare, there’s a strong chance you’re going to have a good time. But the thing that excites me most about All Is True may be the involvement of Ben Elton, because it’s a red-letter day when a film is…
Whales Teenage Israeli dubstep prodigy headlines a midweek party here in the City Beautiful. 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Aero, free Moloko Plus Monthly modular electronics performance series gets some new blood with sets from locals Jade Wii and Bacon Grease. 8 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at the Nook on Robinson, free Varanger A night of…
Savage Love Live swooped into Seattle’s Egyptian Theater and Denver’s Oriental Theater over the last two weekends. I couldn’t get to everyone’s questions at these sold-out shows – there were so many great questions and I’m just one lousy advice columnist – so I’m going to power through as many as I can in this…
Data says houses are more valuable in Orlando’s gay neighborhoods: The value of a home in Audubon Park and Coytown, which have Orlando’s highest rates of same-sex households, is about 27% higher than the rest of the area, according to the American Community Survey. Nationwide, homes in “gayborhoods” tend to be more expensive. The home…
