Ray Roa, Author at Orlando Weekly

News

Tampa photojournalist arrested outside ICE detention center in Miami

Decker, who was on assignment for three news outlets, was covering a protest action by Sunshine Movement, which saw many of its members arrested.

by Ray Roa November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Decker, who was on assignment for three news outlets, was covering a protest action by Sunshine Movement, which saw many of its members arrested.

Music

Jon Batiste brings his musical mission of healing to the Dr. Phillips Center’s anniversary

State of the union

by Matthew Moyer and Ray Roa October 8, 2025October 22, 2025

Doechii sits in an armchair with her legs crossed. A white alligator sits on the rug to her right

Music

Florida’s rap superstar Doechii plays hometown concert this fall

She’s playing just one Florida show, and it’s only a drive away

by Ray Roa September 9, 2025September 9, 2025

News

Former Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes says ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ could ‘have all kinds of issues with staffing’

‘Is it a federal facility, or is it a state facility that is leased to the feds? That’s an important distinction.’

by Ray Roa June 30, 2025August 5, 2025

Immigration, News

Photos: In the Everglades, hundreds rally against Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

by Ray Roa June 30, 2025March 8, 2026

News

Trump-supporting Florida firefighter loses job over behavior at ‘No Kings’ protest

‘His actions were not consistent with the standards and trust the community expects and deserves’

by Ray Roa June 27, 2025July 14, 2025

Music

Before Orlando show, Illuminati Hotties’ Sarah Tudzin talks fulfillment and fighting fascists

“Existing in this world the way I do inherently has activism woven into it; it has to have steps of education woven into it”

by Ray Roa May 30, 2025June 23, 2025

News

Photos: All the soggy Trump supporters we saw ahead of Sunday’s ‘Victory Rally’ in Washington, D.C.

by Ray Roa January 20, 2025

News

Photos: In Washington, D.C., thousands marched in protest ahead of Trump inauguration

by Ray Roa January 20, 2025

News

Photos: Before book talk, Hillary Clinton stumps for Kamala Harris in Florida

by Ray Roa November 4, 2024

News

Group withdraws plans to build golf courses at Florida State Parks, but questions remain

The state still hasn’t updated its plan to hear public comments

by Ray Roa August 26, 2024July 29, 2025

News

Here’s when and how you can push back on plans to develop Florida State Parks

The proposed development across Florida’s protected natural public spaces is drastic

by Ray Roa August 22, 2024January 14, 2025

Abortion Rights, News

Photos: President Biden bashes Florida’s abortion ban, while protesters hammer him on Palestine

by Ray Roa April 24, 2024

Music

Indie-pop group Alvvays brings album ‘Blue Rev’ to Orlando this summer

The show happens in the wake of the band’s NPR Tiny Desk debut

by Ray Roa January 2, 2024June 8, 2024

Music

Everything we saw when Ice Nine Kills gave Orlando a ‘Kiss of Death’

by Ray Roa November 20, 2023

Music

Drake’s 2024 tour with J. Cole skips Orlando, but comes to Tampa

The show is the only Florida stop of 2024

by Ray Roa November 13, 2023April 27, 2025

Dave Chappelle to perform stand-up at Orlando’s Amway Center in November

No phones allowed. (Live/laugh/love in the moment)

by Ray Roa September 14, 2023May 15, 2025

Pedro the Lion will play ‘It’s Hard to Find a Friend’ and ‘Control’ in Orlando this spring

It’s his first show in Orlando in four years

by Ray Roa January 17, 2023September 7, 2023

News

Tampa Police Chief resigns amid investigation over flashing badge to get out of traffic violation

Mary O’Connor was caught on bodycam using her badge to avoid a traffic citation.

by Justin Garcia, Ray Roa and Colin Wolf December 5, 2022July 14, 2025

Music

311, Damian Marley among headliners for St. Pete’s Reggae Rise Up 2023

Koffee, Dirty Heads, Dispatch, Rebelution and Sublime with Rome are on the bill, too.

by Ray Roa October 21, 2022March 27, 2025