The concert calendar for the Frontyard Festival at the Dr. Phillips Center has been quiet for a few weeks, but they’ve just added some powerhouse events for this summer. Most notably, that includes country star Travis Tritt and — even wilder — progressive rock legends King Crimson. Surely worth braving the sticky summer sun. On…
Erstwhile postmodern boy-band Brockhampton have announced a North American tour set for next year, and there’s a return to Orlando in the cards. As part of the “Here Right Now” tour, Brockhampton will touch down at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando on Friday, March 11, 2022. Tour support comes from Jean Dawson, Paris, TX &…
After having the “interim” dropped from his title last month, SeaWorld’s new CEO, Marc Swanson, wasted no time on laying out his plans. Swanson, who has been with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment since 2004, had two terms as the company’s interim leader, with the most recent lasting a year before the company tapped him to…
Since reopening after last year’s pandemic-related closures, Walt Disney World has been without FastPass, the skip the line program that’s complimentary for all guests. However, as other bits of theme park offerings have slowly been restarted, there’s been no indication FastPass+ will be offered any time soon. That has revived longstanding rumors that the resort…
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices AUCTION Extra Space Storage Ð Store 8138 1001 Lee Rd. Orlando FL. 32810 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: June 25, 2021 @ 12:00 PM Blake Miller – Christmas decorations, Reginal Welch Ð…
Just being back open is enough for the park-starved Disney adults around these parts, but Walt Disney World didn’t get its reputation by slouching. The House of Mouse are carrying on like normal, with tons of events and experiences in the works. It’s into that space that Disney just shared info about the return of…
All-Star Miami Heat guard and Magic alum Victor Oladipo has been sidelined from playing due to injury since April, but he’s keeping busy with a side hustle as a real estate mogul with the recent purchase of a shopping center in Orlando’s MetroWest area. As reported by the Orlando Business Journal on Tuesday, the former Magic…
Rob Liefeld is perhaps one of the most infamous comic book artists of all time. As a huge proponent of the aggro and tactical style of big-name comics in the ’90s, his musclebound work became a frequent subject of ridicule among comic book fans and artists when extreme aesthetics fell out of favor. Even so,…
Earlier reports on the future of Austin’s Coffee seemed grim. The Winter Park City Commission looked determined to purchase the stretch of Fairbanks Avenue on which the long-running shop sits and raze it to make way for a traffic lane. However, it appears the commission are pumping the brakes a little, as they are worried about…
Because all you Guy Fieri freaks can’t seem to get enough news about Mr. Donkey Sauce, here’s a rendering (hot off the press release presses) of the Chicken Guy! restaurant that’ll open later this summer in Winter Park. Like Guido’s hair, the rendering looks pretty slick. The drive-thru lanes, BTW, are a first for Chicken…
Faire of the Dog is enough of a reason to get on down to Mills 50 on the second Saturday of every month. But if you’d like a side of warm & fuzzies with your art and tchotchkes, this month’s market at Will’s Pub will include a raffle benefiting the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.…
The Vibra Urbana Music Festival — set for Orlando this summer — has added seven more artists to its roster, finalizing the lineup for what they’re hoping will be “Florida’s biggest reggaeton festival.” This last group of artists added are Myke Towers, Jowell y Randy, Cazzu, Luar La L, Hozwal, Dimelo Flow, Gigolo y La Exce, Jay Maly, Eix…
Disney Springs’ House of Blues is getting back to business with touring shows again, and this 1990s alt-rock-tastic lineup of the Toadies and Reverend Horton Heat is a good case in point. The twosome will be coming to town right before Halloween with a few treats at the ready for hard-core fans. On Friday, Oct.…
“Technicolor Tuesdays” at CityArts is a new initiative that is going to play free movies every first Tuesday of the month. And to start this month right, they are showing the ’90s classic Jurassic Park. The pre-show starts at 8 p.m. and the film begins at 8:30 p.m. The event will have the feel of…
Berkeley, California’s RareTea is planning to expand into downtown Orlando. The 1,000-square-foot location is the first in Florida, but the company already has 10 locations in California. The owner of this new franchise is Taff Liao. Liao also owns the neighboring restaurant, Jinya Ramen Bar. Eric Jakab, who partnered with Liao for the Jinya concept,…
On Saturday, the New York Times reported that Donald Trump’s chief of staff, former North Carolina congressman Mark Meadows, spent the waning weeks of the administration pushing the Justice Department to investigate the Trump campaign’s election conspiracy theories. Not just the now-familiar baseless allegations of fraud in Georgia, but also a YouTube fantasy that Italians…
Donald Trump might consider Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for a running mate, should he take another shot at the White House in 2024. The former president — who has to make the most of his occasional appearances on television, as his social media busy box has been taken away — said that DeSantis is an…
A federal judge will hear arguments Thursday in Florida’s bid to block federal restrictions on cruise ships during the COVID-19 pandemic, while U.S. Department of Justice attorneys point to a return to cruising by mid-summer. U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday will hold a hearing in Tampa on Florida’s request for a preliminary injunction against restrictions…
A Northwest Florida judge is weighing how to handle an appellate court-fueled case against a lawyer who drew national headlines by donning a Grim Reaper costume to criticize Gov. Ron DeSantis’ handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Prosecutors in March filed a motion to pursue sanctions against Santa Rosa Beach lawyer Daniel Uhlfelder at the behest…
That sure is a nice looking house. I wonder how much they’re… Oh…oh, my. Well, surely that’s the going rate in the… Lol. Are we really doing this again, y’all? – Stay on top of Central Florida news and views with our weekly newsletters, and consider supporting this free publication. Our small but mighty team…
Orlando’s Creative City Project unveiled on Monday a stacked lineup of events, happenings and immersive experiences set for the rest of 2021 and 2022. Creative City’s new season of productions kicks off as soon as next month with the return of the Re:Charge “sounds for meditation” collaboration with Timucua Arts Foundation starting July at Colonial Promenade.…
Grand Avenue Park in Holden Heights was re-inaugurated last Saturday and it’s bringing more than just renovated features to the community. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 6 city commissioner Bakari F. Burns celebrated the completion of renovations and the reopening of the park by planting a tree on the grounds. The redevelopment of Grand Avenue…
We’re beginning to think some of these Republican fellas might be hypocrites. The office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis did not have any kind words for COVID-19 whistleblower Rebekah Jones, who was suspended by Twitter this week. DeSantis recently signed a law that implemented stiff penalties for social media companies that suspend users. .@GovRonDeSantis’ office…
Comedian and voice of M.O.D.O.K. Patton Oswalt on Monday announced North American tour dates set for this winter, and they include an Orlando show in the waning days of 2021. The wonderfully named “Who’s Ready to Laugh?” tour, accompanied by this stellar promo photo above of Oswalt looking like a very tired Ronald McDonald in…
Former television host and current standup comic Hasan Minhaj announced his first new set of material in four years today. The Homecoming King comic will tour the US behind his new one-man show The King’s Jester, making time to stop in Orlando in September. The tour kicks off in Florida, with Minhaj holding shows in…
There was a lot to get mad over in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ heavy-handed use of the line-item veto on this year’s state budget. Glaring terminations of programs meant to help survivors of the Pulse shooting and house homeless youth stuck out, but they were far from the only hits to Central Florida. DeSantis slashed…
The platinum-tressed celebrity chef everyone loves to hate is coming to Winter Park. “Shut the front door!” you say? It’s true … you’ll soon be riding the bus to Flavortown when Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy! concept opens in the old Steak ‘n Shake space at 818 S. Orlando Ave. this summer. The first Chicken Guy!…
The Orange County Regional History Center last week unveiled Community: Five Years After the Pulse Tragedy to mark the half-decade that has passed since the horrific night of June 12, 2016. And from June 5-13, the History Center is offering free admission to make the exhibit accessible for as many people as possible. The multimedia…
SeaWorld is getting into the haunted attraction game. Following in the footsteps of Halloween Horror Nights and Busch Garden’s long-running Howl-O-Scream, the park will host its own edition of Howl-O-Scream starting on September 10. The announcement is surprising, considering that Busch Gardens has hosted the event for years and is a short drive away. SeaWorld…
With the law slated to take effect July 1, two online-industry groups have asked a federal judge to quickly block a measure that Gov. Ron DeSantis championed to crack down on large social-media platforms. NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association filed a motion Thursday seeking a preliminary injunction and requested “expedited consideration.” They…
We’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the rush of summer show announcements of late, but this one made us sit up and take notice. Pop firebrand Kesha (née Ke$ha) is throwing caution to the wind and heading out on a tour this August, and she’s headed straight for Orlando. As part of her “Kesha Live” full-band tour…
As the fifth anniversary of one of the most-horrific events in the history of Orlando nears, many organizations are coming together to reflect and remember the tragedy. While the 5-year-mark for that dark day comes on June 12, the remembrances and vigils start this weekend. Together we Remember: Stars of HOPE This art show at…
Halloween comes early for horror fans this season, as Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream returns earlier than ever—Friday, Sept. 10 to be exact. Busch Gardens announced the return of the beloved fright fest today, teasing two brand new haunted houses and three returning favorites with “reimagined nightmares.” Howl-O-Scream—which runs through Halloween—has not yet shared names or details…
This summer from July 25-28, the largest annual international soccer event in the Sunshine State is coming to the Camping World Stadium. The Florida Cup will be feature preseason exhibition games between Arsenal FC, Inter Milan, Everton and Millonarios FC over three days. The Cup will be a showcase of top flight soccer from around…
It’s National Donut Day, a made-up holiday to push you out to your favorite donut chain. But just because the day itself might be suspect, that doesn’t mean it can’t be used for good. There are plenty of local shops putting on deals for today only on their tasty treats. The Salty Donut The dough…
The Orlando Police Department took a second look at the protests that spanned the city and the nation last summer and decided that they did not like the way that the public could gather outside their headquarters on Orange Blossom Trail. For fear of further people carrying cardboard signs, the OPD recently began surrounding the…
We’ve got more details about Ava, the high-end Mediterranean restaurant moving into the old Luma on Park space we told you about in April. In addition to serving cuisine founded on “traditional and modern flavors from the Mediterranean and the Cycladic Islands,” Ava will house formal and informal dining spaces, one traditional and one mixology-focused…
Citing the low positivity rate throughout the county, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings shared that all local COVID-19 mandates will likely be lifted on Saturday, June 5. Demings is sticking to his three-tiered plan for reopening, which would lift all local masking and social distancing mandates if the county recorded a rolling 14-day coronavirus positivity…
Floridians struggling since the start of the coronavirus pandemic are being forced to take jobs below their skill levels and at low wages as the state scales back unemployment assistance, opponents of reducing aid said Thursday. Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, along with officials from the Florida AFL-CIO and the Florida People’s Advocacy Center embarked on…
Rick Wiles, a right-wing anti-vax pastor who once referred to the coronavirus as a plague sent by God to purge the world of sin, was hospitalized with COVID-19 this week. According to a recent post on Wiles’ website TruNews.com, Wiles was hospitalized Sunday after he came down with COVID-related pneumonia and was having difficulty breathing.…
Shaquille O’Neal told us all he was outstanding (in song) as far back as 1993. And as he becomes more of a renaissance man every year, we can’t disagree. Now EDM promoter Insomniac is bringing the Orlando Magic superstar, actor, rapper, restaurateur, commentator, hardcore wrestler and — of course — DJ back to Orlando to spin this summer. as his dancefloor alter…
Orange County is getting closer and closer to a full reopening. During Mayor Jerry Demings’ daily news conference on the coronavirus pandemic, he shared that 55 percent of Orange County residents over the age of 16 have received at least one shot of the coronavirus vaccine. In addition, the 14-day rolling positivity rate of COVID-19…
Federal prosecutors are investigating whether Florida congressman Matt Gaetz obstructed justice in conversation with a key witness in the ongoing probe into whether he committed sex trafficking offenses. According to inside sources who spoke with Politico, the possible obstruction charges stem from a conversation between Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend and the witness. Investigators claim that Gaetz’s former…
Along with signing a $100 billion budget for the upcoming year, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday approved 10 other measures, including a bill that will revamp funding for affordable housing. DeSantis’ office announced the additional bill signings Wednesday evening without comment. Most of the bills drew relatively little debate during the legislative session that ended…
President Biden’s infrastructure program sets forth a bold vision that matches his promises to build back better. Not only will the President’s plan rebuild the nation’s highways and bridges, but defining broadband access as vital infrastructure, could also bridge the digital divide between the 77 percent of Americans who have home broadband and the 23…
“Love My Way” is coming Orlando’s way with this week’s announcement that new wave stars the Psychedelic Furs will be playing the City Beautiful part of a larger North American tour. The Butler brothers and company have a new album out, Made of Rain, and are ready to throw any lingering caution to the wind…
Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody are asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a controversial new law aimed at cracking down on violent protests. DeSantis and Moody filed motions Tuesday in federal court in Orlando seeking dismissal of the lawsuit filed last month by plaintiffs including the Lawyers Matter Task…
Ending reproductive-health restrictions is beneficial for women and the economy, according to an online tool from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. This year, more than 500 bills restricting or banning abortion have been introduced across 46 states, including Florida. Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said the data…
As COVID-19 cases and deaths in Florida decrease, travelers to Orlando increase. And this past Memorial Day weekend, travel figures gave us a sign of recovery. Orlando International airport of MCO reported 360,000 travelers in the week from May 27 to June 1, according to a statement from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. Although those…
Donatos, an Ohio-based pizza chain, has announced its return to Orlando with more than 20 locations in the near future. The restaurant has one single location in Winter Park, but the newest development focuses on 20-30 locations in Orlando and Daytona, specifically highly populated neighborhoods, per a statement from the restaurant. Donatos’ comeback is part…
Society has moved beyond the need for PETA. In the age of Impossible and Beyond brand plant substitutes, a relative consensus that factory farming is harmful, and wellness campaigns touting the benefits of vegetarian diets, there’s no need for their Adbusters-y antics. Yet the organization carries on like a culture-jamming dinosaur, flinging paint on faux…
On the second day of Pride Month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed two support programs for the LGBTQ+ community in Orlando. Using his line-item veto authority on the state’s budget, which allows him to nix individual appropriations in the state’s sprawling $100 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, DeSantis axed $150,000 in funding for…
The hustle is strong with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director Eric Jacobsen. On Wednesday it was announced that the maestro would be adding to his already hefty workload by taking another music director position with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra … effective the 2020/2021 season. In a press statement accompanying this announcement, Jacobsen did his best…
We hate to say it, but maybe LeBron had a point. At the very least, Orlando Magic star Terrence Ross has to be giving the City Beautiful a bit of side-eye after joyriders stole his Lamborghini Urus SUV from a local dealership. Ross posted a video to his Instagram in which he was shopping at…
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday formally received a proposed $101.5 billion state budget filled with many of his top priorities. DeSantis has 15 days to act on the record spending plan for the fiscal year that will start July 1. He also received 12 other bills, including what are known as budget “conforming” and “implementing”…
Streaming premieres you won’t want to miss. Premieres Wednesday: Carnaval — This week’s offerings begin with an original film about an influencer who rebounds from a breakup by taking three friends to Bahia for Carnival. It’s like Where the Boys Are, but with a greater chance of being robbed at gunpoint. (Netflix) Premieres Thursday: Caveat…
Our selections of the best stuff to do this week. Friday, June 4Florida Prize Preview PartyGlitzy soiree and sneak peek for the lucky attendees of this year’s Florida Prize finalists. Also chefs will be whipping up dishes based on the art on display. 6 p.m., $75. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., omart.org…
Sanford reps hard this week — and remember, be respectful of everyone while we all figure out this social thing again. Cordovas, Great Peacock: This great double bill is the latest instance of Tuffy’s rise in the area’s concert scene with its new music venue. Both strong names in Nashville’s current Americana class, Cordovas specialize…
“I felt a little threatened,” Sam Crow, frontperson of superlative Orlando garage-punks Spoon Dogs and half of new Orlando band Body Shop, recalls of the first time he saw his future partner and musical collaborator, Kit Dee, on stage fronting Red Rodeo. “Our first show together, Spoon Dogs played first. Red Rodeo followed, and I’m…
Letters to the editor
This hasn’t been a great month for the First Amendment. It hasn’t been a great year or decade either, to be honest. As authoritarianism swept the Republican Party, its leaders turned the stale “liberal media” complaint into a frontal assault on reality. Meanwhile, as newspapers’ revenues collapsed, once-mighty journalism operations became shells of their former…
Is emo country a thing? Decide for yourself when you spin the new release by the Give & Take. This solo vehicle for Gibran Colbert, best known these days as the drummer of beloved Orlando pop-punk band Expert Timing, has found new breath from the pandemic. Great Pause, which could well describe this project, is…
