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Four of the messiest campaign brawls of the 2016 Florida primary
While most Floridians have been distracted by the Dumpster fire we’re calling “the 2016 presidential election,” there are other races going on closer to home that not only present the same trash-fire drama, but also directly affect our city, county and state. From the U.S. Senate to county commission, here are the details on the…
Upcoming Orlando foodie events to mark on your calendar
The three-day-long Florida Local Food Summit will bring together farmers, food entrepreneurs, policy makers, chefs and food-conscious folks of all stripes, Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 8-10, at East End Market and other Audubon Park Garden District locales. Cost is $53.25. Some of the celebrity chefs appearing at this year’s Epcot Food & Wine Festival (Sept.…
‘Another Period’s’ Natasha Leggero kicks off UCF’s Pegasus Palooza
UCF’s Pegasus Palooza Welcome Week kicks off with glamour gal Natasha Leggero, but you don’t have to be a student to attend. Leggero is a Comedy Central favorite whose popular historical satire show, Another Period, has been making funny waves – but we remember her best for her selfless acts of community service, like the…
A statement from Orlando Weekly’s publisher regarding advertising
In the last issue of Orlando Weekly, an ad ran for an upcoming event hosted by the Titusville Rifle and Pistol Club, the Florida Machine Gun Shoot. Many of our readers – and many people who’ve never read Orlando Weekly before – have contacted the paper via email and social media to express their displeasure.…
Paint Strong Orlando comes to Orlando Public Library this September
In the days after the massacre at the gay nightclub Pulse, local art shop Sam Flax announced it would donate supplies to artists who wanted to create works of art responding to the tragedy on June 12. The store only asked that participants would turn in the artwork created with the supplies to put them…
City of Orlando ‘exploring’ citywide changes to duplex development code
The City of Orlando has announced an upcoming public meeting regarding proposed changes to duplex and tandem development. City staff has drafted a preliminary set of recommendations, which you can read here, and will present a “community workshop” seeking public input at City Hall Wednesday, Sept. 21. The city’s stated goal is “to ensure redevelopment…
Carefree alligator strolls through Florida man’s yard
A video posted by Randy Spencer (@spence1097) on Aug 23, 2016 at 3:20am PDT A carefree gator nonchalantly strolled through a Land O’ Lakes resident’s yard this week. Randy Spencer posted the video to his Instagram showing the monster reptile ducking between shrubs and houses, making its way into a neighbor’s backyard. Spencer told USA Today the video…
Watch the new music video from local singer Laney Jones
Orlando Weekly is pleased to premiere “Who Could Love,” the newest music video from local singer/songwriter Laney Jones, off her eponymous new album. The performance-based clip for “Who Could Love” was filmed on the Rollins College campus and Lake Virginia – the Virginia parts pleasingly reminding us of the infamous “More Barn” Neil Young anecdote…
Health officials confirm first case of locally transmitted Zika in Pinellas County
Florida health officials Tuesday reported the state’s first locally transmitted case of the mosquito-borne Zika virus outside of Miami-Dade County. The Department of Health announced that a case had been found in Pinellas County, along with four additional locally transmitted cases in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami. Such cases are believed to be caused by…
There’s a petition urging Publix heiress to stop donating to anti-marijuana lobbying group
Over 40,000 signatures have already been added to a Change.org petition, urging Publix heiress Carol Jenkins Barnett to stop donating money to Drug Free Florida. The petition, started by Hiedi Handford, was started in response to Carol Jenkins Barnett, the daughter of Publix CEO George Jenkins who, last July, donated $800,000 to the Drug Free Florida Committee, a lobbying group…
Eleven from ‘Stranger Things’ announced as a guest for Spooky Empire
Young actress Millie Bobby Brown, whose breakout role as a girl with psychic powers in Netflix’s Stranger Things has made her the current Queen of the Entire Internet, will be appearing at this year’s Spooky Empire convention, according to the company’s Facebook page. Spooky Empire takes place Oct. 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center and…
Orlando label Total Punk releases LP by Oakland’s Violence Creeps today
Today local record imprint Total Punk drops their newest slab of vinyl, this time around it’s a full-length from Oakland’s Violence Creeps. The Violence Creeps foursome deal in a wonderfully primitive and raw punk racket that has just enough weirdo sensibilities and quirks to rise above the underground rabble. Preview to The Gift of Music below,…
Local pop-punkers Felicity headline Summer Meltdown Fest at Social tonight
Rather than do the usual “we’re back from tour” show, local pop-punk band Felicity have instead put together the Summer Meltdown Fest going down tonight at the Social. Besides welcoming Felicity back, you get a packed local showcase featuring Kasson, False Narrative, Luvlost and Conflicting Motive. It’s a fifty shades of pop-punk Whitman’s sampler. Show is…
Florida man shot and killed after date with woman he met online
Adam Hilarie was looking for love the night he went bowling with a woman he met on an online dating site. In their second meeting together, he was begging for his life, according to police. The Ledger reports Hilarie, 27, was found dead in the kitchen of his Auburndale apartment after the woman he met…
I-Drive’s Tourism District is becoming a hot spot for locals to live
The tourist district is seeing plenty of growth with new hotels, attractions and shopping complexes in various stages of development, but what was once a place locals steered clear of, the area quickly becoming a legitimate place for locals to live, work and play. Universal Boulevard, on the backside of the Orange County Convention Center and I-Drive 360, has…
Orlando extreme metal act Mindscar release new ablum
Orlando-based thrash trio Mindscar released a new full-length over the weekend, What’s Beyond the Trees. A going concern since 1998, the trio hasn’t lost a step on their newest album. It’s a combination of classic Florida death metal with over-the-top technical precision and stamina. Oh, and the cover is a painting made with the vocalist’s…
New district shapes Webster-Grabelle race for Congress
A political veteran with nearly four decades of experience and a first-time candidate are facing each other in the Republican primary in Florida’s Congressional District 11. U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, 67, is seeking a fourth term in Congress but is battling Justin Grabelle, 34, in the Aug. 30 primary. The race is largely the result…
Alchemy Salon’s Endless Summer pop-up takes over Orange Studio early next week
One thing about perennial Best of Orlando winner Alchemy Hair Salon: They never pass up an excuse to elevate the everyday. Some salons might look at having to close for two days as a bummer, or, at best, an excuse to take two days off. Not Alchemy. While their College Park building is being tented for…
Artegon adds 17 new mini stores through November
Orlando’s anti-mall, Artegon Marketplace, is adding 17 new mini stores ranging from decorated ceramics to unique dog beds. Some of the shops are already open, while others will be opening through November, according to a press release. The shops already open include: – Atheneo Artesenal: Venezuelan accessories and shoes. – 3 Bros and A Card…
Lauryn Hill announces upcoming Orlando show in December
Christmas is coming early this year, as the House of Blues just announced a show by Ms. Lauryn Hill in December! Ms. Hill came to fame with the Fugees before releasing the instant-classic solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998. A live comeback is very welcome, especially as evidenced by this recent clip or…
California’s sludge corps Beastmaker to play Will’s Pub tonight
Orlando’s been getting some top level stoner/doom shows this summer, and that trend continues when Fresno’s Beastmaker touch down tonight at Will’s Pub. Get ready for a heavy and pleasing dose of hazy Saint Vitua worship. Beastmaker are on tour with kindred sonic spirits Monolord, and local support is provided by Junior Bruce and Sweat Lodge.…
Reggae legends Steel Pulse coming to Orlando in November
Steel Pulse, one of the most recognized names in reggae is headed to Orlando. Originating from Birmingham, England, the group uses their music to preach love and justice. “Without love there is no justice, and without justice there is no peace,” said founding member, David “Dread” Hines, on the band’s website. The eight-piece band will…
Universal’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium opens today
Universal Orlando’s newest CityWalk restaurant, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, opens today for preview so guests can get chocolate wasted. Universal says today’s soft opening will offer a limited number of guests the opportunity to checkout the Emporium in preparation for its official opening, which hasn’t been announced yet. According to WFLA, the 19th century-inspired…
There’s a rumor Disney will build another ‘Bay Lake Tower’ Vacation Club Wing at the Contemporary
Even as we come off of a softer than usual summer attendance wise at local theme parks, Disney is looking towards their next big rush. Disney Vacation Club, the timeshare division of the company, is rumored to be building a second large tower near the Contemporary Resort. DVC already has a presence near the Contemporary with the Bay Lake Tower…
Epcot to close two attractions, including one of its most popular thrill rides
Epcot has a number of rumors regarding updates to Future World, but while rollercoasters and ’80s music may be on the horizon,in the meantime, it’s more gloom and doom for the community of tomorrow. Two of the last three remaining exhibits in Innoventions will be closing mid-September. First on the chopping block is StormStruck, an interactive attraction with various mini-exhibits where guests learn…
You can snag tickets for the Make America Rock Again tour for $5 if you hate music
The Make America Rock Again tour, featuring bands like Trapt, Saliva and Alien Ant Farm hits Venue 578 on Oct. 1. While we question the premise behind the tour’s title – did America really stop rocking, or did it just get sick of your skeeze-bro brand of posturing butt-rock, guys? – it does exist. And,…
American Aquarium’s BJ Barham returns to Will’s for a solo show ahead of his new album, ‘Rockingham’
Exceptional North Carolina band American Aquarium has built a legend in the alt-country world, and much of it’s been through the live spell of fellowship and soul that radiates from frontman BJ Barham. For a while now, he’s really been honing his solo expression on the road, showing a rare ability to grip an entire…
Mysterious locals Auto Chlor resurface for an off-kilter show at Uncle Lou’s
Tracing back the roots of musical margin dwellers can yield interesting results. For instance, we weren’t aware that a distant ancestor of dreamwave gliders Moon Jelly was mysterious noise scrapers Auto Chlor. An exceedingly loose and shadowy collective of Florida experimentalists and performance artists, Auto Chlor specialized in off-kilter and lo-fi sound collages and stage…
Local H marks the 20th anniversary of their breakout album at the Social
The beat is back for Local H as the original drummer for the band, Joe Daniels, reunites with frontman Scott Lucas and current drummer Ryan Harding. Local H is on a spring tour marking the 20th anniversary of the band’s breakthrough album, 1996’s As Good as Dead. The band, known for frequent touring and creative…
Take a summer cocktail class Tuesday at the Rusty Spoon
Temperatures are already dropping a little (hey, 90 degrees feels way different than 95 degrees!), and the end of summer is nigh, so if you’ve been planning to have that big bash that would be the talk of your troupe, this is the time to polish up your host-with-the-most skills. Tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 21) at…
Remains of Dozier school victims could go to Tallahassee
The remains of dozens of boys who were victims of beatings and abuse at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys should be reinterred in Tallahassee, the city where lawmakers and governors were responsible for the now-closed reform school, a state task force decided Friday. The task force also decided to recommend creating memorials to…
‘Hamilton’ star Lin-Manuel Miranda donates to Darren Soto’s congressional campaign
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of the hit musical “Hamilton,” apparently does not want state Sen. Darren Soto to throw away his shot at getting elected to Congress and has donated $1,500 to the candidate’s campaign. Soto is running in a tough Democratic primary to represent congressional District 9, which encompasses parts of Orange, Osceola…
Second zone for Zika virus found in Miami-Dade
A second area has been identified in Miami-Dade County where the mosquito-borne Zika virus is originating, as five more people, including three tourists, have tested positive for the disease. There have now been 36 confirmed cases of people getting infected in the state, with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanding a travel…
Ben Prestage, Dirt McCoy and others unite to raise money for a sick child this Sunday
This Sunday, local musicians are uniting to put on a benefit show for Orion Predko, a 4-year-old boy with Stage 4 cancer, at Will’s Pub. Normally reserved for the monthly Southern Fried Sunday, the benefit features bands that fit the blues, country and roots rock genres normally showcases: Ben Prestage, Steve Garron and Deland’s Beartoe…
Local punx Caffiends to headline Punk Brunch this Sunday at St. Matthew’s Tavern
Do you remember that scene in the Minutemen’s We Jam Econo, where Mike Watt and D. Boon are talking about future plans and they say they want to transition more towards daytime shows, instead of always playing in the wee hours? Did you think that was a good idea? If so, set aside a block…
Metal up your arena: Five Finger Death Punch and Shinedown announce Orlando show
The traveling metal roadshow that is Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown and Sixx A.M. have just announced some new dates on their nationwide tour set for later this year, and with this second round, an Orlando show has been added. The package tour will be touching down at the Amway Center on Thursday, December…
Frosty’s Christmastime Lounge officially opens tonight in downtown Orlando
Rip the sleeves off your best Christmas sweater because Frosty’s Christmastime Lounge, a bar where Christmas lives forever, opens tonight in downtown Orlando. This new yuletide watering hole, which will feature drinks like “Craft Snow Cones,” comes from Beacon Hill Group’s Mark Angelo and Todd Ulmer, the guys behind bars like Stardust Lounge, Mucho Orlando, Mucho Liquor…
Mira TV premieres Spanish-language LGBTQ talk show this weekend
South Florida’s LGBTQ personalities are launching a Spanish-language talk show on Mira TV called “Sobre todos los Géneros,” which in English means “About All Genders.” The Miami Herald reports the show will premiere this Sunday at 8 p.m. and is going to focus on issues the queer community encounters, such as inequality and prejudice. The…
Calling all ragers: American Party Machine celebrates birthday tonight at Backbooth
Local metal heels American Party Machine are marking their fifth birthday with a blowout tonight at Backbooth. It’s gonna get emotional. And loud. Probably more proportionally loud than emotional, honestly. Fellow revelers include Destructonomicon, Köcosanté and Luscious Lisa. Pregame by watching old Ric Flair promos on YouTube. Show up on time for the party at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.…
Coast Guard rescues Florida ‘Bubble Man’ for the third and probably last time
Reza Baluchi, an endurance athlete who’s lifelong goal is to reach Bermuda via a giant homemade bubble, was rescued for the third and probably last time. Baluchi’s goal is to float 3,500 miles to the Devil’s Isles, which he says will take somewhere between 21 and 45 days. Last July, the 44-year-old Pompano Beach resident was…
Oviedo cop tries to pull over biker, instead gets hard lesson in Florida bicycle law
A police officer in Oviedo, Florida, attempted to pull over a bicyclist for riding in the street, but instead was served with a giant nugget of truth. In the video above, the officer flips his lights on because he assumed the bicyclist should be riding on the sidewalk. However, things went Stone Cold Steve Austin…
Federal judge blocks Florida abortion law
A federal judge struck down a Florida law that would have banned abortion providers liked Planned Parenthood from receiving about $500,000 a year in taxpayer money for non-abortion services like STI exams and cancer screenings. The sweeping abortion law, known previously as House Bill 1411, was supposed to go into effect July 1, but was previously…
Sunday Supper at K Restaurant to benefit Kevin Fonzo Foundation
If you don’t have dinner plans this weekend, make the $45 per person reservation to dine at K Restaurant on Sunday night, when the restaurant will be showcasing a three-course family-style Sunday dinner based on his popular “Feast of Fonzo” event. It’s for a good cause, as the chef, Kevin Fonzo, has established a namesake…
Tickets on sale today for Orlando Ballet’s ‘Dracula’
Whether you’re a full-on balletomane or you’re just looking for a new way to celebrate Halloween this year, Orlando Ballet’s production of Dracula should be on your radar. Hard-core ballet fans will already know that choreographer Michael Pink’s version of Bram Stoker’s vampire story is full of thrills, chills and plenty of blood spilled, but…
Activate Us sets out to get the Milk District pumped about politics this weekend
With the presidential election cycle dominated by criticisms of Hillary Clinton and the dumb, dumb shit that spills out of Donald Trump’s mouth, you may be tempted to just ignore the election completely and steer clear of the polls. But then there are the downticket races. From senators to school board members to county council…
Orlando Public Library celebrates its 50th birthday this weekend with a tribute to concrete
The Orlando Public Library celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend with a talk from architectural historian Christine Madrid French, and it will be a celebration of concrete. The downtown landmark is a prime example of Brutalist architecture, a school of design that set out to make buildings in a raw and fortress-like style. In fact,…
Florida education officials want to fight standardized testing lawsuit in federal court
A U.S. District judge has set a Friday hearing to consider whether a lawsuit challenging the state’s third-grade retention policies should be decided by a federal court, a new twist in an evolving legal fight over Florida’s standardized testing system. The Florida Department of Education and six school districts facing a lawsuit before Leon County…
Steven Tyler is mad Disney edited his ‘shocker’ hand gesture from the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
This week, after 17 years of no complaints, Disney decided to remove Steven Tyler’s “Shocker” hand gesture from the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and, of course, now he’s pissed. Tyler responded via Facebook today. While wearing a hat with the words “Fuck,” Tyler wrote in all caps, “WELL NOW I AM IN ‘SHOCK’…YOU KNOW…
Orlando podcast ‘Oh No Radio Show’ will showcase local music tonight
Local music aficionado and supporter Jessica Pawli will guest-host the long-running podcast Oh No Radio once a month, starting tonight(!), to highlight local sounds. When asked how this guest spot came together, Pawli told the Weekly, “I’ve been a guest on The Oh No Radio Show a few times in the past to promo upcoming shows.…
A fleet of ‘Mutation Response Vehicles’ was spotted near Orlando and people lost their damn minds
This week a fleet of “Mutation Response Vehicles” was spotted near Orlando and, of course, conspiracy theorists assumed the absolute worst. On Monday, August 15, Facebook user Joe Amos posted photos of large ominous trucks with the label “Mutation Response Vehicle” (MRV) on the side. The trucks were spotted near Longwood, Florida. Not long after, paranoid conspiracy…
Three Orlando restaurant openings: Peruvian seafood, fish tacos and healthy Mediterranean
— Back in May we reported that Clermont’s Wallace Grill would open its second location in the old Fifi’s Patisserie/Nick’s Italian Kitchen space in the Sanctuary condo building. Turns out owner Glaister “Tony” Wallace will open a restaurant in the space, but it will be a Peruvian concept called Gaviota Seafood & Fine Peruvian Cuisine.…
Universal announces dates for ‘A Celebration of Harry Potter’
The fourth annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is returning to Universal Orlando this year. Universal announced from their official blog that the celebrity-filled weekend will be held January 27 – 29, 2017. This year’s wizard-centric weekend, which is included with regular admission, will feature a film talent Q&A, demonstrations, exhibits and more, says Universal. More…
Hospital officials say the last Pulse survivor still at ORMC has improved
Orlando Regional Medical Center officials say the last hospitalized survivor who has been in critical condition since the mass shooting at Pulse has improved to a “guarded condition.” Health officials would not elaborate on Orlando Health’s Twitter or via email on what “guarded” means presumably because of medical privacy regulations, and there’s little definition elsewhere.…
Legendary UK DJ Pete Tong to play Gilt nightclub tonight
This is kind of a big deal for electronic dance music fans in Orlando, hell, even for Florida. Legendary UK DJ and radio personality Pete Tong- once called, without even a hint of hyperbole, a global ambassador for electronic music” by DJ Mag- is set to get behind the desks for a rare Florida appearance…
Local funk outfit Holey Miss Moley to move the Red Lion Pub tonight
Nine-strong local funk battalion Holey Miss Moley promises to get the Red Lion moving with densely layered groove walls. This is a bittersweet thing to write about as the Red Lion is closing soon, but all the better to go catch a show and take in the vibes there while you still can. The show starts at…
Planet Hollywood to ride the bus to Flavortown with Guy Fieri-created menu
I suppose it was inevitable, but the chef many folks love to hate – Guy Fieri – is entering Orlando’s dining scene. The polarizing schlock-jock of cookery is developing a burger and sandwich menu for the seemingly new and improved Planet Hollywood, now called Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs. On why the restaurant approached the platinum-tressed…
See a gallery exhibition of dozens of Orlando Weekly’s Pulse photos tonight
In the days directly following the shootings at Pulse nightclub, area photographers sent us hundreds of photos – from the scene, from press conferences with politicians and police, and from spontaneous memorial sites, organized vigils and protests. We printed as many as we could, but there were more outstanding photographs than we had space for.…
Disney removes Steven Tyler’s shocking hand gesture from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
In a shocking move, Disney has finally decided to remove Steven Tyler’s ‘crude hand gesture’ from the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. According to Inside The Magic, after 17 years of “Living on The Edge,” Disney has digitally altered the inappropriate hand gesture into an open palm. So, what was the hand…
Red Lion Pub to close down after 27 years in business
After 27 years in business, Winter Park’s Red Lion Pub will be shutting its doors. In a Facebook post, owner Rosemarie Ryan announced that the time has come for the bar and music venue to shut down, citing slowing business as the main reason. The bar, located at 3784 Howell Branch Road in Winter Park,…
Very limited tickets for Eric Bachmann (Archers of Loaf, Crooked Fingers) living room show go on sale Monday
Eric Bachmann is coming back to town. The last time he was here as Crooked Fingers at Will’s Pub back in 2011, it seemed like damn near half of OW’s staff was at the show. This time, the indie god will be performing a living room show at the house of one of our photographers. Sorry,…
O-Town Macdown returns for the gooiest, chewiest, comfort food-iest annual competition at Osceola Heritage Park
Cheese connoisseurs should be pleased to know that Orlando’s signature mac and cheese competition has returned. This year’s O-Town Macdown, located in Osceola Heritage Park, brings out more than 20 vendors participating in order to help the nonprofit Give Kids the World, and the winners go home with the bragging rights of having the tastiest…
The Menestrolli Dog Circus is coming to Artegon this weekend
The Ringling Brothers might have some furry competition heading their way. The Menestrelli Dog Circus will have a free show at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, inside the Great Hall at Artegon Marketplace. Led by professional circus actors and animal trainers Yanina and Sergey, the circus showcases a herd of pooches performing tricks like somersaults…
Cupcake Burlesque harnesses the Schwartz for a burlesque tribute to Mel Brooks
We may never know what the ladies of Cupcake Burlesque were thinking when they came up with the idea of a burlesque tribute to Mel Brooks. That’s right: a burlesque … tribute … to … Mel … BROOKS. (Let it sink in.) Were they on the couch taking in their 700th viewing of Spaceballs when…
Drink bourbon for breakfast at World of Beer this Saturday
You’ve got a few more days to snatch up tickets for the bourbon-bacon breakfast being sponsored by Jim Beam at the downtown World of Beer this weekend. At the event, which starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, you’ll be privy to four specialty bourbon cocktails (made with Jim Beam-brand liquor, of course), including an apple pie…
Gideon’s Bakehouse closing Aug. 20, but wait: It’s good news
After dishing out more than 2,000 pounds of cookies and cake slices in less than one month, Gideon’s Bakehouse at East End Market is closing Aug. 20. Seems they’ve been so successful (no surprise — those chocolate chip cookies are just plain ridiculous) that business has become unsustainable in their current block at the Audubon…
Florida woman: ‘This bear has got some balls’
A Florida woman had a close encounter with a curious and hungry little bear cub last week. On August 11, Angie Pope of Navarre, Florida, uploaded a video to Facebook showing a black bear foraging around in her backyard. At one point in the video the bear goes for her tomato plants, and when Pope…
30 free concerts in Orlando this week (8/17-8/23)
Wednesday August 17 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints Of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. Oriented Music Group Open Jam 10:45 pm at St. Matthew’s Tavern, 1300 N. Mills Ave. Reggae Night with Hor!zen and DJ Red I 10 pm at the Caboose, 1827 N. Orange Ave. The Imperial’s Acoustic Soundcheck With…
Popcorn in a Pickle is the best snack at Trader Joe’s and here’s why
Ever since I was a kid, pickles have been my snack of choice. Pickle juice — drink of choice (as an adult, picklebacks, plz). I’ve been known to finish off a jar in one sitting (Netflix and dill, anyone?) and have very particular tastes when it comes to the sour spears: Bread and butter, no.…
There’s a lot of poop in Lake Ivanhoe right now
Orlando officials are now warning residents to avoid Lake Ivanhoe because of high levels of fecal coliform bacteria. In other words, the lake is now poopier than normal. Fecal coliform bacteria comes from the intestines of animals and people, and according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the bacteria isn’t always harmful to humans,…
Rapper YG brings ‘F*ck Donald Trump’ tour to Orlando
Rapper YG has announced an Orlando stop for his “Fuck Donald Trump” (yes, you heard us right) nationwide tour this autumn. YG, joined by Sadboy, RJ and Kamaiayah, will be playing the Beacham Theater on Wednesday, October 8. Tickets will set you back $25-$31 and can be purchased here starting this Friday, August 19, at…
Pulse shooting spurs creation of LGBTQ PAC to end gun violence
Local LGBTQ leaders in Orlando are meeting Wednesday night to launch the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence, a political action committee created in the wake of the Pulse shooting focused on gun policy reform. The meeting at The Hammered Lamb, 1235 N. Orange Ave. at 6 p.m. is free and open to the public. The…
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood announce upcoming Orlando show
Country power couple Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are coming to the Amway Center later this year. The Garth Brooks World Tour, as it’s called, will come to Orlando on Oct. 8. Tickets start at $75 and will go on sale Aug. 26. at 10 a.m. This will be Garth Brooks’ first Orlando show in…
Local comics give Pokémon what’s coming to them at a comedy roast at the Improv
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve noticed everyone playing Pokémon Go (and if you do live under a rock, please put us in touch with your realtor – that’s hot property in a smartphone society). But fame comes at a cost, and the game’s popularity places its animated stars in the crosshairs of…
Just announced: rapper Rittz to play the Social
Atlanta-based and Yelawolf-affiliated hip-hop artist Rittz has just announced an Orlando concert for the end of this year. The rapper, touring behind hotly-tipped new album Top of the Line, is set to play the Social on Saturday, December 10, with James Benton along for the ride. Tickets are $15-$20 and can be purchased here starting Friday,…
Opening in Orlando: Ben-Hur, Hell or High Water, War Dogs and more
OPENING THIS WEEK: Ben-Hur Jack Huston takes over for Charlton Heston in this remake of the chariot-racing epic. Includes the greatest credit line of the summer: “… with Rodrigo Santoro as Jesus Christ.” (PG-13) Hell or High Water A friend of mine plays this fun game in which he retells the plot of an indie…
Savage Love (8/17/16)
DEAR READERS: I’m on vacation for three weeks – but you won’t be reading old columns in my absence, and you won’t be reading columns by anyone who isn’t Dan Savage. You’ll be reading new columns, all of them written by Dan Savage, none of them written by me. Our second guest Dan Savage is…
Gimme Shelter (8/17/16)
Are you looking to adopt a pet? Monty (A356666) is a 3-year-old dog who is looking for a home. He was surrendered to the shelter because his owner could not care for him. Monty is laid-back and walks well on a leash. He even knows basic commands, such as how to sit! Monty loves to…
Mikey Cortes emerges solo as Summer Spiders, Hey Mercedes and Pohgoh bring emo history to life with Microwave
The bad news: TLU will be on break for the next issue. The good: It’s because it’ll be our mega annual Best of Orlando issue. So we’ll all have plenty to argue about next week! THE BEAT When it comes to street cred in this city, Mikey Cortes is one of the rare ones. More…
Selections: Our picks of the week’s best events, Aug. 17-23
Thursday, 18 Pokémon Comedy Roast Showcase COMEDY Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve noticed everyone playing Pokémon Go (and if you do live under a rock, please put us in touch with your realtor – that’s hot property in a smartphone society). But fame comes at a cost, and the game’s popularity places…
Picks This Week: American Party Machine, Boney James, Beastmaker and more
Butch Walker Former Marvelous 3 frontman turned hitmaker for the stars headlines an intimate solo show at the Social. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at the Social, $25 Holey Miss Moley Nine-strong local funk battalion promises to get the Red Lion moving. 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Red Lion Pub, $7 American Party…
Voting on the local level means a lot here in Florida
Don’t boo. Vote!
ICYMI: Marco Rubio’s strange speech, Pulse money, horny manatees and other stuff you may have overlooked last week
Trump and Clinton visited Central Florida, annoyed I-4 drivers Yes, those blockades on I-4 that made you late last week were because two presidential hopefuls visited the swing part of the swing state. Hillary Clinton’s speech in Kissimmee focused on jobs before it was derailed by the attendance of Seddique Mateen, the father of the…
Remembering the Orlando 49: Jean Carlos Méndez Pérez
Every week between now and the one-year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shootings, Orlando Weekly will profile a person killed on June 12, 2016. This week: Jean Carlos Méndez Pérez Jean Carlos Méndez Pérez found love through a scent. The 35-year-old was working at the Perfumania in the Orlando Premium Outlets when Luis Daniel Wilson-León…
7 new restaurant openings, Kappo teams up with the Guesthouse, and more in local foodie news
The crew from Kappo, Konbini and the soon-to-open Kadence in Audubon Park are teaming up with the Guesthouse for a series of lunch omakase pop-ups every Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 3-25. Cost is $95 with an additional $50 for cocktail pairings. Hanamizuki, the Japanese restaurant on I-Drive serving Kyoto-style fare, is opening Mondays from noon-8 p.m. for ramen…
Frank & Steins sets itself apart from its “craft breau” counterparts
Frank & Steins Eatery and Pub 150 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-412-9230, frankandsteins.com Essay question: Why should I drink here? Downtown Orlando’s original craft beer (and wine, and whiskey) sports bar, Frank and Stein’s still sets itself apart from its “craft breau” counterparts with its plethora of sandwiches, soups and, of course, franks…
Universal’s Incredible Hulk coaster and Pseudonym Productions’ When Shadows Fall both get intelligent overhauls
Reinvent or refurbish? Rebuild or renovate? Raze or restore? I’m currently a resident of Orlando’s Milk District, which is in the midst of a massive gentrification project that’s demolishing generations of single-family homes to make way for newly built duplexes. So the raging debate over urban renewal versus retaining traditional character literally hits close to…
Mike Birbiglia talks about comedy, success and failure in his new film ‘Don’t Think Twice’
Though his new film, Don’t Think Twice, focuses on the struggles of the members of an improv comedy troupe, Mike Birbiglia is better known for his solo storytelling hybrid of stand-up comedy and theater than his group work. A frequent guest on NPR’s This American Life, Birbiglia’s stories are always biographical, whether they’re about a…
