Labor

Poverty or prosperity? Ford’s Garage service charge and 1-cent pay for Orlando servers sparks outcry

More restaurants are turning to a controversial commission-based pay model for servers to manage labor costs.

by McKenna Schueler April 9, 2026April 9, 2026

Orlando Area News

Orange County weighs ban on smoke shops near schools

Commissioner Nicole Wilson proposed the county move forward with creating a buffer zone similar to those established in other communities.

by McKenna Schueler April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

LGBTQ+

Lake County Pride to host first-ever LGBTQ+ Pride fest in deep-red Florida

The festival will be held on Sunday, April 26, at Ferran Park in Eustis.

by McKenna Schueler April 6, 2026April 6, 2026

Orlando Area News

Disney World workers, teachers union urge Disney to drop lawsuits against Orange County

Disney’s lawsuits against the county over property taxes have forced the school district to set aside $119 million for pending litigation expenses.

by McKenna Schueler April 3, 2026May 20, 2026

Labor

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