Cover Story
Every festival we know about happening in Orlando spring 2019
Our guide to the best reasons to leave the house between now and May 26
The Black Queen’s Orlando show melts down, but Uniform saves the night
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND The Black Queen, Uniform and Kanga, The Abbey, Mar. 3 Comprised of Dillinger Escape Plan singer Greg Puciato, Josh Eustis (NIN, Puscifer, Telefon Tel Aviv) and Steven Alexander Ryan (tech for Dillinger and NIN), Los Angeles band the Black Queen is an emerging side project of credentialed music figures that’s sprouted legs…
Fork over half your paycheck if you want to own a home in Orlando
If you’re reading this after a 45-minute drive home on the roadway panic attack we call I-4, you already know what’s up: It’s easier to endure the daily traffuck than forking over half your paycheck to own a home in Orlando. The median household in Orlando would have to spend 41 percent of their annual income…
Orlando astrologer RJ Speiser advises you to go with the flow during this Pisces season
Recently, I was interviewed on a Berlin-based podcast called the Psychonaut Sisters to discuss Vedic astrology. For nearly two hours, I answered multiple questions regarding love, life and the pursuit of cosmic enlightenment. I find it quite easy to speak on technical stuff regarding astrology; i.e. how compatibility works, what Jupiter represents, what the different…
Tired editor finds joy in giant toys for giant cats
Sometimes a rando PR pitch isn’t just inbox clutter. Sometimes it’s exactly the thing you need to see as each successive national news story (climatechangewageequalitymichaeljacksonreproductiverightsbigpharma2020) makes you feel more and more like you swallowed a chunk of rancid pork. That was the case with this frankly misdirected press release, one of many I received this…
Homeless coalition shelter in Orlando opens doors to all during tonight’s chilly weather
The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida has announced it will not refuse any person seeking shelter from the cold, regardless of space, due to a forecasted low temperatures on March 5. The Weather Channel predicts a low of 41 degrees Tuesday night in Orlando. Overflow space will be available for single women and…
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pitches ‘bold’ reforms on sanctuary cities, school vouchers
While focusing heavily on now-familiar priorities such as the environment and education, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday used his first State of the State address to emphasize a need to take “bold” action. In a 34-minute speech to lawmakers gathered in a joint session in the flower-filled House chamber, DeSantis touted issues that he has…
SeaWorld removes polystyrene foam dinnerware from all its parks
SeaWorld announced Tuesday that it will remove all polystyrene foam plates, trays and bowls from its 12 parks and replace it with dinnerware made from 100 percent recycled material. Polystyrene foam, although great for retaining heat, is not biodegradable. “This change allows us to save an estimated 14 million pieces of polystyrene foam dinnerware which…
All-natural ice pops from The Hyppo will now be sold in Florida Publix stores
Looks like you won’t have to go further than the freezer aisle at Publix for your gourmet popsicle fix! The Hyppo, St. Augustine-based maker of handmade, all-natural pops, has announced that they’ve made their way into select locations of the supermarket chain in four states including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama. The five fruity…
The National plans Florida stop in St. Augustine this summer
Remember when we talked about how The National seems to only want to play St. Augustine when the band comes to Florida? Well, it happened again. Today, The Amp (fka St. Augustine Amphitheatre) announced that Matt Berninger & co. would be playing the venue on June 17. Courtney Barnett is the opener for the band’s…
Alt-rock stalwarts Bush and Live announce Central Florida show set for August
Nineties (and beyond) alt-rock godfathers Bush and Live have announced a big North American tour set for this summer dubbed the (ahem) “Alt-imate Tour.” And though the bands won’t pass through Orlando on this run, they will be playing nearby Tampa. Bush and Live will be celebrating the joint 25th anniversary of their much-loved respective…
‘Captain Marvel’ is a satisfying pro-empowerment romp
The latest lightning-rod litmus test in our increasingly annoying culture wars is a comic book film whose lead character flies through space in a scuba suit and shoots plasma out of her palms. So if you are the type of person who has no problem emotionally investing in a talking raccoon or neck-bearded fish-whisperer, but…
Florida Rep. Scott Plakon proposes $8.7 million autonomous shuttle for Altamonte Springs
Florida Rep. Scott Plakon has proposed a bill that would create a smart corridor with an autonomous shuttle in Altamonte Springs. The project would cost $8.7 million. The legislation filed by the Longwood Republican would provide $2 million in Florida Department of Transportation funding, and the city of Altamonte Springs will chip in another $500,000 for…
Josh Oakley appointed executive chef at 1921 Mount Dora
Josh Oakley has been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride the past five months. The former chef/owner of the Smiling Bison sold his stake in the restaurant to business partner Ron Thomas last October, went up to North Carolina to just chill with his dog for a few weeks, then popped up in the…
Florida Senate panel pushes 5-year moratorium on local plastic straw bans
What started out as an effort to prevent local governments from regulating the distribution of plastic straws morphed Monday into a push for a study on the issue, lumped in with an attempt to prohibit cities and counties from banning certain sunscreens. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Florida Retail Association and Disability Rights…
New bill would require Florida minors to get parental consent before abortions
Nearly 30 years after the Florida Supreme Court struck down a similar law, a Senate Republican has proposed a measure that would require minors to receive the consent of their parents or guardians before having abortions. Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, filed the proposal (SB 1774) for consideration during the legislative session that starts Tuesday. The…
Eola General is finally open in the former Handy Pantry building
Eola General, the new store replacing the shuttered Handy Pantry convenience store in Lake Eola Heights, is finally open. The spot at 522 E. Amelia St. was packed Sunday before Eola General officially opens on Wednesday because of a wine tasting event. The new store plans to soft open on March 6. The soft opening hours…
Lawmakers want Florida to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050
Two Florida lawmakers want all the energy used in the Sunshine State to come from renewable sources like solar and wind power by 2050. State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, and Sen. José Javier Rodríguez, D-Miami, have filed identical bills HB 1291/SB 1762. The measure directs the Office of Energy within the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer…
Orlando lawmaker calls for referendum on creating a new town named Preservation in east Orange County
An Orlando lawmaker is calling for a November election referendum on a proposal to create a new town in east Orange County called “Preservation.” State Rep. Rene “Coach P” Plasencia, R-Orlando, filed HB 1087 last month in response to years of growing discontent among east Orange County residents fiercely opposed to two major developments that…
Florida yoga studio shooting spurs effort to research misogynistic ‘incel’ culture
Before a gunman shot and killed two women at a Tallahassee yoga studio in November, he had recorded online videos railing against women who had turned down his advances. Police said he also had a history of harassing women. Four months after the shooting, the family of one of the shooting victims, 21-year-old Florida State…
Slipknot brings their Knotfest Roadshow to Central Florida this September
Masked metal collective Slipknot announced details today for their massive traveling summer tour/mini-fest – the Knotfest Roadshow – set to commence this July and continue through September. Though Orlando Slipknot fanatics will have to travel a little ways down I-4 to see the carnage for themselves. The band will no doubt be airing tracks from an…
UCF recognized as a ‘voter friendly campus’
The University of Central Florida was just recognized as a “voter friendly campus” because of its effort to register students to vote. UCF was named among 123 colleges and universities picked by NASPA and the Campus Vote Project as part of a program that “encourage students to vote, participate in the political process and develop a…
A ‘Golden Girls’ drag parody is coming to Parliament House this weekend
Drag royalty gathers at Parliament House this week for a parody production of everyone’s favorite gray-haired Miami ladies The Golden Girls. The Golden Gals will be live on stage on Friday, March 8; Saturday, March 9; and Monday, March 11 at the Footlight Theater. The show stars Ginger Minj, a star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as Blanche;…
Lawmakers propose protections for Florida’s affordable housing trust fund
Florida Rep. Tina Polsky and Sen. Lori Berman filed companion measures Friday that would require the repayment of funds swept from the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Sadowski fund was created by the Florida Legislature in 1992. Its purpose is to create a dedicated revenue source for affordable housing. In recent years, though, the…
Florida school district blocked YouTube from computers over ‘Momo Challenge’ hoax
In an attempt to keep students from participating in the “Momo Challenge,” a very fake viral hoax that television stations and law enforcement have been irresponsibly spreading to nervous parents, Palm Beach County School District completely blocked YouTube from its computers last Friday. According to WPTV, the school district unblocked YouTube Monday morning, but banned…
Domu Chibi in Waterford Lakes offers discount today to celebrate grand opening
The sister restaurant to East End Market’s Domu, Domu Chibi will be offering a 10 percent discount all day for its grand opening. Located in Waterford Lakes Town Center, Domu Chibi had a soft opening at the beginning of January, but now their grand opening includes new bowls and upgraded spoons. Domu Chibi announced on…
Florida lawmakers look to bring home the bacon, including a $32 million request for the Winter Park library
Heading into the 2019 legislative session, lawmakers have already filed more than 2,500 bills and budget requests to bring taxpayer dollars to local attractions, education programs, transit needs, regional improvements and other projects for constituents. In the House, the proposals total more than $3.13 billion. Senators are pursuing $1.8 billion. Many of the proposals have…
Brightline-Virgin asks for another $950 million in bonds for Orlando-West Palm Beach expansion
Brightline rail service largely drew praise from businesses, transportation officials and communities where stops are planned, during its request Friday to issue another $950 million in tax-exempt bonds. But a lobbyist for Indian River County, which continues to file legal challenges against the rail line, also briefly outlined objections of the Treasure Coast community where…
Band of the Week: Throwin Up
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 Throwin Up. Throwin Up are playing March 7 at Grumpy’s with Gillian Carter, Infant Island, and Forms. Just the facts: When did the band form?January 2019 Who’s in the band?Will…
Brave carnivore attempts to eat every burger on Orlando Burger Week
Orlando resident Lee Hale, a carnivorous hero, is attempting to eat all 43 burgers featured in Orlando Burger Week. That means eating four or five burgers a day, a feat of epic proportions. During Orlando Burger Week — actually 10 days, from Feb. 22 to March 3 — Orlando restaurants feature a signature burger for…
Reggaeton boy band CNCO will perform this weekend at Orlando’s House of Blues
Grammy-nominated Latin pop/reggaeton boy band CNCO will be playing in Orlando on Saturday for their first headlining North American tour. CNCO will be performing at the House of Blues on March 2 at 7 p.m. Ticket prices start at $102. The five-member band was formed in 2015 after winning Univision’s La Banda competition and have since…
Eighties stars Psychedelic Furs announce intimate Orlando show in April
Dark new wave icons and John Hughes soundtrack mainstays the Psychedelic Furs have announced a return to the City Beautiful this spring for an intimate, up-close-and-personal engagement. The English band will be coming back to Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel to headline their Velvet Sessions series. This isn’t the band’s first time at the Velvet Sessions…
The wicked little twist in Puddles Pity Party’s Orlando show is the surprising drama
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Puddles Pity Party, Plaza Live, Feb. 28 In concept, Puddles Pity Party is unabashed in its contrivance. Oh, but what a grand conceit it is. An NBA-sized clown with a satin voice is as indelible of an impression as they come. Nothing’s wrong with a gimmick if it works. And the execution…
Earth Wind & Fire, Jay Leno and more coming to SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival
SeaWorld Orlando just announced Earth, Wind & Fire, Jay Leno and Andy Grammer will join their list of performers at the Seven Seas Food Festival. The Seven Seas Food Festival is going on now through May 5, with performances every Saturday and Sunday. SeaWorld’s lineup also includes Lifehouse, Bret Michaels and 38 Special. According to a press release, the…
Bill that would ban cities from banning plastic straws moves forward in the Florida Senate
A Senate committee Monday will take up a proposal that would prevent local governments from regulating distribution of plastic straws, amid a broader national debate about discarded straws causing pollution problems in oceans and other areas. The bill (SB 588), filed by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, will be considered by the Senate Commerce and…
Central Florida Metal Fest showcases the finest in local heavy music this weekend
In terms of both touring acts stopping through and depth of field in the local scene (and sub-scenes), the Central Florida metal movement is in a place of rude health. And coming on the heels of the recent Central Florida Black and Death Metal Attack, the two-day Central Florida Metal Fest is as good and…
Gatorland offers half-price tickets this month for Florida residents
Start breaking out your hats and bug spray because for the entire month of March, Gatorland will be offering half-off prices on all its single-day admission tickets for Florida residents. Adults will be required to show proof of residency. Gatorland is a Florida theme park with thousands of alligators, crocodiles and other swamp wildlife. Visitors…
Florida House Speaker José Oliva called pregnant women ‘host bodies’ 5 times in interview on anti-abortion bill
Florida House Speaker José Oliva referred to pregnant women as “host bodies” during a sit-down with Jim DeFede of CBS Miami about an anti-abortion bill Thursday night. It wasn’t a simple slip of the tongue, either – Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, referred to pregnant women as “host bodies” five times throughout the interview. “It’s a complex issue because…
Foxtail Coffee and Pizza Bruno pair up for new concept in College Park
You’ll doubtless recall when we told you last September about Foxtail Coffee taking over the Hubbly Bubbly space in College Park and the ensuing, pardon the pun, hubbub it caused. Then Foxtail’s chief operating officer was forced to resign amid sexual harassment claims. Now the local coffee chain many love to hate is joining forces with…
Gov. Ron DeSantis blames suspended Broward sheriff for South Florida mass shootings
Gov. Ron DeSantis is accusing suspended Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel of being responsible for the deaths of 17 students and faculty members at a Parkland high school and five other victims of a mass shooting at an airport, according to documents filed this week with the Florida Senate. The allegations against Israel, whose suspension…
Orlando Commissioner Sam Ings files to run against Mayor Buddy Dyer
Orlando Commissioner Sam Ings has filed to run for mayor in an attempt to unseat longtime incumbent Mayor Buddy Dyer. Ings was elected to represent District 6 on the Orlando City Council in 2006. The district includes the neighborhoods of Holden Heights, MetroWest, Washington Shores and Universal Studios. Before becoming commissioner, Ings spent more than…
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz reportedly told Trump he was ‘happy’ to threaten Michael Cohen for him
On Wednesday, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz threatened Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen before his congressional testimony in a now deleted tweet, and even though the congressman has since apologized, he reportedly was overheard telling the president moments after sending the tweet that he “was happy to do it for you.” According to The…
LYNX CEO steps down amid financial struggles at Central Florida bus service
LYNX CEO Edward Johnson has resigned as head of the public transportation agency following a series of investigative reports by WFTV 9 on the bus service’s financial struggles. WFTV reports LYNX’s financial handlings came under suspicion in October when the agency started to use its reserve funds for that year. The report found that LYNX’s…
FBI releases ballistics report on Pulse nightclub shooting
After repeatedly declining to make public its findings over the course of the investigation, the FBI finally released Thursday its ballistics report on the June 2016 shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse where 49 people were killed. An initial look through the report shows the FBI’s testing was unable to determine the source of some…
Bengali 600 are on their way to making Afrobeat a regular pulse in Orlando
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Bengali 600 and the Rules, Iron Cow, Feb. 27 Orlando band Bengali 600 are currently on a quest to make Afrobeat a regular part of the local music pulse. Luckily, it looks like they have a chance. Their latest headlining Afrobeat night was the second one this year. With a third actively…
Universal Orlando announces new light show called ‘Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle’
Potterheads, think of your happiest memory and start practicing your Patronus spell, because the new light show at Universal Orlando is going to bring you face-to-face with the darkest creatures and villains of the Harry Potter universe. The new light projection experience, called “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle,” will revive creatures and characters from the books…
Florida man sentenced to 10 days in jail for dragging a shark behind his boat
Michael Wenzel, one of three Florida idiots who filmed themselves dragging a live shark behind a boat back in 2017, will get a slap on the wrist for abhorrent animal abuse. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Wenzel appeared in court Thursday morning in front of Hillsborough Circuit Judge Mark Wolfe and admitted to two…
The Sh-Booms debut new Orlando-heavy music video for ‘Audible’ single
Orlando’s own the Sh-Booms are teasing the upcoming debut of their album The Blurred Odyssey (out March 22) with a music video for the first single “Audible.” The video has plenty of shots of downtown Orlando and the Mills 50 strip, including an establishing shot that floored us (at around :35), as it begins at…
Florida lawmakers want you to stop cuddling with your pup while driving
Florida lawmakers are proposing a new law that would crackdown on distracted driving, including texting behind the wheel and – much to the dismay of animal-lovers – petting your dog. Currently, texting while driving is a secondary offense in Florida. That means police can cite a driver caught texting behind the wheel, but only if…
UCF postpones discussion on $600K settlement for former President Dale Whittaker
Amid a Florida House investigation into the University of Central Florida’s misuse of public funds, the UCF Board of Trustees postponed a scheduled Thursday meeting on a proposed $600,000 settlement with former President Dale Whittaker, who resigned this month. “We are postponing this meeting until the Board of Trustees can review the forthcoming report from…
Florida lawmakers file bill to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over
Two Florida lawmakers have filed a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state for adults 21 and over. HB 1117 was filed by Reps. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, and Michael Grieco, D-Miami Beach, on Tuesday. The proposal allows people who are 21 years old and above to “use, possess and transport” up to…
Here are 10 big issues to watch when Florida lawmakers start the 2019 session next week
Florida lawmakers will gather March 5 in the House chamber to hear Gov. Ron DeSantis give his first State of the State address, the traditional start of the 60-day legislative session. Led by Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, and House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, lawmakers this year will deal with myriad issues, ranging from…
Florida lawmakers see ‘systematic problem’ as financial scandals plague state universities
As financial scandals cloud three state universities, two powerful House Republicans say legislative action, geared toward fixing structural and cultural problems in the university system, will likely be in play this year. Details on proposals remain scarce as the annual legislative session prepares to start Tuesday. But Randy Fine, chairman of the House’ Higher Education…
Four Orlando restaurants, chefs named as semifinalists in James Beard awards
Four Orlando chefs and restaurants were named as semifinalists in the James Beard Foundation Awards for 2019. The James Beard Foundation honors America’s best chefs, restaurants and cuisines. The awards this year consist of everything from best new restaurant to the best chef in 10 different regions. In the category of “Outstanding Pastry Chef,” Rabii Saber,…
Dezerland Action Park is promoting events despite being shut down by the city of Orlando
The city of Orlando continues to fine President Donald Trump’s business partner, Michael Dezer, at $200 a day for permit violations at the renovation of the former Artegon Marketplace shopping center on International Drive. The project, now known as Dezerland Action Park, has been officially shut down by the city since it issued a stop-work…
Former Florida Secretary of State Michael Ertel hired as contractor for Seminole County elections office
Former Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Michael Ertel has been hired as a temporary contractor for the office, following his resignation last month as secretary of state after photos surfaced of him wearing blackface. WKMG 6 reports Ertel will be on a three-month contract worth $5,000 per month, the Seminole County elections office confirmed. Orlando…
Former UCF President Dale Whittaker could get $600K settlement
The University of Central Florida Board of Trustees will meet Thursday to consider a proposed $600,000 settlement with Dale Whittaker, who stepped down as university president amid a scandal about improper spending by the university. The board last week accepted Whittaker’s offer of resignation, which stemmed from investigations into the misuse of tens of millions…
Central Florida Rep. Val Demings introduces ‘Vladimir Putin Transparency Act’
U.S. Reps. Val Demings and Elise Stefanik introduced a bipartisan bill Wednesday that seeks to lift the veil on financial assets and hidden networks pertaining to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The bill calls on the U.S. intelligence community and federal government to create and submit to Congress a report on all of Putin’s financial holdings,…
Orlando lawmakers push for local rent controls to combat Florida’s affordable housing crisis
Two Orlando lawmakers are pushing for cities and counties to have more power putting local rent controls in place to combat Florida’s affordable housing crisis. State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani and Sen. Victor Torres, both Democrats, filed companion bills HB 6053 and SB 1390. The measure would repeal Florida’s pre-emption on rent control, which is…
Savage Love: ‘Outer Limits’
I’m a gay guy in my late 40s with a straight sister in her early 50s. She’s been married for a bit over two decades to a guy who always registered as a “possible” on my average-to-good gaydar. But I put “BIL,” aka my brother-in-law, in the “improbable” bucket because he actively wooed my sister,…
Gimme Shelter: Meet Tesla!
Tesla (A422807) is an 8-year-old girl who is sweet, playful, and seems to be housebroken! She enjoys showing love and affection to people by giving kisses and even hugs. She does well with other dogs and even cats. Tesla was brought into our shelter in early February because her owners could no longer care for…
Orlando director Bobbie Bell discusses his ‘anti-fascist’ production of ‘1984’
If you’re of the opinion that Orlando’s artists are too apolitical or afraid of offending corporate interests, you obviously haven’t met Bobbie Bell. “This is my year of anti-fascism,” the director and recently retired Seminole State College professor proudly told me while explaining how he came to helm the stage adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984…
Legal Public Notices 2/27 issue
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices AUCTION Extra Space Storage – Store 8841 9847 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32825 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 9847 Curry Ford Road, Orlando,FL 32825 (407) 495-9612, March 19th, 2019 @…
Opening in Orlando: A Madea Family Funeral, Arctic and more
Opening this week: Deadlines can be a bitch. I had to write this column two days before the Oscars, but you’re reading it at least three days after. So you’re in the catbird seat of knowing everything that happened while I have no clue! How powerful you must feel, knowing that Black Panther’s surprise win…
‘Greta’ is derivative, unimaginative and unbelievable
Stalker stinker
Our picks for 2019’s best spring festivals happening in Orlando
It’s festival season, people! Here are all the big ones you don’t want to miss this spring 2019 in Orlando and the rest of Central Florida. Feb. 28-March 10 Florida Strawberry Festival Spring in Florida is for three things: enjoying freshwater swimming holes before the tourists take over, picnicking in the sun and the Florida…
Maitland’s Midici fires up some mighty fine Neapolitan pizzas
Blistering pace
Casselberry’s Pier 36 Fish Camp closes, Chauhaus opens in Winter Park and more in Orlando foodie news
OPENINGS: Chauhaus, the Vietnamese lunch “pop-up” inside Chau Trinh’s recently opened Sushi Pop in Winter Park, will debut Wednesday, March 6. The menu will feature Southern Vietnam’s greatest hits: pho, bun bo hue, banh mi, duck curry, rice and noodle bowls with grilled lemongrass pork and pork sausage … Swine & Sons has moved out…
The best concerts coming to Orlando this week
The Carbon Leaf Richmond’s indie-folk vets celebrate over a quarter-century of playing music together with – what else – an extensive round of touring! 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Will’s Pub, $20 Charlie Hunter & Lucy Woodward Jazzy guitarist-to-the-stars Hunter and vocalist and Snarky Puppy collaborator Woodward perform a duo show at Timucua that promises…
ICYMI: Self-driving buses roll into Orlando, a UCF document dump reveals more about President Dale Whittaker, plus other news
Document dump reveals former UCF President Dale Whittaker was aware of misspent funds: In January, after $38 million in operating funds were used to build Trevor Colbourn Hall, former UCF President Dale Whittaker announced he would fire four high-ranking university employees. Whittaker said he had no knowledge of the spending. But a document dump last…
Catherine Opie’s ardent eye pierces to the heart of her subjects
Radical visions
