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Florida’s new nursing home generator rules may not be ratified this session
With time ticking on this year’s session, it’s not clear if Gov. Rick Scott is going to convince the Florida Legislature to ratify a pair of rules requiring nursing homes and assisted living facilities to have backup generators. More than halfway through the regular 60-day session, the rules negotiated by the Scott administration and the…
Civil rights groups issue warning for immigrants traveling through Florida
In the wake of recent high-profile raids and detentions, Florida civil rights groups are issuing a travel warning for immigrants passing through the state. Immigrants and people of color across Florida feel threatened because of the vile rhetoric aimed at them from lawmakers, state and local governments and “corporations that refuse to protect their customers,” said…
Nude Nite returns for three days of buck naked art at the Central Florida Fairgrounds
America’s largest nude art exhibition returns this weekend, this time in the exhibition hall at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Gaze at artistic renderings of titties and wieners with your date while making frequent stops at the cash bar and avoiding eye contact with leering strangers. 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive;…
Black Heart Social Club provides songs for the vehemently single at Will’s Pub
Sick of permafused couples determined to show everybody their affection and ardor via the exchange of gigantic anthropomorphic plush animals every year? Find your bitter kin at the Black Heart Social Club, the Will’s Pub version of an anti-Valentine’s Day party. No excessive hearts, irritating balloons or vexatious themed candy here – just affordable alcohol…
There sure are a lot of guns and white people in Adam Putnam’s vision of Florida
This is what our state can be and what our state will be when I'm your Governor! #FloridaFirst pic.twitter.com/0j7BrBw2SZ — Adam Putnam (@adamputnam) February 12, 2018 Adam Putnam, a Florida Republican candidate for governor and proud “NRA sellout,” released a new ad proclaiming what the state will be like if he is indeed elected, and…
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings was not happy with Jeff Sessions’ racist ‘Anglo-American’ comment
If U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ reference to law enforcement’s “Anglo-American” heritage was supposed to land during a speech earlier this week, it certainly missed with one person in attendance – Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. “The office of sheriff is a critical part of the Anglo-American heritage of law enforcement,” Sessions told those in…
Joan Jett, Styx and Tesla announce Florida show for June
Greater Central Florida area, are you ready for pomp, circumstance, sleaze and volume? That’s just what you’re going to get this summer when epic rockers Styx, rootsy hair-metallers Tesla and punk icon Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (also of Runaways ill-repute) roll, ahem, into Florida for just one arena show this summer. The tandem announced…
Early-January cash grab by Florida lawmakers running for cabinet jobs
Several candidates running for state Cabinet positions were required to pause fundraising after the 60-day legislative session opened on Jan. 9. But the state ban on lawmakers raising money during session meant some House and Senate members running for Cabinet jobs raced to bring in greenbacks in early January before the legislative gavels hit, new…
Nelly, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Juvenile are coming to Kissimmee this April
St. Louis (or is that Nellyville) superstar MC Nelly is heading to Central Florida and bringing along Juvenile (!) and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Nelly throws down at the Osceola County Stadium along with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Juvenile on Saturday, April 14, at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $34 and can be purchased here. Related Stories
Cowgirls at I-Drive 360 closes, owes $20K in back taxes
After months of obviously poor attendance and awful reviews, Cowgirls Rockbar at I-Drive 360 has closed. On Jan. 12, the bar posted a picture on Facebook saying Jan. 13 was the bar’s last night, with the caption “Drink Cowgirls Dry! $25 OPEN BAR” with no other details. The post garnered more than two dozen comments,…
Florida schools say they are shortchanged in system that denies funding to the ‘bottom three’
The House is taking another look at performance standards for state universities, after supporters of some schools, including Florida A&M University, say they are being shortchanged in a system that denies extra funding to the “bottom three” universities. Currently, universities compete annually for a pot of state performance money that is awarded after the schools…
John Stamos is currently celebrating his honeymoon at Disney World
#oneweek (and they said it wouldn’t last) #happiestmanonearth #happiestplaceonearth @waltdisneyworld A post shared by John Stamos (@johnstamos) on Feb 10, 2018 at 3:36pm PST John Stamos, otherwise known as Uncle Jesse or to a lesser extent Dr. Parrish, has been bouncing around Magic Kingdom this week with his new wife, Caitlin McHugh. When you get…
Florida fisherman criticized for using 15-foot hammerhead shark as selfie prop
If you come across a 15-foot endangered great hammerhead shark being pulled onto shore, maybe you shouldn’t think of it as a great opportunity for a quick selfie. A group of three fisherman snagged a great hammerhead while sport fishing at a public beach on Singer Island last week, drawing a crowd of gawkers and…
Stormy Daniels is bringing her ‘Make America Horny Again’ tour to Florida
Stormy Daniels, the porn star who was allegedly paid $130,000 to keep quiet about a year-long affair with Donald Trump, will bring her “Make America Horny Again” tour to a strip club that’s just few blocks from the president’s private resort in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to the Palm Beach Post, Daniels, whose real…
Elon Musk and SpaceX aren’t done with Florida’s Space Coast
For billionaire entrepreneur and spaceman-of-the-hour Elon Musk, the Falcon Heavy’s launch on Feb. 6 was just a humble beginning. Musk, the founder and CEO of the West Coast-based rocket company SpaceX, took to Twitter yesterday to casually mention how a third drone ship is currently under construction for the Space Coast. Its purpose: “[To] support…
Valentine Vixens take the stage at Will’s for a post V-Day romp
Will’s Pub’s bimonthly burlesque night returns this week, just in time for a post-Valentine’s date. This month sees routines from performers hailing from New York, Miami, Tampa and Orlando, including local double powerhouse Ivy Les Vixens and Kissa Von Addams. 9 p.m. Thursday; Will’s Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave.; $12; willspub.org Will’s Pub 1042 N.…
New details emerge on SeaWorld Orlando’s big Sesame Street land
In May, SeaWorld Parks CEO Joel Manby announced a new Sesame Street land to replace Shamu’s Happy Harbor at SeaWorld Orlando. The new land will be one of the strongest attempts yet for SeaWorld Orlando to have a land on par with Orlando’s other theme parks. At the time the company confirmed that it would…
Florida witnessed the largest increase of ICE arrests in the country last year
Arrests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents increased by 76 percent last year across Florida, which was more than anywhere else in the country. Florida saw a total of 6,192 arrests in the fiscal year of 2017, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center. Although last year there were more ICE…
Disney World park admission will increase this weekend
Following record attendance and revenue in the last fiscal quarter, Walt Disney Co. will raise park admission at its theme parks starting this weekend. As of Sunday, a one-day regular Magic Kingdom ticket at the gate will cost $119, which is a $4 increase. A value ticket at the same park will cost $109, a $2 increase, and…
The American experience through hip-hop with Danny K and Mehsi
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Danny K and Mehsi, Austin’s Coffee, Feb. 10 Formerly known as KRIKOS, Danny K (born Danny Krikorian) is a local MC-producer with some decent credits. Among many joints with Orlando breakout rapper Niko Is, he notably produced “FLOSS,” one of the absolute best bangers off Good Blood, the four-star 2014 LP that…
Changes in current patterns push thousands of Portuguese man o’ war onto Florida beaches
Florida’s east coast is currently featuring throngs of Portuguese man o’ war, stinging beachgoers and sparking warnings from authorities. These bright blue balloon-shaped creatures are devastatingly beautiful, but should be admired from a distance. Florida Today reported many of the people stung didn’t get injured while swimming, but when picking up the jellyfish lookalike. Man o’…
Florida high school installs sculpture dedicated to Pulse victim
A Pinellas County high school honored one of its own by installing a sculpture dedicated to an alumnus who died during the mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse. Christopher “Drew” Leinonen, 32, was one of 49 people whose lives were taken on June 12, 2016. When he was a student at Seminole High School,…
Joey Chestnut returns to defend his reign at Orlando’s World Chili Eating Challenge this weekend
The world’s best in the incredibly messy sport of competitive eating are coming to Orlando this Saturday for the World Chili Eating Challenge at the 9th Annual Northwestern Mutual Chili Cook-off. The competition is set to kick off at 4:30 p.m, while the Chili Cook-off goes from noon to 6 p.m. Chestnut remains undefeated on…
Orlando commissioners will vote Monday on short-term rentals
The Orlando City Council will decide Monday whether to allow short-term rentals in all residential neighborhoods with certain conditions. Short-term rentals, usually booked through online platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, are defined as the rental of a residential property for periods of less than 30 days. Most short-term rentals are not allowed within city limits. City…
Epcot’s big update might include a name change
Disney has confirmed a slew of updates are headed to Epcot, including what they’re now billing as one of the world’s longest enclosed coasters for their new Guardians of the Galaxy ride. All these changes might include another surprise one. There were tons of rumors of Disney changing the name of one of its parks, but…
Everything we know about Disney’s Toy Story Land, this year’s biggest theme park expansion
Disney used their latest D23 convention in Tokyo over the weekend to reveal many new details on the upcoming Toy Story Land expansion opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a few months. The expansion is the largest since Sunset Boulevard opened in 1994. The new 11-acre land will feature two brand-new rides and a new…
Disney’s new Star Wars hotel will ‘seamlessly connect’ to Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios
Disney guests at Hollywood Studios will soon be able to eat, breathe and live everything Star Wars. Today, Disney revealed a few interesting tidbits about their new fully immersive Star Wars-themed hotel and resort. While speaking at the D23 Expo in Japan, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced that the new resort will…
Trump will likely travel through Orlando on his way to Mar-a-Lago this week
President Donald Trump will be stopping through Orlando on Friday, Feb. 16, according to an advisory issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Bloomberg reports that the president’s trip to Orlando is for an infrastructure event – the first of what will surely be many as Trump touts the potential legislation nationwide. The “VIP Movement Notification,”…
Redlight Redlight celebrates ladies at their annual Galentine’s Day Happy Hour
If the impending Valentine’s pageantry has got you down, just say Knope! Inspired by Leslie Knope’s tradition of honoring her relationships with her gal pals on Parks and Recreation, Redlight Redlight invites all ladies to celebrate ladies at this a special happy hour. Take advantage of drink specials while browsing wares from local artisan vendors…
Epcot’s new ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ ride will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters
Disney confirmed rumors that the new Guardians of the Galaxy-themed ride coming to Epcot’s Future World will indeed be a roller coaster. The big news was announced at the D23 Expo in Japan, where Disney leaders also confirmed that the new family-friendly attraction will be one of the word’s longest enclosed roller coasters. “As we…
Sadie Barnette stops into CFAM to discuss her multimedia repertoire
Sadie Barnette’s work spills in all directions – and we don’t mean the drippy spray paint clouds that show up in some of it. No, she’s a true multimedia artist, in the sense that her practice includes photography, drawing, installations, bookmaking, and even dance once upon a time. The Oakland-based artist is best known for…
Will’s Pub tests out new dance night Uncontrollable Urge
A dance night at rockist bastion Will’s Pub? Stranger things have happened. Mostly in the Will’s Pub bathroom. DJ Smilin’ Dan curates a selection of alternative, new wave, punk and indie numbers geared to get your booty shaking. This is something of a trial run for a new Sunday night weekly, so put the dancefloor…
Craft & Common to bring coffee and home decor downtown
Those of you still lamenting the loss of Propagation, the short-lived coffeehouse/furniture store in Mills 50, take heart. Craft & Common, by husband-and-wife team Brandon and Lindsay Duensing, will bring a similar concept this summer to the downtown core. The space will “blend thoughtfully curated modern home decor and accessories with a specialty coffee bar”…
New downtown music venue Odd Jobs officially launches with UV-TV, Tingy Thick and Wet Nurse
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND UV-TV, Tingy Thick and Wet Nurse, Odd Jobs, Jan. 9 New downtown music venue Odd Jobs – the sister club to Blackstar and the most intimate of the fleet of new venues in the Firestone complex – is now in the mix with this first official show. While Blackstar is positioned to…
Florida appellate court rejects tobacco lawsuits because of dead clients
A state appellate court upheld the dismissal of more than 70 lawsuits against tobacco companies and refused to allow attorneys to amend the complaints because the clients had died before the cases were filed. Thursday’s decision came less than four months after a federal court slapped a $9 million sanction on Jacksonville-based Farah & Farah…
Florida appeals ruling that blocked 24-hour abortion waiting period
The state is appealing a Leon County circuit judge’s ruling that blocked a 2015 law aimed at requiring women to wait 24 hours before having abortions. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office filed a notice late Thursday that it will appeal the Jan. 9 ruling by Circuit Judge Terry Lewis, according to the Leon County courts…
Tyler the Creator and Vince Staples come to the Orlando Amphitheater
Tyler, the Creator is a rapper who spent years building his career by being divisive. His debut releases, Bastard and Goblin, both of which came out before he even turned 21, quickly garnered worldwide attention due to their deliberate juxtapositions of misanthropic, bleak lyrics and carefree youthfulness. Each record possessed a carefully crafted inaccessibility, making…
Brown Bag Brass Band brings New Orleans sound to Dexter’s of Winter Park for Mardi Gras
If you want as close to an authentic Mardi Gras experience as possible in this land of uncultured Protestants, sweat it out at Dexter’s of Winter Park when the Brown Bag Brass Band takes the stage. The collective features some of Orlando’s best musicians letting loose in true NOLA style. Just keep your shirt on;…
Florida House passes major education bill, including union-busting measure for teachers
Florida House lawmakers approved a nearly 200-page omnibus education bill Thursday with a few lines tucked inside that attacks teachers unions. The Republican-led House passed the bill 66-43 and linked it to $21 billion public-school portion of the approved $87.2 billion budget to the passage of the omnibus education bill. HB 7055 is a long…
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly is clearly a dumbass
On Thursday, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly proudly unveiled a new sign outside his jail referring to it as the “Green Roof Inn,” which is a joke because it’s not a hotel. It’s a jail. Get it? “We have a one-star rating and we’re working to lower that as I’m speaking,” says the uniformed jokester…
Dirty cops and Nunes memo madness: The right attacks the FBI as the left valorizes it
Last week, I got a text from my mom flipping out about The Memo. She’s smart but not especially political, and her text made it clear that the #releasethememo movement that began as an alt-right rallying cry had now reached the mainstream. “As a teenager you ranted about the CIA (you were right),” she wrote.…
Lake Mary is getting a Lucky’s Market
Lucky’s Market, the Colorado-based grocery store chain that graciously allows you to drink a beer while you shop, will open a new location in Lake Mary. According to Unicorp Development, the new grocery store will move into the new Griffin Town Center, located on Longwood Lake Mary Road. Apart from the bar inside, Lucky’s focuses on…
Florida legislators passed a bill that could permanently fund anti-abortion centers
A bill is making its way to Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s desk that will allow permanent funding for “crisis pregnancy centers,” also known as fake clinics. The Florida Senate passed the bill (HB-41) on Thursday 21-12. The House bill would fund organizations that offer “pregnancy support” through subcontractors. These clinics, often located near real family-planning…
The fourth annual Orlando City pub crawl is coming
It’s time to show your loyalty to Orlando City by drinking a ton of beer. Saturday, March 3, marks the opening game for the Orlando City Lions and what better pre-game warm up than a pub crawl? The fourth annual Orlando City Pub Crawl is set to kick off on Friday, March 2. Hosted by Orlando…
The first housing complex for adults with developmental disabilities opens in Orlando
Designed specifically for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, Quest Village gives its tenants a chance at autonomy. The brainchild of Quest Inc., a nonprofit that provides aid to those with developmental or intellectual disabilities, the 40-unit housing complex is the first of its kind in Central Florida. Rents are on a fixed scale and…
Florida’s ‘higher-speed’ train Brightline hit a pedestrian for the sixth time
All Aboard Florida’s “higher-speed” train Brightline hit and injured a pedestrian near Fort Lauderdale Thursday evening, making it the sixth accident since beginning operation in January. According to the Miami Herald, the man who was hit lay down between the tracks, which allowed the train to cruise over him without killing him. All Aboard Florida’s Brightline…
Orlando’s Stonewall Jackson Middle School may get a new name
Out with the old and in with the new – Orlando’s Stonewall Jackson Middle School could be up for a name change, if the Internet can deliver. In an online survey provided by the Orange County school district, members of Jackson Middle’s school advisory council are asking the community for their input on whether the…
Dave Bautista is mad online at the City of Tampa
Dave Bautista is mad online over a building permit. Apparently the Guardians of the Galaxy star, WWE wrestler and Tampa resident found out firsthand how annoying it is to get a permit for a gate he’s trying to build at his home. Yesterday, Bautista took to social media to express his frustrations to the City of Tampa’s…
Central Florida advocates: America is breaking promise to undocumented youth
Underneath black veils, Central Florida’s undocumented youth sat quietly in a corner of the Hope CommUnity Center on Thursday holding cardboard tombstones. “Here lies the dream my parents had for me,” one said. Another read, “Here lies the safety of many millions of families.” Advocates say America is “breaking their promise” to hundreds of thousands…
Florida’s citrus crop is projected to be lowest since World War II
Projections for Florida’s orange crop fell slightly in the latest monthly forecast, as the storm-battered agriculture industry appears closer to getting federal relief that officials say is needed to keep parts of the industry afloat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated Thursday that Florida will grow enough oranges in the current season to fill 45…
Volusia Beer Week culminates with the DeLand Beer Festival this weekend
Make the trip out to West Volusia for Deland’s annual beer festival this weekend. More than 300 brews from 75 different breweries are promised at this celebration of suds. The picturesque setting of historic downtown DeLand also provides plenty of places to get a bite before you head home, too. 1-5 p.m. Saturday; Historic Downtown…
Florida still in play for federal offshore oil drilling, opponents say
Supporters and opponents of oil drilling closer to Florida’s shoreline refused Thursday to accept U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s declaration that the state wouldn’t be part of a White House plan to expand exploration. The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held the only Florida open house on a proposed five-year program to open more…
‘Things Come Apart’ at the History Center takes a look at the inner workings of everyday objects
What’s on the inside matters, right? That’s the rule of thumb for most folks, at least on a personal level. But what about everyday devices like our phones – what’s inside of our most run-of-the-mill contraptions? Things Come Apart – the Smithsonian Institute’s exhibit that features the works of photographer and tinkerer Todd McLellan –…
Celebrate Fat Tuesday on a Saturday at the downtown Mardi Gras Pub Crawl
Save your money on a ticket to Bourbon Street this year; the Orlando Pub Crawl hosts a Mardi Gras version of the downtown staple on Saturday. Your ticket includes a free T-shirt, free cover at every venue, and four complimentary beverages with your choice of Coors Light, vodka cocktails or Jäger shots. So break out…
Park Ave CDs to hold anniversary sale this weekend
Mainstay Orlando music retailer Park Ave CDs is celebrating its birthday this weekend with a gigantic sale on all items in the store. Park Ave CDs – open since 1984 – is marking their 33 1/3rd year in business (also a playback speed for LPs, get it?) with a storewide 33% off sale. Park Ave…
Doug Guetzloe, pugnacious conservative figure, dead at 63
Doug Guetzloe, a longtime conservative political figure in Central Florida, has died. No cause of death has been announced. In the past four decades of his public life, Guetzloe has been loved and loathed in equal measure. He seemed to delight in confounding both his enemies and his supporters – however you felt about his…
The Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota is getting a $130 million facility
This afternoon, the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota announced a new $130 million upgrade. According to a press release, the center will soon be renamed to the Mote Science Education Aquarium, and will more than double in size at a whopping 110,000 square feet. While the new facility will move from the current location at Ken…
Lawmakers are trying to cancel Lorde’s upcoming Florida shows because of her stance on Israel
Last December, Grammy-award winning pop-singer Lorde canceled a planned concert in Tel Aviv after activists called for her to join what’s called the “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement,” which campaigns for a global boycott of Israel until it withdraws from Palestinian territories. “I have had a lot of discussions with people holding many views, and I…
While speaking in Tampa, Jeff Sessions says we should just take an aspirin instead of using opioids
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is clueless when it comes addiction as a medical condition, and his comments in Florida on Wednesday proved just that. Sessions delivered a nearly half-hour speech at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tampa yesterday – at times reportedly going off-script. As he addressed local authorities and federal prosecutors, Sessions lauded…
Gary Kompothecras, producer of MTV’s ‘Siesta Key,’ was charged with a DUI last night
Gary Kompothecras, the wealthy Sarasota chiropractor behind both the 1-800-ASK-GARY ads and MTV’s Siesta Key, was arrested on DUI charges in Manatee County last night. Kompothecras was pulled over at around 1:40 a.m. Thursday, reports the Tampa Bay Times. The 57-year-old was heading south on I-75 when an officer clocked him traveling at 100 mph…
30 Seconds to Mars to play Tampa this summer
Thirty Seconds to Mars, the musical outlet for Jared and Shannon Leto, has announced a massive summer arena tour with a few Florida stops along the way. The Monolith tour will hit West Palm and Jacksonville, and the closest show to Orlando is Tampa at the end of June. The band is set to release…
Florida Democrats want Richard Corcoran to cancel meeting with Roger Stone
Florida Democrats want House Speaker Richard Corcoran to cancel his meeting with notorious Republican political operative Roger Stone. During a speech Wednesday at the Capitol Tiger Bay Club in Tallahassee, Stone said a mutual friend set up a meeting with Corcoran later that day. Corcoran hasn’t made an announcement yet, but he’s a likely gubernatorial…
Florida lawmakers push scholarships for bullied students transferring to private schools
The Florida House moved forward Wednesday with two heavily debated bills that would create the “Hope Scholarship” program, which would provide voucher-like scholarships to thousands of students who are bullied or suffer other abuses in public schools. The House Education Committee approved a stand-alone bill (HB 1) that would create the program, while the full…
Florida Senate ready to take up bill allowing guns in churches
The Senate is scheduled Thursday to take up a bill that could help clear the way for people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns at churches. The proposal (SB 1048), sponsored by Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, has been backed by Republican lawmakers who contend it could help prevent incidents such as a massacre last year…
Rick Scott keeps up pressure to boost funding for Visit Florida
Gov. Rick Scott and the state tourism-marketing agency continue to push lawmakers to boost marketing dollars to $100 million next year, a figure well above what the House and Senate have budgeted for Visit Florida. The agency is receiving $76 million this year. But Scott links his proposed increase to $100 million with attracting more…
Florida boy climbs into claw machine to retrieve toy and gets stuck
A young man from Florida found himself in a serious jam after deciding to climb into a claw machine to get a stuffed animal. According to a post from Titusville Fire and Emergency Services, the incident occurred Wednesday night at Beef O’ Brady’s in Titusville, Florida. Local art fans might think this is a case of life…
Pet Alliance’s Paws in the Park brings all the puppers and doggos to Lake Eola
Bring your four-legged family members and come pet puppers for a cause. Paws in the Park, the annual fundraiser put on by the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, raises funds to support the 8,000 homeless dogs in Central Florida. The event kicks off with a bubble release memorial commemorating lost furry friends, followed by a…
Enjoy a musical picnic at Mennello Museum’s Indie-Folkfest
Weather permitting, the Mennello’s Indie-Folkfest is one of the highlights of every spring in Orlando. Friends and families gather on the lawn of the sculpture garden to grab a picnic lunch from local vendors – including drinks from the likes of the Courtesy and Hanson’s Shoe Repair. While you’re there, you can browse the wares…
Oh god, Big Sean is coming to Orlando in April
Detroit rapper Big Sean today announced his “Unfriendly Reminder” arena tour set for this spring and it kicks off in Orlando! The multi-platinum MC will be joined on this two-month trek by Playboy Carti, Shy Glizzy and Gashi. Additionally fans get a chance to vote on the setlist at each stop by casting votes at…
Brendan Schaub, from Spike TV’s ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ is bringing his comedy tour to Orlando
From the NFL, to the UFC, to an improv stage, Brendan Schaub is making his way to Florida next month on a new comedy tour. Schaub will be stopping at Tampa Improv on March 22, West Palm Beach Improv on March 23 and 24, and concluding his trip at Orlando Improv on March 25. Tickets…
Pulse foundation will hold town hall on gun violence this month
The onePULSE Foundation will hold a town hall Feb. 21 to discuss gun violence in the Central Florida community and in the country. This Friday, Feb. 12, will mark the 20 months that have passed since the mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse on June 12, 2016. Almost two years ago, a deranged gunman…
Rollins graduate Mister Rogers will finally get his own stamp
America’s favorite neighbor is making a comeback … on your mail. The U.S. Postal Service announced that it will release a “Forever Stamp” dedicated to Fred Rogers, also known as Mister Rogers. The stamp, which features Rogers and King Friday, will be released on March 23, 50 years after the airing of his popular children’s show.…
Here’s Elon Musk drinking a beer at a bar in Port Canaveral after the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch
Elon Musk, who currently has a Tesla Roadster floating in space somewhere, definitely earned a cold one yesterday. Clearly wanting a beer, Musk made an appearance at the Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill in Port Canaveral after successfully launching his historic Falcon Heavy rocket, and he even led a brief toast to the crowd. “Best crew!…
Richard Corcoran, Andrew Gillum schedule debate on sanctuary cities for Feb. 13
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran will debate the topic of so-called “sanctuary cities” next Tuesday. Gillum, a progressive Democrat, is currently running for governor, while Corcoran, hard-line conservative, has not entered the gubernatorial race yet but is speculated to do so soon. The two got into a Twitter fight last…
Disney says they won’t rename Hollywood Studios to ‘Cinemagine Park’
Disney will not rename Hollywood Studios to the much-hated and highly rumored “Cinemagine Park,” at least for now. In a blog post Wednesday, Disney put to rest recent rumors, and stated that they would not change the name of the park “for the foreseeable future.” “In response to questions we have been receiving, we also…
Orlando airport could be nation’s largest to opt out of using TSA
Only a day after it was announced that Orlando International Airport is now the busiest airport in the state of Florida, surpassing Miami International Airport, OIA is reportedly considering the option of privatizing the safety screening process at its security checkpoints. According to News 6, OIA has begun to detail a proposal that would seek…
Florida lawmakers look to ban university ‘free-speech’ zones
Free-speech zones would be banned and state universities and colleges could be sued for up to $100,000 in damages if students or others “willfully” interfere with campus speakers or protestors, under a bill approved Tuesday by the Senate Education Committee. “This is to address a flourishing of the limitation of free speech, particularly across the…
19 free shows happening in Orlando this week
Wednesday, Feb. 7 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. The Billy Manes Society Presents: W00dy and Angel Inertia 9 pm at Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Road. Thursday, Feb. 8 Leisure Chief 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Raleigh Estes and Friends…
Disney parks revenue went up $5.2 billion last fiscal quarter
Despite Hurricane Irma, Disney’s parks and resorts reported a revenue increase of 13 percent, which is roughly $5.2 billion, for the first fiscal quarter. The report was released today and showed an increase in both revenue and attendance. Overall, attendance was up by six percent at Disney parks due to Pandora – The World of Avatar…
Florida Senate wades into legal thicket of front-yard vegetable gardens
Pink flamingos, garden gnomes and trolls? No problem. Tomatoes, kale and spinach? Not so much. Growing your own food may be as American as apple pie, but it’s a no-no for gardeners who happen to live in Miami Shores and want to plant veggies in their own front yard. Hermine Ricketts and Laurence Carroll are…
UCF suspends fraternity after pledge was ‘Smirnoff Iced’
The Beta Theta Pi chapter at University of Central Florida has been suspended after a mother complained her son was forced to drink a giant bottle of Smirnoff Ice, an act that is often referred to as “getting Iced.” The chapter is accused of hazing and providing alcohol to minor after the mother contacted the fraternity’s…
FUERZAFest Orlando kicks off three days of LGBTQ Latinx expression at Orlando Museum of Art
Coming in for its second iteration, FUERZAFest returns to Orlando this year to bring together Central Florida’s LGBTQ Latinx artistic community for a three-day festival. Sponsored by Hispanic Federation in the wake of the massacre at the gay nightclub Pulse, FUERZAFest will include discussion panels, a theater showcase, Latin American film screenings, an art exhibit…
Orlando Shakes production of ‘Shakespeare in Love’ premieres this week
The 1998 film Shakespeare in Love upset the Oscars with seven wins, beating out the presumed favorite, Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan – along with that year’s other Elizabethan period piece starring Joseph Fiennes, Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth. The film – subsequently adapted for the stage by Lee Hall – is a romantic comedy fit for…
Opening in Orlando: Fifty Shades Freed, Peter Rabbit and more
THIS WEEK: The 15:17 to Paris In 2015, a bunch of passengers fought off a would-be terrorist on a European train. As story pitches go, that’s gotta be the most Clint Eastwood concept ever – especially since his film dramatization of the event, like the book on which it’s based, drastically reduces the importance of the…
Legal Public Notices 2/7 issue
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices AUCTION EXTRASPACE STORAGE – STORE 1335 1101 MARSHALL FARMS RD, OCOEE FL 34761 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1101 Marshall Farms Rd, Ocoee FL 34761, 02/16/2018 @ 9:30am Nick Baussan, Unit G433…
The best concerts coming to Orlando this week
Effit Stacked-as-hell local bill with Effit, On the Cinder, Dial Drive, Radical Operations, and Radio 89 is well worth your consideration. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Will’s Pub, $6-$8 Bela Fleck & the Flecktones Banjo boundary-pusher Fleck has reunited his original Flecktones – Victor Wooten on bass and percussionist Roy Wooten – and is…
Peek inside new downtown venue Soundbar; Will’s Pub keeps pace with its own upgrades; Boytoy getting even tougher Calendar
NEW VENUE PEEK: SOUNDBAR The latest entrant into the hot music-venue derby that’s dominating the scene conversation this year is Soundbar, which had its grand opening last weekend. The new downtown music spot is the phoenix that’s risen from the ashes of longtime fixture Backbooth. Although the ownership group is new, there’s some key carryover…
This Modern World (1/7/18)
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Rufus Wainwright lives a life in service to song
Nobody does it better
Big Time Streetfood Co. coming to Thornton Park, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop opening in downtown Orlando and more in local foodie news
OPENINGS A food truck park called A La Cart Street Food and Craft Beer is rarin’ to go this summer in the Milk District … Over in Thornton Park, look for Big Time Streetfood Co. to open next to Burton’s this spring … Foxtail’s Farmhouse, with its additional seating, coffee siphon bar and craft cocktails…
Our take on the classic Shirley Temple is all grown up, but still all-ages
The Shirley Temple
Savage Love: ‘Showing Up’
How does one get into the gay BDSM bottoming and leather scene? Seeking Answers Concerning Kink One shows up, SACK. “Eighty percent of success is just showing up,” someone or other once said. The adage applies to romantic/sexual success as well as professional success, SACK, but showing up easily accounts for 90 percent of success…
Gimme Shelter: Meet Chocolate!
Are you looking for a new furry friend? Meet Chocolate! Chocolate (A394697) is 9 years old and is looking for a forever home. This sweet dog was surrendered because her owner couldn’t keep her. Her previous owner stated that she does well with children, she’s laid-back, and she is housebroken. Chocolate is super sweet and…
Trans artist Ria Brodell transports themself into multiple genders and histories
They could be heroes
This year’s Entertainment Designer Forum was renamed ‘Robbiween’ after Howl-O-Scream’s Robbi Parsons Lepre
Right now, Disney’s Epcot is in the final weeks of its second International Festival of The Arts, and will soon shift into its annual Flower and Garden show. Meanwhile, Universal concluded January with a star-studded Celebration of Harry Potter, then launched its Mardi Gras parade (which now stretches all the way into April). The crowds…
Sanford’s Love Your Shorts Film Festival returns
Longing for shorts
