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As Roe v. Wade turns 45, women’s right to bodily autonomy is under attack more than ever before
In July 1971, less than two years before the U.S. Supreme Court legalized a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy across all 50 states, 23-year-old Shirley Wheeler was held criminally responsible for undergoing an abortion in Florida. Wheeler’s story began when she was hospitalized while having a miscarriage. The staff at the Daytona Beach hospital…
Corcoran runs ‘sanctuary cities’ ad in sad attempt to be Florida’s most racist candidate
It’s almost laughable how racist House Speaker Richard Corcoran was willing to be to become relevant in Florida’s gubernatorial race. In a new ad produced by Corcoran’s political action committee, a young white woman strolls down a Florida suburb innocently giggling at her phone until a dark-haired “illegal immigrant” begins to stalk her. For no…
Dirtybird Campout kicks off the festival season in St. Cloud this weekend
Floridian festival freaks breathed a huge sigh of relief last year when it was announced that Dirtybird Campout, the acclaimed Californian dance music weekender, was planning an East Coast version in our own backyard. While Okeechobee – entering its third year this March – was a much-needed injection of a higher-tiered festival into the Florida…
Adam Ant returns to the Beacham for make-up date from Hurricane Irma
You’ve got to hand it to new wave legend Adam Ant; through good times (pop superstardom and “Antmania” in the ’80s) and bad (pulling a starter pistol on strangers in a London pub in 2002 and being placed in a psychiatric ward), he’s always managed to stand and deliver in the end. From his spiky…
Sonoma County comes to I-Drive for Funky Monkey’s Jordan Wine Dinner
Former Mills 50 mainstay Funky Monkey, now located solely in the Pointe Orlando complex, throws a fancy wine dinner this week. Enjoy a four-couse meal, including dessert, with wine pairings selected for each course by Jordan Wines. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday; Funky Monkey Bistro & Bar, 9101 International Drive; $100-$125; funkymonkeywine.com Funky Monkey Bistro & Bar…
Cirque de la Symphonie provides visual spectacle for movie themes at Bob Carr Theater
Themes from legendary film composers like John Williams and Hans Zimmer meet the circus this weekend when the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performs iconic scores while gymnasts flip, twirl and fly right above their heads. The new Cirque de la Symphonie program features music from movie classics such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Batman, Raiders of…
Here’s what to do if you’re confronted by border agents
The crackdown is underway: Last year and the beginning of this one have brought what seems to be a purge of undocumented immigrants living in the United States. It’s a trend that’s increasingly apparent in the case of Florida, where, as of 2014, more than 4 percent of the state’s total population consisted of undocumented…
Florida beaches now feature tiny venomous sea slugs
Just when we thought we’d seen it all, blue dragon sea slugs wash ashore in Boca Raton. That was the case for one couple as they strolled down the shore of Red Reef Park, according to a report from the Sun Sentinel. They expected to find seashells, as lovers sometimes do, but instead they stumbled across…
Florida lawmakers criticize FEMA decision to end food and water aid for Puerto Rico
Florida lawmakers are blasting FEMA’s decision to “officially shut off” the emergency food and water aid provided to Puerto Rico in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria. More than 133 days after the catastrophic storm, a third of residents on the U.S. territory remain without power, and some, without access to potable water. In a bipartisan…
Canvas Restaurant and Market is throwing a free Super Bowl tailgate on Sunday
Not sure where you’re going to watch the game on Sunday? You might consider a road trip out to Lake Nona to Canvas Restaurant & Market and enjoy the wide open spaces, plus killer food from chef Bryan Thoman’s crew while you watch the Pats and Eagles. From 2-6 p.m., the outdoor tailgate party will…
Orange County jail won’t change immigrant detention policy despite ICE agreement with Florida sheriffs
Despite a controversial new detention agreement with ICE and 17 Florida sheriffs, the Orange County Corrections department said it won’t alter its current procedures on housing undocumented immigrants for federal officials. “Orange County Corrections has had an effective process in place to house federal inmates within a local jail for more than a decade,” said…
Carmel Kitchen in Winter Park has closed
Carmel Kitchen Wine Bar, a Tampa-based restaurant chain with iPads for menus, has officially closed its Winter Park location. An employee with Carmel confirmed to Orlando Weekly that an announcement was made last weekend that the company has decided to shutter their Winter Park restaurant at 160 N. Orlando Ave. No exact reason for the closure was…
Broken Social Scene are coming to Orlando this March
Toronto indie-rock Broken Social Scene collective today announced a new round of North American touring for last year’s Hug of Thunder album. Commencing in early March, the “Hug of Thunder” tour will include an Orlando stop. The group also announced upcoming appearances at this year’s Bonnaroo Festival and My Morning Jacket’s One Big Holiday fest.…
Without DACA recipients, Florida could lose more than $1 billion annually, says study
As if the humane approach wasn’t enough, there’s a financial incentive for providing a path to citizenship for DACA recipients too. Beginning March 5, nearly 700,000 of those approved for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA – an Obama-era executive order that grants two-year renewable work permits to undocumented immigrants who were…
Publix will reportedly build a delivery-specific store in Longwood
Perhaps Publix is assuming that shopping is even more of a pleasure if you don’t have to put on pants and leave the house. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Publix plans to build a location in Longwood that is strictly focused on same-day delivery and pick-ups. Publix will be redeveloping the New Assembly of God…
How to see the ‘super blue blood moon’ in Orlando tomorrow morning
If you want to catch the rare “super blue blood moon” in Orlando you’re going to have to get up pretty damn early tomorrow morning. According to NASA, Orlandoans should plan on staring at the western horizon from 5:51 a.m. to 6.45 a.m Wednesday, Jan. 31. What’s so special about this particular moon, besides the…
DeSantis launches bid for Florida governor as ‘principled conservative’
Republican Congressman Ron DeSantis walked across the stage Monday as the late rocker Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” played in a crowded room at a Boca Raton hotel. DeSantis stood at the podium with a giant American flag and a Florida flag in the background as he formally launched his 2018 bid for governor.…
Florida Keys has more binge drinkers than anywhere else in the state
Ernest Hemingway, Hunter S. Thompson and Jimmy Buffett, all known for their boozy tendencies, and all of which either lived or spent extensive time in the Florida Keys. Their infamously drunk habits would still fit in with the Keys today. The Florida Keys currently has the highest percentage of binge drinkers than anywhere else in the…
New permits reveal details on Magic Kingdom’s next E-Ticket attraction
Last year at D23, Disney confirmed that a new TRON indoor roller coaster would be coming to the Magic Kingdom. While the belief was this new signature attraction would open in time for the 50th Anniversary, we now have a better understanding of the timeline thanks to recently filed government paperwork. In November, we saw Environmental…
Disney is reportedly considering changing the name of Hollywood Studios to ‘Cinemagine Park’
After years of speculation, it now looks like Disney has finally settled on a new name for Hollywood Studios and it doesn’t seem to be a popular one. Back in 2015, after being asked by a six-year-old if the company planned a name change, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that one was in the works;…
Former Florida Rep. Corrine Brown officially reported to prison today
Today marks the day in which Corrine Brown – who served for 24 years as a Democrat in Congress before losing a reelection bid in 2016 – goes from private citizen to prison cellmate. Brown will report to a federal prison in Sumter County after receiving a five-year sentence late last year, on December. Prior…
Full Sail graduates won big at this year’s Grammy Awards
The 60th annual Grammy Awards were held last night, and among the big winners behind some of this year’s biggest albums was a clutch of hard-working graduates of Orlando’s Full Sail University, who helped bring some of these albums into the world. List of local winners below: Best Pop Vocal Album: Ed Sheeran Divide: Brent Arrowood…
Kimchi’s Korean Grill will close its doors in February
Now’s your last chance to get Korean barbecue at Kimchi’s. The SoDo (south of downtown) restaurant is hanging up its apron and closing their doors for good on Feb. 27. According to the restaurant, Tin and Tacos will take over Kimchi’s location at 419 E. Michigan St. and plans to open sometime in April or…
Daytona’s FannyPack spark bright in Orlando debut at the Falcon
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND FannyPack, Sports Reference and Tourist Season, The Falcon, Jan. 27 It was a night of decent but literal acts. Although occasionally brawnier with the rock, Gainesville’s Sports Reference were by-the-numbers classic emo. And solo local act Tourist Season – perhaps the most apropos name for an Orlando act ever – was straightforward…
Florida gun violence prevention group releases PSA featuring Pulse community
The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence is releasing a series of gun safety public service announcement featuring the community who came together in the aftermath of the 2016 mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse. The first video released features Pulse survivor Christopher Hansen and Mayra Alvear-Benabe, the mother of 25-year-old Amanda Alvear, one…
Florida officials are just going to leave this massive humpback whale carcass on the beach
It’s not a typical beach day when you come across a massive whale carcass. On Sunday, Jan. 28, beachgoers on Fernadina Beach near Jacksonville stumbled on a 30-foot humpback whale, reports WFTV. Since the whale is just too damn big, officials have decided to leave it on the beach and let nature take its course. Though…
Altamonte Springs police say LGBTQ support center was actually a sex club
Altamonte Springs police say a business posing as an LGBTQ support center was actually a sex club that charged membership fees. In December, detectives began looking into Craigslist posts that advertised a place where men could meet up to have sex in an Altamonte Springs strip mall on State Road 436 near Lake Brantley. The…
Disney might be secretly adding a new restaurant to one of Epcot’s most popular pavilions
With two major new rides confirmed for Epcot and dozens of other changes in the works, it comes as no surprise that Disney is looking to freshen up dining options in the park. We already have confirmation on one new dining spot, a space-themed sit-down restaurant that will be located in Future World East and the…
After killing off Ringling Brothers, Feld Entertainment now turns to a new Jurassic World arena show
Last year, when Feld pulled the plug on the Ringling Brothers circus after more than 146 years, the Tampa Bay-based production company known for its Disney on Ice and Monster Jam productions promised big things in the future. Now we have one of the first major productions announced since then. A new arena show, Jurassic…
Heads were falling off Disney robots yesterday
“We got no troubles, life is the bubbles under the sea,” except for, of course, partially decapitated heads. On Sunday, Jan. 28, Ursula’s head dangled from her body in full view of guests riding Disneyland’s The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure attraction. See all that stuff inside, kids? That’s why your robots never worked. A guest…
Tori Tori Japanese Pub coming to Mills 50 this summer
Sonny Nguyen, chef/owner of DOMU at East End market, will open a traditional Japanese pub in the Mills 50 District this summer. Tori Tori, a play off “yakitori,” will open in the space next to King Bao at 720 N. Mills Ave. Nguyen, who’s partnering on the project with local restaurateur Johnny Tung, is keeping…
Band of the Week: Yogurt Smoothness
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 Yogurt Smoothness. Yogurt Smoothness is playing Will’s Pub on Jan. 31 with Boytoy. Just the facts: When did the band form?We’ve been around since 2007, somehow. Who’s in the band?Dan…
Vice President Joe Biden’s talking tour kicks off the week at the Dr. Phillips Center
Sorry, Mike Pence. We’re gonna let you finish (are we?), but Joe Biden is the greatest Veep of all – well, the past 10 years anyway. The veteran senator from Delaware was a breath of fresh air when he took over the spot in 2009, showing more likability than Dick Cheney, more personality than Al…
Florida Supreme Court continues rejecting death row appeals
The Florida Supreme Court opinions started showing up in batches of 10 last week. The opinions were nearly identical, except for the names of the Death Row inmates seeking new sentences and a few details of each case. But the conclusion was the same: No dice. With a batch released Monday, the total number of…
Digress Wine set to pour in College Park
Rob Chase and Brian Kerney, new owners of Cavanaugh’s Fine Wines, have grand plans for the College Park stalwart. We told you back in December that Cavanaugh’s would undergo a thorough rebrand with a new concept and name. That new name is Digress Wine and the new concept is that of a “casual and welcoming neighborhood wine…
Florida law enforcement open criminal investigation into former Sen. Latvala
State law-enforcement officials have found probable cause to open a criminal investigation into possible wrongdoing by former Sen. Jack Latvala, a Clearwater Republican who announced his resignation last month amid a probe into allegations of possible public corruption. After conducting a preliminary review, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has opened an “active investigation,” department…
White supremacists are planning to rally in Tallahassee this weekend
A white supremacist organization involved in the violent Charlottesville demonstrations last year is planning to hold its first rally of 2018 in Tallahassee this weekend. The Tallahassee Democrat reports League of the South leaders say they will hold a demonstration at the Old Capitol building on Saturday, Jan. 27. The organization encouraged members on its…
These activists are using prevention instead of punishment to fight the opioid epidemic
In October, Donald Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency, claiming that more than 64,000 Americans had died from opioid overdoses the previous year. Fentanyl is responsible for a large part of that number. But aside from his attorney general’s attempts to ramp back up a tough-on-crime drug war that will re-criminalize weed,…
A rogue penis made an appearance at an Orlando pizza joint
Penis and pizza can be an unsavory combination, unless of course it’s Dong Pizza. But typically, it’s safe to say these two don’t mix. A recent video posted to Facebook shows a man stripping naked, and climbing over the counter at a Panino’s, a downtown Orlando pizza joint. WARNING! THIS VIDEO SHOWS DONG (UPDATE: The…
Chicago’s Zigtebra the latest touring band to break in Iron Cow, with locals Volcanist and Dearest
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Zigtebra, Volcanist and Dearest, Iron Cow, Jan. 25 Last week in my first peek inside big new Milk District venue Iron Cow, I mistakenly noted that it’s a beer bar. In actuality, it’s full-ass liquor. So, go nuts, y’all. The draw was yet another showcase by Ugly Orange promoter Nicole Dvorak, this…
A Florida resident was dragged off a Greyhound bus and detained by border patrol, again
In a case of déjà vu at its worst, on Friday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection boarded another Greyhound bus at a Fort Lauderdale bus station to ask passengers for legal documents that proved their citizenship, according to video evidence provided by the Florida Immigrant Coalition. Per the FLIC, as a result, a native Trinidadian…
Florida House signs off on slavery memorial at Capitol
With the idea also moving quickly through the Senate, the Florida House on Thursday unanimously passed a bill to create a slavery memorial at the state Capitol. The bill (HB 67), sponsored by Rep. Kionne McGhee, D-Miami, calls for the Florida Department of Management Services, working with the state Division of Historical Resources, to develop…
Jeb Bush says Republicans will lose if midterms focus on Trump’s racist rhetoric
Former Florida governor and presidential candidate Jeb Bush says Republicans will get clobbered if the 2018 congressional midterms focus on the actual words that come out of our president’s mouth on a daily basis. Speaking with USA Today, Bush did say that while Trump’s rollback of business regulations were a good move, the president’s inability…
Orange County to bring two more solar co-ops to residents in 2018
Orange County plans to up the ante as the state’s largest and most successful solar co-op by bringing two additional solar co-ops to residents in the coming months, as part of a partnership with Solar United Neighbors of Florida. A solar co-op in East Orange County launched earlier this month, on Jan. 22, with the…
Okeechobee Festival’s PoWoW lineup to include Snoop Dogg, the Roots and more
The Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival has just released the lineup for its all-star PoWoW set for this year’s fest. The PoWoW is a one-night-only soundclash live jam that is quickly becoming the centerpiece of Okeechobee. The lineup so far for this year’s PowWow band is: Snoop Dogg, The Roots, Chaka Khan, Joey Bada$$, Dominic…
‘Nobody is above the law’ protests planned for Orlando if Trump tries to fire Robert Mueller
Yesterday, the New York Times published a story stating that back in June, President Donald Trump attempted to fire Robert Mueller but only backed off when members of the White House Special Council threatened to quit. The story, which Fox News at first ignored, rebuked and then verified, has been refuted by Trump himself, who called…
Celebrate Lunar New Year this weekend at the Tet Festival at Central Florida Fairgrounds
And you thought the holidays were over! This weekend (Jan. 27-28), the Central Florida Fairgrounds will play host to this year’s Vietnamese New Year Festival, which is always a good time for food lovers and those who appreciate the vibrance Vietnamese residents bring to our city. Watch the Facebook promo video for the event here.…
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club postpone tonight’s Orlando show
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have postponed their Orlando show – set for tonight at the Beacham downtown – until May. A statement released by the band read: “Hey Guys, we’re very sorry to have to tell you that both Pete & Rob have been hit by the flu that’s been going around and, per doctor’s orders,…
NFL Pro Bowl showcases the best of the rest at Camping World Stadium
Here’s an oft-asked question: Are you ready for some football? The regular season may be said and done and the playoffs well underway, with the two teams competing in the Super Bowl having been decided this past weekend (good try, Jags), but the best of the best have yet to face off against each other…
OnePulse Foundation seeks public input on Pulse memorial
As Orlando still heals from Pulse a year and a half later, local leaders are starting to have discussions on what to do with the site of the massacre. One such discussion will take place this weekend as the onePULSE Foundation starts its series of community meetings to get the public’s input on the future…
Norsekorea celebrates seven years of great shows at Will’s Pub tonight
Has it already been seven years? (No matter, time is an illusion anyway, right?) The Holy Number seems to be a watershed year for local underground booker Norsekorea, with truly seismic shows on the hoof from Big Freedia, KRS-One, Soft Kill and Dead Boys set for the coming months. In the meantime, though, Friday is…
NPR’s Joshua Johnson talks journalism tonight at WMFE Studios
When Joshua Johnson stepped in to fill the hole left by the departure of our beloved Diane Rehm, we were wary. Could anyone really replace that goddess of the airwaves? But we were won over, gradually at first and then suddenly in the summer of 2017, as he tackled the Charlottesville riot and the nationwide…
Florida judge weighs ban on smoking medical marijuana
After spending more than five years pleading with the Florida Legislature to legalize medical marijuana, Cathy Jordan and her husband, Bob, were back in Tallahassee on Thursday. But this time, the Bradenton couple appeared in a Leon County courtroom, asking a judge to overturn a state law that bans patients who qualify to use medical…
Florida lawmakers want to allow guns in churches
The Florida House and Senate have started moving forward with measures that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns on the grounds of churches and other religious institutions that include schools. But as with past failed efforts, a Senate proposal (SB 1048) approved Thursday by the Judiciary Committee would prohibit firearm possession during…
Quantum Leap hosts Love Fest block party for Mills 50
Celebrate your love of Mills 50 at this outdoor block party outside Quantum Leap Winery. Enjoy live music and DJs while browsing the wares of local craftspeople and sampling cocktails from the Guesthouse, beer from Ten10 and wine from Quantum Leap. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; Quantum Leap Winery, 1312 Wilfred Drive; free; mills50.org [location-1] Related…
The Brass Tap on Mills celebrates three years with a special lineup of beers
Mills Park’s only craft beer bar, the Brass Tap, celebrates three years of that patio life with a huge selection of special brews. Grab a spot, attach your kid or dog to a stake on the lawn, and get into a serious session with selections like Cigar City’s Beoir Le Caife, Funky Buddha’s Morning Wood,…
CRC proposal could unravel privacy guarantees for Floridians, starting with women
An amendment proposed by the state’s Constitution Revision Commission could erode privacy protections between Florida’s government and its citizens, says one of the lawmakers who wrote the state’s 1980 privacy amendment. Sponsored by CRC appointee John Stemberger and drafted by former Florida Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Bell, the amendment proposes to add 10 words to…
A gang of angry turkeys is now running this Longwood neighborhood
The week of wild Florida news continues: One neighborhood in Seminole County is dealing with an aggressive turkey problem – turkeys chasing kids and damaging cars… pic.twitter.com/9kgju77VX0 — Clay LePard (@ClayLePard) January 24, 2018 A crew of unruly and aggressive wild turkeys have essentially taken over a neighborhood in Longwood, Florida, prompting wildlife officials to…
Escaped horse refuses to pull over for Florida deputy
An escaped horse with someplace to be refused to obey direct orders to pull over from a Florida deputy. On Wednesday, Jan. 24, deputies with Pasco Sheriff’s Office spotted a horse running north along U.S. 19 in the Hudson area. A video of the incident was posted to the department’s Facebook page and you can actually…
Orlando’s failed bid for Amazon’s HQ2 involved millions in tax incentives, free land and a new high school
The Orlando Economic Partnership released details this afternoon from the region’s failed bid for Amazon’s secondary headquarters, HQ2, and it involves plenty of free land, tax incentives and even solar arrays in the shape of the company’s logo. The proposal was divided into four regions for Amazon to choose from, which included downtown Orlando’s Creative…
Lynyrd Skynyrd will play two Florida shows on their final farewell tour
Here’s your last chance to yell “Free Bird!” This morning, Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd decided to call it quits and announced plans for a final farewell tour, which will kick off in their home state of Florida. The Jacksonville natives will be joined by Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr., Bad Company, the Marshall Tucker…
Mark Wahlberg reminds us he has two Orlando restaurants, and that he’s down with local sports opinions
Yesterday, actor Mark Wahlberg gave a shoutout to not only the undefeated UCF football squad, but also to any potential burger eaters coming to Orlando for the upcoming Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. In a Facebook message to the burger-eating public, Wahlberg kicked things off by plugging his two Orlando-area Wahlburger restaurants. “Welcome to…
A $13 million grant is going to help displaced Puerto Ricans in Florida find jobs
The U.S. Secretary of Labor has awarded Florida more than $13 million for the National Dislocated Worker Grant, announced Rep. Val Demings, D-Orlando, today. The program is designed to provide extra money to states as a response to an increased number of unemployed workers, such as the nearly 300,000 Puerto Ricans and Virgin Islanders who…
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz got a lesson on how analogies work last night
“If you’re going to make an analogy at least know what you’re talking about.” Oof. This clip. https://t.co/iWXsZAhky7 — Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) January 25, 2018 Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, an elected official who once filed a bill based on a conspiracy theory he saw on Reddit, appeared on CNN last night to argue that some missing…
Duke Energy says they won’t bill Florida customers $500 million for Hurricane Irma costs
Duke Energy Florida customers will be spared paying more than $500 million in costs related to Hurricane Irma because of the utility’s savings under the new federal tax overhaul, Duke said Wednesday. Duke, the state’s second-largest electric utility, announced the decision slightly more than a week after Florida Power & Light said its customers would…
Florida lawmakers could expand needle-exchange program statewide
Two years after lawmakers approved a needle-and-syringe exchange program in Miami-Dade County, the House and Senate are considering taking it statewide and expanding the types of providers who can offer the services. House and Senate health care-panels on Wednesday approved bills that would allow hospitals, clinics, medical schools and substance-abuse treatment programs to begin offering…
Rick Scott differs from lawmakers on Visit Florida tourism funding
Lawmakers appear ready to match Gov. Rick Scott’s request for $85 million to replenish a new economic-development fund but might not meet his proposal for tourism-marketing money. An initial House budget proposal calls for spending $76 million on tourism-marketer Visit Florida during the upcoming year, which is $24 million less than what Scott wants. Meanwhile,…
Cavanaugh’s Wines invites you to bring your pooch to happy hour to score free swag
College Park’s Cavanaugh’s Wines hosts a pet-friendly drink-together this week. Bring your pooch and receive a free gift bag from Woof! Orlando filled with treats, coupons and other swag. Then practice your sommelier skills on a wide selection of vino. Because if you didn’t get drunk with your floofer, how would they know who’s the…
Elton John will bring his final farewell tour to Orlando this November
The rocket man’s final tour was just announced, and it looks like he’ll be saying goodbye to the yellow brick road one last time in Orlando. Today the 70-year-old Elton John released details on his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, which is a three-year run with 300 dates across the globe. Sir Elton will be…
Florida bill would mandate HPV vaccination for all public school students
A bill has been filed in the Florida Legislature that would seek to vaccinate students at Florida public schools against the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. – human papillomavirus, or HPV. SB 1558, also known as the “Women’s Cancer Prevention Act,” was introduced by Florida state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, a Democrat,…
Florida dog nearly dies after owner attempts to color it purple
“Do not, under any circumstances, use hair color intended for humans on your pets,” warned Pinellas County Animal Services after someone nearly killed their dog with purple hair dye. Violet – a normally white, 5-pound Maltese mix – was brought to the Pinellas County Animal Services with burns and swollen eyes. Detailing the incident in…
26 free shows happening in Orlando this weeek
Wednesday, Jan. 24 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. Joylane, the Coven, Filthy Deniros, Laghima, Pig Pen 8 pm at Uncle Lou’s Entertainment Hall, 1016 N. Mills Ave. Thursday,…
‘American Pickers’ will be in Florida and they want to rummage through your junk
It’s time to go through grandma’s dusty attic and pull out the ancient artifacts. History Channel’s antique-centered reality show American Pickers is coming to Florida this winter and they want to root around in your junk piles. In search of warmer weather and new finds, the show’s hosts, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, will put…
182 Toys R Us locations are closing, including three in Central Florida
Yesterday, Toys R Us announced plans to close up to 182 stores across the country, including three locations in the Orlando area. The stores include a location in Altamonte Springs (708 W. State Road 436), a Babies R Us store in Kissimmee (2601 W. Osceola Parkway) and a Toys R Us store in Kissimmee (3214 John Young Parkway). The company…
Riverdance returns to the stage at the Dr. Phillips Center
The pitter-patter of little Irish feet caused a sensation back in the 1990s when Riverdance, a high-concept Irish step dancing revue, became an international hit after premiering during the 1994 Eurovision competition. The PBS staple was credited with packing previously barren step dancing classes, and launching the career of Chicago-born dancer Michael Flatley, the original…
Black Rebel Motorcycle Gang rides into the Beacham this week
Over the course of a steady career of nearly two decades, this rubber-burning California rock gang has risen from the cult of bands that kneel at the Jesus & Mary Chain altar to become one of the most successful, enduring and distinguished of their class. Their octane was clear from birth, and it rocketed them…
A Lakeland high school is performing a musical about Publix
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting tomorrow will get a little more entertaining when Harrison School for the Arts performs a musical about Publix and its owner. Titled When You Dream, the musical will start with the story of founder George W. Jenkins and his journey to becoming the owner of the locally based…
Holy Land Experience free day is basically your only chance to get your tax money’s worth out of the park
The Holy Land Experience only offers free admission one day a year as part of a sweetheart deal cooked up by religious zealot Daniel Webster back when he was a state senator. The deal exempts HLE from paying property taxes and negates the significant portion of back taxes it owed beforehand. So if you care…
New Smyrna’s Images art festival is worth the drive
Art transcends media. Every time we scroll down our social media feed we see various art forms, people living out their creative dreams in a space that builds connections across platforms. This weekend, New Smyrna Beach will have booths filled with individuals aiming to display their art to patrons and make some dough while doing…
Florida lawmakers consider requiring public schools to display ‘In God We Trust’ motto
With supporters saying the motto is a “foundation” of the state and country, a House panel Tuesday approved a bill that would require the message “In God We Trust” to be displayed at all public schools. “In God We Trust” is included in state law as Florida’s official motto. The bill (HB 839), sponsored by…
Brightline deaths in South Florida spur push for state oversight
Amid the backdrop of two recent pedestrian deaths along the path of new high-speed trains in Southeast Florida, several lawmakers on Tuesday continued their push for greater state oversight of passenger rail. The Treasure Coast and Space Coast lawmakers are backing a proposal that would force the fledgling Brightline service, and not local governments, to…
Peek inside new Milk District venue Iron Cow and Kaia Kater proves why she could be the most relevant folk artist today
NEW VENUE PEEK: IRON COW You can read my review of Rocko English and .org online, but the bigger story is this fresh spot. You’ll see something like this from me an unusual amount this year because of the mass infusion of new venues due to contend in the near future. It’s an unprecedented bumper…
Opening in Orlando: Maze Runner: The Death Cure, Mary and the Witch’s Flower
THIS WEEK: Maze Runner: The Death Cure It’s always helpful when a movie’s title tells you right up front what it’s going to take to MAKE IT STOP. You may have thought the genre of dystopian YA fiction was deader than a doornail at the multiplex. But that was just because the release of the…
Savage Love: ‘Mother Love’
My father left my mother abruptly when I was 14 years old, and he hasn’t contacted either of us since. It was a crushing blow for her, and she retreated from the world. She was never bitter about it, but it was devastating. She lost the love of her life for no apparent reason and…
The best Orlando concerts happening this week
Joy Lane New and impressive electro/post-punk project heads to Lou’s as part of a bill including the Coven, Laghima and the Filthy Dineros. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at Uncle Lou’s, free Dearest Local loop/soundscape instrumentalist who recently impressed opening up for Perfume Genius shares the stage with locals Volcanist and Zigtebra from Chicago. 9…
Tara Kromer is an Orlando director worth keeping an eye (and ear) out for
In recent months, challenges to the patriarchy have rocked the performing arts from Hollywood to Broadway. And while Orlando’s entertainment community may be more diverse than many, we aren’t immune to issues of gender inequity. For example, Central Florida is blessed with an abundance of talented actresses, as well as designers, producers, and even venue…
Garp & Fuss is now open off Park Avenue, Zona Fresca has closed and more in Orlando foodie news
NEWS: Another reason to visit Morimoto Asia: Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh is now the chef de cuisine … Brunch is now being served at K Restaurant in College Park every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. OPENINGS: Winter Park Biscuit Co., a vegan pop-up eatery by chef Mary Mattern, debuts in…
ICYMI: Amazon leaves the City Beautiful off list of finalists for HQ2, offshore oil drilling could still happen in Florida and more
Thousands attend an intersectional reckoning at the Orlando Women’s March: On the one-year anniversary of the largest political protest in U.S. history, thousands of people flooded Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando to show their solidarity with women and other marginalized communities the Trump administration has targeted. Sheena Meade, a former candidate for the Florida…
Gimme Shelter: Meet Tillie
Looking for a pet? Meet Tillie! Tillie (A386208) is 1 year old and is looking for a forever home. She can be a little shy at first, but she warms up quickly and you’ll see her amazing personality. She is mellow and laid-back, and enjoys being petted. Tillie has been spayed, vaccinated and has a microchip,…
