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Max Gracia died in Orange County jail after being bitten by a police dog. His family wants answers.
Willine Gracia had been trying to keep her only son alive since he was 16. That’s when she sat Max Gracia down for their first come-to-Jesus talk. He wasn’t doing anything wrong at the time – he was just black. At the time, they were living near Washington Shores, one of the predominantly African-American neighborhoods…
Red Lion’s Twisted Tuesday finds a new home (and name) at St. Matthew’s Tavern
Those who miss the Tuesday night community vibes at the now-defunct Red Lion Pub will be happy to know that their Twisted Tuesdays event has now moved over to St. Matt’s, hopefully saving you a little gas money. Enjoy a potluck dinner, live music, vendors, and all the fire-spinny, glowy-hoop entertainment your little trippy heart…
Orlando Science Center and UCF offer in-person eclipse-viewing assistance on Monday
North America hasn’t been in the path of a total solar eclipse in 99 years, but on Monday, you’ll be able to see the total solar eclipse for a few minutes in Orlando. Orlando Science Center and University of Central Florida host viewings of the total solar eclipse, which will reach 85 percent totality in…
Salsa legends El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico headline Hard Rock Live this weekend
A summer in Florida is no verano en Nueva York. For one, it’s eternally hotter, making it more of a hellish nightmare than a dream to be outside dancing salsa in the street. But listening to the song of the same name from El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico inspires us to sway and swirl…
‘Dawson City: Frozen Time’ gives a peek into the past at Enzian Theater
Located just below the Arctic Circle, Dawson City was a Canadian gold rush town so rugged that it burned down every year in its first nine years of existence. This settlement became the involuntary proprietor of a huge collection of films by dint of parsimony: As fortunes were made throughout the 19th century, the residents…
Johnny Wild and the Delights shoot a video at Surf Rock Sunday this weekend
Southern Fried Sunday pays tribute to the end of summer (lol, yeah right) with lineup of beachy sounds. Wear your loudest Hawaiian shirt and be an extra in a video shoot for Johnny Wild and the Delights, a retro cover project fronted by local partyman Andy Matchett. Then kick back and enjoy tropical vibes from…
Vaporwave showcase at the Geek Easy shows off subversive repurposing
Put aside any preconceptions you’ve picked up like a virus on the internet regarding a lack of musical authenticity on the part of the vaporwave micro-genre. Vaporwave is more than just Soundcloud hype: It’s an ethereal substrain of ambient dance music that beguiles the listener with its hazy, addictive hooks; it only then dawns on…
Tumbleweed Comedy Tour rolls into Sanford’s Celery City Craft
Make the trek out to Sanford for a night of comedy paired with local craft beer. Tom & Dan’s Ross McCoy hosts this traveling comedy showcase, featuring some of the area’s best comedians, that pops up in bars throughout Central Florida for nights of laughs (and beer). 8:30 p.m. Thursday; Celery City Craft, 114 S.…
Female comedians take the spotlight at Behind Every Good Mic
Anyone remotely connected with the scene can tell you that sexism is alive and well in comedy. Whether it’s dealing with the pervasive myth that women are incapable of being funny, or the tendency of promoters to either only book one female comic on a show at a time or market all-female lineups specifically to…
CityArts Factory pays tribute to the greatest television show of the ’90s at ‘Once More With Feeling’
The Third Thursday gallery hop downtown this week gets the small-screen treatment at CityArts Factory. Originally pegged to be a tribute show to the hands-down greatest television show of the 1990s (go ahead, fight me), Buffy the Vampire Slayer, CityArts has opened the show up to submissions that deal with any of the artists’ favorite…
J. Cole brings ‘4 Your Eyez Only’ tour to Amway Center
J. Cole has been tearing it up on stages across North America, touring behind his fourth studio album, 4 Your Eyez Only. With the Nitti Beatz-esque track “Immortal” and the trip-hop heavy “Change,” Cole ably demonstrates his range and capabilities as a producer, but what the record showcases, as a total conceptual package, is Cole’s…
Kissa Von Addams and friends pay tribute to the Jazz Age at Will’s Pub
Kissa Von Adams helms monthly burlesque showcase Cocktail Cabaret at Will’s Pub, which features some of the top talent from across the state joined by live music from human jukebox Eugene Snowden and a special menu of craft cocktails meant to evoke the Jazz Age. 8:30 p.m. Thursday; Will’s Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave.; $10;…
Orange County libraries are holding free solar eclipse viewing parties
While staring directly at the eclipse is an absolute terrible idea, scoring a free pair of safe-viewing glasses at one of the Orlando public libraries is a very good idea. On Monday, Aug. 21, 10 public library branches will host Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties, with free glasses available to attendees (while supplies last). The partial eclipse will begin at 1:27…
Kid Cudi is coming to Orlando this October
Kid Cudi has announced a new tour to support his 2016 album Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’, and the pursuit of happiness is bringing the rapper to Orlando. Kid Cudi will perform at the Hard Rock Live on Oct. 14 and at the James L. Knight Center in Miami Oct. 15. Tickets go on sale this Friday,…
Keller Williams announces Orlando show for December
Maverick guitarist Keller Williams has announced an Orlando show for the winter. The popular multi-instrumentalist will be presenting “An Evening with Keller Williams” that no doubt will include material from twin 2017 releases SYNC and RAW. Keller Williams is set to play the Plaza Live on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 9 p.m. Tickets start at…
‘Bring Your Own Cup Day’ at 7-Eleven is happening this weekend
This Friday and Saturday are “Bring Your Own Cup” at 7-Eleven, which means you can basically bring any container of your choosing and fill it with as much Slurpee as possible. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, and Saturday, Aug. 19, you can fill up your custom cup for $1.50, no…
The first trailer from ‘The Florida Project’ will probably make you cry
The first official trailer for The Florida Project has finally been released and not only will it probably make you cry a little bit, it’s also packed with some familiar Orlando-area sights. The film centers around the summer adventures of a pair of 6-year-old girls living in budget motels not far from Walt Disney World. It…
A farmers market is coming to Parramore this fall
City officials say they are working to open a new farmers market in Parramore by late October, giving local residents who don’t have a grocery story nearby a more convenient option to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Last year, the City of Orlando was awarded a $250,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to…
Metalcore legends Bloodlet announce Orlando show for November
Orlando hardcore/metalcore innovators Bloodlet have announced a clutch of surprise Florida shows for later this year, including an appearance in their hometown. Bloodlet got their start in 1992, recording the very well-received albums Entheogen and The Seraphim Fall for Victory Records, before splintering and then turning a one-off reunion at 2002’s Fest into sporadic touring…
Get to know your Orlando-area hate groups
Florida currently has the second most active hate groups in the nation, and the Orlando area is home to more of them than you were probably aware. The Southern Poverty Law Center recently released a “Hate Map,” where users can easily scroll around the country and find out if a hate group is in their…
Rapper Lil Yachty to play the Hard Rock Live tonight
Future-forward hip-hop star Lil Yachty hits Orlando for a record third time in almost 12 months, this time touring behind his new Teenage Emotion album. Lil Yachty plays the Hard Rock Live tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.50-$35. Related Stories
Florida man arrested at Charlottesville white supremacist rally has lost his job
Jim O’Brien, a Gainesville resident who was arrested in connection with the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, has reportedly lost his job. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa-based contracting company North American Roofing Services released an internal memo yesterday that stated O’Brien is no longer employed with the company. “The flurry of published documentation…
Rick Scott pitches amendment to make it harder to raise taxes
Gov. Rick Scott, expected to run for U.S. Senate next year, wants lawmakers to put on the 2018 ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would make it harder for future legislators to raise taxes. Scott appeared Monday in the Central Florida community of Lake Mary to announce the proposal, which would require “supermajority” approval from…
‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure’ is coming to an end at Universal Studios Orlando
Strange things are afoot at Universal. After 26 years, Bill S. Preston, Esquire and Ted “Theodore” Logan (aka the Wyld Stallyns) will perform their final show at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 27. This morning, Universal made the announced on its official blog, stating that “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure,” which has been around since…
Florida lawmakers want to make it illegal to marry minors
A bill filed Monday in the Florida Senate would ban the issuance of marriage licenses to anyone under age 18. Senate Rules Chairwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, and Majority Leader Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, filed the bill (SB 140) for consideration during the 2018 legislative session, which will start in January. Under current law, marriage licenses…
Florida Supreme Court refuses to block Aug. 24 execution
Rejecting arguments about a new lethal-injection procedure, the Florida Supreme Court on Monday refused to block the scheduled Aug. 24 execution of Death Row inmate Mark James Asay. The court’s majority said Asay had not shown that the introduction of the drug etomidate into the execution process put him at risk of suffering in violation…
The new Grand National overpass is a hopeful sign that I-Drive’s traffic won’t always be a nightmare
While the $2.3 billion I-4 Ultimate project will take until 2021 to complete, the first ribbon cutting ceremony along the corridor took place last week. The Grand National Drive overpass officially opened August 9. The new overpass connects the north I-Drive area directly to Major Boulevard via a new Grand National extension over I-4. Major Boulevard…
Owners of King Bao opening poke concept on Colonial
Citing a lengthy permit process, the owners of King Bao have abandoned their plans to open their lobster roll offshoot Colonial Lobster, and will instead refocus the space into a poke concept. Speaking to the Bungalower, the owners said the permitting process caused months of delays and that they will now use the space (located…
Laetitia Sadier Source Ensemble brings living legend to town, and the case for Acoqui as Orlando’s next great band
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Laetitia Sadier Source Ensemble, Art Feynman and Acoqui, Will’s Pub, Aug. 12 If anyone can be said to have a signature, it’s Laetitia Sadier. Though she’s spent this decade mostly doing her, the ever-sophisticated fingerprint that made Stereolab so singular since the early ‘90s carries over into her solo work, now a…
White supremacist Richard Spencer plans to speak at University of Florida next month
White supremacist and literal punching bag Richard Spencer is planning to speak at the University of Florida on Sept. 12. The Gainesville Sun reports Spencer, who was at the center of the violent white nationalist rallies in Charlottesville this past weekend, and his organization, the National Policy Institute, have reserved a space on campus for…
‘Saw’ series returns to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 27
Jigsaw’s most infamous traps from the Lionsgate series Saw will be making a return to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 27. According to Universal, the all-new maze, Saw: The Games of Jigsaw, will feature “his most infamous traps from the Saw film series and upcoming eighth installment Jigsaw.” This year HHN will run longer than…
Republican gathering in Orlando gives preview of Florida governor’s race
Florida’s next governor won’t be elected for more than a year, but Republican leaders from across the state got a taste of what’s in store —- literally —- during a gathering in Orlando this weekend. Over ice cream and petit fours Friday night, party faithful heard from state Sen. Jack Latvala, a Clearwater Republican who…
Natalie Stovall, Devin Dawson and others join Florida country festival Party in the Pines
North Florida country festival Party in the Pines has announced a new list of headliners for their event, including Devin Dawson, LANCO, Natalie Stovall and Raleigh Keegan. They join a list that includes Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen, Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Easton Corbin and Ryan Hurd – an impressive roster for a brand-new festival.…
Lake Nona’s Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen unveils new happy hour menu and drink specials
If Lake Nona is convenient to your work or home, there’s a new happy hour at Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen that’s worth corralling your co-workers. Especially as it gets cooler (whenever that will be), the patio at Chroma will be a hot spot for post-workweek relaxation. In the evening, be mesmerized by the binary-code…
Orlando holds vigil for those killed at white supremacist rally in Charlottesville
The place that used to be the site of Orlando’s Confederate monument at Lake Eola became a gathering space Sunday night as more than 100 mourners held a vigil for those killed during a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. The Orlando vigil was one of many vigils held across U.S. cities after the bloody violence…
Anti-Muslim group holding pro-Trump rally at Lake Eola in September
A group with a history of anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate speech plans to hold a pro-Trump rally at Lake Eola this September. The event, America First, will be held Saturday, Sept. 9, from 1-3 p.m. “Join us in celebrating America’s exceptionalism, supporting President Trump’s security policies defending America and demanding to protect our borders with…
Orlando’s Tiger Fawn plays the In-Between Series tonight
The music of Orlando’s Tiger Fawn expertly bridges the gap between the divergent pop and avant roads of the electronic music superhighway, and tonight she’ll prove that to the patrons of the experimental showcase In-Between Series downtown. Tiger Fawn plays the In-Between Series at the Gallery at Avalon Island tonight at 7 p.m. Admission is…
With Universe of Energy closed, Disney may revive a dormant ride to help with crowds
With Ellen’s Energy Adventure, better known as Universe of Energy (its original name), closed and with major updates on the way that may cause numerous other attractions to close at Orlando’s second busiest theme park, there are concerns about what people will be able to do in the park. Most of Innoventions has closed, with…
As SeaWorld continues to disappoint, Merlin signals interest in their best asset
SeaWorld Entertainment posted another disappointing quarter. The first half of 2017 saw 353,000 guests at the company’s 12 parks. Couple that with a net loss of $237.0 million for the first half of 2017 (which does include a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $269.3 million) and it’s easy to see why SeaWorld Entertainment CEO Joel…
Band of the Week: Ad Nauseum
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 Ad Nauseum. Ad Nauseum are playing August 19 at Will’s Pub with Meatwound, Gillian Carter, and Destructonomicon. Just the facts: Who’s in the band?My name is Glenn, I play guitar.…
Democracy in Crisis: A firsthand report from the domestic terror attack in Charlottesville
Charlottesville and the shattering of America
Adam Putnam keeps fundraising edge in governor’s race
With the field of candidates expanding, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam leads the fundraising contest in the 2018 race for governor, with more than $12.3 million in unspent cash to back his campaign. In July, Putnam’s political committee, “Florida Grown,” raised nearly $1.05 million, bringing its total since early 2015 to $14.73 million. It had spent…
Sanford standouts Smiling Bison and Tennessee Truffle collaborate on a special dinner Tuesday
Chef Josh Oakley of the Smiling Bison joins chef Nat Russell of the Tennessee Truffle for this culinary flight of fancy in trendier-by-the-week Sanford. The Bison is known for its refined takes on pub grub like poutine and pizza, whereas Russell left his longtime post as chef of the traditional Café de France to open…
Ace Cafe makes it so you don’t have to drive to Touristan to see dueling pianos
Ace Cafe, the downtown bar and restaurant devoted to car culture, has wasted no time in filling out their schedule with a mix of gearhead meetups and live music, providing something of an easygoing alternative to downtown’s often raucous nightlife scene. And this week, they launch a weekly night devoted to that cheesiest of guilty…
Easter Island and Oak House bring taste of Athens alongside locals Expert Timing and Someday River
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Easter Island, Oak House, Expert Timing and Someday River, Will’s Pub, Aug. 11 Topping a recent bill of particular note were a couple well-regarded Athens bands. The first was Easter Island, who’ve impressed here before and continue to do so with a lavishly furnished indie-pop sound that’s gentle but large. Their music…
Anti-gay advocates want Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith to stop ‘bullying’ Rick Scott over LGBTQ order
Listen up everyone: It’s time to stop bullying Florida Gov. Rick Scott. That’s the latest public service announcement from the Florida Family Policy Council, the state’s leading “pro-life, pro-family” conservative organization, in response to LGBTQ advocates who want Scott to sign an order that would prevent discrimination against LGBTQ state employees. FFPC called out Equality…
Florida governor candidate Chris King thinks Adam Putnam ripped off his campaign shirt design
Winter Park businessman and Florida gubernatorial longshot Chris King is claiming Republican candidate Adam Putnam stole his T-shirt idea. King went to Twitter this week to point out that Putnam “had no new ideas” and had to borrow one of his, specifically his campaign shirt logo. Look, King does have a point. If you ignore…
Sen. Jack Latvala files to run for Florida governor
Sen. Jack Latvala, a Clearwater Republican, joined the 2018 race for governor on Friday, filing papers to make his campaign official. “My papers were filed by 5-year-old Rays fan Cooper Bishop!” Latvala tweeted shortly after noon, including a picture of the smiling boy in a Tampa Bay Rays uniform holding the candidate’s paperwork. Latvala, 65,…
Little Blue Donut Co. will open in Winter Park in October
We were very sad to see Scratch close its doors last month, but life is change … and the good news is that the space has a new exciting tenant already lined up. The owners of the Little Blue Donut Truck announced today that they will open a brick-and-mortar Little Blue Donut Co. shop in…
Calm down, Tampa Bay Times
This morning the Tampa Bay Times posted an extraordinary front page article headlined “This is what a nuclear attack on Macdill would look like,” with an image of a blast radius over the Macdill Air Force Base and the Tampa Bay area. This is the definition of irresponsible fear-mongering. Times staff writer Howard Altman goes…
Miami noise rockers Other Body to play Will’s Pub in late August
Young Miami skronk rockers Other Body have locked in a “Florida Or Bust” mini-tour for the end of August and will be playing Will’s Pub as part of that northward swing. The band will be touring behind their recent Total Bust EP. Other Body play Will’s Pub with Junior Bruce, Uh, and Freakazoid on Thursday, Aug.…
Day care driver arrested after 3-year-old boy found dead in hot van
The day care driver accused in the death of a 3-year-old boy who was left for hours in a hot van has been arrested. Orlando Police say Deborah St. Charles, 51, is facing charges of aggravated manslaughter in the death of Myles Hill. St. Charles was an employee at the Little Miracles Academy day care…
Pulp Music Festival announced for Labor Day weekend
The Pulp Music Festival – a celebration of homegrown Florida music – is set for Labor Day weekend at Will’s Pub and features a lineup of new talent from around the state. Some of the performers at this year’s Pulp Fest include: Blonde Tongues, The Zeta, Donkng, Winded, Jason Guy Smiley, Paige Coley, glassgirl, Tourist Season, Boysin, Folk…
Sample 15 craft brews at 15 different downtown bars at the Great Orlando Craft Beer Fest & Crawl
Part bar crawl, part beer festival, this annual event treats you to samples of 15 different craft beers from the likes of New Belgium, Funky Buddha, Dogfish Head and more. The only catch is that each brewery and their reps are posted up at 15 different downtown pourhouses. Check in at Sideshow to get a…
Hourglass Brewing celebrates its fifth anniversary with an all-day blowout
Longwood’s premier brewpub celebrates a half-decade of existence with an all-day party. Enjoy live bands while revisiting some of Hourglass’ most popular limited edition beers from the past five years, then take home a few rare bottles. 11 a.m. Saturday; The Hourglass Brewery, 255 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd.; free; hourglassbrewing.com Hourglass Brewing Longwood 480 S.…
Burrow Press’ newest anthology brings together Orlando writers with ‘Other Orlandos’
Like that fictional city of Tipping in China, Orlando isn’t just a city in the navel of Florida. It’s a weedy British movie star, a Chevy SUV sold only outside the U.S., a Sally Potter movie starring Tilda Swinton. Also, according to local literary imprint Burrow Press, it’s “a power plant in Johannesburg, an epic…
Florida Supreme Court rejects resentencing appeal by Orange County man on death row
In a case stemming from the 1976 strangulation of a 13-year-old girl, the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday rejected arguments that a Death Row inmate should receive a new sentencing hearing. The arguments by attorneys for inmate James Ernest Hitchcock were rooted in a major 2016 U.S. Supreme Court ruling and subsequent Florida decisions that…
Lyft drivers will soon take you through Taco Bell on your way home
Making the choice between Uber and Lyft at the end of the night is going to get a whole lot easier next year. Lyft is partnering with Taco Bell to offer a “Taco Mode,” in which riders can opt to swing through the Taco Bell drive-thru on their way home between 9 p.m. and 2…
Another nursery will join Florida’s growing marijuana industry
A longtime Jacksonville nursery has received approval for a coveted medical-marijuana license, as state health officials continue carrying out a new law that resolved key issues about the rapidly emerging cannabis industry. Loop’s Nursery & Greenhouses, Inc. and the Florida Department of Health have reached a settlement to end a legal dispute about the license,…
War on Wall Street pits crossfit champs against each other in friendly competition
Maybe you’re a fitness lover and a sucker for a rigorous workout. Or, maybe you just want to catch the food and drink specials from your favorite spots on Wall Street while observing local athletic powerhouses. The War on Wall Street crossfit competition gives beginners, intermediates and “RX” athletes their time to shine as they…
Palmettes release their new tape with a show at Uncle Lou’s
Local “garage pop doo-slop rock” band the Palmettes have gained no small renown for tearing it up on stages across Orlando – playing with the likes of Autarx, Wet Nurse, the Woolly Bushmen and the Wildtones. But they’ve been quietly amassing a body of work along the way, and they’re finally ready to release it…
The Linkin Park tribute show at Backbooth is sold out, but another one is in the works
The Linkin Park/Chester Bennington tribute show scheduled for August 16 at Backbooth is now sold out. However, organizers with Lights Out Booking are working on a second date TBA. These tribute shows feature local musicians performing a Linkin Park covers set with proceeds going to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We’ll let you know as…
Theater review: ‘Joyce Jackson’s Guide to Dating’ at the Abbey
If today’s Tinder-tainted times make you pine for the simpler dating scene of 60 years ago, Joyce Jackson’s Guide to Dating is ready to remind you that the Eisenhower era wasn’t all that awesome either. Scott Logsdon and Steve Marzullo’s show, which is making its debut at the Abbey as the winner of Florida Theatrical…
NRA-backed Florida senator Greg Steube can’t stop himself from filing idiotic gun bills
Senate Judiciary Chairman and fully loaded NRA word dispenser Greg Steube recently filed two more gun bills, something that he appears to be pre-programmed to do every session. Today, the Sarasota Republican filed SB 134, a considerably less controversial bill revived from last session that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to store firearms with security officers…
Gideon’s Bakehouse named best chocolate-chip cookie in Florida
National foodie website Delish made a slideshow of the best chocolate-chip cookies in every state, and Orlando’s very own Gideon’s Bakehouse took the top spot for Florida. If you’ve ever even seen one of these monsters, much less tackled eating one, you know Gideon’s cookies are serious chippy business. Not only is it a nice…
Artichokes may grow in Florida after all, discovers UF scientist
Start melting the butter, locavores: A University of Florida scientist says he’s found an artichoke strain that can grow in hot, humid Florida. Almost all artichokes grown in the United States are grown in California’s also hot but fairly dry climate. We also import fresh artichokes, mostly from Mexico. All of which means, if you…
Florida brewer Funky Buddha has been sold
Funky Buddha Brewery, South Florida’s largest craft microbrewery by size and volume, has been sold to Constellation Brands, an international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits out of New York. Funky Buddha was founded in 2010 in Boca Raton, Florida, by husband and wife Ryan and Giani Sentz. “We chose to partner with Constellation because…
Florida DCF suspends Orlando day care where 3-year-old boy was found dead
The Florida Department of Children and Families has suspended an Orlando day care facility where 3-year-old Myles Hill died after being left for hours in a hot van earlier this week. The Orlando Sentinel reports the state DCF issued an emergency suspension to close down two centers associated with the Little Miracles Academy day care until the…
Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac are coming to Dr. Phillips Center
Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie – best known for their work as part of Fleetwood Mac – are hitting the road for a collaborative tour and just announced an Orlando show as part of the second round of dates. This tour announcement comes on the heels of the release of their brand new duo album. Lindsey…
Donald Fagen and the Nightflyers to play Hard Rock Live this week
Hyper-literate, melancholy, cranky and quick-witted Steely Dan frontman Donald Fagen hits the Hard Rock Live as part of a tour where he plays mentor to his Nightflyers group of young apprentice/collaborators. Donald Fagen and the Nightflyers play the Hard Rock Live at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11. Tickets start at $47.50. Related Stories
Legal battle over Florida’s Medicaid services for disabled kids goes to appeals court
A legal battle will continue about whether Florida’s Medicaid program has provided proper services to children with severe medical conditions. Attorneys for children and the U.S. Department of Justice gave notice this week that they will take the five-year battle to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. The move came after a…
Florida’s constitution commission suggests September deadline for public proposals
Floridians who have ideas for changing the state Constitution would have until Sept. 22 to submit proposals, under a tentative plan advanced Wednesday by a committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission. The commission’s Rules and Administration Committee also voted to set an Oct. 24 deadline for proposals submitted by the commission’s 37 members, after…
There’s a petition urging MTV to drop ‘Siesta Key’ cast member who allegedly shot hammerhead shark
A new petition is urging MTV to drop Siesta Key cast member Alex Kompothecras, after a recent video appears to show him firing a couple of shots into the gills of a hammerhead shark from the side of a boat. “MTV has a long history of glorifying the lifestyles of the rich and famous without…
Feed the Need hosts casino-themed benefit gala this weekend
Feed the Need, a nonprofit focused on feeding the homeless and needy, throws a big fundraising gala in Lake Mary this week. The fancy affair features cocktails and dinner, an address from a former commander of the Blue Angels, and, most importantly, casino games you can play for prizes. 6 p.m. Friday; Orlando Marriott Lake…
Richmond, Virginia’s VV headline a young, loud and snotty bill at Uncle Lou’s
Bucking the conventional wisdom that concert promoters are more interested in their bottom line than bringing interesting sounds into town, there is a vanguard of younger promoters doing it for the sonic thrills, often to the detriment of their wallets. But whatever, can any of us really retire anymore? Case in point: Local Alex Thomas…
World’s best Call of Duty players go head-to-head this weekend at Amway Center
Major League Gaming comes to the Amway this week for the world championship of Call of Duty, where you can watch the pros battle it out in the fast-paced first-person shooter that has taken over the gaming world. The tournament features 32 of the top teams from North America, Europe and Asia, who are competing…
Lineup announced for the Foreign Dissent international punk showcase
The fourth annual Foreign Dissent showcase’s lineup has been revealed for 2017 and it’s impressive. Foreign Dissent – put together by local Craig Mazer – is an international punk showcase that brings in punks from all around the world for one massive show. This year’s lineup includes: Riot Gang (Russia), Ghouls (U.K.), Carrusel (Costa Rica), Tim Hampshire…
Wondermade needs your help to beat a s’mores world record
In honor of National S’mores Day, Wondermade is hoping to break the world record for the most people making s’mores at the same time. Wondermade is hoping to top the current record – 453 people, held by Girl Scouts Heart of Central California – by inviting their fans and patrons to not only enjoy some…
Today is your last chance to vote in the Best of Orlando 2017 readers poll
Well, this is it, folks. You now have until 11:59 p.m. tonight to cast your vote for Orlando’s best in restaurants, nightlife, recreation, retail, or pretty much whatever you think deserves a little local love. The winners will be announced in our Best of Orlando issue, which is published Wednesday, Aug. 23. Fair warning: Give…
Country star and Animal Planet host Lucas Hoge to play Daytona next week
Country singer and Animal Planet television host Lucas Hoge has announced a pop-up show at Daytona International Speedway as part of his ongoing “Dirty Summer” tour. Hoge is sprinkling this pop-up shows into his larger tour to pay homage to iconic Southern spots like the Speedway, as well as Sun Records and the Florida Everglades.…
There’s now a 60 percent chance that the 2017 hurricane season will be brutal
Just this morning, the New York Times obtained a draft of the 2017 U.S. Global Change Research Program’s Climate Science Special Report, and it’s as bleak as you can imagine. For example, in just the last 30 years, the global average temperature has increased by more than 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The cause? Humans. The report states…
Orlando commits to 100 percent renewable energy citywide by 2050
By the year 2050, Orlando commissioners want all the electricity used in the city to come from renewable sources of energy like solar and wind power. In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Orlando City Council agreed to adopt this goal, joining San Diego, Salt Lake City and 37 other cities across the U.S. that have…
Topgolf Orlando is looking to fill 500 new job openings
Topgolf Orlando, the golf-arcade-restaurant hybrid, is looking to fill 500 positions for its new location on Universal Boulevard. In a recent statement, the company announced they are seeking 500 open positions at its new Orlando venue. Auditions for the jobs, which include servers, bartenders, bussers, food runners and more, will begin in two weeks. The…
Disney stocks take a hit after announcing split with Netflix
Walt Disney Co., one of many companies that now believe everyone should pay them $20 a month, witnessed a 5 percent drop in stock last night following the announcement that it would end its distribution agreement with Netflix to start its own streaming service. Stocks for Disney (NYSE: DIS) opened Wednesday morning at $100.71 a…
31 free shows happening in Orlando this week
Wednesday, August 9 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. Reggae Night with Hor!zen and DJ Red I 10 pm at the Caboose, 1827 N. Orange Ave. The Daniel Heitz Band 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Thursday, August 10 Thursday Jazz Jams 8 pm…
Reservations open for Disney’s Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party
Disney’s annual Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party is returning to Hollywood Studios this year and reservations are now open. Guests can expect sweet and savory holiday-inspired foods, including cheese fondue with pretzel bread, pumpkin pie and spiced bread pudding with ice cream, as well as beer, wine and specialty cocktails for guests over…
Tutto Caffe opens this month in Baldwin Park, Peppino’s organic pizza comes to the Hourglass District, plus more in our weekly food roundup
OPENINGS: Mission BBQ is now serving its “all-American” brand of ‘cue in Oviedo … Tutto Caffe in Baldwin Park will “definitely” open this month … Matthew’s Steaks & More, the popular German steakhouse that once occupied a space in a strip mall off Maguire Road in Ocoee, will open in Winter Garden this winter. TACO…
Keep cool the natural way at these beautiful beaches and springs near Orlando
If you’ve just moved here for college or a cool internship, you may have noticed Orlando is a little landlocked. If this is your first summer here and you were imagining a beachy paradise, we apologize. That ocean breeze just doesn’t hit us in the same way (at all) as in Tampa or Miami, which…
Laetitia Sadier’s ethereal music masks a sharp sociopolitical edge
Beatific brains and brawn
Seven Central Florida day drives for an afternoon away from Orlando
Lakeland Southern charm and oak trees covered in Spanish moss still dominate Lakeland, but there’s culture here. Find mind-blowing beauty among the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College (111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, flsouthern.edu) and admire the masterful white jewel that is Florida Polytechnic University (4700 Research Way, Lakeland, floridapolytechnic.org).…
Welcome to the 2017 Orlando Weekly Newcomers Guide
Here you’ll find everything from where to eat, attractions to visit, beaches to explore, and every other thing a person new to the Orlando area should take advantage of. Welcome, and happy exploring.
Hey, Dems: Just voting against Trump isn’t enough to win
Negative partisanship
Where to hear live music, kick it with friends, drink and dance in Orlando
LIVE MUSIC Amway Center 400 W. Church St., amwaycenter.com Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Stevie Nicks have all made the Amway a tour stop – this big league arena also is home to the Magic and the Solar Bears, only a few steps from downtown. Backbooth 37 W. Pine St., backbooth.com Backbooth pulls off the…
A federal agent shoots himself at the Orlando airport, Florida gets its first sexual transmission of Zika, and more
Federal agent shoots himself in the foot at Orlando International Airport: The Kansas City-based agent was actually on vacation in Orlando when he dropped his gun and shot his left heel out near the passenger lobby of the Hyatt Hotel. The agent, who was wearing an American flag T-shirt with the phrase “PROUD” across it,…
These are the absolute best spots to snap a selfie in Orlando
Be about that #SelfieLyfe at these photogenic Orlando spots
Opera Orlando kicks off second season, Garden Theatre hosts auditions, plus more performing arts news
Opera Orlando has kicked off its second season with Opera on Park, a summer concert series at Winter Park’s University Club that started on Aug. 6 with soprano Kenneithia Mitchell. It continues Sunday, Aug. 13, with Grammy-winning baritone Daniel Belcher accompanied by Lynn Peghiny, and concludes on the 27th with Metropolitan Opera star soprano Wendy…
Ten interesting places to meet new people in Orlando
The social network
Netflix’s ‘Atypical’ reminds us we’re all bound to screw up
On the spectrum
Quiet those cravings at some of Orlando’s best late-night eating spots
A night of clubbing is guaranteed to give you a big appetite in the wee hours of the night. Luckily, Orlando has some restaurants in different neighborhoods with late night hours to satisfy your post-party needs. Or if you and a date just happen to be looking for someplace to go past 11 p.m., this…
14 Orlando area coffee shops you should try instead of Starbucks
Ah, coffee shops: breeding grounds for WiFi-empowered creativity and the places where Tinder dates mellow and die. You could spend your time in Orlando sipping overpriced grande caramel macchiatos at a corporate chain, or you could explore the City Beautiful’s many indie coffee shops and find a new hangout spot. Take our word for it…
Five essential Orlando spots for your brunch bucket list
The big presentation is on Monday morning, but instead of practicing your lines and refining your slides, you partied so hard last night in downtown Orlando that you had to eat a whole pizza from Gitto’s to sober up. Now your head is still spinning, but you have to perform in less than 24 hours.…
How to get from point A to point B without a car in Orlando
Welcome! If you’ve been in Orlando for more than five minutes, you’ve probably already discovered one of our more fatal flaws – the congested traffic horror show we call I-4. If you’re a newbie, we’re sorry you missed the crowded parking lots under the interstate, but hey, at least you also missed the first two…
8 big-time Florida music festivals that need to be on your radar
III Points Oct. 13-15, 2017 Various locations, Miami This year’s massive III Points electronic music festival takes over large swaths of Miami and includes blockbuster performers like Gorillaz, the xx and Brian Eno. The Fest Oct. 27-29, 2017 Various locations, Gainesville Gainesville’s scrappy punk fest is now 16 years old and bigger than ever; this…
Opening this week: An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, The Glass Castle and more
OPENING THIS WEEK: Annabelle: Creation When the legendary voice-over artist June Foray passed away recently, many obits noted that she had performed the dialogue for The Twilight Zone’s murderous doll, Talky Tina. Few recognized that she had also supplied the voice of Chatty Cathy, the actual real-world toy of which that Zone episode was a…
Save cash, look unique and reduce your carbon footprint – Orlando thrift shopping is the way
Orlando has its fair share of malls, and they’re beautiful – concrete meccas of fluorescent lighting, perfume samples and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels abound. But if you’re tired of watching your bank account shrivel up after one pair of mall jeans, fear not! This city is also chock-full of thrift and secondhand shops primed to help…
24 places to enjoy the visual and performing arts in Orlando
GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, polasek.org Former artist residence is now a gallery, surrounded by gorgeous lakeside gardens full of bronze sculptures. Art and History Museums – Maitland 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, artandhistory.org The cultural complex includes the Maitland Art Center, a gorgeous Mayan-style artists…
Savage Love: ‘Commit to Something’
My boyfriend of eight months, K, and I are polyamorous. We started the relationship on that foot, and for a while I was the partner he spent the most time with. There have been ups and downs, but overall our relationship is solid and loving. However, recently we both started dating the same woman, L,…
Theme parks are more than a money-making diversion – they’re an American art form
Since the very first installment of this column nearly 10 years ago, I’ve been preaching that theme parks are more than a mere money-making diversion; they are an original American art form. I’m pleased to report that the choir must not be empty, because I’ve never seen a 1st Thursday at Orlando Museum of Art…
How to take maximum advantage of your student discounts in Orlando
College shouldn’t be a financially crippling experience (during or just after graduation). Luckily, the plight of the cash-strapped young adult has not gone unheard. There are a plethora of discounts specifically for students around Orlando that should help keep a few extra bucks in your pocket to splurge on avocado toast. You can use an…
Gimme Shelter: Meet Lilly
Looking for a purr-fect new pal? Meet Lilly! Lilly (A375096) is a 7-year-old kitty who is looking for a new home. This beautiful girl is one of our longest-term residents, having been with us for more than three months. Lilly is very friendly and spunky. She is talkative and enjoys attention. She also loves to…
Legal Public Notices 8/9
Legal Public Notices IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN T. GRIFFIN, Deceased. File No.: 17 CP 000097-O NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JOHN T. GRIFFIN, deceased, whose date of death was December 28, 2016, and whose social security number is 135-20- 4940, is pending…
Selections: Our picks for the best things to do in Orlando this week
Wednesday, 9 Blondie MUSIC Forty years in and still glamorously grinding, Blondie – with the creative core of Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and Clem Burke intact – are on tour behind their 11th studio album, Pollinator. The band started as a group of punks creating music in New York City’s mythical ’70s downtown scene –…
Pono AM’s prismatic garage rock, Pasty Cline’s warped country, Blue Tower’s rubber-burning hardcore, Rotten Stitches’ fiercely traditional street punk and Control This’ roots-minded ska
PONO AM AND PASTY CLINE, ST. MATTHEW’S TAVERN, JULY 30 St. Louis band Pono AM is a garage-rock band, a fairly tradition-minded one even, but they’re much more than that tag typically entails. By not staying bound by the narrow punk straits that have predominated in this millennium, they keep their possibilities wide and stay…
Orlando concert picks this week: Lil Yachty, The Molly Ringwalds, Chakra Khan and more
Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth Legendary local soul belter holds court for yet another installment of his Indies residency; wake up a sleepy Wednesday night. 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Lil Indies, free Krane Oakland producer/DJ Krane adds a dash of jazz to his electro-dance hybrids and is currently working on a series…
11 Orlando tourist attractions that don’t suck
Orlando might be home to the most magical place on Earth, but sometimes it’s hard to believe that when you’re backed up for hours and screaming out your window on Interstate 4 near the Disney Springs exit. As a newcomer, eventually you’ll learn the tricks to avoid tourist traps (like never driving on International Drive,…
