Cover Story
Welcome to the Best of Orlando® 2018
A long time ago (well, May 16) in a City Beautiful, all of the stars geared up to fight a war … a war to see who was the Best of Orlando®. And now the people of Orlando have spoken! Read of their triumph on the following pages, where we list the victors in the…
26 free concerts happening in Orlando this week
Wednesday, Sept. 5 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. Forget Myself 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Thursday, Sept. 6 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., Winter Park.…
Illuminated Paths highlights some of the best in underground music at Will’s Pub
Obscurist record label Illuminated Paths and video art outlet Broken Machine Films are the two creative arms of warped Central Florida visionary Joshua Rogers. Bring both those forces together in one place and you have a uniquely immersive event that will arouse the ears, eyes and even mind with otherworldly stimuli. The homegrown music showcase…
Teresa Jacobs wins school board chair, plus remaining Orange County election results
You were keeping up with the results from the Orange County elections tonight, right? If not, we’ve got your back. But first, of note: The races were nonpartisan, meaning the candidate to finish with at least 5o percent plus one vote automatically won, avoiding a run-off contest in the Nov. 6 general election. Orange County Mayor…
Andrew Gillum wins historic Democratic nomination for Florida governor
Beating the projected odds, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum won the Democratic nomination for Florida governor Tuesday night. The nomination is historic – Gillum is the state’s first African-American nominee for governor. If elected, he would be the first black governor of Florida. BREAKING: Andrew Gillum wins Democratic nomination for governor in Florida primary election. #APracecall…
Congresswoman Val Demings waltzes to re-election in primary for CD 10
U.S. Rep. Val Demings won her re-election bid against Democratic financier Wade Darius Tuesday night in the primary election for Congressional District 10. Because Demings had no Republican challenger, all registered voters – not just Democrats – were eligible to vote in the primary election, which determined the winner of the race. When all was…
Trump-endorsed Ron DeSantis wins Republican nomination for Florida governor
Proving the influence President Donald Trump still has over Florida Republicans, U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis won the GOP gubernatorial nomination Tuesday night. Early state returns show DeSantis trouncing state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam by a margin of 56 percent of the vote to almost 37 percent. Thank you, Florida! pic.twitter.com/4d2lhdzDEq — Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantisFL) August…
Democrat Stephanie Murphy, Republican Mike Miller beat competitors in CD 7
It was a great night to be Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy and Republican state Rep. Mike Miller, as the two breezed past their primary opponents in route for the November general election. With the majority of precincts reporting in Orange and Seminole Counties, Murphy finished with more than 85 percent of the vote, according…
Sheriff Jerry Demings wins Orange County mayoral race
With more than 60 percent of vote, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings won the Orange County mayoral race Tuesday. Demings, a Democrat, faced off against Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke and local businessman Rob Panepinto, a political newcomer, in the nonpartisan race. Because the county mayor is nonpartisan position, the election was won outright once Demings…
Darren Soto surges past Alan Grayson to win Democratic primary in CD 9
With most precincts reporting, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto surged past former Congressman Alan Grayson by a margin of about 2-1 to win the Democratic primary in Congressional District 9 Tuesday night. The district encompasses all of Osceola County and parts of southeast Orange and Polk counties. With the majority of precincts reporting, Soto led with over…
Queen Beyoncé and her husband set to rattle windows all around Camping World Stadium
For those of you who didn’t take off work to buy your ticket five months ago with rent money when the Queen asked you to, here is a reminder: Legend and icon Beyoncé and her rapper husband, Jay-Z, will be in Orlando Wednesday for a second iteration of their successful “On The Run” tour. This…
Star 94.5’s DJ Nasty to open for Beyoncé and Jay-Z
DJ Nasty has represented the City Beautiful on two of the biggest tours of recent memory, scoring coveted opening slots for no less than Beyoncé, and this week Orlando fans get to see this hometown favorite on a stadium stage. The Orlando-based producer and Star 94.5 radio mainstay (“The Main Event with DJ Nasty and Ricky Padilla,”…
The big, beautiful food hall we’ve all been waiting for is coming to…Kissimmee
It’ll be larger than the 22,000-square-foot Armature Works food hall in Tampa, and certainly larger than any such gastro-emporium we have in Orlando when it finally opens in 2020. Yes, the Gourmet Market at Magic Place will be a 30,000-square-foot behemoth large enough to host 20 independently run (not chain) food and beverage concepts. As the…
After Jacksonville shooting, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi focuses on dangers of video games
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s approach to the gun debate, following a shooting in Jacksonville that left two dead and 11 more injured: Blame the video games, but don’t you dare blame the goddamned guns. In a Monday interview about the Jacksonville shooting on Fox News, Bondi warned parents that “predators” might find their darling…
Florida Supreme Court nixes request to hear challenge of 6 constitutional amendments
The Florida Supreme Court rejected Tuesday former Chief Justice Harry Lee Anstead’s request for oral arguments to challenge six amendments proposed by the state Constitution Revision Commission. Among the amendments was Amendment 8 – which would allow charter school organizers and affiliates to bypass local school boards’ approval on certain issues, circumventing local control. Bundled…
Gillum gets last-minute celebrity endorsements from Diddy, Rick Ross in Florida governor’s race
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum got some last-minute celebrity endorsements on the eve before the Democratic gubernatorial primary election in Florida. Entrepreneur, rapper and producer Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, endorsed Gillum on Instagram Monday. “Make history tomorrow by everyone in the state of Florida voting and making [Andrew Gillum] the FIRST BLACK GOVERNOR OF…
Panic! at the Disco, Bastille confirmed as headliners for Tampa’s Next Big Thing festival
The alternative music fest Next Big Thing is returning to the Tampa area this year and has unveiled a stacked lineup set for a very full weekend in December. This year’s lineup includes: Panic! At the Disco, Bastille, Foster the People, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Young the Giant, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, AJR, Chvrches, Elle King, Alice…
Aramis Ayala hosts ‘safe surrender’ for people with outstanding misdemeanor warrants
People with outstanding warrants for nonviolent misdemeanors and traffic offenses in Orange County will be able to potentially resolve their cases instead of being arrested at “Operation Safe Surrender” next month. Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala is hosting the two-day event in partnership with the Orange County Clerk’s Office. Fugitives can avoid arrest by safely…
Nearly 2 million votes cast in Florida primary elections before polls opened Tuesday
More Floridians have voted before Tuesday’s elections than in past primaries, yet hundreds of thousands of mail-in ballots have not been returned by voters. Nearly 1.86 million votes had been cast as of Monday morning, with almost 1.2 million vote-by-mail ballots returned and another 658,800 ballots cast at early-voting sites, according to the Florida Department…
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa returns with fewer houses but with plenty of original scare zones
Now in its 18th year, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa returns this year with a few surprising twists. Howl-O-Scream (at SeaWorld San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa and Busch Gardens Williamsburg) is SeaWorld Parks’ premier special ticketed event. In Tampa, this year’s event will include six houses, five scare zones and the signature Fiends stage show.…
Florida judge rejects ballot measure on crime victims’ rights
Saying the measure does not meet requirements for “truth in packaging,” a Leon County circuit judge Monday rejected a proposed constitutional amendment designed to expand the rights of crime victims. The decision by Circuit Judge Karen Gievers on a ballot proposal known as “Marsy’s Law” is the latest setback for proposed constitutional amendments approved this…
Denver is about to get Kaleidoscape, a wild, art-based amusement park ride by Meow Wolf
One of next year’s most anticipated new amusement park additions is from a group with no previous ride experience, at a park that few even know exists. In 2016, when Meow Wolf opened their House of Eternal Return, a permanent funhouse-like art gallery in Santa Fe, it immediately became the talk of the themed entertainment…
Florida taxpayers paid $4.84 million so far in public financing for 2018 political candidates
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis drew the largest amount of public matching funds last week, as the overall total going to statewide candidates before Tuesday’s primary elections neared $5 million. DeSantis and three other gubernatorial candidates —- Republican Adam Putnam and Democrats Andrew Gillum and Gwen Graham —- have combined to receive nearly $3.73 million…
Southern Belle Ball returns to Will’s Pub in Orlando next month
A sequel to last year’s successful Southern Belle Ball – a Southern Fried Sunday spotlight event – is set for next month in Orlando. Alongside a host of vendors, chefs and mixologists – all women and woman-owned businesses – the musical programming is formidable. The full lineup for this year’s Ball is: Zoya Zafar, Beth McKee’s…
Wax Motif plans to slide through Orlando this Thursday
For the first time in two years, house all-star Wax Motif is making his way to Orlando this Thursday, so you’ll want to lace up your dancing shoes. Wax Motif will be playing Aug. 30 at Celine Orlando, 22 S. Magnolia Ave. Doors open at 9 p.m. Earlybird tickets are $15 and can be purchased…
Orlando reacts to Jacksonville shooting where gunman killed 2 people, injured 11
In what has become a painful tradition since Orlando experienced its own mass shooting two years ago, local leaders reacted with sympathy and calls to action after a gunman killed two people and injured 11 more at a video game tournament in Jacksonville. The Florida Times-Union reports 24-year-old David Katz, of Baltimore, used a handgun to…
Bill Nelson endorses Sheriff Jerry Demings for Orange County mayor
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, a Democrat running for county mayor, picked up an endorsement from three-term Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson over the weekend. “Jerry Demings is a trusted, respected leader who has spent his career keeping the people of Central Florida safe as a sheriff and as Orlando Police chief,” Nelson says in…
Viking Cruise Lines bans children, says their clients want kid-free vacations
When Virgin Voyages announced last year that the cruise line’s first ship, to debut in 2020, would be for adults only, it surprised many in the industry. Cruises are typically marketed to families and boomers. Recent years have seen cruise ships add wild theme park-like attractions onboard, ranging from multi-story in-suite slides to go-kart tracks…
Universal looks to add roads, improve connectivity to their still unannounced new resort
Despite Universal still not confirming a new theme park on their recently acquired property near Lockheed Martin, the company is moving forward with plans to improve access to the property from Sand Lake Road. Public documents posted by Orange County show that Universal lobbyist John McReynolds has been meeting with the county for over a…
Omaha’s Bib make hardcore Florida debut at Uncle Lou’s
Hardcore punk from Omaha, Nebraska – who knew? It seems an unlikely combo, but to those with a finger on the pulse of the dregs of society, it’s no secret that some of the gnarliest weirdo music of recent years has creepy-crawled out of the shadows of America’s heartland. While many of these acts seem…
State primaries and local races to be decided this Tuesday
If you get into Facebook fights about injustices all day but don’t vote, does it matter? Voting has always been important, but it has become more pressing in this day and age when it feels like our democracy is challenged every day. Polls in Orange County will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on…
East Hampton Bait and Tackle to lure seafood lovers to Winter Park
A new seafood concept is moving into the old TR Fire Grill space in Winter Park. East Hampton Bait & Tackle will bring seaside style and flair to the Ravaudage complex, hopefully sans the douchebaggery of patrons placing Yorkies in restaurant high chairs. Restaurateur Gregory Pranzo (Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen & Bar, Cinco Tacos + Tequila)…
Early voting for primary elections ends Sunday in Orange County
Today is your last chance to vote early in the primary elections in Orange County. Early voting ends Sunday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. The last day to vote in the primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 28. So far, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections reports that 37,267 people have voted early in a little over a…
Henry and Michelle Salgado open poke/street food concept Ricky’s Canteen
Henry Salgado, the two-time James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist and former chef/owner of the now-shuttered Txokos at East End Market and the Spanish River Grill in New Smyrna Beach, is back in the restaurant game. Along with his wife Michele, Salgado has opened Ricky’s Canteen — a fast-casual poke bowl and street food joint —…
Judge ponders whether to remove victims’ rights proposal from Florida ballot
Voters should not be given the chance to decide the fate of a proposed constitutional amendment expanding rights for crime victims because the ballot language is misleading, lawyers opposing the measure told a Tallahassee judge Friday. Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers heard arguments on whether Amendment 6, approved by the Constitution Commission Revision, should…
Orlando unions reach agreement with Disney for $15 by 2021
After nine months of negotiations, six Orlando labor unions say they have reached a “historic” agreement with Walt Disney World to raise starting pay from $10 to $15 by October 2021. The Service Trades Council Union, which represent 38,000 employees among its six unions, announced early Saturday morning that the new four-year contract agreement makes “no…
Mai Bistro closes; Z Asian Vietnamese Cuisine poised to open
After nine months and at least one favorable review, Mai Bistro on East Colonial Drive has closed. The restaurant posted a notice on Facebook announcing the closure, though no reason was given as to why. But just as one door to a Vietnamese eatery closes, another is set to open — and right next door…
Americana icon Jim Lauderdale announces Orlando show in October
American legend Jim Lauderdale has announced an intimate outdoor Orlando show set for this autumn, as part of a round of touring behind not just one, but two new albums. Lauderdale recently released both new record Time Flies and Jim Lauderdale and Roland White, an early album that has been “sitting in the vaults for…
Florida House candidate wants to bring Trump’s Hollywood star to Pensacola
The West Coast glitterati might be shunning President Trump’s Hollywood star, but Pensacola’s ready to welcome the Donald’s celebrity plaque. That’s according to Mike Hill, a former state representative running to return to the Legislature in the conservative stronghold, who took to Facebook Live this week with a giant replica of the Hollywood Walk of…
Earthdance festival in Central Florida reveals full lineup including Supervillains, DJ Icey and more
The Earthdance arts and music festival is set to return for its 10th year to Central Florida this September and has unveiled a stacked weekend of dance music across genres. This year’s lineup includes: Supervillains, DJ Icey, Kimball Collins, Mayapuris Kirtan Band, Laser Assassins, Uncle John’s Band, TL Jentgens, Magic Mike, Brett Bass & Melted…
Magical Dining Month starts Friday with more than 110 Orlando-area restaurants
Visit Orlando’s annual Magical Dining Month starts Friday, Aug. 24, with more than 110 participating Orlando-area restaurants. For $35, each restaurant features a three-course prix fixe menu, which means diners can go on a relatively affordable culinary adventure night after night. Magical Dining Month deals run from tonight (Friday, Aug. 24) through Sunday, Sept. 30. Visit…
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer endorses Gwen Graham for Florida governor
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer plans to endorse former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham Saturday morning in her bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. According to a news release from Graham’s campaign, the two will appear tomorrow morning at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections early voting site to make the announcement. “Here in Orlando, together we…
Orange County Republicans elect Rich Crotty as new state committeeman
As of Thursday night, the Orange County Republican Executive Committee elected former county Mayor Rich Crotty as the new state committeeman, according to Orlando Rising. Crotty will replace former Orlando mayoral candidate Paul Paulson – the same Paulson who resigned last month following allegations that his “sham charity” for wounded veterans, Help the Vets Inc.,…
Greene offers up some green to Florida Democrats if he wins gubernatorial primary
Gubernatorial candidate Jeff Greene, a Palm Beach billionaire, sees himself as a financial power player in the general election, with the promise of spending big money to help other Democrats in their battles with Republicans. But there is a caveat —- he’ll need to be the party’s gubernatorial nominee. “Jeff believes it’s the responsibility of…
Disney will sell early morning entrance to Toy Story Land starting September
Starting next month, Disney World will sell early-morning entrance tickets to the Hollywood Studios theme park for access to Toy Story Land. The “Early Morning Magic” experience will allow guests inside Toy Story Land on select Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. before the park opens to the general public at 9 a.m.…
Wells Fargo lays off 137 Orlando area employees
Wells Fargo announced Thursday it was laying off 638 employees in its home mortgage division nationwide – 137 of whom are based in Orlando. “After carefully evaluation marketing conditions and consumer needs, we are reducing 137 team members to better align with current volumes,” Wells Fargo Central Florida spokeswoman Gabriela Lambertus says in a statement.…
Bites and Bubbles on Mills Avenue just added lunch and brunch
Bites & Bubbles, the latest venture from Eddie Nickell and Nick Olivieri, has been open for roughly three months – just enough time to work out the wrinkles and add more seatings. Luckily for the local brunch bunch, as of today they’re serving Monday-Friday lunch as well as a very ambitious Saturday-Sunday brunch at surprisingly affordable prices.…
UCF will have early voting site on campus for November election
The University of Central Florida will have an early voting site on campus in the weeks before the Nov. 6 general election, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office. Officials have not yet determined the location of the early voting site on the UCF campus. Early voting for the November election runs Monday,…
Bound shows beautiful side of heavy music in Orlando debut, Dearest emerges as full band
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Bound, Boston Marriage, Uh and Dearest, Will’s Pub, Aug. 21 Bound is a promising new D.C. band that just made their Orlando debut courtesy of local promoter Endoxa Booking. Being practically post-everything, they’re not a group that’s conveniently sorted. Stemming audibly from metal, post-rock, shoegaze and dream pop, their influences are many…
Orlando Philharmonic closes out its Star Wars series of live soundtracks with ‘Return of the Jedi’
In what we have to assume is the last of the Orlando Philharmonic’s series of live-soundtracked Star Wars screenings – though it would be interesting to revisit the prequels in this format – we get the final entry of the Original Trilogy. You probably already know the plot – we’re long past the point when…
Gods & Monsters gets into the Halloween spirit two months early this weekend
Just like some people start putting up lights and humming carols as soon as a cool breeze floats through town, others start picking out pumpkins and sewing new costumes for Halloween as soon as kids go back to school. Gods & Monsters hosts a party for those people this weekend, sponsored by locally based custom…
Jeff Greene just nixed his TV ads before Florida gubernatorial primary next week
With just five days until the Florida primary, Palm Beach billionaire and real estate investor Jeff Greene has taken down his gubernatorial campaign’s TV commercials. On Wednesday, Greene told the Tampa Bay Times that the ads were supposed to run through Monday. Earlier today, though, campaign spokeswoman Claire VanSusteren confirmed to the Times that Greene…
Is Florida having a blue wave? Red tide? Election answers could be in the numbers
After months of envisioning a “blue wave” because of voters tired of President Donald Trump, Florida Democrats say they still see a swell coming amid an increase in mail-in ballots compared to the 2014 midterm elections. But Republicans point to a GOP lead in votes already cast for Tuesday’s primaries as a sign that Democratic…
EDM star Snails to play Orlando this November
Dubstep/bass producer and DJ Snails has announced an all-star Shell 2.0 tour set to begin in October with his Sluggtopia fest at Red Rocks. And one of only two Florida dates on the trek will be in Orlando. Snails will be joined by Cookie Monsta, SVDDEN DEATH and Hekler on the trek. Snails broke big a…
A conservative watchdog group just filed an ethics complaint against Florida Sen. Bill Nelson over Russian hacking claims
The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, a conservative watchdog group, filed an ethics complaint Thursday against U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson for discussing classified information regarding Russian election interference. Though it remains unclear whether Nelson’s comments were based on actual evidence, FACT is now seeking to launch an ethics investigation into Nelson’s off-the-cuff remark earlier…
It’s gator versus pig at the Ravenous Pig’s end-of-summer Saturday roast
For the end of summer, the Ravenous Pig/Swine & Sons family hosts a collaborative roast with guest chef Kenny Gilbert, a former Top Chef contestant who’s opened three restaurants in the Jacksonville area. Gilbert plans to smoke gator ribs for the event, while chefs Rhys Gawlak and Nick Sierputowski contribute a roast pig, grouper tacos…
Bring Me the Horizon announce Orlando show set for next year
English rockers Bring Me the Horizon have announced a massive “First Love” world tour set to kick off in November. And in good news for Orlando fans, the only Florida date is in the City Beautiful. The band is set to release new album amo in January of next year, just in time for the…
Judge orders Florida prison system to accommodate transgender inmate after officials initially refused
Accusing them of ignorance and bigotry, a federal judge this week excoriated Florida corrections officials for refusing to accommodate a transgender inmate, despite the prisoner’s repeated suicide attempts and persistent requests to wear bras and panties and have access to women’s grooming items. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker on Wednesday ordered the Florida Department of…
Mennello’s latest ‘Our Orlando’ exhibit highlights four emerging Orlando artists
The Mennello’s second iteration of its Our Orlando group show brings together another four rising art stars: Sarah M. Bender, Peterson Guerrier, Boy Kong and Kelly Joy Ladd. While Boy Kong and Guerrier are perhaps the best-known of the bunch, it’s the women in the show who may be a revelation to local eyes. Bender…
History in a Glass raises a toast to the fire department at the History Center
The Orange County Regional History Center’s History in a Glass nights are always such a treat. Local bartenders create cocktails based around a theme – this time, it’s “Hot, Hot, Hot!” – and while you try those cocktails, you get a little history lesson about the area – in this case, it’s all about fire,…
DJ BMF’s annual Michael Jackson party takes place this weekend at Lil Indies
Though his later life was marked by controversy and salacious allegations, it’s hard to overstate Michael Jackson’s impact on the pop landscape. Every year, in honor of Jackson’s birthday, DJ BMF pays tribute to the late singer with a night devoted to his music. With Jackson’s catalog, that means a night of dancing to some…
Florida smokers puff more than their national counterparts, report finds
Slightly more than 13 percent of Florida adults smoked in 2017, but they go through more tobacco than average smokers nationally, a draft report given Tuesday to Florida health officials shows. The findings, culled from the Florida Adult Tobacco Survey, show that a Florida smoker on average puffs 14.6 cigarettes a day, Erik Crankshaw, a…
Disney launches $50 million education program for workers that pays tuition costs upfront
The Walt Disney Company announced Wednesday the launch of a $50 million educational program that will pay 100 percent of tuition costs upfront for more than 80,000 eligible hourly workers. The Disney Aspire program allows domestic full-time and part-time workers who are eligible can take courses toward a high school degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree…
Bem Bom will finally open tonight in Audubon Park
Popular Portuguese food truck Bem Bom will debut their long-awaited brick-and-mortar location on Corrine Drive in Audubon Park this evening. As the name suggests, “Bem Bom on Corrine” is located at 3101 Corrine Drive and will soft-open from 5-10 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 22) with a special takeout-only menu. The takeout menu will be available through Friday.…
The new 4 Rivers food truck opens today in Disney Springs
The new 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck officially opens today at Disney Springs. The new specialty truck is located in the Marketplace, between World of Disney and Ghirardelli. Offerings include “barbacoa-style” dishes like a “Taco Cone” and burrito bowls filled with your choice of meats such as brisket barbacoa and pork sofrito. There are also…
Orchard Supply Hardware stores in Orlando will close by February
It’s a sad day for some Central Florida home-tinkerers. Announced this morning, Lowe’s Companies, which acquired the Orchard Supply Hardware chain in 2013, has decided to close up shop for all 99 of its Orchard Supply stores. That means one in-the-works location and two current locations are soon to shutter locally, including the brand-new Orlando…
Federal officials say no ‘new or ongoing compromises’ to Florida’s voting system
Federal officials this week advised Florida’s top elections official they “have not seen new or ongoing compromises,” as Gov. Rick Scott and Republicans ratchet up political attacks over a statement by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson that “Russians are in Florida’s election records.” U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and FBI Director Christopher Wray…
Interplanetary Acoustic Team hosts listening party for new album at Park Ave CDs
The overriding mental images conjured when listening to the first album by local space-music collective Interplanetary Acoustic Team are flashback scenes from The Man Who Fell to Earth where Bowie’s Thomas Jerome Newton remembers his last moments with his alien family, lost in a wistful cosmic reverie. Apt, then, that new album 11 11 is…
Best Influencer
Lindsey Thompson
Best Doggy Daycare
Miss Emily’s Bed & Biscuit
Best Massage Therapy/Bodywork
Hand and Stone
Best Local Charitable Group
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
Best Realtor
Beth Hobart, Mainframe Real Estate
Best Korean Restaurant
Izziban
Best Citywide Jitters
Attack of the Orlando coffee shops
Best Indian Restaurant
Tamarind Indian Cuisine
Best Adult Sports League
Orlando Roller Derby
Best Local Sports Team
UCF Knights
Best Pub Grub/Bar Food
1. The Porch, theporchwinterpark.com 2. Miller’s Ale House, millersalehouse.com 3. Fiddler’s Green, fiddlersgreen.pub
Best Experimental Act
Boy Without Batteries
Best Gay Bar
Southern Nights
Best Local NPR Boost
Local “Tiny Desk” concerts at WMFE
Best Prodigal Returns
Bestial Mouths at Anime Fun Shop
Best Craft Beer Bar
Redlight Redlight
Best Developments Imaginary and Real
Roadsides and Skylines at Gallery at Avalon Island
Best AC Service
Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning
Best Nonalcoholic Reason to Go to a Brewery
Free water during Hurricane Irma
Best Med Spa
Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center
Best Neighborhood to Shop In
Winter Park
Best Tattoo Studio
Built 4 Speed Tattoo
Best Pho
Pho 88
Best Dining Trend
Gourmet gas station food
Best Italian Restaurant
Prato
Best Attraction That’s Not a Theme Park
Orlando Science Center
Best Restaurant To Take a Date
Better Than Sex
Best Happy Hour
Santiago’s Bodega
Best Local Author
Kristen Arnett
Best Theme Park Ride
Avatar Flight of Passage,
Best Lust For Life
Lana Del Rey at Amway Center
Best Craft Cocktail Bar
Lil Indies
Best Nail Salon
Flex-I Nails Spa & Wellness
Best Local Instagram Feed
@OrlandoBungalower
Best Record Store
Park Ave CDs
Best Emerging Dining Strip
Curry Ford Road
Best Way to Simultaneously Ensure & Prepare for Your Death From Diabetes
Wooden coffin full of donuts
Best Everything but the Squeal
Grain bowl, Swine and Sons
Best Beach
New Smyrna Beach
Best Place to Bike
West Orange Trail
Best Sandwiches/Subs
Publix Deli
Best YouTube Chronicle of Downtown Shenanigans
“Braxton Goes to Church”
Best Karaoke
Big Daddy’s Roadhouse
Best Strip Club
Dancers Royale
Best Bar Rescue
The Copper Rocket
Best Fog Machine and Soft Weeping
Soft Kill/Choir Boy at Will’s Pub
Best Dance Club
Independent Bar
Best Place to Lie Down
Publix
Best Reason to Chuck Your Kindle Out the Window
Best Used Books
Best Pet Groomer
Ashley’s Pack
Best Local Podcast
A Mediocre Time With Tom and Dan
Best Vape Store
Climax Smoke Shop
Best French Restaurant
Le Coq au Vin
Best Power-up
Sanctum Café shot flight
Best Beer for Bands
Namesake beers for local bands at Ten10 Fest
Best Bowling Alley
Splitsville
Best Public Golf Course
Dubsdread
Best Chinese Restaurant
Hawkers Asian Street Fare
Best New Outdoor Venue
The Veranda Live
Best Live Music Club
Will’s Pub
Best Local Comedian
Rauce Padgett
Best Folk Act
Beemo
Best Local Album
The Pauses, Unbuilding
Best Florida Read
Florida, by Lauren Groff
Best Adult Entertainment Store
Fairvilla Megastore
Best Place to Get Metaphysical Supplies
Avalon Beyond
Best Congressional Folk Band
Orange Creek Riders
Best New Thing in Orlando
Topgolf
Best Veterinarian
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Gringos Locos
Best Refreshing Escape
Mojito green tea from CubanoZ
Best Edible Smiths Lyric
Black coconut ice cream in a black waffle cone, the Greenery Creamery
Best Canoeing/Kayaking
Wekiwa Springs
Best Magical Queue
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Best Taste of Bangkok
Bangrak Thai Street Kitchen
Arts and Culture
Orlando’s best artists, writers, comedians, museums and more
Best Open Mic
Austin’s Coffee
Best Theme Park Bar
Rose & Crown Pub
Best Water Park
Volcano Bay
Best Glow-in-the-dark Outdoor Art Gallery
Christie Miga’s Luminosities at Mead Garden
Best Artistic Alternative to Sunday Services
Leonard Bernstein’s Mass
Best Déjà Vu
Alan Grayson campaign
Best Tech Tool for Overwhelmed Fringe Fanatics
Free Fringe-o-Matic scheduling website
Best “Clearly You Wanted a Hillary Clinton Robot” Robot
Donald Trump at Disney’s Hall of Presidents
Best Orlando Weekly Event
Orlando Beer Festival
Best Reason to Drink Pants-free
Booze delivery (Shipt, Instacart, Drizly, etc.)
Best Desserts
Better Than Sex
Best Secret Coffee Spot
Foxtail at Dovecote in the Bank of America building
Best Preparation of Yellowtail Snapper
Hunger Street Tacos
Best City Park
Lake Eola Park
Best Place to Leave Your Trash
Orlando City Stadium pitch
Best Seafood Restaurant
Winter Park Fish Co.
Best Internet IRL Experience
Drink and Think: Philosophy and Discussion (and Booze)
Best Pub
Fiddler’s Green
Best Local Visual Artist
Uncle Trashcan
Best Hip-Hop Act
EyeQ
Best Teaser
Contemporary Wonders, May 4-6, 2018
Best Antique IMAX
Albert Bierstadt’s “The Domes of the Yosemite”
Best Antique Store
Adjectives Market
Best Magic Elixir
Dr. Duffy’s Dispensary CBD tincture
Best Summary of I-4 Ultimate in a Single Sight
“Princenton” sign
Best Place to Show People the Real Orlando
Lake Eola Park
Best Reason to Go Solar
Duke Energy fucks up Hurricane Irma response
Best Pizza
Lazy Moon
Best Taste of L.A.
BBB Tofu House
Best Teahouse
Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria
Best Dog Park
Lake Baldwin Park
Best Civic Minded Shot
“The Buddy Dyer” at Shots
Best Splurge Restaurant
The Ravenous Pig
Best Rotating Sandwich Menu
Orlando Meats
Best Sports Bar
Miller’s Ale House
Best Trivia Host
Curtis Earth Trivia
Best Yoga Studio
Warrior One
Best Look in a Mirror (Darkly) at Ourselves
The gorilla show at Fringe
Best OMG Moment at FFF
Roger Miret of Agnostic Front makes us cry
Best Local Politician
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
Best Dry Cleaner
Acme Cleaners
Best Guilt Trip
Carlos Guillermo Smith gets Publix to provide HIV prevention drug
Goods and Services
Best in local shops, boutiques, dog groomers and more
Best Vintage or Used Clothing Store
Avalon Exchange
Best Jerky
Sticky Rice Lao Street Food
Best Local Chef
Sonny Nguyen of Domu
Best Thai Restaurant
Thai House
Best Escape Room
Escapology
Best Bakery
Valhalla Bakery
Best Use of $15
Chela’s AYCE Taco Tuesdays
Best of Orlando: Music and Nightlife
The best in local bars, clubs, bands, DJs and more
Best Kids Are Alright
SADIE at Stardust Video & Coffee
Best Movie Theater
Enzian Theater
Best Jazz Act
Leisure Chief
Best Internet? Never Heard of It
Orlando Zine Fest
Best Run of Bad Luck
WPRK 91.5-FM
Best Auto Repair
C&D Tires & Auto Repair
Best Farmers Market
Winter Park Farmers Market
Best Use of an Elected Office
Orange County Commission passes firearm ordinance
Best Reason to Live in Orlando
The culture
Best Wine Shop
Total Wine & More
Best Latin Restaurant
Black Bean Deli
Best Lechonera
Lechonera El Barrio Restaurant
Best Theme Park Restaurant
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Best Theme Park for Beer-Loving Dads
SeaWorld
Best Barbecue Restaurant
4 Rivers Smokehouse
Best Steakhouse
Linda’s La Cantina
Best Place to Meet Art World Royalty in the Making
Orlando Museum of Art Florida Prize in Contemporary Art
Best Dance Company
Orlando Ballet
Best Wine Bar
The Wine Room
Best Metal Act
Trivium
Best Teach the Punks to Dance
Guests at Stardust Video & Coffee
Opening in Orlando: ‘The Happytime Murders’, ‘The Little Mermaid’ and more
A.X.L. Remember two weeks ago, when I told you that a movie about a robot dog was about to open? Well, now it actually is! This would also probably be a good time to mention that I hate movies, I hate everybody who’s involved in making them, and I especially hate everybody who’s involved in…
Best Plant Whisperers
Till Plant Co
Best Local Publication
Orlando Weekly
Best Florist
In Bloom Florist
Best Local TV Newsperson
Martha Sugalski
Food and Drink
Orlando’s best coffee shops, restaurants, food trucks and more
Best Sushi
Seito Sushi
Best Diner
Metro Diner
Best Locally Made Hot Sauce
Tijuana Flats
Best Thing to Eat at a Theme Park
Dole Whip (Disney)
Best Go-Kart Center
Fun Spot
Best Bloody Mary
The Hammered Lamb
Best Trailer for a Movie That Doesn’t Exist
“If Orlando Was a Movie”
Best Gallery
CityArts Factory
Best Museum
Orlando Science Center
Best Punk Act
Wet Nurse
Best Bar to Play Pool
Sportstown
Best Underrated Viral Comedian
LeJuan James
Best Roofer
Janney Roofing
Best Bicycle Shop
Orange Cycle
Best Furniture Store
Washburn Imports
Best Neighborhood to Drink In
Mills 50
Best Knife Fight
You versus your willpower at the Glass Knife
Best Coffee
Foxtail
Best Local Brewery
Crooked Can
Best Place to Saber Your Own Champagne Bottle
Digress Wine
Best Vegan or Vegetarian Restaurant
Ethos Vegan Kitchen
Best Accidental Dick Joke
Disney’s giant Woody
Best Breakfast
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
Best Juice/Smoothies
Chewy Boba Company
Best Arts Event or Festival
Orlando Fringe Festival
Best Literary Reading Series
Speakeasy
Best Recurring Arts Nights
Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
Best Reggae Act
The Supervillains
Best Bar
Will’s Pub
Savage Love: ‘It Got Better’
In a recent column, you said you never hear from married couples whose sex life got better and more frequent over the years. Well, now you have. My wife and I were married 24 years ago, and we are currently having more sex and better sex than we did in the first years of our…
Local Color
The best in local media, radio shows, Instagram feeds, activists and more
Best Local Radio Show
Johnny’s House XL 106.7
Best Hair Salon
Atelier Hair Salon
Best Kept Secret
Sanford
Best Old Faithful
Tako Cheena
Best Tacos
Gringos Locos
Best Place to Buy Meat
Freshfields Farm
Best Greek Restaurant
The Greek Corner
Best Wings
Gators Dockside
Best Group Fitness
CycleBar Winter Park
Best Brunch
Santiago’s Bodega
Best Mic Drop
JPEGMafia at Will’s Pub
Best Burlesque Troupe
Les Vixens Burlesque,
Best Four Hours of Hearing Loss That Was Totally Worth It
Pre-INC at Uncle Lou’s Monday, Feb. 5, 2018 It’s just the nature of the game that you never know what you’re going to get at an INC (International Noise Conference, to the uninitiated) show. But it sure is a benefit to local avant-garde heads that Orlando is a site of one of the official pre-INC…
Best Theater Company
Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Best Rock Act
Ancient Sun
Best Bartender
Jen Harton
Gimme Shelter: Meet Rocky!
Are you looking for a new doggo? Meet Rocky! Rocky (A408865) is a sweet 6-year-old boy who was surrendered to us because his owners could no longer care for him. Rocky has been here at the shelter for over a month now, which is hard to believe because of how great of a pup he…
Best Twitter Feed
@OrlandoWeekly
Best Comic Book Shop
Gods & Monsters
Best Independent Bookstore
Park Ave CDs
Best Local Activist Group
Zebra Coalition
Best Fight for a Living Wage
Disney union workers
Best Cuban Sandwich
Black Bean Deli
Best Doughnut
The Donut King
Best Mexican Restaurant
Gringos Locos
Sports and Recreation
Orlando’s best teams, players, springs, theme parks and more
Best Place to Drop in Your Board
Lake Ivanhoe
Best Burger
Teak Neighborhood Grill
Best Local Music Festival or Music Series
Electric Daisy Carnival
Best Comedy Club or Night
SAK Comedy Lab
Best Local Actor/Actress
1. Benjamin Ptashinsky 2. Blue Star, facebook.com/babybluestar 3. Megan Raitano, facebook.com/megan.raitano
Best Theater Space
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Best Singer-Songwriter
Kaleigh Baker
Best Bar Patio
World of Beer Lake Eola
Best Film Fest or Series
Florida Film Festival
Best Use of Public Money
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Best Local Radio Station
Real Radio 104.1
Best Independent Liquor Store
Wally’s Mills Avenue Liquors
Best Neighborhood to Eat In
Mills 50
Best Place to Adopt a Pet
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
Best Outdoor Dining
Hillstone
Best Fried Chicken
Publix
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine
Best Underdog Story
Shaquem Griffin
Best Gym
CycleBar Winter Park
Best Caribbean Restaurant
DaJen Eats
Best Country Act
Thomas Wynn and the Believers
Best Really Big Band
Sixty guitars celebrate 60 years of Patrick Greene
Best Oh L’Amour
Erasure at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Best Place to Get Away From the Noise
Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area
Best Soul Act
Eugene Snowden
Best Local Zine(s)
Photo-zines-a-go-go
Noble Smokesman craft barbecue opens off South OBT, work progressing on Sonny Nguyen’s two new spots, plus more in our weekly food roundup
OPENINGS: Contemporary craft barbecue joint the Noble Smokesman has opened in an office park on Lake Ellenor Drive near OBT and Lancaster Road. The brisket is a specialty … The old North Quarter Tavern and Bar Room spaces on North Orange Avenue will soon give way to new concepts – City Pub and Bitters &…
Best Display of 1st Amendment Rights
Middle school girl gives Matt Gaetz the finger
Best Day Spa
The Spa Orlando
Best Local Barbershop
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
Best Wearable Tributes to Orlando Realness
Orlando Shirts
Best Mystery Meal
Secret weed cuisine pop-ups
Best Place to Buy Produce
Freshfields Farm
Best Ice Cream
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
Best Revolving Door
Orlando Magic head coach position
Best Rumble in the Jungle
Mayhem on Mills
Best Cheap Eats
Gringos Locos
Best Cover Band
Hayfire
Best Dive Bar
Wally’s
Best Space Oddities, Home Edition
Bowie Sottsass Memphis at Modernism Museum of Mount Dora
Best Springs
Wekiwa Springs
Best Glam Monster Mash
Black Haüs Creature Feature Tuesdays
Best Club DJ
DJ BMF
Best Vietnamese Restaurant
Pho 88
Best Storage Facility
Colonial Lanes
Best Rorschach Test
Redesigned City of Orlando flag
Best Local Mall or Shopping Center
The Mall at Millenia
Best Neighborhood to Live In
Winter Park
Best Smoke Shop
Corona Cigar Company
Best Cupcake
Sweet by Holly
Best Food Truck
La Empanada
Best Nachos
Gringos Locos
Best Fuck It, We’re Doing It Anyway
UCF Knights “championship”
Best Local Pro Athlete
Alex Morgan
Best Ramen
Domu
Best Electronic Act
Alex Wood
Best Drag Night
Hamburger Mary’s Brunch
Best We Knew Him When
Preacher Lawson reaches Top 10 on America’s Got Talent
Best Theme Park
Epcot
Best Drugs
The MDMA that made a guy get stranded on the Lake Eola fountain
Best Club Night
’80s New Wave Night at Independent Bar
Best Tiny Actors Making a Huge Impact
Local kids from The Florida Project
