Cover Story
75 things we’ve learned during quarantine (and hope to remember after it’s over)
What meaningful lessons about empathy, resilience and toilet paper rationing will we take with us as we move forward into the future?
Sexual harassment allegations against owner of Sanctum Cafe and Proper & Wild rattle Orlando restaurant community
Editor’s note: Wednesday night’s post of this story contained an inaccurate statement about that the Savages had hired attorney Mark NeJame. He notified us Thursday morning that he does not represent the Savages nor any of their businesses. We deeply regret the error, which was made in editing due to a faulty interview transcription. We are continuing…
Three UCF football players test positive for coronavirus a week after training resumes on campus
Just a week into the University of Central Florida’s Knights football program starting individual player workouts, three players have tested positive for coronavirus. Sixty students returned to campus last week to begin voluntary individual training regimens, as part of a first wave of student-athletes invited back to campus. And even under new cleaning and social…
Legal Public Notices 6/10 issue
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices AUCTION Extra Space Storage – Store 7107 6174 S Goldenrod Road, Orlando, FL 32822 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 6174 S Goldenrod Road, Orlando, FL 32822 (407) 955-4137, June 23, 2020 @…
Brevard police officer suspended after controversial weekend posts on social media
Late Saturday night, a vile, racist and purposely inflammatory post appeared on the Brevard County Fraternal Order of Police’s official Facebook page. The tweet called out to the so-called Buffalo 57 – 57 police officers in Buffalo who resigned after two of their fellows were suspending for pushing a man in his 70s to the ground…
Deloitte distances itself from Florida’s unemployment system
After facing weeks of criticism because of Florida’s troubled unemployment system, Deloitte Consulting LLP said in a newly filed court document that it has had “no connection” to the online system in more than five years. Deloitte filed the document Monday in Leon County circuit court as it and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity…
On Wednesday, local photographer and stylists will offer pay-what-you-want services to Orlando job-seekers
In hopefully good news for those who are about to attempt re-entering the job market in Central Florida, a local photographer and stylists are offering pay-what-you-can services tomorrow to get you a professional head shot to aid in your job search. This event is Wednesday in the Mills 50 area, and you need to email…
Kraftwerk cancels 3-D U.S. tour including July date in Orlando at the Dr. Phillips Center
In sad but ultimately unsurprising news, German electronic forefathers Kraftwerk have canceled their July 3-D show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and, indeed, their entire North American tour. The band posted a suitably robotic all-caps broadcast on their Facebook page earlier today: DUE TO THE ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE NORTH AMERICAN…
Eustis will be the future home for the Lighthouse 5, the ‘largest drive-in movie theatre in the world’
After months of anticipation, development plans are underway for what is set to be the largest drive-in theater “complex” in the world, in nearby Eustis. It’s a green light from the city of Eustis for what will become the Lighthouse 5 drive-in, a five-screen open-air multiplex, with a lighthouse looming dead center and screens dedicated…
Military branch Space Force may have lost trademark rights to ‘Space Force’ the satirical Netflix show
A television-obsessed president has found himself outmaneuvered by the very object of his obsession. (And his undoing is not even a cable or network channel, but streaming!) The Hollywood Reporter writes that President Trump’s new sixth branch of the military devoted to space warfare, Space Force, may have lost trademarks for its very name to…
For a second day Orange County shuts down CARES Act application portal soon after opening
Orange County shut down their CARES Act application portal today just before 9:30 a.m. – just over an hour after reopening for service – marking the second day of a confusing and frustrating roll-out of the system for local applicants. The portals reopened at 8 a.m. this morning and by 9:27 a.m., system administrators shut the Individual…
SeaWorld Orlando’s reopening met with new push by fans to remove board chairman Scott Ross
After their longest closure in history, SeaWorld’s parks around the nation are beginning to reopen, including their crucial Florida parks this coming Friday. Leading up to the reopening, many have been worried about the future of the company and their jobs. Employees who are still reeling from their recent furlough are now facing uncertainty at…
Orange County lifts 10 p.m. coronavirus curfew
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced at a Monday press conference that the countywide curfew of 10 p.m. has been lifted, effective immediately. The announcement comes a day after Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer lifted an 8 p.m. curfew for downtown Orlando, put in place to curb protests calling for justice in the killing of unarmed…
Florida gas prices expected to top $2 per gallon again
With coronavirus-related restrictions lifting and Floridians beginning to travel more, gasoline prices are the most expensive they have been in nine weeks. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Florida is $1.90, up 2 cents from last week and 14 cents from a month ago, according to the AAA auto club.…
Blake Shelton’s Southern-style restaurant, Ole Red Orlando, opens in Orlando on June 19
Country singer Blake Shelton is opening a massive, 17,000-square-foot “Southern-style” restaurant at Orlando’s Icon Park, footsteps from the attraction’s 400-foot Wheel. Calling it a very special birthday announcement, the singer noted the restaurant will open its doors a week from Friday. “My birthday is June 18, but Ole Red Orlando is opening on June 19; that’s way…
Sanford mayor Jeff Triplett resigns to run for Seminole Property Appraiser
After winning re-election as Sanford Mayor in 2018, Jeff Triplett is calling it quits to run for Seminole Property Tax Appraiser. “This morning, in accordance with Florida election regulations, I resigned my position as Mayor of the City of Sanford,” wrote Triplett in a letter sent to City Clerk Tracy Houchin on Monday. “This was done in…
Orange County closes down CARES Act application portal for financial relief after only a few minutes
In just over 15 minutes, the window shut on Orange County residents and small businesses trying to apply for CARES Act assistance today. Starting this morning at 8 a.m., Orange County begin taking online applications for individuals and local small businesses to submit their applications to receive direct disbursements of federal CARES Act funds through…
Cruise lines out of Florida look to improve health standards in attempt to assure travelers cruising is safe
The cruise industry is still very much frozen in place, as the world begins to slowly emerge from the largest lockdown in human history. Cruise lines are hoping new health standards help convince travelers, many of whom are still processing the horrific pandemic-related stories that have rocked the industry, that it is now safer than…
Universal Orlando has not announced its new Jurassic Park roller coaster, but it’s quickly taking shape
For more than two years, its been well known that Universal Orlando was working on a new roller coaster for its Jurassic Park section in Islands of Adventure. Now, with track work well underway, the future of this land is coming being realized, even if Universal is still holding off on acknowledging anything is underway.…
These Central Florida lawyers are offering to represent arrested protesters for free
Protesters in Orlando and across Florida face arrest by police for all sorts of real and imagined crimes. There are several area lawyers thankfully offering pro bono legal services for protesters who find themselves in lockup and facing a judge. Because protesting can get you arrested – or worse – you should be prepared before you leave…
The 8 p.m. curfew on Downtown Orlando has been lifted starting today
On Saturday night, as thunderstorms and actual tornados lashed the city, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer took to Twitter to announce that the ill-advised curfew he imposed on Downtown Orlando and surrounding neighborhoods on Wednesday was being lifted effective Sunday, June 7. The curfew – an unspoken but obvious attempt to deter daily peaceful protests and demonstrations…
The latest coronavirus numbers in Florida for Sunday, June 7
The Florida Department of Health on Sunday released numbers about the coronavirus in the state. Here are some takeaways: Total number of cases in Florida: 63,938 Increase in cases from a Saturday count: 1,180 Deaths of Florida residents: 2,700 Increase in deaths from a Saturday count, with deaths of people who tested positive in Broward, Martin, Osceola,…
Orlando’s Swan City Bagels closes after owner’s ‘hateful’ tweets spark controversy
The owner of Swan City Bagels has closed her business due to backlash over comments she posted on her Twitter feed. “The decision was based on a combination of factors but it was mostly because of my past social media,” says Racine Richman, Swan City Bagels owner. “My old personal Twitter was filled with awful,…
Florida judge says she was wrong to act as her son’s attorney
A Leon County circuit judge admitted she was wrong to present herself as her son’s attorney after he was arrested in a shooting incident. A state investigative panel accused Judge Barbara Hobbs of improper judicial behavior by acting as her son’s attorney. The allegations, in part, stem from a July incident in which Hobbs’ son…
Epcot’s international cultural representatives will not return when the park reopens
When Walt Disney World’s theme parks reopen in July, Epcot’s World Showcase pavilions will be without the cultural representatives who staffed much of Epcot’s World Showcase, a collection of pavilions each devoted to a different country and its culture. When Disney closed its doors in March, many of these employees were furloughed and sent back…
Tell us about your Black-owned business using Orlando Weekly’s new location update tool
We told you in March – roughly 17 million years ago, right? – about the update to our location database that allows local restaurants offering takeout, curbside pickup, online ordering and alcohol delivery to add that information to Orlando Weekly’s database of locations. Now, our developers have added a host of new tags to our…
Enzian Theater and Aloma Cinema Grill to reopen soon, other cinemas to wait
Though Florida cinemas outside Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity today, most movie houses are choosing to wait. Leading the charge will be the Enzian Theater and Aloma Cinema Grill. “In accordance with the Governor’s Phase Two reopening plans, we will open the cinema at 50 percent…
SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove in Orlando set to reopen on June 11
Orlando’s SeaWorld has announced an official reopening date after closing due to coronavirus concerns in March, and, ready or not, it’s happening next week. SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove will all reopen next Thursday, June 11, but with new guidelines and rules in place to hopefully assure the safety of park visitors and employees. It won’t…
Some Orlando area venues attempt to reopen despite new curfews in place
With Gov. DeSantis’ announcement earlier this week that the Phase 2 reopening of Florida is going full steam ahead effective now – which included bars and clubs at a reduced capacity – some local venues are attempting to reopen while complying with social distancing rules and curfews put in place by Orlando and Orange County. Orange County…
Bodycam footage released of Orange County Sheriff’s deputy smashing woman’s car window
On Wednesday evening (June 3), an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy smashed a woman’s car window near an Orlando “Justice for George Floyd” protest, after he said the woman was impeding traffic by stopping her vehicle with its hazard lights on. The stop was near Curry Ford Road and Chickasaw Trail. After being taken to the…
Face masks, sewage-water sampling among steps to protect Florida’s university students
A week after the state university system’s Board of Governors laid out a blueprint for how to reopen campuses in the fall, school officials are offering more details about what will change when students and faculty members come back. The 12 state universities continue to work on plans, which they are supposed to present June…
DeSantis wants to bring Republican National Convention to Miami, Jacksonville or Orlando
Florida is upping its game to become home field for the Republican National Convention. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry quickly had his hand up, saying his city wants to host the convention, which is apparently crashing out of Charlotte because North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper won’t give assurances that coronavirus physical-distancing rules will be lifted for…
As Florida’s Phase 2 reopening begins, state records highest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases
Florida reported the largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases on Thursday, with 1,419 new cases from Wednesday, just as Phase 2 reopening is to take effect on Friday. On Wednesday, DeSantis announced Phase 2 will begin Friday, opening movie theaters, bars and personal service businesses with some restrictions. Tuesday saw an increase in 1,300 new…
Amazon announces regional air hub in Lakeland, as New York employees file lawsuit over unsafe working conditions
Amazon’s presence in Central Florida is expanding with the announcement of a new air hub in Lakeland to open this summer, and the company is adding 12 more planes to their fleet. Coincidentally, this is on the same week that a lawsuit was filed by Amazon warehouse workers alleging that the corporate behemoth has not done enough…
Downtown Orlando’s Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant closes permanently
In what may be one of the first of many difficult decisions to come for Orlando restaurants, the owners of Ceviche Tapas Bar announced today they would close permanently. Posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page was this statement: “It has been our honor to serve the people of Orlando for the past decade. Sadly, the…
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio thinks this hilariously bad antifa video is ‘interesting and timely’
Marco Rubio, a Florida Senator who cheers for civil rights protests in other countries but just not in the U.S., decided to share “an interesting and timely” video claiming to “expose” the inner workings of antifa, a non-existent organization the Trump Administration wants to deem “domestic terrorists.” “Interesting & timely uncover expose on #Antifa, a…
NBA to restart season in Orlando
Is this Phase 2 of reopening or Phase 222? Unsure, but ESPN SportsCenter has just broken the news via their Instagram account that the NBA Board of Governors has voted restart their 2019-2020 season. And not only that, but they will be restarting their season right here in Orlando. As reported earlier in the week, the NBA…
Florida Supreme Court shoots down assault weapons ban
The Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to ban possession of assault-style weapons does not meet requirements to go before voters. Supporters of the Ban Assault Weapons NOW initiative did not submit enough petition signatures to make it on the 2020 ballot but needed support from the Supreme Court to…
UCF students unite in the wake of racist tweets from professor
Following racist tweets from University of Central Florida psychology professor Charles Negy, UCF tweeted that they are “aware of Charles Negy’s recent personal Twitter posts, which are completely counter to UCF’s values,” and will be reviewing the incident while “being mindful of the First Amendment.” In the midst of protests against police brutality throughout the…
Protest of Florida’s unemployment system planned for Orlando’s Lake Eola Park
Statewide demonstrations and rallies are planned for next Wednesday to protest Florida’s unemployment system, particularly the spectacularly botched and cruel response to massive numbers of Floridians becoming unemployed during the coronavirus pandemic. Protests are so far set for Orlando, Tampa and Tallahassee next week. Sen. Rick Scott’s gutting of the state’s unemployment system as governor…
Orange County’s Split Oak Forest could be saved by the coronavirus pandemic
The fate of the Split Oak Forest has for the last couple of years been a heartbreaking struggle by local environmental advocates against Central Florida’s self-destructive instinct to give developers whatever they want, whenever they want it. Late last year, it looked like that battle was lost when the Central Florida Expressway Authority and local…
Mayor Demings throws cold water on speculation Orlando is a possible host city for the Republican National Convention
All it took was a patented Trump late-night tweetstorm on Tuesday and some attendant loose-tongued Republican sources and suddenly this summer’s Republican National Convention was yanked out of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Orlando was now in the theoretical mix to host the the event. Even though Gov. DeSantis clearly wants it to happen in Florida,…
Florida counties want DeSantis to release unspent COVID-19 funds
Florida counties are pushing Gov. Ron DeSantis to release nearly $1.3 billion in federal money that has been sitting in state coffers for more than two months, as local officials struggle to keep their communities afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twelve Florida counties with populations greater than 500,000 – Brevard, Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade,…
Drive-in music festival ‘Road Rave’ originally set for this weekend in Orlando has been postponed until later in June
Road Rave, one of the nation’s first drive-in music festivals and set for this weekend in Orlando, has been postponed until later this month. The sold-out event featuring Carnage, Riot Ten, Blunts & Blondes and Nitti Gritti+ was set for this Saturday, June 6, but the decision has made tonight to postpone it until June…
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer institutes nightly curfew in Downtown Orlando of 8 p.m. effective immediately
In the same afternoon that Gov. DeSantis declared live from Universal’s CityWalk that Phase 2 of Florida’s reopening – bars, pubs, movie theaters, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors at reduced capacity – is starting this Friday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced that a tighter, open-ended curfew will be in place in downtown Orlando, effective today, of…
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announces Phase 2 reopening of bars, movie theaters and bowling alleys to start Friday
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Phase 2 of Florida’s economic reopening will begin on Friday, while speaking at a press conference Wednesday, June 3, at Universal City Walk in Orlando. “We are really fortunate in the state of Florida across the 64 counties,” DeSantis said. “I think it’ll give people in Florida more opportunities.” Bars…
Peaceful Orlando protests on Tuesday lead to tear gas after curfew
A very large and impassioned crowd gathered in downtown Orlando for a peaceful rally and march on Tuesday afternoon. This fourth day of protest stretched long into the evening, and was unfortunately marred at the end by the police deploying tear gas yet again to disperse protesters. The Justice for George protest kicked off around…
Florida’s largest teachers union proposes ways to safely reopen schools
Florida’s top teachers union on Tuesday unveiled its proposal for reopening public-school campuses in the fall as districts wait for final direction from the state Department of Education. After nearly three months of coronavirus-prompted school closures, the education of about 3 million Florida students has been upended, sparking concerns about growing achievement gaps and the…
‘Dear Dan: I have trouble staying out of my head during sex’
I’m a 32-year-old gay man and I have trouble staying out of my head during sex. Everything works fine when I’m single or “available” – let’s be honest: I’m a slut and I enjoy it. But when I invest in someone, the sex suffers. With a partner I care about I feel nervous. I feel…
It’s Purricane Season at the Orange County animal shelter – adopt a furry friend today!
Meet Pixel! Pixel (A452569) was surrendered to our shelter because her owner could not care for her any longer. This sweet girl is litter-trained and gets along well with men, women and other cats. Pixel has stolen the hearts of all of her caretakers, as well as other cats she interacts with. Pixel is available…
Even a pandemic can’t stop Orlando music photographer Jim Leatherman from doing what he does best
Photographer Jim Leatherman has been shooting concerts in Orlando for decades now, capturing iconic snaps of everyone from R.E.M. to Björk, to say nothing of his extensive archive of local acts. When we saw that Leatherman was documenting the action in-person during the recent series of Will’s Pub livestream shows – you wouldn’t know from…
Streaming premieres to look forward to: ‘Shirley,’ ‘Queer Eye’ Season 5 and ‘We Are Freestyle Love Supreme’
Premieres Wednesday: Spelling the Dream – Why do so many champion spellers happen to be Indian-American? We’ll find out in this original documentary, which profiles four promising competitors between the ages of 7 and 14 as they prepare for the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee. Can’t wait to see them pwn those drips from Putnam…
Tabla’s Park Avenue outpost brings Indian fare of a higher level to Winter Park
I had a craving for pani puri. The last time I indulged in this most Indian of street staples was at Chaat House on South OBT, and it did the job. This time, I dashed off to a place much closer to me – Tabla in Winter Park. I always liked Tabla, from the time…
Last week’s deluge of terrible news wasn’t enough to drown out Walt Disney World’s reopening plan
Coronavirus has claimed over 100,000 American lives, the economy is crumbling, protests against racist police violence have erupted across the country and President Nero is dog-whistling “Horst-Wessel-Lied” while civil society smolders. Under the circumstances, focusing on the Happiest Place on Earth seems tone-deaf at best, sociopathic at worst. But last week’s deluge of despair wasn’t…
Dark comedy ‘Judy and Punch’ packs a wallop
Punch and Judy puppet shows have been a staple of British entertainment for nearly four centuries. Imported from Italy in the 17th century and inspired by the commedia dell’arte, they have amused and shocked generations of English children with their slapstick comedy and marionette mischief. Now, in her feature debut, Australian writer-director Mirrah Foulkes has cleverly…
