Cover Story
Yes, it’s still legal to visit Cuba. Here’s how I did it
For a while after President Barack Obama relaxed the restrictions on travel for U.S. citizens to visit Cuba, it seemed like everybody I knew was making the trip. The airfare on JetBlue, the first commercial airline to offer direct flights from Orlando to Havana, was dirt cheap and the flight is super short – about…
American Football is coming to Orlando this August
Emo flame-keepers American Football have announced a small handful of Florida shows set for this summer and Orlando is (finally) one of those stops! Even more excitingly, support will come from tuneful locals You Blew It! who are returning from hiatus to play with American Football for these three shows. American Football themselves reunited after a…
25 free shows happening in Orlando this week
Wednesday, May 2 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. The Daniel Heitz Band 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Swamp Sistas Volunteer Jam 6 pm at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, 411 Mercy Drive. Thursday, May 3 Leisure Chief 10:30 pm at…
Eatonville writer Zora Neale Hurston’s book will finally be published after 90 years
Almost a century after publishers rejected her manuscript on one of the last known survivors of the Atlantic slave trade, Eatonville writer Zora Neale Hurston is finally getting her book released next week. Six years before her acclaimed novel Their Eyes Were Watching God was published, Hurston tried to get Barracoon produced in 1931. The nonfiction work…
Explore your shadow self in Orlando astrologer RJ Speiser’s horoscopes for May
There are days when I sit down at my desk, take a deep breath and fully accept the fact that some people believe astrology is fake and stupid. I probably shouldn’t care what those people think. However, I’ve had friends and loved ones let me know that they don’t respect astrology or, rather, find it…
Orange County Library System receives national medal for exceptional community outreach
“We change lives every day,” said Orange County Library System director and CEO Mary Anne Hodel Tuesday as she announced that OCLS is one of 10 recipients of the 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Just five other libraries nationwide received this honor. The medal is given to cultural organizations that make significant and exceptional…
Health plans are now challenging Florida’s medicaid contracts
With tens of billions of dollars in contracts at stake, a dozen health plans have told Florida officials they are challenging newly awarded Medicaid contracts. The challenges could complicate plans by the state Agency for Health Care Administration to transition to new five-year contracts for Florida’s massive Medicaid program by Jan. 1. Medicaid is Florida’s…
Death Cab For Cutie announce Orlando show for October
Indie rock all-stars Death Cab for Cutie are back in action, today announcing a new album and an extensive round of touring. And, as of this writing, Orlando will be one of the final stops on the tour later this year! The band, led by Ben Gibbard, will drop a new, untitled album in August…
The country’s first man-made clear water lagoon opened in Florida last weekend
Last weekend the first man-made lagoon in the nation opened its doors in Florida to swimmers, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders and even sailing enthusiasts. The 7.5-acre lagoon, dubbed the Epperson Project, opened April 28 and is spearheaded by the Crystal Lagoon company, which has built these massive pools all over the globe. Located in Wesley Chapel,…
New food truck park coming to the Milk District this summer
A new 10,400-square-foot food truck park is expected to open in Orlando’s Milk District by midsummer of 2018. The permits have been approved by the city, and owners Dustin and April Williams plan to open À La Cart Street Food and Craft Beer at 615 Irvington Ave., which is less than a mile away from the…
Lyft is offering Orlando half off rides on Cinco de Mayo
If you’re looking for a safe way get to any Cinco de Mayo fiestas this weekend, Lyft has you covered. The rideshare service will be offering riders a 50 percent discount to anywhere in the Orlando area by entering the promo code CINCO2018. Lyft is giving the discount to encourage partygoers to make the right…
Even Rick Scott thinks Dinesh D’Souza shouldn’t speak at upcoming GOP event in Orlando
Republicans aren’t happy with who the Florida GOP invited to speak at the party’s annual event in Orlando next month, including Gov. Rick Scott. Scott joined a chorus of the state’s Republicans on Monday as they pushed back against the Florida’s GOP’s decision to invite Dinesh D’Souza – a conservative commentator, convicted felon, evangelical talking…
Here’s Marco Rubio admitting that the tax plan he voted for is trash
In a recent interview with The Economist, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said that “there’s no evidence whatsoever” that the corporate tax cut he and fellow Republicans passed last year is benefiting workers. “There is still a lot of thinking on the right that if big corporations are happy, they’re going to take the money they’re…
DJ superstar Michael Brun is coming to Orlando this summer
Haitian DJ Michael Brun made a big splash with his “Positivo” collaboration with J. Balvin having just been named by Telemundo as their official anthem of this year’s World Cup. And now Orlando music fans will get to see Brun up close and personal when he brings his “Bayo” tour to the City Beautiful in…
Florida Supreme Court will weigh challenge to state’s education system
The Florida Supreme Court on Monday said it will take up a long-running legal battle about whether the state has met its constitutional duty to provide a high-quality system of public schools. Justices issued a brief order agreeing to consider the nearly decade-old case spearheaded by the group Citizens for Strong Schools. A Leon County…
Ministry return to Orlando to rip Trump a new one on stage
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Ministry and Chelsea Wolfe, Hard Rock Live, April 26 A whole lot of nostalgia has been on the stages lately. And I don’t think I’ve uttered the words “industrial music” this often since 1990. But, although not quite in whole form, the genre is making a bit of a comeback, as noted…
‘Trump Sees a Bomb’
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Every Cinco de Mayo party happening in Orlando
Here’s a list of all the Cinco de Mayo parties we’ve been able to dig up. Feel free to add your own in the comments. Cinco de Marielo Celebrate Cinco and bartender Mariel’s birthday with cocktail specials. Saturday, 7 pm; The Matador, 724 Virginia Drive; free. Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby Drink specials all…
Alan Grayson to run for Congress against Darren Soto in August primary
Alan Grayson wants his seat back from U.S. Rep. Darren Soto. The progressive firebrand told WFTV 9 on Tuesday that he will be challenging Soto during the Aug. 28 Democratic primary for Florida’s 9th Congressional District, which runs from southeast Orlando to Kissimmee and Winter Haven. Grayson formerly represented the district until he left in 2016…
Busch Gardens Tampa may finally be getting a new roller coaster
With numerous attraction closures over the past few years, many have been asking when Busch Gardens Tampa will finally be adding a new ride. There are now strong rumors that next year that the Tampa park might be adding their first new attraction in three years. Touring Central Florida, a local theme park news site…
Florida woman seeks to keep anonymity in NRA lawsuit
Saying she fears for her safety, a young woman who wants to join the National Rifle Association’s challenge to a new Florida law that made it illegal to sell guns to anyone under age 21 is asking a federal court to keep her identity secret. In court filings seeking a federal judge’s permission to proceed…
BP settlement money starts flowing to Florida panhandle’s
BP settlement money is headed to new water and sewer lines for an industrial park, technical-education programs in two counties and expansion of the Port of Panama City. The Triumph Gulf Coast board of directors, set up by the Legislature to oversee settlement money from the Deepwater Horizon disaster, agreed Friday to dish out more…
After mocking Parkland survivors, Dinesh D’Souza will speak at Florida GOP event in Orlando
Conservative commentator, conspiracy theorist and evangelical talking head Dinesh D’Souza poked fun at Parkland survivors at the Florida Capitol when an assault weapons ban failed in the House, and now he’ll be speaking at a local Florida GOP event. Worst news since their parents told them to get summer jobs https://t.co/Vg3mXYvb4c — Dinesh D'Souza (@DineshDSouza)…
Orlando airport will test facial-recognition screening on international travelers
Earlier this month, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board moved to equip Orlando International Airport with biometric screening technology for all international flights inbound and outbound. The move makes OIA the first airport in the nation to use the facial-recognition technology, otherwise known as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Biometric Entry and Exit Program.…
Busch Gardens will once again give away free beer to guests
After nearly a ten year dry-spell, Busch Gardens in Tampa will once again offer guests complimentary beer. This morning, the theme park announced it was going “back to its roots” and will start allowing guests to sample two free 7 ounce beers from a rotating list, starting Tuesday, May 1, through Aug. 5. Guests can…
Double Dare isn’t returning to Orlando, but a new nostalgia-packed stage show starring Marc Summers is
Few game shows are more iconic than the classic slime-filled Double Dare. Nickelodeon recently announced it would be rebooting the game show with a 40-episode order. The reboot will feature many of the famous challenges and will be filled with stars from the 1990s and today. Sadly, unlike the original, the reboot doesn’t look like…
Orange County Sheriff candidate John Mina was just endorsed by Shaq
Shaquille O’Neal, a Florida resident, a former Magic center and an occasional sheriff’s deputy, has endorsed John Mina for Orange County Sheriff. “I know John Mina personally,” said O’Neal in a video recorded on the set of NBA on TNT. “He has proven himself in times of crisis. He has shown he can keep our…
Bonnie Raitt pulls out of Orlando appearance with James Taylor due to health issue
Bonnie Raitt has pulled out of the first leg of her scheduled tour with James Taylor – including the Orlando show – due to an unspecified health issue that requires immediate surgery. Raitt addressed the situation in a statement this morning: “I’m deeply sorry to have to disappoint my fans, James and colleagues with these cancellations.…
A Longwood resident’s car was completely gutted by a bear
The interior of a Longwood resident’s SUV was demolished after a bear somehow opened the door and trapped itself inside. Rikki Koberg-Perrero posted photos and video to Facebook last weekend, showing law enforcement and FWC deputies making contact with the bear, who more than likely was looking for something to eat. “A warning to all…
Florida leaders blast White House proposal to weaken offshore oil drilling regulations
Members of Florida’s congressional delegation from both sides of the political aisle denounced a White House proposal Friday that they say would weaken offshore oil-drilling regulations. The Interior Department labeled the proposed changes to what is known as the 2016 Well Control Rule as “our common-sense approach,” which “could reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while ensuring…
New report raises questions about Florida’s job growth
Gov. Rick Scott has tied his political fortunes to job creation. Although skeptics can argue about how much influence a governor may exert over Florida’s economy, Scott has been unabashed in taking credit for job growth since he was sworn into office in January 2011. In his monthly jobs report last week, Scott cited more…
Will Universal bring ‘Trolls Topia’ to Orlando?
With the numerous changes afoot at Universal Orlando, thanks in large part to the recently acquired new land, we’re starting see hints of what the future of the parks will entail. At Universal Studios Florida, the extremely dated Kids Zone area was thought to be on the chopping block, with the Orlando version of Super…
NOMA-inspired vegan and vegetarian plates coming to the Milk District
Shaun Noonan, the chef-owner behind Dixie Dharma at Market on South, is going to have a very busy summer. As we told you first a couple of weeks ago, he’ll open Dixie Dharma’s second location inside the soon-to-open Henry’s Depot food hall in Sanford, but Noonan’s also in the early stages of building out a…
Band of the Week: Electric Dawn
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 Electric Dawn. Electric Dawn are playing “DOOM on the Patio” at 64 North on May 1 with Royal Graves and Fighting the Silence. Just the facts: When did the band…
Get ready to chill, Yanni is at the Dr. Phillips Center tonight
Even amongst the legion of eccentrics responsible for New Age music, Yanni always stood out. The lion-maned synth enthusiast brought nth-degree pomp and circumstance to the usually tranquil world of New Age. The crown jewel of his recorded canon has to be Live at the Acropolis, an undertaking that was pure artistic ambition and potential…
‘Kanye for Trump’
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‘Fox and Flunkies’
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‘Ben’s Big Box’
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UCF’s ‘national championship trophy’ is now on tour
The banner at Spectrum Stadium has been hung. The athletes have been fitted for their rings and the bling has been forged. And now, to put the finishing touches on the University of Central Florida’s undefeated, highly disputed “national championship” season, the trophy is making the rounds. But you’ll have to go to Tuscaloosa, Alabama,…
Latin music legend Willie Colón to play Orlando in December
One of the can’t-miss releases of this year’s Record Store Day had to be a deluxe reissue of Willie Colón’s 1971 masterpiece La Gran Fuga, a defining moment for both Fania Records and Nuyorican Salsa music. One in a string of peerless collaborative albums between Hector Lavoe (immortalized onscreen by Marc Anthony in the film…
JJ’s Grille, Grounding Roots and Quickly Boba’s Pho Cali coming to Winter Park
The Winter Park Palms plaza on Aloma Avenue and Howell Branch Road was once the site of a restaurant that delighted in serving mussels with beards still attached. That restaurant has long since closed (thankfully) and the plaza has been given a revamp and a rebrand. It now goes by the name of The Grove at…
Florida’s Democratic debates are set and none are happening in Orlando
Four additional Democratic gubernatorial debates have been set as Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, Winter Park entrepreneur Chris King and former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine run in an Aug. 28 primary. The Florida Democratic Party announced Friday that debates will be held June 9 in St. Petersburg, June 11 in Miramar,…
Nearly a year ago tonight, the Solar Bears got into one hell of a hockey fight
To celebrate the Solar Bears opening up the South Division finals tonight against the Everblades at Germain Arena, let’s revisit one of the best hockey fights to happen in recent memory. On April 24, 2017, the Solar Bears defeated the Everblades 3-0 at the Amway, but the best part of the night was arguably the…
Café Linger will open in College Park on May 19
Café Linger will officially open in the former NYPD Pizza space in College Park in just a couple of weeks. The new European-inspired coffee house will host a grand-opening party on May 19 in their new digs at 2912 Edgewater Drive. The 2,600 square-foot space has been completely opened up and remodeled from its former…
UCF students will be featured in a ’60 Minutes’ report tonight
The University of Central Florida will be featured on “60 Minutes” on Sunday in a segment that explores how low-income and first generation students find success through the Gates Foundation. According to a news release from UCF, the segment will revolve around Bill and Melinda Gates’ visit to UCF in October 2017. The segment will…
Local metal outfit Meka Nism will release new album in May
Orlando metal band Meka Nism are poised to release a new EP – The War Inside – on May 11 and will be airing this new material during an upcoming flurry of live shows, including one opening for a nu metal godfather. The quintet will be hosting a listening party for The War Inside at…
Two decades later, the Orlando Magic-inspired Jordan 10s will return to stores
For the first time since 1995, Jordan Brand will reportedly bring back the “Orlando” Air Jordan 10 later this year. According to sneaker site Sole Collector, the “Orlando” Jordan 10 will make a return to retail some time in Dec. 2018. The $190 limited edition shoes come in the classic Orlando Magic colors, and were originally…
Florida ranked among states with the most deadly hit-and-run accidents
Yep, go figure – Florida drivers now have even more data pointing to how terrible they are on the road. According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety published Thursday, Florida is among the top three states with the highest per capita rates of fatal hit-and-run crashes. Florida ranks alongside New Mexico…
Everyone needs to watch the trailer for ‘If Orlando was a movie’
Roughly nine months ago the City of Orlando released a spiffy video showing off everything our area has to offer, and while it was certainly not bad, this one is just much better. This morning, local comedian Rauce Padgett, the guy behind informative videos like “Why the I4 to 408 sucks” and “The history of the…
‘A Cosby Sweater’
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Florida lawmakers call for more customs officers
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and 13 U.S. House members from Florid a are requesting 500 more Customs and Border Protection officers next year in the state. The request, which came Thursday in a letter to leaders of appropriations subcommittees on Homeland Security, is aimed at reducing staffing shortages at…
Rally calls for restoring Florida felons’ rights after court defeat
A day after a stinging defeat handed down by an appeals court, ministers and civil rights leaders —- including national talk-show host Al Sharpton —- rallied Thursday at the state Capitol to rev up support for a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would automatically restore voting rights for most Florida felons. A…
Bad Bunny fuses trap and reggaeton at Amway Center this weekend
There’s nothing cutesy about this conejito. Puerto Rican singer/rapper Bad Bunny mixes the grinding beats of Southern trap with Spanish you’ll never hear coming out of your abuela’s mouth. The 24-year-old’s deep, gravelly voice creates a sensual flow that has defined a new iteration of reggaeton for this generation. The Latin trap star is bringing his first…
House of Blues devotes a day to Florida brewers and local bands this weekend
House of Blues gets into the beerfest game with Local Brews, Local Grooves, an evening devoted to Florida craft beer. Sample brews from the likes of First Magnitude, Funky Buddha, Dead Lizard and Bold City. Meanwhile, local bands like Beemo, Slickwood and Rocktown take the stage to provide a musical backdrop. 4 p.m. Saturday; House…
Celebrate International Tabletop Day at the Geek Easy with drinks and prizes
The Geek Easy celebrates International Tabletop Day with an afternoon of drinking and gaming. Bring your unused games to participate in the game swap, enter raffles for new games, and even enjoy open play on several games with the opportunity to win copies of that game. All this while enjoying craft beer from the bar.…
The curious case of UCF’s Shaquem Griffin
You’ve seen images of him plastered across the sides of campus patrol cars and in college sports advertisements. You’ve seen him in interviews on the NFL Channel, on the Today Show and in virtually every publication that even remotely covers sports. You’ve seen him perform under the glaring primetime lights, when it feels like the…
Florida man arrested for kicking swans at Lake Eola while practicing karate
A Florida man was arrested Thursday morning for kicking swans at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando while practicing karate. According to the arrest report, multiple witnesses told Orlando Police officers they saw 34-year-old Rocco Mantella of Jacksonville, leave the main walkway at Lake Eola Park at around 9:20 a.m. to kick two swans – one in the…
Florida state employees must hand over personal info or face insurance termination
More than 1,800 people have been removed from the state-employee health insurance program after Gov. Rick Scott’s administration started requiring workers to fork over tax documents and their children’s birth certificates to verify that family members qualify for coverage. Nina Ashley, a spokeswoman for the state agency that oversees the health-insurance program, said decisions to…
Florida Sen. Bill Nelson stars in Bad Lip Reading video of Zuckerberg testimony
Like most Bad Lip Reading videos, this particular clip makes zero sense, but neither did most of the questions from lawmakers to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg a couple of weeks ago at his congressional hearing. So if you you’ve ever wondered what it would look like to see Florida Sen. Bill Nelson say things like, “Are…
Satire site Clickhole rips SeaWorld with fake tweets
Clickhole, the Buzzfeed-like department of the The Onion, posted a series of fake tweets from SeaWorld today, claiming the park no longer cares about attendance and is just going to see how fat they can get a dolphin. In their latest article, “SeaWorld Has Realized People Will Be Mad At It No Matter What It…
Live Nation is offering $20 concert tickets, here’s every discounted show coming to Orlando
Concert promoting giant Live Nation is going big for National Concert Week (it’s a thing) with a huge sale on a score of upcoming shows both large and small. And you have just seven days to take advantage! From April 30 to May 8, Live Nation is offering discounted tickets through its website and app to…
Court says Rick Scott can hold off on new system for restoring voting rights for Florida felons
Siding with Gov. Rick Scott and the other members of the Board of Executive Clemency, a panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals late Wednesday blocked a federal judge’s order that would have required state officials to overhaul Florida’s process of restoring felons’ voting rights by Thursday. The appellate court ruling was a…
The B-52s announce headlining show in Orlando this summer
Athens’ own new-wave stars and dance-party instigators B-52s have announced an Orlando headlining show to soothe the sting of Orlando not getting a date of their big joint summer tour with Boy George & Culture Club. Everyone wins though, as the B-52 will get a chance to stretch out and turn the more intimate House…
Universal announces Dead Exposure: Patient Zero as first original house for Halloween Horror Nights 2018
This morning, Universal Orlando announced the first original haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 2018. Dead Exposure: Patient Zero will play off the popular 2008 house Dead Exposure, which was a zombie-centric maze in near-total darkness, except for brief flashes that would show the undead hunting the guests. “We’re bringing back that same terror,” said…
Tampa-based Taco Bus is driving into Orlando this fall
A popular Tampa-based Mexican restaurant chain is spreading east with an Orlando location, planned to open in the fall of 2018. Taco Bus will move into University Terrace, a shopping center at 11325 University Boulevard near the University of Central Florida. You may remember this space hosting a Greens & Grille, which closed a few years…
Beyond the tourist veneer, Raglan Road is a conduit of real Irish music
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Jig Jam, Byrne Brothers and Briste, Raglan Road, April 24 Tourists will buy anything. Natives, however, are a tougher sell. And because of its zeal for themed contrivance, everything Disney is to be taken with a boulder of salt if you’re local. That’s why – with perhaps the exception of the well-known…
Blackstar and Odd Jobs pay tribute to Joy Division and New Order at this week’s Fang party
Blackstar and Odd Jobs’ weekly Fang party merges with the until recently on-hiatus Panic night for the first in a series of tribute events honoring masters/mistresses of post-punk. They begin with arguably the most important of them all, Joy Division (and what came next, New Order). It’s impossible to quickly or adequately sum up the…
Ten bands compete to be turned into sauce at annual Poca’s Hottest Cook-Off
Local entrepreneur Wendy Davis has gone from being a hobbyist saucier to the head of a burgeoning empire. Her line of hot sauces and condiments inspired by local artists and musicians, Poca’s Hottest, is stocked on shelves at the likes of Winn-Dixie and Amazon, and she even has a brand-new cooking/music hybrid show on Amazon…
Sanford’s newest brewpub, Tuffy’s Bottle Shop, opens with a block party this weekend
Sanford’s newest bottle shop opens up with a bang this weekend. Check out a variety of beer and housemade cider from Tuffy’s Bottle Shop while enjoying a block party featuring performances from the Legendary JC’s, Kaleigh Baker and Whyte Tygers. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday; Tuffy’s Bottle Shop & Lounge, 200 S. Myrtle Ave., Sanford; free; facebook.com/tuffyscider…
‘Vetting for the Vets’
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New study ranks Florida 8th among country’s most aggressive drivers
If you thought that Florida’s drivers were particularly insane, well, there’s a recent study that could back up your claim. According to a study recent from GasBuddy.com, a real-time fuel and traffic app, Florida is on the short list of states with the most aggressive drivers, ranking 8 out of 50 states. The study compiled…
Orlando now has an arena soccer team called the ‘SeaWolves’ and they’re holding open tryouts
Close your eyes. Now imagine a wolf. Badass, right? Now imagine this same wolf swimming out in the open sea with a soccer ball. Woof, now that’s arena soccer. This afternoon, the Major Arena Soccer League formally announced their latest team, the Orlando SeaWolves, and they’re holding open tryouts May 19-20 at XL Soccer World,…
Gov. Rick Scott scrambles to meet with Florida Cabinet members on felons’ rights battle
Awaiting a decision from an appellate court, Gov. Rick Scott has scheduled a Wednesday night meeting of the state’s Board of Executive Clemency to address a federal judge’s order that the state revamp its process of restoring felons’ voting rights by Thursday. Scott late Tuesday directed the board —- comprised of the governor and the…
Marco Rubio questions legitimacy of Brightline train financing
On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio raised questions about Brightline’s intension to sell up to $1.75 billion in federally authorized, tax-exempt private activity bonds to help fund the construction of its passenger rail service connecting South Florida to Orlando. The Republican senator joins Reps. Brian Mast, R-Palm City, and Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, in this skepticism.…
Universal Studios announces a 15 percent growth in theme park revenue
The first couple months of 2018 have been good to Universal Studios Orlando. According to a Wednesday report from Comcast, who owns parent company NBCUniversal, the Theme Parks Department revenue increased by 14.5 percent. During the same timeframe in 2017, Universal’s revenue was around $1.11 billion. This year the number was up to $1.28 billion.…
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is in dem jeans
It's #DenimDay and I'm wearing jeans to show @citybeautiful's support for survivors of sexual assault and to say that sexual violence has no place in our community. pic.twitter.com/G0WRxsJjYS — Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) April 25, 2018 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is, as rapper Chingy once said, in “dem jeans.” It’s important to note that our…
Escaped miniature pony apprehended by Florida police
A miniature pony in South Florida was apparently listening to “Goodbye Horses” a little too much. According the Clewiston Police Department, the little guy escaped his paddock and was seen trotting down U.S. Highway 27 Tuesday afternoon. Related Needless to say, taking the pony into custody was no easy feat, but thanks to a few carrots…
Andrew W.K. announces Orlando date in September
Despite an initial itinerary that suggested otherwise, rocker Andrew W.K. has relented and will indeed be bringing the party to Orlando this autumn. You can still pregame for the fall shows by attending W.K. engagements at Welcome to Rockville or the Orpheum in Tampa this very weekend, but you can catch a headlining show on…
98 Degrees, Sheila E, and more added to Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival
Epcot just added 98 Degrees, Glass Tiger and singer Sheila E. to this year’s 23rd International Food and Wine Festival. The 2018 “Eat to the Beat” concert series will also feature returning favorites like Billy Ocean, Hanson and Everclear. The lineup so far inculdes: 8/30-31 – Blue October – “Into the Ocean” 9/1-3 – Tiffany – “I…
Parkland student Kyle Kashuv questioned by police after tweeting video at gun range
Because of his pro-gun position in the firearm debate, Kyle Kashuv, a junior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, has been in the limelight following the Feb. 14 mass shooting in Parkland that left 17 dead and 17 more injured. But prior to last week, although he has widely praised the Second Amendment in recent…
Florida will experience the country’s largest economic impact from climate change
A recent study published in Nature highlighted a sobering fact: The least amount of impact from climate change our planet can possibly hope for at this point is our oceans only warming 2 degrees, an increase that would raise overall sea levels by roughly 20 feet. Some conservative models even predict a 4-degree increase, which would…
31 free shows happening in Orlando this week
Wednesday, April 25 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. The Daniel Heitz Band 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Thursday, April 26 Leisure Chief 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Raleigh Estes and Friends 8 pm at Muldoon’s Saloon, 7439 Aloma Ave.,…
Get thee to the theater for fresh, funny ‘Something Rotten!’
Remember the ’90s, when theater fans lined up around the block for the latest British blockbuster? Of course, I’m talking about the 1590s, when everyone in Elizabethan England was bonkers for the Bard of Avon. Everyone, that is, except for Nick Bottom (Rob McClure), a struggling stage director who once kicked William Shakespeare (Adam Pascal)…
Fleetwood Mac is coming to Central Florida in February
You can go your own way to see Fleetwood Mac this February – just not anywhere near Orlando. The British-American rock band announced the dates for their 2018-2019 North American Tour with stops in Tampa Feb. 18 at Amalie Arena and Fort Lauderdale Feb. 20 at the BB&T Center. Beware: The Grammy award-winning band will…
Reading Between the Wines brings novelist Brad Meltzer to the Orlando Science Center for a benefit blowout
The Adult Literacy League’s biggest fundraising gala takes over the Orlando Science Center this week. Enjoy a spread of wine and food samples from some of the best area restaurants, along with an extensive silent auction and a keynote address from famed novelist and comic book writer Brad Meltzer. 6 p.m. Wednesday; Orlando Science Center,…
WMFE invites poets to pay tribute to their neighborhoods at the annual ZipOde Throwdown
ZIP codes didn’t even exist until 1963, when they were introduced to help improve mail delivery: “Zone Improvement Plan” = your mail zips right through the system! Since then they’ve become a form of shorthand, functioning as adjectives to describe the neighborhoods they serve. Everybody knows 90210, right? Our local NPR affiliate, WMFE, tapped into…
Get a head start on the primaries at this week’s Candidate Town Hall
The second installment of this town hall series is your latest chance to get to know your Democratic front runners before voting season comes around, and it’ll be here before you know it (Aug. 28). Take the time to get acquainted with Chris King, a Winter Park businessman and first-time candidate. He’ll be facing off…
Florida names nine proposed medicaid health plans
Florida officials on Tuesday announced the names of the nine health plans the state wants to ink contracts with to provide health care to nearly four million poor, elderly and disabled residents. The decision is not final, though, and Molina Healthcare of Florida and Positive Healthcare — both of which currently have contracts, but would…
Opening in Orlando: Avengers: Infinity War, Animal Crackers and more
THIS WEEK: Animal Crackers Behold, the second John Krasinski/Emily Blunt movie in just under a month. (A polite hint here, guys: When some couples are looking for a fun hobby to get into, they just do goat yoga together.) This time, however, the Quiet Place clan get to use their outside voices – or at…
Albert Bierstadt’s massive ‘Domes of the Yosemite’ may be the biggest thing to happen to the Morse in years
I recently returned from my annual research trip to Anaheim, where I managed to escape the theme parks long enough to visit Los Angeles’ J. Paul Getty Museum. The Getty Center is famous as one of America’s finest art institutions, and its campus is certainly stunning, with Richard Meier’s stark modernist architecture offset by elaborate…
‘Primate Diplomacy’
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Savage Love: ‘Crushed’
I’m a straight man in my 30s. I’ve been with my wife for 12 years. I have had several affairs. Not one-night-stand scenarios, but longer-term connections. I didn’t pursue any of these relationships. Instead, women who knew I was in an “exclusive” relationship have approached me. These have included what turned into a one-year affair…
Gimme Shelter: Meet Aurora!
Do you want a joyful kitty filled with love? Adopt Aurora! This 2-year-old girl is coming back from foster care and is looking to score with a forever home. She loves cuddles, treats and attention! She is also laid-back and easy-going. Aurora (A399961) is ready to go home with you immediately after adoption. For the…
‘A Matter of Perspective’
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Organic bakery Saporito coming to Ocoee, Sanford is getting a food hall, and more in local foodie news
OPENINGS: As if Sanford weren’t cool enough, now they’re getting a food hall of their own. Called Henry’s Depot, it’ll take over the historic Sanford railroad depot on West First Street with Dixie Dharma, Twisted Greek and Nutty Peanut already signed on. Look for a late-summer opening … Also in Sanford, Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe…
ICYMI: UCF’s national championship celebration, FEMA grants extension for displaced Puerto Ricans and more
UCF slaps ‘2017 National Champions’ banner on Spectrum Stadium: Despite that honor officially going to the University of Alabama, UCF emblazoned the phrase “2017 National Champions” on the side of Spectrum Stadium, which was unveiled at Saturday’s annual spring game. Going even further beyond the realm of truth, team members from the 2017 season are…
Let Chelsea Wolfe sing you into the abyss
Blackest ever black
The best concerts coming to Orlando this week
Canker Blossom Baltimore pop-punk trio throws down at Will’s with local support from Caffiends, Corgi Feldman and the Last Locals. Get ready to sing along. 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Will’s Pub, $7 The Ludes and Shewbird Two local noise merchants, last seen opening for Lydia Lunch back in November, wreak havoc in Thornton Park.…
Trump is a tantrum-prone child without a scrap of grace or decorum
Make America peevish again!
