Brightline’s union-busting lawsuit tossed by federal judge

The lawsuit sought to overturn the results of a 2025 union election which saw a majority of Brightline’s onboard assistants vote in favor of unionizing with the Transport Workers Union.

by McKenna Schueler April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

Things to Do

Central Florida Zoo extends weekend hours through May

The Sanford-based zoo will be open for an extra hour beginning this weekend through May 25.

by McKenna Schueler April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

Orlando Area News

Demings extends deadline for renegotiating ICE agreement, blames government shutdown

This is the second time the Orange County mayor has extended the deadline to renegotiate.

by McKenna Schueler April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

Orlando Area News

James Fishback draws hundreds to late-night campaign rally at Orlando Taco Bell

The right-wing provocateur running for Florida governor this year has pledged to divest from Israel, close Florida’s abortion clinics, and provide paid maternity leave for mothers who can’t afford not to work.

by McKenna Schueler March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

Orlando Area News

Photos: Everything we saw at Orlando’s third No Kings rally

It was the third day of “No Kings” protests since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last year

by Chloe Greenberg and McKenna Schueler March 29, 2026March 29, 2026

Immigration

ICE-friendly Florida leads nation in immigration arrests

The Miami-based ICE field office has arrested more people on immigration charges than any other field office in the U.S.

by McKenna Schueler March 27, 2026April 1, 2026

Orlando Theme Parks

U.S. Department of Justice sues SeaWorld over disability rights violation

The justice department launched an investigation into SeaWorld’s ban on wheeled walkers with seats last November.

by McKenna Schueler March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

News

Three ‘No Kings’ protests are coming to Orlando this Saturday

More than 3,000 anti-Trump protests nationwide are happening this Saturday, in what organizers predict could be one of the largest single-day nonviolent protests in U.S. history.

by McKenna Schueler March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

Orlando Area News

Orange County leaders back firefighters union in contract proposals

The union has been in negotiations for a new contract for the county’s firefighters for more than a year.

by McKenna Schueler March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

Orlando Area News

City implements ‘no-feeding’ policy for swans at Lake Eola

The swans will still be fed through floating feeders, but the coin-operated public bird feeders are out.

by McKenna Schueler March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Elections

Former Orange County Democratic Party chair hosts campaign kickoff for Florida House seat

Samuel Vilchez Santiago, a Gen-Z Democrat, has already earned the endorsement of incumbent Rep. Johanna López for the Florida House District 43 seat in Orlando.

by McKenna Schueler March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

Orlando Area News

Are ICE agents being deployed to Orlando International Airport?

An MCO spokesperson told Orlando Weekly Monday afternoon the airport “has not been notified” by feds that it will be staffed with ICE officers

by McKenna Schueler March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, debates in the House Chamber

Florida News

Eskamani may have to wear fake mustache to Pride if she’s elected Orlando mayor under new law

Florida Rep. Eskamani, a mayoral hopeful, spoke critically Friday of an anti-DEI bill that’s expected to be signed into law soon

by McKenna Schueler March 20, 2026March 20, 2026

Orlando Area News

Feds offer no confirmation on whether ICE will open new office near UCF

The U.S. General Services Administration has offered conflicting answers and information on plans to expand ICE’s presence in Orlando.

by McKenna Schueler March 20, 2026March 20, 2026

Florida News

Emails reveal influential anti-trans group behind Florida bill targeting gender-affirming care providers

LGBTQ rights advocates warned even a parent could be charged with a third-degree felony for supporting their trans child.

by McKenna Schueler March 18, 2026March 23, 2026

Pulse

Pulse nightclub demolition to begin Wednesday

According to the city, the full process of clearing the property could take several weeks.

by McKenna Schueler March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers

Labor

Emails show right-wing group gave talking points to Florida GOP lawmaker on anti-union bill

Public records obtained by Orlando Weekly show the right-wing Freedom Foundation supplied materials to ensure the bill’s passage.

by McKenna Schueler March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

Openings, Closings + Moves

Hamburger Mary’s to open Kissimmee location this May

The popular LGBTQ-owned restaurant is planning to open in Kissimmee’s Old Town District

by McKenna Schueler March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

Orlando Area News

Orange County reports 50 percent drop in drug overdose deaths

While one life lost is still too many, local experts believe county initiatives to prevent fatal overdose in the community are working.

by McKenna Schueler March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Pulse

Pulse nightclub sign taken down for construction of memorial

The towering sign will be stored by the city in a secure, undisclosed location during construction on the former nightclub property.

by McKenna Schueler March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

BEST OF ORLANDO® 2026 IS HERE. SEE THE RESULTS!