Cover Story
Four Orlando art exhibitions redirect the white gaze
Black Mirror
Florida congressman Matt Gaetz files bill to ‘permanently abolish’ the EPA
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican junior congressman representing Florida’s 1st Congressional District, has drafted a bill that would eliminate the agency pledged to protecting human health and the environment. In an email sent to colleagues sounding them out for support, Gaetz wrote, “Today, the American people are drowning in rules and regulations promulgated by unelected…
Florida House Speaker says he’s exposing ‘cockroaches’ in Rick Scott’s programs
Saying he is shining a light on “cockroaches,” House Speaker Richard Corcoran railed on everything from the governor’s priorities to a wayward judge during remarks to editors and reporters Tuesday. In perhaps his most provocative remarks, Corcoran singled out Gov. Rick Scott —- without naming him directly —- and some of the governor’s most high-profile…
CAIR Florida sues Donald Trump over immigration ban
Florida’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization is suing President Donald Trump and his administration over his executive order temporarily banning refugees and immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries. Hassan Shibly, chief executive director of the Florida chapter of Council of American-Islamic Relations, is listed as one of 20 plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Trump…
Have you seen these Florida tortoises?
When his two beloved tortoises went missing last Friday night, one South Florida farm owner knew something bad had happened: Tortoises don’t make great runaways. Phil Marraccini, owner of Phil’s Berry Farm in South Miami Dade, says he’s sure his 65-pound tortoises were stolen, reports the Miami Herald. Speedy and Dots both weigh around 65…
Sublime with Rome, Sevendust, Candlebox and more announced for upcoming Earthday Birthday concert
Local rock radio station WJRR 101.1 FM has announced the headliners for this year’s 24th installment of their Earthday Birthday bash, and their fans and listeners will not be disappointed. The all-day event, stretched across three different stages, will host Sublime with Rome, Sevendust, Candlebox, Sick Puppies, Alter Bridge, Thrice, Nonpoint, Goodbye June, Dinosaur Pile-Up…
Taps Winter Park becomes Firefly Bar and Kitchen
Regal Winter Park moviegoers’ most conveniently located watering hole, Taps Bar and Restaurant, is soon to be Firefly Kitchen and Bar. Celebration residents Lisa Amoresano and Jeff McNeil have already taken over as owners and rebranding is underway. Also underway is a thorough remodel. The TV-mounted partition separating the spacious front bar and secluded wine lounge should…
Hulk Hogan is opening a beach shop in Orlando
Ring legend Hulk Hogan has pulled the trigger on a new beach-themed retail store on I-Drive, brother. According to Growth Spotter, developer Joshua Wallack of Wallack Holdings has teamed up with the wrestler and sex tape star to open Hogan’s Beach Shop, at 7679 International Drive. You know, next to the Perkins. No exact date has…
Protesters plan to ruin Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago vacation this weekend
Donald Trump might be looking for a peaceful break from the protests surrounding his presidency, but apparently he won’t escape them here in Florida. Trump is scheduled to attend the International Red Cross 2017 Ball at his Mar-a-Largo resort in Palm Beach on Saturday. He might be expecting a fanciful evening of dinner and dancing,…
Orlando dancer China Taylor will perform with Lady Gaga at Super Bowl
Orlando dancer China Taylor has a “Million Reasons” to smile right now. The local performer was chosen to share a stage with pop icon Lady Gaga at this weekend’s Super Bowl LI. 🏈💅🏾💕👑☮️ | #Repost @ladygaga | Stuntin backstage, #SuperBowl #halftime rehearsal break. It's gonna be only family on that stage. A photo posted by…
’80s mall-pop singer Tiffany plays Parliament House this week
’80s teen-pop sensation and mall-music pioneer Tiffany will be coming to Orlando this week, touring behind new album A Million Miles, and performing low-key acoustic shows with plenty of storytelling in between. Tiffany hit it big in in 1987 with a sleek redo of Tommy James and the Shondell’s “I Think We’re Alone Now,” combined…
New Disney patent adjusts attractions based on passenger expressions
Thrill-seekers and scaredy-cats, get ready to have completely different ride experiences when you hop on that coaster at Disney. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published a Disney patent Thursday that hints at attractions customizing the ride experience to passengers’ emotions. The patent, called “Sensing and Managing Vehicle Behavior Based on Occupant Awareness,” describes a…
DisneyQuest is actually closing for good this time
After last year’s freakout about the indoor interactive game center DisneyQuest closing, it seemed a little anticlimactic when the attraction seemingly forgot to close its doors. But now, Disney has announced that the old staple of Downtown Disney Disney Springs will close on July 3. In its place, Disney is carrying out its previous plans…
There’s a petition to silence Disney’s Donald Trump robot at the Hall of Presidents
It would appear that even Disney World isn’t immune to the protests surrounding President Donald Trump. A recent a Change.org petition has surfaced from Matthew Rogers of Brooklyn, New York, requesting that the robotic Donald Trump not open his robotic word-hole at the Hall of Presidents attraction at Magic Kingdom. Typically the incumbent president gives…
Alexa will now order that $6 Smoked Butterscotch latte for you to pick up
You don’t even need to pick up your phone anymore to order your Starbucks run. This week, a skill was released by Starbucks for the Amazon Echo and Dot that will order your usual for you before you run out the door in the morning. Starbucks introduced mobile ordering through the Starbucks app a few…
Judge says North Florida trauma center shouldn’t have opened
As Gov. Rick Scott seeks to eliminate a cap on the number of trauma centers in the state, an administrative law judge has ruled that the Florida Department of Health improperly allowed a Clay County hospital to open a trauma center last year. The 57-page ruling, issued Friday by Judge W. David Watkins, backed the…
Disney is replacing Animal Kingdom’s Flame Tree Barbecue sauce with some garbage Heinz packets
Flame Tree Barbecue on Discovery Island has remained a popular choice for many Animal Kingdom guests, mainly because of their sauce selection. While the menu has evolved since the park opened in 1998, one thing that has remained is the popular exclusive barbecue sauces that were found in the condiments stand area. The sauces were…
Meet your new Washington watchdog unleashed in the nation’s capital
Democracy in Crisis
Maybe Florida cops shouldn’t leave guns in their patrol cars
This past weekend, quite a few guns went missing in Central Florida – nearly 50 handguns were jacked from a gun store in Polk County – but most notably, within a span of 48 hours, a couple of high-powered weapons were stolen from two different police officers’ patrol cars. Sometime between 3 a.m. and 11…
Bad As’s Sandwich truck just opened a brick and mortar shop in the Milk District
Local food truck vendor Bad As’s Sandwich quietly opened their new stationary brick and mortar in the Milk District Sunday, January 29. Up until this last weekend, the only way to enjoy these saliva-inducing sandwiches was to play social media detective while searching the web for the whereabouts of the always mobile food truck. Now, quite…
Fort Lauderdale airport shooter pleads not guilty to 22 charges
Esteban Santiago, the Iraq war veteran accused of fatally shooting five people at the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, pleaded not guilty to 22 charges in federal court Monday. The Sun Sentinel reports Santiago, 26, has been charged with five counts of causing death at an international airport, six counts of causing serious bodily injury at an…
It took six long hours to free Syrian and Iranian travelers at Orlando International Airport
While President Donald Trump’s executive orders continued wrecking the plans of travelers across the United States on Sunday, Orlando’s response and embrace of the immigrants affected was customarily swift and sunny. The Trump presidency continues to pile on the burdens, so protests have already become a weekly routine for many Floridians. Over the past weekend,…
Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs opened today
After much anticipation, the Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs opened today. It’s been over a year since the Planet Hollywood Observatory began renovations to create the four-story restaurant and entertainment facility. Food Network celebrity chef Guy Fieri had a hand in designing the menu, offering up a multitude of extreme burgers and sandwich creations…
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons reschedule Orlando show
Although they strongly admonished against it in one of their signature tunes, big girls (and big boys for that matter) will be excused for shedding a few years at the news that Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons have been forced to reschedule their January 31 date at the Dr. Phillips Center due to Valli’s…
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss are opening a Rock & Brews in Lee Vista
Kiss front men Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are bringing their rockin’ restaurant chain, Rock & Brews, to the Lee Vista area this April. No, leather pants and black and white makeup are not required for service. The burger and beer joint will feature an assortment of rock-themed decor, a “Great Wall of Rock,” and…
New York’s Fem Dom’s play Spacebar tonight
Rollicking, glam-encrusted indie anthems from the New York band Fem Doms . Heavy showing of newer local and regional bands on the bill – including R-Dent, Adult Life and the Catalystix – too. A very promising Monday night. Fem Doms play Spacebar tonight at 7:30 p.m. Cover is $7. Attic by The Fem Doms Related Stories
Rick Scott pitches pay raises for prison workers
Florida Gov. Rick Scott is proposing to spend $45 million to boost salaries of corrections and probation workers, with the aim of cutting down on overtime expenses and increasing safety in the state’s troubled prison system. The bulk of Scott’s proposal —- $38 million —- would increase base salaries for correctional workers. The governor’s plan…
Trayvon Martin’s parents are considering getting into politics
The parents of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed 17-year-old who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in 2012, say they are now considering getting into politics. Following what they feel is dangerous anti-immigrant rhetoric from the new administration in the White House, parents Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin have decided to address the growing concerns over…
Orange Blossom Cannonball shuts down in Tavares after track lease isn’t renewed
The famous Orange Blossom Cannonball, better known as “America’s Movie Train,” took its last run between Mt. Dora and Tavares this past weekend. Both the Orange Blossom Cannonball and the Lake Dora Limited permanently closed January 29 after Florida Central Railroad chose not to renew the lease of the tracks with Cannonball’s operator, the Tavares,…
Disney now offers a $15,000 dinner inside Walt’s in-park apartment
Back in 2014 when it was first confirmed that Disneyland was getting a new special events space next door to its’ famed hyper-private Club 33, it was thought that this new club, 21 Royal, might eventually be opened to the general public. 21 Royal is in the old space that was meant to be Walt…
‘Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man’ screening at Enzian bids farewell to yet another fallen hero
Leonard Cohen left us last year, as all our loves are bound to do, with a mixture of lingering regrets but a bounty of wonderful memories and even more lovely words. In the usual reexamination of an artist’s work after death, this charming documentary and musical love letter to Cohen from 2005 has been unearthed.…
Band of the Week: Moondragon
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 Moondragon. Moondragon is playing Will’s Pub on Sunday, Feb. 5 with Gost and Autarx. Just the facts: Who’s in the band?Just one member! Troy Simpson – Keyboards/Programming Guitars and additional…
Oviedo resident released from detention at Orlando airport after six hours of questioning
“My whole life changed in one day.” So says Negin Alimohammadi, a Central Florida green card-holder from Iran, as she emerged from two rounds of questioning by Customs & Border Patrol officials at Orlando International Airport. Alimohammadi, an Oviedo resident, earned her Masters of Science degree from the University of Central Florida in 2012. She received her…
Protesters plan rally at Orlando International Airport to support immigrant, Muslim communities
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at refugees and immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries, local protesters have planned a rally at Orlando International Airport on Sunday to support immigrant and Muslim communities. The “Rally to Support Central Florida Muslims” event, created on Facebook by a group called “Support Central Florida Muslim…
Florida men caught with 114 crabs, reptiles ready for sale, officials say
Florida wildlife officials arrested two men this week on Cudjoe Key for allegedly transporting a mix of 114 crabs and reptiles in their minivan to sell at a reptile store on the mainland. The Miami Herald reports FWC officers stopped Daniel Lawlor, of Fort Pierce and Ashtyn Rance, of Miami, for running a stop sign and looking suspicious.…
Miami-Dade mayor complies with Trump’s crackdown on ‘sanctuary’ cities, counties
If we all somehow survive the collective heart attack that has been the past seven days, then surely we’ll all go from an overdose of irony. The source of this overdose: Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Giménez, a Cuban immigrant, who is now ordering county jails to comply with federal immigration detention requests after President Donald Trump…
Comedian and musician Dave Hill announces Orlando show
New York comedian/actor/musician Dave Hill – you might have seen him on Inside Amy Schumer or Full Frontal with Samantha Bee – has announced an Orlando show set for this spring. Hill is best known for his standup work, hosting the “Goddamn Dave Hill Show” on WFMU, and his television work and writing (GQ, NYT, etc), but…
Paddlefish will open next weekend in Disney Springs
Have you ever wanted to eat in a boat? Well, now you can. Paddlefish, the newest addition in the Disney Springs restaurant lineup, will open Saturday, Feb. 4, turning what used to be the dated Fulton’s Crab House into a “modern yacht experience” with culinary selections to match. We’re not ones to jump up and…
Cask & Larder and Bach Festival announce date for Bach and Beer concert
You like classical music? You like beer? This is the event for you. For the third year in a row, the Winter Park brewery and the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park will collaborate to honor the 18th-century composer Johann Sebastian Bach, a noted suds aficionado. The fact that Cask & Larder is now at…
Florida fisherman is very sorry for finding cocaine and selling it
A Florida fisherman is facing life in prison after finding 20 kilograms of cocaine at sea and trying to sell it, and now he wants the public to know that this is a very bad idea. In a letter to The News Herald, Thomas Zachary Breeding, a Panama City-based fisherman, stated, “I would like to…
Muslim association trolls Donald Trump with Florida billboards
A local Muslim group is suggesting that Donald Trump maybe try “Making America great again with love, compassion and mercy.” You know, be nice, maybe? The American Muslim Community Centers, based out of Longwood, Florida, posted two large billboards along Florida highways adopting the slogan Trump used during his run for office, only with a…
Local avant rock vets Obliterati play Will’s Pub tonight
Lifer freak-rock ensemble Obliterati plays their first show since last summer with a handpicked and intriguing multigenerational bill of local weirdos like Shania Pain, Zap Dragon and Bubble Boys. Obliterati returns tonight at 9 p.m. at Will’s Pub. Cover is $5. Believe by Obliterati Related Stories
Man wears swastika on University of Florida campus, gets ‘jumped’
A man wearing a swastika armband was reportedly attacked near the campus of University of Florida after his presence drew a crowd of more than 200 protesters. According to the Independent Florida Alligator, the man has been identified as Michael Dewitz. A spokesman for the Gainsville Police Department told the paper that Dewitz was “jumped”…
SunRail will offer Saturday services again, but not this weekend for the Pro Bowl
SunRail will offer services Saturday, Feb. 4, but for some reason not this weekend for the Pro Bowl. The Saturday service is designed to see if they can gain more ridership for big events – like, you know, the Pro Bowl. The “major venue,” of the day, according to the Florida Department of Transportation, is…
Florida Democrats walk out over controversial ‘anti-immigration’ speaker
A House panel’s decision to hear Thursday from a speaker with a history of inflammatory statements about minorities and immigrants roiled the normal peaceful legislative committee week in Tallahassee, prompting Democrats to walk out of the hearing. The controversy stemmed from a decision by the House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee to invite Mark Krikorian,…
Google Maps now highlights Orlando’s worst parking spots
A new Google feature seems to confirm something we already knew for years: Most of the parking in Orlando is an awful nightmare. On Thursday, Jan. 26, Google announced a new feature to help drivers determine where they can find better parking options, and Orlando has been chosen as one of the test cities. The…
Orlando Philharmonic and Opera Orlando join to consolidate forces
Since the move of the Orlando Philharmonic’s opera productions from the Bob Carr to the hybrid Plaza Live (currently a thriving venue for alternative rock and pop shows), a well-defined, family-friendly approach has resulted in highly accessible shows. Great voices and a deliberate effort to contextualize the plotlines with contemporary stagings have made up for…
Two Central Florida teenagers were arrested for planning a mass shooting
Two middle-school students were arrested Thursday after police officials heard rumors that they were planning a Columbine-style school shooting. According to Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, a 13-year-old male student and a 14-year-old male student at the Villages Charter Middle School were arrested after police learned of and intervened in a mass shooting plot. Rumors began…
Georgia duo Boy Harsher bring new twist on Southern Gothic to Spacebar
Synthwavers Boy Harsher are that uniquely “Southern gothic” (in every sense of the phrase) phenomenon: a cold sonic force that emerged from fetid, humid Southern climes. The duo of Jae Matthews (vocals) and Augustus Muller (electronics) emerged from their cybernetic womb in Savannah, Georgia, fully formed and programmed from the word go. Boy Harsher are…
This weekend’s Zora! Fest includes a one-night-only performance of ‘A Theatrical Biography’
This weekend’s Zora! Festival features a special theater engagement that bridges Zora Neale Hurston’s importance to both Eatonville and Harlem. New York City’s New Federal Theatre presented Zora Neale Hurston: A Theatrical Biography last year in celebration of Hurston’s 125th birthday, and this one-night-only production reunites that cast and crew. Elizabeth Van Dyke’s performance has…
NYC punks the Casualties play Surf Expo’s afterparty at the Social
Local skatepark designer and music enthusiast Tim Payne – you might remember him as the organizer of last summer’s Sleep benefit show for Pulse nightclub shooting victims – relates a story about how as a young lad he’d want to attend the annual Surf Expo industry shindig but never could afford an entry fee tailored…
Lawmakers look at tearing down ‘liquor wall’ between supermarkets and liquor stores
A measure that would allow Floridians to mix vodka and veggies in their shopping carts — something prohibited for more than eight decades — sailed through a Senate committee on Thursday. The Regulated Industries Committee, in a 9-1 vote, backed the latest proposal (SB 106) to repeal a Depression-era law requiring liquor stores and bars…
Hip-hop duo Atmosphere to play the Beacham tonight
Rhymesayers Records mainstays and OG confessional hip-hop duo Atmosphere have come back swinging. Tonight their “Freshwater Fly Fisherman” tour stops in Orlando. We’ve seen them live before and trust us, it’s worth the trip. Atmosphere play the Beacham tonight with longtime tourmate Brother Ali along with deM atlaS, Plain Ole Bill and DJ Last Word at 7…
Mar-a-Lago membership fees have doubled since the election of Donald Trump
Membership fees have reportedly doubled at the Donald Trump Organization’s Mar-a-Lago Resort, also known as Trump’s “Winter White House” in Palm Beach, Florida. According to CNBC, starting January 1, membership fees have increased from $100k to $200k. The company has since said they were planning on making the increase for some time. Because in no…
Markeith Loyd will represent himself in court
Despite the judge telling him this is a terrible idea, Markeith Loyd, the suspect in the murders of both his pregnant ex-girlfriend and Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, has decided to represent himself in court. Loyd made this decision in court Thursday morning in front of Judge Frederick Lauten, who deemed the suspect competent to defend…
Grown, a healthy fast-food restaurant, will open in the Lake Nona Walmart
The new Walmart Supercenter on Narcoossee Road is one of the highest-tech big-box stores out there. It has a drive-through retail pickup area, so you can order your groceries or TVs or dishware sets online and you won’t even have to get out of the car for them to appear in your trunk. You can…
This might be the last unregulated drone video of downtown Orlando
Well, it was fun while it lasted, folks. City officials passed a new ordinance Monday that requires permits for drone users, fines for violators and jail time anyone operating one under the influence. Thankfully, this video above was shot last week by videographer Michael Lang, and is most likely the last unregulated drone video to film…
Japanese psych-rock outfit Acid Mothers Temple announce Orlando show
Japanese psych/hippie-freakout godparents Acid Mothers Temple have planned a rare full-band tour of the U.S. for this spring, and even more rarely, just announced an Orlando show as part of this journey. Guitarist Makoto Kawabata tested this waters with a duo Orlando show last year with Tatsuya Nakatani, and looks like he found the City…
Publix chicken tender subs are on sale this week
As DJ Khaled says, “It’s time to fill your body with success,” because the Publix chicken tender sub, a perfect culmination of bread and meat, is on sale this week for a mere $5.99. That’s right, whole chicken tender subs, perhaps tossed in buffalo sauce, for the same price as a Cleveland Browns ticket. Also,…
Piano Man Billy Joel returns to Orlando to softly rock the Amway Center
We were banging our heads on our desks, trying to think of how to properly express the artistry of William Martin “Billy” Joel, when it occurred to us: Go back to the music! That’s right, always go back to the “music.” The music of a man who has not written or recorded any new material…
Universal Orlando sets opening date for Volcano Bay
Universal Orlando has finally released the official opening date for Volcano Bay, arguably their most anticipated project currently under construction. The water park, which will be their third theme park, is set to open on May 25, with a media preview on May 22. The 28-acre park will revolve Krakatu, a 200-ft volcano at the…
Local survivors of the Shoah will speak at the Holocaust Center today
Every year, International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the day in 1945 that Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp. Last year, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Anne Frank’s stepsister Eva Schloss, an Auschwitz survivor, wrote in Newsweek that she sees parallels today to the rise of Nazism in the 1930s and ’40s. Schloss…
Gov. Rick Scott wants Florida ports to cease trade with Cuba
Gov. Rick Scott is using Twitter to threaten funding cuts for port operators that do business with Cuba, as legal cargo arrived Wednesday at Port Everglades from the island nation. “Disappointed some FL ports would enter into any agreement with Cuban dictatorship,” Scott wrote in a series of tweets Wednesday. “I will recommend restricting state…
Valkyrie Doughnuts opens next week: A photo tour of Orlando’s latest donut shop
Valkyrie Doughnuts, my fellow Canuck Celine Duvoisin’s spinoff of her crazy popular Valhalla Bakery, is set to earn its wings. Orlando’s most determined and, arguably, most powerful baker (she loves pumping iron) gave me a tour of her soon-to-open donut shop near UCF which, she hopes, will open next week. Subcontractor and roofer delays aside, the…
UberEats will now deliver Girl Scout cookies in Orlando only
UberEats has partnered with the Girl Scouts of Citrus to deliver cookies on demand for the first time. That’s right, no more filling out the order form and waiting – if you live in one of six Central Florida counties, you can get Girl Scout Cookies, not just immediately and on demand, but delivered right…
Trump’s chief strategist Stephen Bannon is registered to vote in Florida and New York
President Donald Trump, who is reportedly still irked over losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by almost 3 million votes, is launching an investigation into his repeated false claim that millions of “illegal votes” cast by undocumented people cost him the popular vote. The Trump administration has provided no evidence to substantiate his claims,…
Run the Jewels validate hype as hip-hop’s most blinding light right now (The Beacham)
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND The anatomy of a musical sensation is a mystical thing that contains – besides basic visceral appeal – all sort of situational intangibles, not all of which are qualitative. Rap juggernaut Run the Jewels (Jan. 23, The Beacham), however, are the 24-karat package. From the beginning, it was a lethal union. Its…
McDonald’s will give away 10,000 bottles of Big Mac Special Sauce
File under “Mac Sauce in my bag, SWAG.” Tomorrow, burger fans who want to feel special all the time, not just at the McD’s counter, can score the magic nectar of specialness: a free limited-edition bottle of McDonald’s super-secret Big Mac Special Sauce*. Starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 26), an undisclosed number of…
Lexington postpunkers Chlorine tour through Uncle Lou’s tonight
If his previous project Elsinores was a stab at early Joy Division/Warsaw, Lexington’s Joey Elsinore has now entered his lush, electro-pop New Order phase with Chlorine. Bring flowers. Chlorine plays Uncle Lou’s tonight with tourmate Dr. Paul and locals Harsh Radish and Von Nacht at 10 p.m. Cover is $5 Peace With Nothing by Chlorine…
School officials respond to man wearing swastika armband at University of Florida
Footage of an unidentified man sporting a swastika at the University of Florida has caused enough outrage from students and the public that the school has released an official statement. According to the Independent Florida Alligator, the incident occurred Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Turlington Plaza following an event organized by the Jewish Student Union. Footage…
Wetsuit-wearing SeaWorld penguin finally grows her own coat
A SeaWorld penguin who was given a custom wetsuit because of feather loss is finally growing a new coat of her own. For about three months, the female Adelie penguin named Wonder Twin rocked a custom wetsuit from SeaWorld’s aviculture and wardrobe teams. The suit mimicked her natural coat of feathers so she could regulate her…
17 free concerts happening in Orlando this week
Wednesday, Jan. 25 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints Of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. Reggae Night with Hor!zen and DJ Red I 10 pm at the Caboose, 1827 N. Orange Ave. The Timothy Eerie Band 10 p.m. at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Thursday, Jan. 26 Thursday Jazz Jams 8 pm…
Chicken Salad Chick is giving away free lunch tomorrow
Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual lunch spot for people who enjoy chicken in various salad forms, is celebrating their ninth birthday tomorrow with a free lunch. Tomorrow, Jan. 26, which is not only their ninth birthday but also Customer Appreciation Day, the restaurant will be offering a scoop of its Classic Carol chicken salad…
‘Stand your ground’ measure shifting burden of proof could sail through Florida Senate
A controversial measure that would shift the burden of proof in “stand your ground” self-defense cases cleared its first stop Tuesday on an expected fast track through the Florida Senate. The Republican-dominated Judiciary Committee voted 5-4 —- along party lines —- to back the proposal (SB 128) by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island. The measure…
NRA-backed Florida senator says guns in airport terminals are a top priority
The author of a controversial proposal that would broadly expand how and where people can carry guns said Tuesday he is breaking up the measure. However, Senate Judiciary Chairman Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, said he still intends to advance each smaller piece of his proposal (SB 140), which includes allowing people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly…
Artist Guy Harvey is building a luxury trailer park in Tarpon Springs
Guy Harvey, a Florida-based artist and creator of every dad’s favorite shirt, will soon open a new luxury trailer park in Tarpon Springs. The 66-acre Guy Harvey Outpost Club & Resort, which is actually a partnership between Guy Harvey Outpost and Elite Resorts, will include 70 loft-style “boutique” cottages and 270 paved driveways. According to…
DoveCote partners with Angel’s Envy for a spirited dinner that won’t break the bank
DoveCote, the “French-inspired” restaurant from chef Clayton Miller, has made waves in the downtown dining scene since moving into the Bank of America building last year. But the pricey menu, though universally well received, can limit the scope of the culinary adventure that patrons are able to embark on. Which is why this prix fixe…
Savage Love (1/25/17)
I am quite the follower on social media – Facebook and Twitter in particular. I make no trolling comments, no #MAGA hashtags; I just look with my male gaze. Like Laura Mulvey says, the male gaze is only natural. I’ve lost interest in pornography, so I use everyday pictures of women, typically selfies. It helps…
Hear me roar: Why Orlando women marched in Central Florida Women’s Rally
Dania Davy just wants for her daughter to see the future. Strapped to her back, Davy, 34, carried her sleepy 2-year-old toddler in a crowd of thousands marching against sexism, racism, xenophobia and other forms of oppression at the Women’s Rally of Central Florida at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Her child may not…
Selections: Our picks of the week’s best events, Jan.25-31
Wednesday, 25 Angel’s Envy Spirited Dinner EVENTS DoveCote, the “French-inspired” restaurant from chef Clayton Miller, has made waves in the downtown dining scene since moving into the Bank of America building last year. But the pricey menu, though universally well received, can limit the scope of the culinary adventure that patrons are able to embark…
The Stubborn Mule leads Thornton Parkers to quite an inviting trough
If you’re familiar with the cuisine of either the Winter Garden or College Park outposts of RusTeak, then you know their dishes veer towards the weighty, indulgent and unapologetically saucy. RusTeak’s slightly more informal sister resto in Thornton Park – the Stubborn Mule – toes a similar line of heft, with a beverage focus on…
Valkyrie Doughnuts opens next week by UCF, Ace Cafe is hiring downtown, plus more in our weekly food roundup
OPENINGS Valkyrie Doughnuts, the doughnut-only offshoot of Valhalla Bakery, opens this week next week (more subcontractor delays!) in the former Qarma Crepes location near UCF … You’ll have to wait to ride the bus to Flavortown – the Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs has pushed back its opening to Jan. 30, but that could continue…
Merchandise’s David Vassalotti gives the In-Between Series possibly its most gripping performance, Mike Doughty and Wheatus serve up sweet nostalgia
In desperate need of a laugh out of the current political situation? Just look at the revenge of that hysterically sad-ass musical lineup for Trump’s inauguration. I almost feel bad for the event’s talent buyer. THE BEAT The In-Between Series covers a lot of stylistic ground. But, befitting a gallery serial focused on art music,…
A look inside the floored genius of frazzled rocker Kurt Vile
All in a daze work
Concert Picks This Week: Chlorine, Obliterati, Olga Kern and more
Chlorine If his band Elsinores was a stab at Joy Division, Joey Elsinore has now entered lush, electro-pop New Order phase with Chlorine. Bring flowers. 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Uncle Lou’s, $5 Atmosphere OG sadboy hip-hop duo come back swinging. We’ve seen them live before and trust us, it’s worth the trip. 7…
ICYMI: Donald Trump’s reign begins, FBI arrest widow of Pulse shooter, Markeith Loyd is caught and other things you may have missed this week
Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th U.S. President: America welcomed Trump into the White House this week and promptly overshadowed his presidential inauguration after more than a million people rallied in women’s marches around the world against Trump and his policies. It’s going to be a long four years, but hey, we’re only…
Remembering the Orlando 49: Darryl “DJ” Roman Burt II
Every week between now and the one-year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shootings, Orlando Weekly will profile a person killed on June 12, 2016. This week: Darryl “DJ” Roman Burt II Beneath his dapper bow ties and professionalism, Darryl “DJ” Burt was someone who could make you laugh until your stomach hurt, says his cousin…
Winter Park’s the Parkview offers a fair selection and fairer surroundings
The Parkview 136 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-647-9103, facebook.com/theparkviewwp Essay question: Tip back some sweet, long sips with your beaus and bros at the Parkview. Perfect for date nights and large parties alike, this enclave’s rich, dark wood wine cabinets house one of Park Avenue’s most bounteous bottle collections while a tidy rotation of…
Opening this week: A Dog’s Purpose, Gold, and more
OPENING THIS WEEK: A Dog’s Purpose Sometimes life just steps up and takes a difficult decision out of your hands. For weeks before the release of A Dog’s Purpose, most of the people I know who are dog lovers – which translates as most of the people I know – were wondering how they could…
Actor and activist George Takei gives a message of hope and resilience at Rollins College’s Warden Arena
After Election Night, I’d fully planned to spend this past week in a media-free bunker and avoid any mention of the unreal reality show unspooling in Washington. If you’d told me at the time that I’d instead end Inauguration Eve imbued with if not hope at least resilience, I would’ve called you crazy. And if…
