Cover Story
Peaches set to ‘Teach’ Orlando this summer at Plaza Live gig
Peaches has been (belatedly) marking the 20th anniversary of her fantastically salacious debut album The Teaches of Peaches with extensive touring around the world, and things are going so well she’s just added a new batch of dates — including one in the City Beautiful. The singular Canadian performer announced via Twitter on Tuesday that…
Legal Public Notices 6/22/2022
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below at the property indicated: July 8th, 2022 at the times and location listed below. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 12:00 PM Extra Space Storage 1101 Marshall Farms Rd, Ocoee 34761 (407) 516-7221 Todd Schlott – TV, lawnmower,…
Tanner Jones brings Couplet project home to Orlando for show with Into It. Over It.
Couplet — the new project from Orlando’s Tanner Jones — are on their first big tour and coming home to Orlando to play a show. OW readers know Jones as the former frontman of local and beloved emo act You Blew It! This tour marks Jones’ first since that band broke up in 2016. As noted in our interview with…
Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA headed to Orlando to perform ‘Liquid Swords’ in July
Legendary rapper and Wu-Tang Clan core member the GZA is coming to Orlando next month to present one of his most iconic works in full live glory. The man also (rightfully) known as Genius is taking over the outdoor Backyard space at downtown Orlando’s Ace Cafe to perform his seminal 1995 album Liquid Swords with…
Donald Trump says he was ‘very responsible’ for Ron DeSantis getting elected in latest jab at Florida governor
“I was very responsible for him getting elected.”
Child stabbed in chest by catfish in Florida freak accident
A child was flown to a Tampa hospital after being stabbed in the chest by a catfish during a fishing trip in New Port Richey. The Pasco County Fire Rescue first shared news of the incident on Twitter. “Child listed as a trauma alert after being stabbed in the chest by a catfish. While headed…
Taiwanese tea chain Happy Lemon opening its first Florida location in Orlando
Bubble tea? Yummy already
Jack White adds Orlando stop to Supply Chain Issues Tour
Jack White is coming to Orlando as part of a newly added leg of his Supply Chain Issues world tour. White will have plenty of new material to show off during his Orlando stop. The Third Man head and former White Stripes frontman is currently rolling out his second album of 2022. Expect a wide range…
Florida had more than 70,000 new COVID-19 cases each of the last two weeks
Florida has topped 74,000 COVID-19 cases in each of the past two weeks, while more than 75,000 residents have died from the virus since the pandemic started, according to a report released Friday by the state Department of Health. Florida had 74,323 reported cases during the week of June 10 through Thursday, slightly lower than…
Florida’s social media deplatforming ban heading to U.S. Supreme Court
Attorneys for the state and online-industry groups plan to go to the U.S. Supreme Court in a battle about a 2021 Florida law that would crack down on social-media giants such as Facebook and Twitter, according to new court filings. The filings effectively seek to put proceedings on hold in a federal district court and…
Case of monkeypox confirmed in Orange County
Last week, the Florida Department of Health confirmed the second case of monkeypox in Central Florida. The FDOH reports that the case came from a person in their 30s in Orange County who has not traveled recently. They are being kept in isolation. That totals 10 cases in Florida, with South Florida accounting for the…
Orlando Magic hosts free 2022 NBA Draft party at Amway Center Thursday
Magic fans, this is for you all
Family of Tyre Sampson, who fell from Icon Park ride, responds to autopsy report
The family of Tyre Sampson has responded to a recently released autopsy report following the teen’s death earlier this year. During a press conference on Monday, the Missouri teen’s father, Yarnell Sampson, called for the ride that killed his son to be shut down. Sampson fell from the Orlando Freefall ride located at Icon Park…
Florida is the only state that didn’t pre-order recently approved COVID-19 vaccines for children
The FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccines for children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years on Friday. Florida was the only state that did not pre-order any doses of the children’s vaccine. The two approved vaccines are from Moderna and Pfizer. Moderna’s vaccine is two doses, while Pfizer’s is three, with tests showing similar…
Central Florida woman arrested for hate crimes after pepper spraying Asian women in New York
The NYPD charged a Central Florida woman with committing hate crimes after she pepper-sprayed four Asian women in New York City on June 11. Madeline Barker, 47, of Merritt Island was captured on video using pepper spray on the women. Victims and witnesses told police that Barker used anti-Asian epithets on the group of young…
Developer sues City of Apopka to build affordable housing in planned city center
A housing developer is suing the City of Apopka for declining a permit to build affordable housing in the sprawling town’s planned city center. Wendover Housing Partners sued the city after the local council and mayor struck down the permit for a 195-unit affordable apartment building on the site. City leaders shared, in pretty clear…
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill allowing cigarette smoking bans at beaches
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a measure that will allow cities and counties to restrict smoking at beaches and parks that they own, according to information posted on the Senate website. The bill (HB 105) builds on a 2002 constitutional amendment that prohibited smoking in restaurants and at other indoor workplaces. Under it, however,…
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ redistricting map is back in play for November elections
An appeals court Friday tossed out a temporary injunction that would have blocked the use of a congressional redistricting plan that Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed through the Legislature in April. The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal was expected: The panel had earlier placed a stay on the temporary…
Orlando’s LGBT+ Center to offer 24 hours of free HIV screenings during ‘Testathon’
Orlando’s LGBT+ Center is bringing back their “24hr Testathon” for a second year next weekend, with round-the-clock screenings for HIV and Hepatitis C in honor of National HIV Testing Day. The Center’s Testathon will last for a continuous 24 hours — from 2 p.m. on Friday, June 24 through 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 — with free HIV…
Marion Hammer, influential Florida NRA lobbyist who ushered through ‘Stand Your Ground’ law, retires after 44 years
Republicans heaped praise on Hammer following the retirement announcement.
Trans Floridians will be denied Medicaid coverage of life-saving health care by DeSantis administration
Trans lives matter, but not to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Wildlife officials ramping up manatee aid to prepare for winter migration
After a record number of manatee deaths mostly linked to malnutrition, state and federal wildlife officials hope to double rescue and rehabilitation capacity before the sea cows again congregate in warm waters during the winter. In a conference call Wednesday with reporters, officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish…
Global Peace Film Festival brings a slate of conscious cinema to Orlando in September
Orlando’s Global Peace Film Festival returns for a landmark 20th year in September, with a new slate of short and feature films serving as “a catalyst to inspire and educate people to initiate positive change” in viewers’ communities. “Rather than a passive experience, our aim for the festival is to motivate people to make the…
Walt Disney World reveals special Father’s Day meals, desserts
If you’re spending Father’s Day at Disney, the House of Mouse has rolled out a series of delicious treats just for dad. From big plates of barbecue to dadly desserts, there’s something in every corner of the park. Le Cellier Steakhouse at Epcot will serve an exquisite meat-and-potatoes meal perfect for father figures: a platter…
Registration is open for Florida’s 2022 Python Challenge
Ready for the challenge?
Two men arrested following racially motivated attack on Sanford teen’s car
View this post on Instagram A post shared by JJ 🖤 (@jermaine.j11) A Sanford teen’s car was badly damaged when he attempted to drive to a friend’s house on Wednesday. Jermaine Jones, 16, was confronted by a trio of residents who allegedly tossed a rock through his rear driver’s side window and told him to…
Sludge forefathers the Melvins announce Orlando return in October
Doom (and grunge, though maybe don’t mention that to them) godfathers the Melvins are heading out on a North American tour in the autumn, and they will be returning to familiar stomping grounds in Orlando. The band’s “The Five Legged Tour” will be a lengthy one, stretching through September/October and boasting a hefty six Florida dates,…
Disney delays plans to move 2,000 jobs to Lake Nona until 2026
Disney is pushing its plans to move employees to Lake Nona to 2026. The company announced the new date this week, citing delays in construction and a desire not to rush such a massive move. Disney previously told the Orlando Sentinel that the offices were expected to be open in December 2022. The move to…
All of the Juneteenth events in Orlando that we know about
This Juneteenth weekend, Orlando will celebrate Black liberation via a series of outdoor parties, historical retrospectives, concerts and get-togethers. From Orlando to Winter Park all the way out to Kissimmee and Longwood, there are celebrations nearby wherever you are. Black Friday Orlando: Scavenger Hunt+ City Skip Day From June 17th to June 18th, Black Friday…
Karen Dyer, ex-wife of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, passes away following fight with brain cancer
It is with great sadness that I share Karen Caudill Dyer has passed away after an unrelenting, valiant fight against an aggressive brain tumor. While Karen was recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in the country, her greatest legacy is that of our boys – Trey and Drew. — Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor)…
Orlando’s Grand Collab marks Juneteenth with sounds and visions this weekend
Orlando arts and music collective the Grand Collab are throwing an outdoor bash to mark Juneteenth this weekend, with local activists sharing space with musicians and artists. “Encore — Juneteenth Edition” marks the day with performances from Palmer Reed, DJ Nigel John and After 5 — along with DJ sets from Bonita and the Bear and hosting courtesy AMiAM. The…
Elon Musk wants to vote for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024 presidential election
Elon Musk is hoping Ron DeSantis will run in 2024, telling Twitter that he wants to vote for the Florida governor to be the next president. Musk has been on a GOP kick lately. It began with his announcement that he’s through voting for Democrats. The move was conspicuously timed, as it came shortly before…
Orange County Animal Services reaches capacity
Orange County Animal Services is asking for community support. The animal shelter says they are at capacity with more than 700 animals under their care. Over the last few months, OCAS has seen an increase in owner surrenders, primarily related to an increase in the cost of living in Central Florida. According to Orange County…
Cops left ‘clueless’ after murder-suicide in Casselberry
Three adults and a child are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in Casselberry on Tuesday morning. Police were called to the scene, at the Carrington Park Condominium off Banyon Tree Circle at around 7 a.m. The call came from a boy who said he had been shot. Authorities suspect that the deceased adult man killed…
Mills 50 restaurant King Cajun Crawfish films Orlando woman going on racist rant after she was denied a refund
View this post on Instagram A post shared by King Cajun Orlando Mills50 (@officialkingcajun) The staff at King Cajun in Mills 50 had to listen to an Orlando woman spew racist remarks after she was denied a refund on Tuesday. “You’re a Chinese bitch,” the woman said to King Cajun Manager Kristen Nguyen in a…
Florida Surgeon General Ladapo opposes COVID-19 vaccine for young children
As the federal Food and Drug Administration weighs approval of COVID-19 vaccinations for children under age 5, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo is opposed to the potential change. The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is slated to meet Wednesday to discuss amending emergency-use authorizations for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for children…
Florida Power & Light announces plan to eliminate carbon emissions from electricity generation
Florida Power & Light plans to eliminate carbon emissions from its electricity generation by 2045 through expanding solar energy and other technology, company officials announced Tuesday. The plan, part of a broader decarbonization effort outlined by FPL’s parent company, NextEra Energy, would lead to massive increases in the use of solar panels and battery-storage technology.…
Joseph Hayes, one of Central Florida’s most prolific playwrights, moves from a Fringe hit to a world premiere with barely a pause
Among the score of shows honored with Critics’ Choice awards at last month’s Orlando International Fringe Festival, only The Mockingbird News nabbed more than one win, claiming both “Best Individual Performance in a Drama” for star Sarah Lockard and “Best Director” for Leesa Halstead Castaneda. After that triumph, you might expect writer-producer Joseph Reed Hayes…
Orlando concert picks of the weekend: Sad Halen, Permanent Makeup, Wet Nurse, Gene Loves Jezebel, Jordan Foley
This week, some good freebies and fresh looks. Gene Loves Jezebel, Rosegarden Funeral Party, Super Passive, Sandman Sleeps, DJ Lavidicus: When I first saw Gene Loves Jezebel in their prime, my teenage excitement was somewhat blunted by the incestuous stage interplay between twin brothers Jay and Michael Aston. Well, what you get isn’t always what…
Mötley Crüe bring their glammy spectacle to Orlando this weekend
Feints of Los Angeles
Orlando songbird Beth McKee and her band return with a honed and cohesive slice of Southern style
After teasing single “Swamp Sistas Cosmic Drifter” in March, local songbird Beth McKee now makes a fuller outing with brand-new mini-album Monday After Sunday, her first collection since 2018’s Dreamwood Acres. While she’s spent a career exploring the many sides of Southern style, this work is probably McKee’s most honed and cohesive capture of its…
Netflix premieres a documentary on Trayvon Martin’s parents’ lawyer, Florida attorney Ben Crump, on Juneteenth
Plus everything else new to streaming this week
Things to do in Orlando June 15-21: Denzel Curry, Black Wall Street Juneteenth Block Party, Spooky Empire + more
Our selections of the best stuff to do this week. Wednesday, June 15 Come As You Are Comedians and musicians come together to benefit the Zebra Coalition this week. The locally based nonprofit helps area LGBTQ+ youth with services such as counseling and housing support. The host for the night is Kevin Tibbert, with Dean…
