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Heroes and monsters: Orlando Museum of Art has a lot of cleanup ahead after the collapse of the Basquiat scam
“Shut up. You took the money. Stop being holier than thou.” Was this amateur tough-guy exchange between Dr. Aaron De Groft and Dr. Jordana Moore Saggese — from a bombshell FBI affidavit released last week — the moment the other shoe dropped for the now-former Orlando Museum of Art director De Groft? Possibly. It’s definitely…
Dikembe to play a (sort of) homecoming show in Orlando this weekend
Over 10 years on as a band, with multiple cities, states, partners, kids, animals, day jobs and creative projects between them, Dikembe are still creating, growing and, we are excited to report, touring. Along the way, the’ve become an institution among Florida’s punks. Emailing us from Michigan, the band’s bassist Randy Reddell gave us the lowdown on…
Legal Public Notices 7/13/2022
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under The Florida Self Storage Facility Act. Bidding takes place on lockerfox.com and concludes Friday the 22nd day of July, 2022 at 9:00 AM with…
Abortion ban remains in effect as state appeals judge’s ruling
A new Florida law preventing abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy will remain in effect while a legal battle plays out. Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper last week issued a temporary injunction to block the law, finding that it violated the Florida Constitution. But the state appealed, which, under court rules, triggered an automatic…
Art expert who questioned Orlando Museum of Art’s Basquiat exhibit gives her side of the story
The Orlando Museum of Art’s “Heroes & Monsters” exhibit has been sunk, bringing now ex-OMA Director Aaron De Groft down in the undertow. Now, an art expert who helped tear apart the narrative of the exhibit is sharing her side of the story. Dr. Jordana Saggese’s examination of the Basquiat paintings was misrepresented by the…
Orlando Police say there was ‘no criminal activity’ before Lake Eola 4th of July shooting panic
Orlando Police determined that “no criminal activity” led to the panic at Lake Eola during Orlando’s 4th of July celebration. The party at Lake Eola drew in as many as 100,000 celebrants, but that scene quickly turned frightening after something spooked the crowd. An initial panic radiated outward through the crowd as people ran from…
A new Casselberry art gallery will open in May
Work has officially started on the $3.7 million project for Casselberry’s new art gallery. This new gallery will be next to the 20-year-old Art House and across the street from the recently built Sculpture House. Located on the quiet and quaint Quail Pond Circle, the city hopes the project will amplify the growing art scene…
Orange County judge tosses out first test of rights-of-nature amendment
The lawsuit attempted to stop development on county wetlands and named bodies of water as plaintiffs
Klypi and Buddy Crime bring synth-pop salvation to Orlando on Wednesday
The “Klypi and Buddy Crime Save America Tour” will reach Orlando on Wednesday. Considering the abortion bans across the country, new elusive variants of COVID-19, the very current climate crisis and well, everything Ron DeSantis does … we certainly could use some synth-pop salvation. Klypi is the prismatic persona of multidisciplinary artist AC Carter. An…
Florida moves to shield former Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran from college ‘viewpoint diversity’ lawsuit
The state is asking a federal judge to shield former Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran from testifying in a battle about a 2021 law requiring surveys of “intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity” on college and university campuses. Attorneys for the university system’s Board of Governors and the State Board of Education filed a motion this month…
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are coming to Orlando next year
Bruce Springsteen and his faithful E Street on Tuesday announced a U.S. tour happening early next year, kicking off right here in Florida (and, yes, hitting Orlando). The 31-date date tour kicks off in Tampa, on Feb. 1, with the third show of the musical trek happening right here at Orlando’s Amway Center. Aside from…
Abortion advocates object to fast-tracking of Florida ban case to Supreme Court
You mean to tell us ‘state’s rights’ was a smokescreen this whole time?
Mount Dora’s Palm Island Park reopens after a temporary closure for an ‘aggressive alligator’
It was a regular Sunday morning at Mount Dora’s Palm Island Park until a 10-foot alligator was spotted on the trail with what they believe was a duck in his mouth. Around 8:30 a.m., the Mount Dora Police Department posted on Facebook that the park had been temporarily closed for an “aggressive alligator.” Authorities locked…
New cheese shop Simply Cheese plans Winter Park opening this month
We have gouda news for Orlando cheeseheads. Simply Cheese, a new shop for all things fromage, will be opening this month in Winter Park. The Aloma Avenue shop will serve 40 different types of cheese, as well as charcuterie boards, meats and jams. The brie-ginning of the shop’s story starts with Midwest-born owner Ann Thornton…
Disney Springs’ ‘Flavors of Florida’ returns for the end of the summer
As the sun beats down during the hottest time of the year, guests can experience not only the wrath of Florida at Disney Springs but the taste of it, too. Disney Springs has brought back the Flavors of Florida event to its many restaurants and stores. These limited items will be available from July 5…
Donald Trump calls Elon Musk a ‘bullshit artist’ after he supports Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president
“He’s not going to buy Twitter.”
Anti-trans bigots celebrate proposed Florida rule to bar gender-affirming care under Medicaid
The usual bunch of fascists and assholes celebrated Florida’s plan to block care for trans people
Future Leaders of Orlando rally this weekend for reproductive rights
This Sunday, Future Leaders of Orlando is hosting a rally to fight for reproductive rights. The rally hopes to bring together a new generation of activists and fighters for abortion rights in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. “This rally is a way to have my voice heard in…
‘Hamilton’ tickets in Orlando go on sale July 14: here’s how to buy them
The box office turned upside down
Icon Park files motion to dismiss Orlando Free Fall lawsuit against them following 14-year-old’s death
Icon Park has asked to have a lawsuit against them following the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson dismissed. Sampson slipped out of his harness and fell from the park’s Orlando Free Fall ride earlier this year. Subsequent investigation from the state found that ride operators manually adjusted the ride’s restraints to allow Sampson, who was…
Sanford teen plans to file lawsuit against men who smashed his car’s window in viral video
Jones was confronted by two men while driving to a friend’s home in June
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Utah fundraiser points toward presidential run
The hush-hush party might signal a DeSantis presidential campaign
The Drake, by Duck + Drake Kitchen, will open at the Radius Apartments in downtown Orlando
It’s been a long time coming, but Duck & Drake Kitchen, the powerhouse pop-up stationed outside of Digress Wine in College Park, is getting a permanent space. And not a parking space. Owners Heberto and Rona Segura will open The Drake on the ground floor of the downtown Radius Apartments (355 N. Rosalind Ave.) early next…
Joel Greenberg’s sentencing delayed until December
The former Seminole County Tax Collector will (maybe) be sentenced in December
Fired anti-vax Walt Disney World employees sue company claiming discrimination
The trio are claiming facemask requirements amounted to religious discrimination
Florida ramps up fight against fentanyl following rash of overdoses
The moves to fight fentanyl were spurred by a string of overdoses over the weekend
UCF’s English Department suspends anti-racism statement following the passage of Stop WOKE Act in Florida
The department appended and then removed a disclaimer to the statement
Orlando bar owner appeals COVID-19 closure case to Florida Supreme Court
Lower courts ruled that the owner of The Basement, The Treehouse and The Attic had no case
Joel Greenberg’s attorney asks to submit details of cooperation with federal investigators under seal
Greenberg is widely believed to be helping an investigation into Matt Gaetz
TikToker goes viral taking in ‘Orlando culture’ on SunRail
He ended up exploring AdventHealth
Orlando arts showcase Mennello Indie-Folkfest is happening in October
The Mennello Indie-Folkfest returns this autumn with an outdoor showcase of Orlando’s artistic talent for an eighth year. On offer for attendees is an array of local and regional art from a variety of local creatives, as well as food and drink from Maxine’s on Shine, La Femme du Fromage, Courtesy Bar, Swine & Sons, Hanson’s…
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office bodycam footage shows first responders, witnesses pulling woman from submerged SUV
Yesterday, after an SUV veered off the road and overturned in the water, deputies, witnesses & firefighters worked together to push it upright.The driver was submerged and unconscious but still had a pulse. She's critical but has a chance to survive thanks to this crew. pic.twitter.com/PXmXFXOEgh — Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) July 6, 2022 Volusia County…
California Gov. Gavin Newsom urges Floridians to move to his state ‘where we still believe in freedom’
We’re about to celebrate Independence Day — but Freedom is under attack by Republican leaders in states like Florida. Banning books.Restricting speech.Making it harder to vote.Criminalizing women and doctors. It’s time to stand up. Don’t let them take your freedom. pic.twitter.com/cFI5UzgZzX — Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 3, 2022 Gov. Gavin Newsom attacked Florida Republicans in…
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis picks former supervisor of elections to head voting police
Widespread voter fraud is a myth.
Maroon 5 cancels U.S. shows, but you can still see them at Universal Orlando in August
Rockers Maroon 5 last week canceled a number of planned North American shows. But take heart, Orlando Maroon fans, the band will not leave you stranded. They did not nix their upcoming headlining spot on Universal Orlando’s Music After Dark event in late August. In a since-deleted post on their official Facebook, the band chalked…
Short on summer cash? The Orange County Clerk of Courts has over $250K in unclaimed checks
Here’s how to find out
Goff’s Drive In to reopen July 18
The iconic Orlando ice cream stand Goff’s Drive In has been closed since a fire tore through the business in May. The stand has held down its corner in Parramore, since 1948. And even though the owners believe that the stand was intentionally targeted by an arsonist, they promised not to go without a fight. …
Federal court upholds Orlando fentanyl dealer’s conviction
A federal appeals court Tuesday rejected arguments by an Orlando man who was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he sold drugs to a woman who died of an overdose. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals turned down a series of arguments, including that prosecutors had not proven that…
Judge backs Florida’s decision to end pandemic unemployment payments early
A Leon County circuit judge has backed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration in a dispute about a decision last year to shut off federal unemployment money for jobless Floridians. Judge Layne Smith issued a ruling Thursday rejecting arguments that the state improperly ended participation in June 2021 in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, or FPUC, program.…
Taron Egerton transforms himself yet again in Apple TV’s ‘Black Bird,’ premiering this week
Plus ‘King of Stonks,’ ‘Girl in the Picture’ and more streaming debuts
We celebrate Dab Day with a look at new concentrates, distillates, wax, shatter, crumble and moon rocks available in Florida
A tour of Cannabist’s East Orlando location
Fredster’s in Maitland resuscitates the aughts-era dishes and vibe of Dexter’s
Dexter’s, the once-thriving local chainlet that held sway when Orlando was a culinary cesspit, seems to have been revived in a hidden recess in Maitland. It goes by the name of Fredster’s, not Dexter’s, and it’s a joint venture between Fred Badalli (leader and drummer of local band Soul Funktion) and Adrian Mann, who, along…
Solita Tacos replaces downtown Wahlburgers; Bao’s Castle has closed; and 4 Rivers Smokehouse opens their first beer garden
OPENINGS + CLOSINGS: The team behind Cavo’s Bar & Kitchen in Thornton Park will open John & John’s, A Pizza Shop in the space previously occupied by Mediterranean Blue at 435 E. Michigan St. in SoDo. The pizzeria, named after Cavo’s John Cavallini and John Markaj (who previously operated 081 Wood Fired Pizza downtown) will…
Concert picks this week: Ekkstacy, Foxing, Mick Crowley benefit
I’m always preaching about not overlooking the opening acts, and this week demonstrates why. If you go out, be safe, be cool. Purity Ring, Ekkstacy: The infrequent output of Canadian electro-pop leaders Purity Ring already makes this show a special event. Considering the five-year gap between their latest album and its predecessor on top of the COVID pause that already…
Purity Ring on sewing costumes for tour, starting a record label and their new EP ‘Graves’
Purity Ring — the duo of Megan James and Corin Roddick — are midway through their Land Voyage 2022 tour, and nightly they’re performing tracks from their first three albums and the new Graves mini-album, which was released on their new record label, The Fellowship. Graves has been years in the making; the band had…
Things to do this week: Animal Collective, NKOTB, Celeste Barber, Bastille Bash, RPDR Werq the World Tour
Our editors’ selections of the best things to hear, see, do, laugh at, and hit with a baguette this week. Thursday, July 7 Left to Die Chuck Schuldiner left this cursed plane of existence in 2001. The Orlando musician was best known as the mainstay vocalist-guitarist of death-metal innovators Death, who helped perfect the death-metal…
Heavy Orlando band Gillian Carter releases three tornadic singles leading up to new album
Few bands push intensity and emotion as equally and seamlessly as Orlando’s Gillian Carter. That ability for explosive catharsis has long kept them one of the area’s leading and most distinctive forces in heavy music. While they’ve been steady presences on the live circuit, the band hadn’t released any new original material in nearly four…
Nickelodeon star mans the wheels of steel for the ‘iParty with DJ Matt Bennett’
A few years back, Robbie from Victorious put his insult-slinging puppet Rex down and traded him in for a set of decks. And so it was that the mainstay of Nickelodeon shows like iCarly, Victorious and Sam & Cat found a new life as DJ Matt Bennett. Be prepared to “freak the freak out” this…
New Kids on the Block head a block of nostalgia at Orlando’s Amway Center Sunday
And speaking of generation gaps … Youngs, lock up your Gen-X parents, NKOTB are coming to town. And they’re leaning hard into the nostalgia factor with another installment of their ‘Mixtape’ tour, sharing the stage with various 1980s pop peers. The lineup is strong — the stuff from which crush mixtapes were once made —…
Animal Collective play The Beacham on ‘Time Skiffs’ tour Saturday
The last time indie-electronic stalwarts Animal Collective were set to play Orlando was back in 2016, the show was unfortunately — and unavoidably — scuppered due to a death in the family. Members of the band went above and beyond to make up for it, though; in 2019 Avey Tare (with Deakin pitching in) and…
Metal legends Death get reanimated as Left to Die in Orlando this Thursday
Chuck Schuldiner left this cursed plane of existence in 2001. The Orlando musician was best known as the mainstay vocalist-guitarist of death-metal innovators Death, who helped perfect the death-metal template of guttural vocals, riffs that actually sounded gory (possible!) and a fascination with the bloodier side of life — and then, over the course of…
