

Cover Story
The tweets, memes and online obsessions that made us spend way too much time online this year
2019: It was a whole mood
This week’s SpaceX launch in Cape Canaveral could have larger significance for Central Florida
Elon Musk’s aerospace manufacturer, SpaceX, successfully launched 60 non-reflective internet satellites late Monday evening from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Unlike previous reflective satellites, the latest space-bound devices are clad in a new dark coating, so as not to disrupt astronomers and stargazers from viewing the stars. It was their first official launch for the…
Op-ed: The Florida Supreme Court needs a Black jurist
The Florida Supreme Court lacks the diversity needed to satisfy the many legal needs of Florida’s divergent, ethnic and racial communities. Justice Thurgood Marshall once said: “… one-sided justice” does not allow for our adversary system to fully consider the impact that a decision can have on “all the people it will affect.” Florida Gov.…
Dub reggae alchemist Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry returns to Orlando in February
He last graced the City Beautiful with his otherworldly presence in early 2018, playing Super Ape from start to finish for a packed house at the Social, and now outsider reggae legend Lee “Scratch” Perry is returning next month as part of a Florida (!) tour. Perry closed out 2019 in style with the release…
Legal Public Notices 1/8 issue
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices AUCTION Extra Space Storage – Store 8138, 1001 Lee Rd. Orlando FL. 32810 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1001 Lee Rd. Orlando , FL. 32810 (407) 489-3742, January 30th, 2020 @…
In a major overhaul, Orlando’s Holy Land Experience will end all theatrical productions
In the past few days, rumors have been flying that The Holy Land Experience will be closing its doors in April. Today, owner Trinity Broadcasting Network confirmed to Orlando Weekly that the attraction will remain open but will dramatically scale back its operations beginning on April 19. The theme park-like, living-museum attraction is well known for…
Michael Jordan apparel store headed to downtown Orlando
Michael Jordan, that guy who came to the City Beautiful to have his butt handed to him in 1995 by Svelte Shaq and the Magic – and who went on to be the greatest basketball player ever and sell billions of dollars worth of apparel, or whatever – has a store coming downtown Orlando. The…
Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez will lead Florida’s 2020 census committee
Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez to lead the state’s 2020 U.S. Census efforts. Nunez will chair Florida’s Complete Count Committee, whose members were also named Monday. The 19-member committee will coordinate with the U.S. Census Bureau in conducting the constitutionally required census between March and June. The census is conducted every…
‘Schoolhouse Rock Live!’ to drop knowledge on Orlando kids (and nostalgic adults)
Though the recent death of singer and trumpeter Jack Sheldon has somewhat cast a pall over this event, it will no doubt be a delightful and educational treat nevertheless. Sheldon’s voice would be familiar to Gen Xers who grew up seeing Schoolhouse Rock between Saturday-morning cartoons; the Florida native sang the iconic “Just a Bill”…
Vice President Mike Pence headlining ‘Latinos for Trump’ event in Kissimmee
More Latinx people voted for the Trump/Pence ticket during the 2016 presidential election than any other racial minority. That’s one reason Vice President Mike Pence is being dispatched to Kissimmee to rally Latinx supporters of President Donald Trump. Central Florida has a large population of Puerto Rican and other Latinx residents, and Kissimmee experienced especially rapid…
More cars were shot on Central Florida highways, and police still don’t know the motive
Four cars driving on I-4 near the Orange-Osceola county line were struck by gunfire around 5 a.m. Monday, say Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies. There were no injuries. Officials think the shooter was in a car headed westbound but have no idea why they were shooting into traffic. “We don’t know the motive yet. We’re working…
Meet two Florida congressional candidates pushing wildly stupid QAnon conspiracy theories
If you’re unfamiliar with QAnon, a quick description: It’s essentially an insane group of conspiracy theorists who believe pedophile Democrats are eating babies and Trump is somehow working with former special counsel Robert Mueller to take down the “deep state,” a liberal cabal bent on destroying … er, it gets muddy around here. The GOP?…
Second Puerto Rico earthquake kills one, leaves southern areas without water
Puerto Rico has been rocked by two earthquakes in as many consecutive days. On Tuesday morning, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the island, reportedly killing at least one man and leaving some 300,000 people in southern Puerto Rico without water. That quake came on the heels of a 5.8 magnitude temblor that hit the southern…
Florida’s welcome centers no longer give tourists free orange juice
The orange, and the liquid goodness squeezed from each one, are symbols of Florida. That’s why some state welcome centers once gave out complimentary orange juice, greeting travelers on the Florida roads with an OJ toast. It became a tradition starting in 1949, as northeastern Florida “hospitality houses” grew into welcome centers near Jacksonville and Jennings. That…
The ten biggest issues to watch in the 2020 Florida legislative session
The 2020 legislative session will start Jan. 14 as House and Senate members gather to hear Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address. Lawmakers will take up a wide range of issues during the 60-day session, along with negotiating a budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Here are 10 big issues…
State senator wants to make the day after Halloween a school holiday
Students would get a day off from school to come down from their Halloween sugar highs, under a bill filed Monday by Sen. Annette Taddeo, D-Miami. The proposal (SB 1462) says that each school district would designate the day after Halloween as a school holiday, unless Halloween lands on a Friday or a Saturday. “As…
Florida Senate considers $47,500 minimum salary for public school teachers
A day before the 2020 legislative session starts, a Senate panel will consider legislation aimed at increasing teacher pay, a top priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill (SB 1088), sponsored by Senate Education Chairman Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, is meant to be a vehicle for the governor’s pitch to set a $47,500 minimum salary…
Leslye Gale’s O-Town Lowdown on Magic 107.7 for Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2019
Every morning on Magic 107.7 FM, Leslye Gale discusses the most interesting Orlando Weekly stories of the day on “Chad & Leslye.” Check out Leslye’s picks today. Mansplaining Convention Coming To Florida If you can’t understand the men in your life, you might want to attend Orlando’s upcoming mansplaining convention. – LINK How would you feel…
Florida state lawmakers are increasingly blocking local governments
A Tallahassee research group wants state lawmakers to temper a trend of tying the hands of city and county officials by “preempting” local regulations. The non-profit group Integrity Florida issued a report Monday raising concerns that lawmakers, with the backing of powerful lobbying groups, are strategically attacking home-rule authority on issues ranging from sunscreen bans…
Warmer winter causing fire ants to flourish in Volusia and Flagler counties
Snowbirds aren’t the only ones enjoying the warm weather. Due to the unseasonably hot winter, ants – fire ants in particular – have migrated, multiplied and spread across Flagler and Volusia counties, say agricultural experts. They’re mating and procreating like it’s spring, instead of harvesting resources and storing energy for a cold winter. “They think…
For the first time ever, Florida is regulating CBD products
As sales boom in retail establishments throughout Florida, state regulators are now keeping tabs on CBD products that marketers claim can ease arthritis, anxiety and sleeplessness. The items – including gummy bears, chocolates and dog treats – are part of a national mania for CBD, a non-euphoric compound derived from cannabis plants. And they’ve been…
Florida kids jump Florida man allegedly trying to kidnap one of them
A Florida man allegedly attempted to grab and abduct a child standing near the entrance of the Viaport Mall arcade in Leesburg. This Florida man, though, evidently didn’t account for a group of Florida kids trying to intervene. The attempted kidnapping victim’s friends – a flock of 10 kids and teens, including an 18-year-old – jumped the…
Leslye Gale’s O-Town Lowdown on Magic 107.7 for Monday, Jan. 6, 2019
Every morning on Magic 107.7 FM, Leslye Gale discusses the most interesting Orlando Weekly stories of the day on “Chad & Leslye.” Check out Leslye’s picks today. Cool Weather Brings Whales Along Our Coast The cooler weather is bringing near daily whale sightings along the Volusia-Flagler coast. – LINK A local Sanford apartment complex is collecting…
Band of the Week: Chalet Girl
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 Chalet Girl. Chalet Girl is playing the Final Punk on the Patio on Tuesday, Jan. 7 with Flashlights, Like Father, and No Handouts. Just the facts: Who’s in the band?Lili…
Florida’s first reported panther death of 2020: Cat was killed by car
A 2-year-old female panther was found dead Thursday near the Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area in Hendry County, says the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Wildlife officials say the cause was an apparent vehicle strike. Last year, 23 of the 27 reported Florida panther deaths were caused by car strikes. There are some 230 panthers…
Florida ended the year with nearly 3,400 cases of hepatitis A
Just days before the end of 2019, Florida had received reports of nearly 3,400 hepatitis A cases during the year. The 3,395 cases reported as of Saturday included 63 newly reported cases during the prior week. As an indication of the extent of the outbreak in 2019, Florida totaled 1,175 reported cases of hepatitis A…
Florida political roundup for the first week of 2020
As a new year begins, and as we bid a final farewell to the past decade, Floridians should look out for a number of events in the next 12 months. For starters, two massive events are coming to the Sunshine State: the 2020 Super Bowl and WrestleMania. Those events are expected to draw huge crowds…
Coasts of Volusia and Flagler counties are hot spots for cooler-weather whale watching
Annual whale migration has just begun, boosting the odds of glimpsing the massive creatures near the Orlando area, and few ocean sights are as infrequent and glorious. There are Central Florida beaches where whales have been spotted this migration season already, and we’ll likely see more, offering local whale watchers a couple of fleeting outposts.…
Manatee County man says he was awakened by burglar sucking his toes
The night before Christmas was certainly stirring for one Manatee County resident awakened by a toe-sucking burglar. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says a man awoke Christmas Eve to a man sucking his toes. According to the incident report, when the victim asked the assailant what he was doing, the alleged culprit said he “was…
Sanford apartment using doggie DNA to make sure pet owners pick up waste
Dodging dog poop landmines stinks, especially when they’re outside your home, left by pet owners too lazy and inconsiderate to pick up their mutts’ dookie. Lake Monroe Apartments in Sanford is putting a stop to it. The complex requires pet owner residents to submit their dog’s DNA via a saliva swab. Pet owners pay $250 to…
Hillsborough County group wants to memorialize local lynching victims
A group of Hillsborough County leaders want residents to acknowledge and remember the five Black lynchings on the county’s record, with memorials to the victims. The group, including Tampa City Council Chair Luis Viera and Hillsborough County state Rep. Fentrice Driskell, reports Spectrum News 9, have been meeting in Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in Tampa. According to the Equal Justice Initiative,…
Republican Florida House bill would address sea-level rise, create Statewide Office of Resiliency
A House Republican on Friday filed a proposal that would create a Statewide Office of Resiliency in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office as part of efforts to address the impacts of climate change. The proposal (HB 1073), filed by Rep. Cyndi Stevenson, R-Saint Johns, is identical to a measure (SB 7016) that has started moving forward…
Chuy’s to celebrate King of Rock and Roll’s birthday with free food for guests who dress like Elvis or Priscilla
Wednesday, Jan. 8, would have been Elvis Presley’s 85th birthday, and fun-bunch Tex-Mex chain Chuy’s wants to celebrate. In honor of the King, customers can get free food if they come in dressed up: A free entree of their choice will be served to anyone cosplaying Elvis or his wife Priscilla (who had an equally memorable…
Florida’s NRA-backed gun laws are drawing national attention, court briefs
The legal battle over a 2011 Florida gun law continues to ratchet up. State and national groups – including two prominent gun-control organizations – filed briefs Thursday urging the 1st District Court of Appeal to reject the law, which threatens tough penalties if city and county officials approve gun regulations. One of the briefs described…
Florida Chamber of Commerce actively opposing amendment to legalize recreational marijuana
The Florida Chamber of Commerce has taken an initial step toward intervening in a lawsuit in which a political committee is seeking more time to collect petition signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana. The Florida Chamber opposes the proposed amendment and has backed increased restrictions on signature gathering, including in…
The LGBT+ Center Orlando opens Harlem Renaissance exhibit, ‘As Gay as It Was Black’
The LGBT+ Center Orlando is presenting The Harlem Renaissance – As Gay as It Was Black, a traveling exhibit of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, starting with an opening this Friday night. The celebration of Black and queer history will include a special performance by Tymisha Harris, who co-created and stars in the off-Broadway Josephine, a “burlesque…
Willie Nelson and Family to play the Dr. Phillips Center in February
As the man himself famously sings, country icon Willie Nelson is “on the road again” with his musical family for a run of January and February North American tour dates. And the final show os this leg of the tour will go down at Orlando’s ornate Dr. Phillips Center. In a recent interview, Nelson disclosed…
SeaWorld once again offers free admission for Florida preschoolers
SeaWorld’s newly-released 2020 Preschool Card is now the cheapest and best way for your little ones to experience all those captive fish. Available for registration exclusively for Florida residents, the Preschool Card grants any children ages 5 or below free visits to SeaWorld through the end of the year. Advance registration for the Preschool Card…
Central Floridian blues master Selwyn Birchwood to play the New Standard this weekend
Blues will never die, and guitarist and singer Selwyn Birchwood is going to make sure of that, dammit. His combination of old-school blues and modern blues-rock has been propelling him on a never-ending tour across the U.S, where his wailing guitar and heartbroken songs can be heard by blues fans everywhere. An Orlando native, Birchwood…
New Orlando music venue peek: The New Standard
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND The Commonheart at the New Standard, Dec. 30 There’s no more proper way to break in a new year than with something completely fresh. Now you’re about to see the word “new” dropped a conspicuous amount of times but, trust, it’s apt. This brings us to new music joint the New Standard.…
Orlando’s Tapa Toro offers nonalcoholic specialty cocktails for ‘Dry January’
The concept of “Dry January” is always a fabulous idea, especially after the excesses of the holiday party season and, of course, New Year’s Eve. I-Drive tapas bar Tapa Toro just announced via Twitter they’re featuring two new “mocktails” each week throughout January – “in solidarity!” with fellow winter teetotalers. Until Jan. 9, they are serving…
A Florida woman is selling a chicken tender shaped like a manatee for $5,000
Last December someone spent $120K on a banana duct-taped to a wall at Miami’s Art Basel, so it shouldn’t be much of a shocker that a Florida woman is now selling a manatee-shaped chicken tender for $5K on Facebook Marketplace. Posted yesterday by Riverview resident Melinda Britt Disbrow under “Antiques and Collectibles,” the high-priced poultry…
Orlando home prices more than doubled in the last 10 years
Orlando’s median home price was $114,369 in 2010, and $259,723 at the close of 2019. That’s a 127 percent spike over the last decade, which is one of the biggest jumps of any housing market in the country, according to numbers by real estate listing site Redfin. Although an increase in housing value is encouraging in…
Gov. DeSantis’ re-election committee raked in mad cash in December
As Gov. Ron DeSantis spent his first year in the governor’s office, he raised more than $5 million through his political committee. Since taking office last January, DeSantis pulled in money from major donors, raising an average of $448,762 a month, according to campaign finance reports filed with the state Division of Elections and information…
Appeals court clears the way for felony charges in Florida State University hazing death
An appeals court Thursday said a former Florida State University fraternity president and two other men can face felony hazing charges in the 2017 death of a pledge who drank heavily at an off-campus party. A divided panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal overturned a Leon County circuit judge’s ruling that tossed out…
What does Florida’s population explosion mean for our state’s power in Congress?
With three months until “Census Day,” Florida has an outside chance to do better than previously analyzed. With 21.48 million Floridians estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau on Monday, the Sunshine State is already expected to see an increase in federal funding and political clout in the coming years because of its growing population. Florida…
The ‘Jurassic World’ live-action show to bring the chaos to Orlando in January
The Jurassic World Live Tour is bringing to dinos back to life to thrill Orlando, from Jan. 17-20. We first told you about it last March, but now the dates have finally been announced. This captivating live show is loosely based on the plots of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, as the audience is swept…
Busch Gardens Tampa is offering limited BOGO Fun Cards for both parks
If you love thrills, start your year off right by saving money and hopping on this limited time offer for Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. Guests can now pay for one Busch Gardens Fun Card, priced at $109.99, and visit either of the parks for free until the end of the year. According to BG,…
Dance music icon Jellybean Benitez to hold it down at Iron Cow at the end of January
Legendary New York DJ/producer Jellybean Benitez is gearing up to play the City Beautiful at the end of the month, and the night promises to be explosive. Benitez began DJing in 1970s, scoring coveted slots at the likes of Studio 54 and Paradise Garage. In the 80s, Benitez cemented his rep as an in-demand remixer,…
Florida woman hit by falling bullet from celebratory New Year’s gunshots
A Delray Beach woman sitting and taking in the New Year just before midnight last night felt a sudden pain just above her left knee. It was a bullet. She was hospitalized and later released. Delray Beach Police, who haven’t identified the woman, say it was likely celebratory gunfire to ring in the New Year. Being struck by…
Someone is shooting BBs or pellets at random cars driving on I-4 and I-95
Volusia County Sherriff says that someone fired either a BB, pellet or small-caliber gun at cars driving I-4 and I-95 Wednesday. In a tweet, Sheriff Mike Chitwood said people called with reports of being hit on I-4 eastbound into Seminole County and I-95 northward toward Flagler County. No one was injured. Various law enforcement agencies…
Rockabilly enigma Unknown Hinson returns to Orlando in February
Psychobilly mystery man Unknown Hinson has announced a lengthy run of tour dates stretching through January and February, and in and amongst a smattering of Florida shows, there is a triumphant return to Will’s Pub. The “400-year-old hillbilly vampire” recently threw down at November’s Adult Swim Festival as part of the “Squidbillies 10 Man Bunkhouse Stampede.”…
Orlando white nationalist candidate for U.S. Senate and President arrested in Melbourne
An Orlando-based white nationalist who told everyone he was a drinker of goat blood during a doomed U.S. Senate run to challenge Marco Rubio was arrested Monday. Brevard County Sheriff’s deputies booked Augustus Sol Invictus, 36, at a Florida mall on charges of kidnapping and domestic violence out of South Carolina, according to reporter Nick…
Florida Supreme Court justice candidates to be interviewed in Orlando
With Gov. Ron DeSantis expected to appoint two Florida Supreme Court justices early this year, a state panel is ready to interview 32 applicants for the powerful posts. The Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission has scheduled all-day sessions on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 at an Orlando hotel to interview the applicants. After the…
Reconfigured West Coast punk legends Radolescents bring Cali punk to Orlando
Reconfigured West Coast punk legends Radolescents are coming to ring in the New Year right, and that’s by playing the frantic and furious anthems on their 1981 classic “Blue Album” from start to finish. Radolescents are a band consisting of members pulled from throughout influential Calif punks Adolescents’ long career arc – this particular incarnation…
Tampa’s Gino & the Goons join Orlando’s Golden Pelicans to light up Will’s Pub on Friday
Against all odds, the holidays and their immediate aftermath are yielding a bumper crop of solid local punk shows. And this teamup between two Central Floridian greats – Orlandoans Golden Pelicans and Tampa’s Gino & the Goons – is definitely no exception. Both bands strip their music down to the leanest and meanest of caveman…
The long-rumored upcharge FastPass program at Disney World looks like it’s finally about to launch
For better or worse, Walt Disney World’s FastPass+ system has become a standard part of Orlando vacations, but unlike their competitors, Disney’s skip-the-line system remains complimentary for all guests. Exactly what is included, however, with that complimentary offer may soon change. As early as 2007, there were indications that Disney was considering a paid FastPass…
Recreational marijuana advocates sue for more time to collect ballot signatures
Arguing that a new law violates constitutional rights, supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking more time to submit petition signatures to get on the November ballot. The political committee Make It Legal Florida filed the lawsuit in Leon County circuit court targeting the constitutionality of…
M&M World’s move to Disney Springs is a major blow to Florida Mall
Since the 2015 transformation from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs, the Disney-owned shopping village hasn’t slowed down in its attempt to become the ultimate shopping destination. With more than a million square feet of commercial space, Disney Springs ranks among the largest retail centers in all of Florida. Now, a new store will help cement it as…
Deltona man partially blows off hand while lighting firework in car
New Year’s Eve is a night known for fireworks, but a warning: Don’t light fireworks in your car. Not tonight, or ever. Emergency officials say a Deltona man severed part of his right hand after removing the projectile from a firework and igniting the fuse while in a car. Officials say the explosion blew out…
With more residents than New York, Florida is on track to gain congressional seats
Florida’s population growth remains on track to garner new congressional seats in the coming years, though the state might not be adding new residents as fast as officials had believed. A U.S. Census Bureau estimate released Monday shows Florida adding about 640 people a day over the past year. With the state second in adding…
Florida grandma tasered by police day after Christmas, on her 70th birthday
A 70-year-old woman was tasered three times at her front door and arrested the day after Christmas. Barbara Pinkney, a grandmother who was also celebrating her birthday on Dec. 26, said she was tasered by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies who came to her home to serve an arrest warrant to her grandson, Tevin Turner, for…
Don’t miss the final Punk on the Patio, happening Tuesday, Jan. 7
Correction: An earlier version included an inaccurate date. Apologies! For the past four years, the Punk on the Patio series has been carrying on the tradition of floor shows established by the likes of Bar-BQ-Bar and the Social’s old back-door shows. After their fourth anniversary earlier this year, though, they’re hanging it up. The final…
The five biggest Florida legal issues to watch in 2020
State and federal courts are expected in 2020 to grapple with high-profile Florida issues, ranging from felons’ voting rights to medical marijuana. Here are snapshots of five key legal issues to watch in the new year: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: The Florida Supreme Court will decide whether to sign off on proposed constitutional amendments that could go…
Florida has hired dozens of 18-year-old prison guards in the last six months
Nearly six months after the minimum age to work as a correctional officer in Florida was dropped from 19 to 18, the state has hired 87 guards who met the lower threshold. The new minimum age, approved by the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, went into effect July 1. It was designed to help alleviate…
SeaWorld Orlando is ending its theatrical orca shows, but they still have a long road ahead
With a new CEO at the helm, SeaWorld looks to be back on track with previously announced plans to phase out entertainment-driven animal shows. Its orca show, “One Ocean,” is retiring at the end of December in both Orlando and San Antonio. During the heat of SeaWorld’s rough seas, former CEO Joel Manby made a splash…
State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith was warned at the Vatican for holding hands with his husband
While walking the resplendently hallowed grounds of Saint Peter’s Square, Orlando state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith says he was stopped by Vatican officials for holding hands with his husband, Jerick Mediavilla. The two were pulled aside, according to a Facebook post by Smith, and warned that their hand-holding could be punished with a fine “or worse.” “It’s…
Florida leaders are still trying to land headquarters for Trump’s Space Force
Florida hasn’t given up on landing the command center for the nation’s newest military branch, Space Force. Dale Ketcham, Space Florida’s vice president of government and external relations, said Florida is “still competing” for the headquarters for the new branch, which will have an initial job of protecting satellites and other hardware already in space.…
Mansplaining convention coming to Orlando promises to ‘Make Women Great Again’
Organizers say it is “destined to be the mansplaining event of the century.” Brought to you by the same Orlando-based bros who host the 21 Convention to “actualize the ideal man,” the 22 Convention is coming to “make women great again.” The May 1-3 event will be held at an Orlando location disclosed to only…
Waterford Lakes’ newest addition might have unforeseen consequences for Pointe Orlando
When Pointe Orlando’s Regal Cinema theaters opened their 4DX special effects theater in 2017, it was one of the very first in the nation. Now, two years later, there are more than 700 4DX theaters worldwide, with plans for 79 new screens to be installed in the U.S. There have been mixed reviews for the…
Disney has been on a land-buying spree. Here’s why it probably isn’t a new theme park
A land purchase by Walt Disney World has rumors flying once again of a new park heading to the resort. Just prior to Christmas, public documents confirmed Disney had closed on a 235-acre plot west of the Magic Kingdom, near the western beltway. The land purchase helps fill in an odd, jigsaw-like cutout of Disney’s…
The very best new restaurants and dishes in Orlando this year
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Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried and NRA’s Marion Hammer tangle over gun case
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer sparred Friday after Fried’s lawyers filed a court brief arguing that an NRA-backed gun law is unconstitutional. Hammer, the gun-rights group’s longtime Florida lobbyist and former national president, sent a memo to NRA members accusing Fried of thinking “it’s OK to deliberately violate…
Proposed bill would allow digital ads on top of Florida ride-sharing cars
A House Republican this week proposed allowing vehicles in ride-sharing services such Uber and Lyft to display digital advertising. Rep. Bob Rommel, R-Naples, filed the proposal (HB 1039) for consideration during the legislative session that starts Jan. 14. The bill would allow so-called “transportation network company” drivers to contract for the installation of digital advertising…
Rick Scott’s former lawyer to represent Florida Christian schools’ lawsuit to use loudspeakers for prayer
Jesse Panuccio, who served as general counsel to former Gov. Rick Scott, will represent a Tampa Christian school in a long-running legal fight about whether the Florida High School Athletic Association should have allowed a prayer before a championship football game. Panuccio, who also served as director of the state Department of Economic Opportunity under…
Dr. Phillips Center announces return of its local music series AMP’d in February
While the Dr. Phillips Center makes grand show announcements all the time, one of its latest is a truly local affair. Its AMP’d Series is finally returning for a season in early 2020 with a diverse – and, most importantly, improved – lineup that includes some of the area’s most credentialed musical names like Eugene…
Disneyland gets new parade with Todrick Hall soundtrack, while WDW fans in Orlando beg ‘Be fair to Florida!’
As prices continue to rise at Walt Disney World, many former fans of the resort are beginning to question if it’s still worth it, while Disneyland is showing what a Disney resort can truly be. One of the big differentiators between Disney and most other theme parks is Disney’s incredible entertainment offerings, but – despite…
Florida Highway Patrol reaches ‘enforcement time’ on texting while driving
“Enforcement time” has come for motorists caught texting and driving by Florida Highway Patrol troopers. The arrival of 2020 brings a handful of changes stemming from the 2019 legislative session, including final pieces of enforcing a new law that cracks down on texting and driving. Starting Wednesday, the highway patrol will join other law-enforcement agencies…
Florida lawmakers are trying to scuttle the conservation amendment passed by voters in 2014
The House, Senate and two state agencies asked the Florida Supreme Court this week to reject an appeal in a fight about how lawmakers carried out a 2014 constitutional amendment aimed at boosting land and water conservation. Attorneys for the Legislature, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services filed…
Florida electric utility ballot measure tops 600,000 signatures
Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment that would overhaul Florida’s electric-utility industry continue to move closer to a key threshold for getting the issue on the November 2020 ballot. As of early Thursday afternoon, the state Division of Elections had tallied 615,968 valid petition signatures for the proposal, spearheaded by the Citizens for Energy Choices…
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried breaks with Gov. DeSantis, sides with cities and counties on gun law
As lawyers for Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody defend a state law dealing with local gun regulations, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is backing cities and counties that argue the law is unconstitutional. Fried’s attorneys Tuesday filed a brief arguing that the 1st District Court of Appeal should uphold a circuit judge’s decision…
‘Uncut Gems’ opens in Orlando this week
Opening Wednesday, Dec. 25:Little Women I’m not ashamed of having really enjoyed the 1994 film version of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. I mean, it has everything – like a young Kirsten Dunst throwing epic shade, and Christian Bale dodging a bullet by getting to marry Samantha Mathis instead of Winona Ryder. This latest version…
Greta Gerwig’s ‘Little Women’ is a meta modern masterwork
Big chick energy
Virgin Trains finally talks Disney, State Rep. Anna Eskamani picks up 2020 opponent, and other news you may have missed
Virgin Trains USA finally says they’re talking to Disney about a new WDW station: Virgin Trains USA, formerly known as Brightline, is in talks with Disney Co. about a rail station at Disney World. The possible stop is part of the proposed rail line between Orlando International Airport and Tampa. “We are continuing to explore…
Theme parks, theater and more in Live Active Cultures’ look back at 2019
This is the season when I like to look back over the past 12 months of Orlando’s arts and attractions, highlighting some of the moments that (to steal a phrase from Marie Kondo) sparked the most joy. But to be frank, the last few weeks of listening to impeachment arguments on NPR has left me…
Legal Public Notices 12/25 and 1/1/20 issues
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 2728 W 25TH St, Sanford, FL 32771 407-708-3327, January 20, 2020 @ 4:00 PM Ephesian Alexander- Bed, dresser, tires and table. Javier Bermudez- Bed, TV and stand, toys. Ericka…
2019 was the year bullshit won
Informed Dissent
The best, worst and most notable happenings of the 2019 Orlando music scene
Just in time to jingle your bells, it’s This Little Underground’s annual Undie Awards for the year’s superlatives in the Orlando music scene! THE 2019 UNDIES Best venue reboot: Will’s Pub While the Will’s Pub complex is in a constant state of tweak, the main music venue itself underwent a complete spatial reshuffle that moved…
The eight best Orlando dishes of 2019
Top Tastes
‘Doctor Who’ Season 12 premiere, plus more Orlando film events for the week of Dec. 25-31
2019 Sundance Shorts Screening of seven short films selected from the Sundance Film Festival lineup. Monday, Jan. 6, 6:30 pm; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; $12; 407-629-0054; enzian.org. Doctor Who Season 12 Premiere Special big-screen premiere of the first episode of the new season, followed by a live Q&A with Jodie Whittaker, Tosin…
The best things we saw in 2019, through the lenses of our music photographers
2019 sure was a hot one for live! music! spectacle! in all sectors of the pop firmament here in Orlando. Whether you got your kicks seeing Elton John’s swan song at Amway, caught King Princess presenting possible futures of the mainstream at the Plaza Live, or watched Pedestrian Deposit get deeply strange at Stardust Video…
Savage Love: Open Ended
I’m a mid-20s cis straight man. After my girlfriend and I finished college, she moved overseas to start her job. We’ve broken up twice and gotten back together twice. We are interested in opening up our relationship, but I have reservations. She wants the freedom to throw herself into her new world without the constraint…
Meet Peppy and Dexter! You can adopt them right now in Orange County
Meet Peppy and Dexter! Peppy (A440051) and Dexter (A440052) are a bonded pair. These sweet kitty brothers were surrendered by their owner because they could no longer care for them – now they’re looking for their forever home. According to their former owner, Peppy and Dexter are friendly with men, women and children. They do get…
Every 2019-2020 New Year’s Eve party we know about
Goodbye, 2019; hello, 2020!






