Amid escalating bipartisan demands for President Donald Trump to stop separating undocumented immigrant children from their families at the southern U.S. border, two high-ranking Florida Democrats were denied access Tuesday to a federal detention facility in Homestead housing an estimated 1,000 minors. The Trump administration family-separation policy —- which has resulted in more than 2,000…
Florida lawmakers, along with 190 other House Democrats, filed a bill Tuesday to end the Trump Administration’s policy to separate migrant children from their parents at our country’s border. Local Representatives Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy were among the co-signers of the bill. “We are a country of law and order, but it seems to me…
Florida lawmakers were blocked from entering a Homestead facility where federal immigration authorities are holding an estimated 1,000 undocumented migrant children. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and state Rep. Kionne McGhee were denied entry to the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children that was recently reopened under the Trump administration. The Democratic senator…
If you happen to be part of the 66 percent of Americans who currently believe it’s entirely disgusting and wrong to have your kids ripped from your arms over a misdemeanor, there’s an upcoming nationwide protest you should be aware of. Following intense backlash to the Trump administration’s abhorrent policy to separate migrant children from…
Drum roll, please, for the grand finale of Bite30 and the official premiere of Bite Magazine 2018, Bite Night! This evening will be full of food tastings and white aprons, open for everyone in the house to enjoy. Some of the city’s top chefs and restaurants serve up bite-size samples of their best meals, and…
Pizza Bruno is coming up on its two-year anniversary, so to celebrate the Conway favorite is giving away free Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream this weekend. Anyone can stop by for a complimentary scoop of ice cream on Sunday, June 24, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and even pick up a free coozie or sticker…
Nashville singer-songwriter Mat Kearney has announced a round of fall touring dates to promote his newest album CRAZYTALK, and an Orlando date will be part of this North American run. The multi-platinum musician and hitmaker describes CRAZYTALK, his sixth album, as a “deep house, tropical house-influenced, chilled out record.” Mat Kearney plays the House of Blues with Atlas…
On Tuesday, the newsroom at the Florida Times-Union announced it had started the process that will lead to a vote on whether to unionize. The newsroom, a group of 35 to 40 individuals that includes reporters, photographers, copy editors and desk editors, hopes the move will help them “gain a seat at the table,” “ensure…
Florida Highway Patrol announced it will be ticketing aggressive drivers under a new safety campaign. In an attempt to educate drivers on the dangers of aggressive driving near large commercial trucks, FHP will enforce the “Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT)” program until June 28. In this campaign, highway patrol troopers are encouraged to ticket…
Jeff Greene, the Palm Beach billionaire who’s the latest Democrat to join Florida’s gubernatorial primary, wants to make a statement with his introductory campaign ad. That’s why he recently ponied up $2.9 million for a week’s worth of TV and online ads across Florida, just so we could see him in (what appears to be)…
Controversial rapper XXXTentacion was shot and killed Monday outside of a motorcycle shop in South Florida. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office says the rapper, whose real name was Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, was gunned down after leaving RIVA Motorsports in Pompano Beach shortly before 4 p.m. Onfroy was approached by two armed suspects while in his black BMW. At…
Foxtail Coffee Co. plans to open a new express location for on-the-go coffee lovers this summer. The company will open their first drive-thru-only outpost, which is currently under construction, this July at 805 Lee Road. “Our goal has always been to become part of the community, serving great local coffee,” said Alex Tchekmeian, Foxtail’s co-founder. “We’re…
SunRail announced four new stations and an updated schedule for all train departures, starting at the end of July. The company created the new schedule to accompany the additional stations with more midday departures, which will begin July 23. In addition, evening departures have extended later at night to accommodate more riders. The new stations…
Within months of opening their doors in 2013, the owners of Player One were already talking about their expansion plans. Now, five years later, those plans are finally happening. Over the years the video game bar has become a hit with both locals and tourists. Guests pay a single cover and then have unlimited free play…
In the two years since the opening of Cobra’s Curse, the last major ride to open at Busch Gardens Tampa, the park has seen rides closed, budgets slashed, and even entire lands closing unannounced. But like the entire SeaWorld Parks company, things have begun looking up for the struggling park. Summer has brought back traffic…
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson will be touring a Homestead facility Tuesday where an estimated 1,000 undocumented migrant children are being held by the Trump administration. As first reported by the Miami New Times, the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children was reopened under the Trump administration recently. Previously, the Obama administration used the compound to…
Accusing Florida health officials of a “colossal blunder” that created a “dumpster fire,” an administrative law judge recommended that the state grant a highly sought-after medical marijuana license to a South Florida nursery. Judge John Van Laningham’s recommended order scalded the state Office of Medical Marijuana Use for using a flawed system to decide which…
In a widely expected move, an appellate court Monday refused to lift a stay on a Tallahassee judge’s ruling that would allow patients to smoke medical marijuana if their doctors approve it. The 1st District Court of Appeal’s decision means that patients will continue to be barred from legally smoking medical marijuana for the foreseeable…
Without mentioning President Donald Trump, Gov. Rick Scott says he opposes the White House administration’s policy of separating undocumented children from their families when they cross the border. Scott, who has supported the president on numerous issues, blamed both parties for the Trump administration’s new “zero-tolerance” policy of forcefully separating immigrant families. The Department of Homeland…
The next chapter of the Daytona Beach Boardwalk rollercoaster derailment that left several people injured last Thursday will happen in court. A woman who was severely injured in the incident has hired Orlando-based attorney Matt Morgan of Morgan and Morgan to represent her. She is still in the hospital. Morgan took to Twitter to announce…
Talk of rising sea levels in Florida is nothing new, but a recent report shows that Floridian homeowners, specifically those in South Florida, should be worried. The study, conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists, states that within the next 30 years, nearly 64,000 homes in Florida will experience flooding every other day, 12,000 of…
Ever thought about floating in a pool while watching animatronic sharks devour unsuspecting swimmers on a big screen? No? For the brave ones, “Dive-In Movie” is coming back in Winter Park this summer, kicking off the event series at the Cady Way Pool with a screening of Jaws on Saturday, July 21 at 8:30 p.m. Admission is…
Pointing to a state religious-freedom law, an appeals court has shielded a priest from testifying about his discussion with a teenage girl during the Catholic sacrament of confession about the girl being sexual abused. The ruling Friday by a panel of the 5th District Court of Appeal in an Orange County case sided with priest…
If you’re still religiously playing “Them Bones” on Guitar Hero, turn the damn thing off and experience the real thing live in concert. Alternative grunge-metal legends Alice in Chains are bringing their headlining world tour to Hard Rock Live on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets run between $49-$100 and will go on sale…
Two gigantic cooling towers in Jacksonville were imploded with 1,500 pounds of dynamite on Saturday in what is arguably one of the most satisfying demolitions we’ve ever seen. The action was captured in a video posted by The Florida Times-Union. The 464-foot-high towers majestically became nothing but piles of dust after 30 years of standing…
Florida law enforcement agencies are investigating the potential criminal misuse of state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis’ driver’s license information, state officials said Friday. First reported by Florida Politics, officials with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said they received an inquiry that a record had potentially been improperly obtained. The agency also…
Secretary of State Ken Detzner is asking a federal court to let the state courts decide a dispute over whether early voting sites should be allowed on state university or college campuses. In May, the Florida League of Women Voters filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee, alleging the constitutional rights of students…
There are already a half-dozen major hotel projects in the works at Walt Disney World, but four more were just added to the list. Nestled on the western edge of WDW Flamingo Crossings is a mixed-use development that has been in the works for over a decade, but only within the last 12 months has…
In 2013, things were looking up for Daytona Beach. A Hard Rock-branded hotel was just announced, the speedway was in the midst of a nearly half-billion-dollar update, and for the first time, the city’s historic beachside boardwalk was home to a roller coaster. Daytona Beach officials declared a “renaissance” was taking place. They were spurred…
Stonewall’s avant drag night, Black Haüs Creature Feature, throws an immersive event this week. The underwater theme may remind you of the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance, but Marty McFly didn’t have a drag cabaret or half-price drinks all night. 10 p.m. Tuesday; Stonewall Bar, 741 W. Church St.; free; stonewallorlando.com Get our top picks…
Editor’s note: Over the weekend, New Orleans food critic Brett Anderson, in town for a convention, tweeted out a pitiful cry: “Can someone please tell me where to eat in Orlando? I’m desperate.” Food Network personality Andrew Zimmern, who’s been to Orlando at least once for his TV show, replied: “You’re kinda screwed… but there…
Striking a blow to the Legislature, a Tallahassee judge said state lawmakers failed to comply with a voter-approved constitutional amendment to buy and preserve environmentally sensitive lands. Ruling from the bench Friday, Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson sided with environmental groups in the lawsuit centered on whether lawmakers “defied” the 2014 Florida Water and…
Orlando City is parting ways with head coach Jason Kreis, effective immediately, according to a statement from the club. Following a six-game losing streak, Orlando City and Kreis agreed to part ways Friday. Assistant coaches CJ Brown and Miles Joseph have also left the soccer club “by mutual agreement.” In the meantime, the team will be…
Considering Florida ranked second in the nation last year in bicycle and pedestrian deaths, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise at this point to see a guy riding his bike down a busy highway. Yesterday, a bicyclist was caught on video in Miami traveling on I-95 South during rush hour traffic. While this is…
Pop-star Kesha has just jumped into the budding “music festivals at sea” arena with the announcement of her Weird & Wonderful Rainbow Ride cruise sailing out of Central Florida early next year. The 2,300 lucky fans/passengers will be able to check out an (honestly) incredible musical lineup including Betty Who, Superfruit, Jonathan Van Ness, Wrabel and…
Two teenagers convicted in the fatal beating of a Winter Park High School student will avoid adult prison and serve their sentences at a juvenile facility, WESH 2 reports. Jesse Sutherland and Simeon Hall, both 16, were found guilty by a jury in May of manslaughter and battery charges in the death of Roger Trindade.…
For lower and middle class families, Orlando is now a terrible place to both buy a home and also rent a home. According to a report released Friday from the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, Metro Orlando home sales sank by 11.4 percent last month, compared to this time last year. Home sales actually dipped by…
With the help of adult filmmaker and actress Stormy Daniels’ attorney, Michael Avenatti, Kathryn Novak is suing her ex-boyfriend and members of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity at the University of Central Florida after they shared a secret sex tape of her without her consent. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Orlando, alleges that Novak’s former partner,…
Remember when Universal accidentally leaked concept art and details for their new nighttime show? Well, now it’s official. It turns out the post was authentic because “Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration” is launching this summer, according to a release from Universal Orlando Resort. Described as “an epic cinema under the stars” – that was actually part of the…
A chaotic scene erupted on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk when a rollercoaster derailed Thursday night. Ten people were on the ride when the Sand Blaster Coaster suddenly went off track. Two were ejected from the front coaster car and fell 34 feet to the ground, and six were transported to the hospital, according to officials.…
Insurance loss estimates from Hurricane Irma have hit $9.7 billion, up by more than $1 billion since April, according to the latest numbers posted by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Insurers also advised the state agency that the number of claims had reached 987,767 from the massive and deadly September storm. The was up…
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday ordered resentencing for a Death Row inmate convicted of a 2005 murder in Broward County and said a separate hearing should be held to delve into anti-gay statements made by a juror. Justices ordered a new sentencing hearing for inmate Eric Kurt Patrick because the jury split 7-5 in…
Dad music: It doesn’t have to suck. This Father’s Day, long-running monthly alt-country showcase Southern Fried Sunday attempts to prove that with a slate of bands that your dad would love. Garrett Klahn – former singer for ’90s emo touchstone Texas Is the Reason – plays a solo set. Have Gun, Will Travel – whose…
Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill at the Rosen Centre hotel brings its lauded Brewmaster series back this week. Chef Tello Luna pairs a six-course meal with selected beers from Georgia’s Sweetwater Brewing Company. Courses include roasted halibut, lamb ravioli and berry bread pudding, while the beer menu features Belgian Rose Ale, Goin’ Coastal pineapple IPA…
For the 14th straight year, RumFest takes over Wall Street Plaza with unlimited sampling of more than 20 different drinks. Brand ambassadors from the likes of Bacardi, Captain Morgan and Kraken are on hand to teach you a little about rum, and the outdoor stage features live reggae from bands like Hor!zen. It’s probably going…
Tom Smith (formerly of Pussy Galore and Peach of Immortality) and Rat Bastard are probably as close as the noise world will get to a Plant/Page or a Lennon/ McCartney kinda dynamic. Their oft-fractious – though with a dense core of love and admiration – on-off creative marriage has produced some of the most volcanic…
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Pop-up regulars Bangrak, Swine & Sons and Papa Llama convene at Redlight Redlight this weekend to pay tribute to the recently departed Anthony Bourdain. Bangrak plans a menu consisting of dishes featured on some of Bourdain’s shows when he traveled to Thailand. Each purveyor is donating $1 per dish sold to the National Suicide Prevention…
Three coaches who were killed in the Parkland high school shooting will be honored at ESPY by posthumously receiving the “Best Coach Award.” On July 18, family members of Aaron Feis, Chris Hixon and Scott Beigel will receive the awards on behalf of the victims, ESPN announced. The men are being honored for “their immeasurable bravery…
Spirit Airlines announced Thursday an expansion of international and domestic flight service from Orlando International Airport (MCO) starting this fall. This growth will offer 11 new destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as three new locations in the U.S., becoming one of the the company’s largest expansions, according to a news release.…
The gunman who killed four children at an Orlando apartment this week likely shot them at the start of his 21-hour standoff with law enforcement. Detectives believe Gary Wayne Lindsey Jr. fired at the children while they slept in their beds around the time Lindsey was confronted by Orlando Police officers Sunday. Officers responded to Westbrook…
A 23-year-old Cocoa Beach man threatened to commit a mass shooting at Walt Disney World during a Facebook chat earlier this week, Florida Today reports. “5 likes and I’ll go shoot up Disney and hang myself,” Derek Eitel reportedly wrote in the group chat. According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Eitel was in a…
SunPass is asking users for further patience after customers reported difficulties with the electronic toll-collection system after it came back online following a weeklong maintenance. SunPass, in an email Thursday, said it was “working diligently” to correct issues with its website, mobile app and telephone system. “We anticipated a high volume of customers trying to…
Frito, the seahorse that was rescued after surviving a near-death experience, experienced not only rehabilitation but stardom. A snorkeler found her wrapped in fishing line off the coast of Redington Shores, according to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. On Sunday, she was brought to the marine center where the live stream started and viewers tuned in everywhere. Hundreds…
Cask & Larder will team up with Pizza Bruno for a “tap takeover” in honor of the late Anthony Bourdain. On Tuesday, June 19, the two businesses will hold the special pop-up at Pizza Bruno and donate 10 percent of the proceeds to the National Suicide Prevention Line in memory of the world-renowned chef. The…
Fewer than half of Floridians said they took preventive measures against the Zika virus in 2016, even though they were more informed than the rest of the country on the mosquito-borne infection, according to a new study. The study, released Wednesday by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, examined Floridians response to…
New wave hitmakers and prom heart-melters — though with an experimental edge — Simple Minds have announced a North American tour set for later this year, and they will be playing Orlando! The Scottish band’s “Walk Between Worlds Tour” (named after their 18th and newest album) promises two full sets on the night, with new…
The formerly lost house of Calaas, an ancient indigenous ruler who led a unique civilization on the southwest coast of Florida, was rediscovered by archaeologists on Mound Key. Excavators found the first known remains of the 16th century building using records created by Spanish missionaries who visited the royal house in 1566, according to National Geographic. The…
Although his department issued concealed-weapons licenses to 291 applicants who should have been disqualified, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said Wednesday the breakdown has been corrected and there was no threat to the public. “Public safety was not at risk,” Putnam told reporters after a state Cabinet meeting. “Two-hundred and ninety-one people who should not have…
Thank God Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper’s attempt at a blind date failed miserably. Back in the ’90s, before either one was easily recognizable on the street, they tried to go out – but Cohen ruined it when he asked about Cooper’s famous mother, heiress Gloria Vanderbilt. While they didn’t end up dating, the two…
Despite being a fierce critic of the Affordable Care Act, Florida Gov. Rick Scott isn’t saying where he stands on the Trump administration’s refusal to defend the federal law against the latest legal challenge brought by 20 Republican-led states, including Florida. Scott on Wednesday avoided directly discussing the litigation, which, if successful, could dismantle changes…
A GoFundMe account has been created for the Orlando Police officer who remains in a coma after being shot in the head during a standoff this week. Officer Kevin Valencia was one of several officers who responded to a domestic disturbance Sunday night at Westbrook Apartments on Eaglesmere Drive near Universal Orlando. A woman told officers that…
Comedian/singer/actor Nick Cannon is taken his long-running MTV flagship Wild N’ Out on the road later this year for a North American tour, and Orlando is set to be one of only three Florida stops. The popular show, rooted equally in sketch comedy and freestyle hip-hop, has helped launch the careers of Kevin Hart and…
Yesterday, on the two-year memorial of Pulse, gun reform activist held “die-ins” at sites like Sen. Marco Rubio’s Tampa office, the Capitol Building in D.C., and President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Now, it appears that Disney will also get the “die-in” treatment. The official Twitter account for National Die-In tweeted a not-too-subtle hint yesterday evening, saying,…
Wednesday, June 13 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. The Daniel Heitz Band 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Concerts/EventsAdd a New Concerts/Events Event Thursday, June 14 Leisure Chief 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Raleigh Estes and Friends 8 pm at…
Nikki Fried has spent the past three years trying to tear down barriers to getting medical marijuana to Florida patients, facing roadblocks from state health officials and lawmakers in the process. Now, a frustrated Fried is turning her advocacy into a broader platform —- she’s running for agriculture commissioner. It’s been no secret for some…
Father’s Day weekend in O-town is full of deals for you and pops. Here are a few Orlando-area discounts for your dad on his special day. – ICON Orlando: The I-Drive attraction, formerly known as the Orlando Eye, will offer a capsule for four including craft beer flights with Orange County Brewers selections, a soda…
Taking the Gov. Rick Scott route, Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene says he’s willing to shell out a chunk of his own fortune if it means he’ll win the governor’s mansion in November. That says a lot coming from the 186th wealthiest person in the U.S., according to Forbes, which estimated his net worth at…
Walt Disney World passholders can now hook up their friends with a magical day at the parks. From now until June 29, anyone with a Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus or Premier Pass can bring friends for 50 percent off each ticket. That comes down to only $79 for a Park Hopper pass plus tax –…
FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, has awarded North America the 2026 men’s World Cup tournament, and the winning bid calls for 60 of the 80 games – including all matches from the quarterfinals onward – to be played on U.S. soil. That’s good news for Floridian soccer fans, since Orlando’s Camping World Stadium…
Due to the Golden State Warriors’ NBA finals victory, Taco Bell is hooking everyone up with a free taco today. Taco Bell promised to give away free tacos if a road team defeated a home team during the finals, and the company announced on Twitter that they are keeping that promise. The Golden State Warriors…
As the leading fundraisers in their party primaries for governor, Adam Putnam and Philip Levine have an advantage over their rivals when it comes to reaching voters. New campaign finance reports filed with the state Division of Elections show Putnam and Levine’s largest expenditures in May were for television advertising, the most direct, but expensive,…
Florida’s citrus industry experienced its worst growing season since World War II as the hurricane-battered harvest is now essentially complete. The latest forecast numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show no change in the past month for orange production, which is off 34.7 percent from the prior growing season. Meanwhile, grapefruit production has fallen…
Two sandhill cranes were spotted in Clermont last Wednesday appearing to dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” Clermont resident Ilene Karlsberg-Gerstein caught the two birds on video while driving by, and they seemed to be dancing perfectly in time to the song, which was playing in her car. Her husband posted the video on Facebook the next…
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For the second time, a Tallahassee judge has sided with an embattled nursing home in a public-records dispute with the Florida Department of Health, saying the agency did not comply with his order to turn over death certificates from across the state. Lawyers for The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, which incurred the wrath of…
Femmes a’ Florida San Francisco DJ femmelectric throws down with locals FoxForce005 and Gay-Z for a stacked and kinetic dance night. 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at Blackstar, $5 CANCELLED Haybaby Two really heavy touring acts – Philly’s Haybaby and NYC’s Bethlehem Steel – and two promising locals – Expert Timing and Transcendental Telecom – conspire…
OPENINGS: Grain & Ember, a new wood-fired pizza concept by Pizzeria Roberti’s Joseph Roberti, will open inside Sanford food hall Henry’s Depot when it opens this fall … Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has opened next to Orange County Brewers on Orange Avenue downtown … Paris Banh Mi will open in the former Phantom Bar & Lounge…
“Nigel just plays whatever music you need me to play,” Nigel John pauses for a second and Orlando Weekly can almost hear him smile over the phone, “but Kurt Rambus is a nasty groove.” Clubgoers, scenesters and local music heads of all stripes are no doubt familiar with veteran local DJ Nigel John, longtime purveyor…
Are you in or are you out?
Last month’s 27th annual Orlando Fringe Festival reported 72,000 attendees (a 3 percent boost over 2017) during its damp 14-day run. Total ticket sales dipped slightly to $425,000, but with fewer shows and venues, a record-setting 147 performances sold out, resulting in the average artist’s earnings increasing by 11 percent. Check orlandofringe.org for the dates…
We all know that Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it is possible to put together a show in under 24 hours, as the artists who participate in Orlando’s annual Play in a Day event have been proving for nearly two decades. Last weekend, four dozen writers, directors and actors once again assembled at…
THIS WEEK: Remember that John Travolta John Gotti biopic that was so bad its distributor pulled it just two weeks before it was supposed to hit Video on Demand? Well, a new bunch of moneymen with even lower standards are making sure you can see it – in theaters, no less! The supporting cast includes…
Without snooping, I came across texts between my wife, “Mary,” and a guy, “Jeremy,” of a very sexual nature. While I would be OK if she were doing this and I knew about it, this has been going on since before we met. (We’ve been together 10 years.) She says she has never met him…
Are you looking for a new furry pal? Meet Marley! Marley (A405157) is a 3-year-old boy who was surrendered to us by his owner because they could no longer care for him. Marley is a sweet and loving boy, and he has heartworm disease. Heartworm disease is deadly if not treated. Luckily, Marley’s heartworm treatment…
Lobbying group funded by Publix gives $100K to Adam Putnam: Days after Publix announced it would suspend all political donations, the Florida Retail Federation donated $100,000 to gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam’s Florida Grown political action committee. In 2018 alone, the FRF received $174,394 from its members, with the Lakeland grocery chain donating $150,000 on April…
