Cover Story
Desiree Torres fled Puerto Rico six months ago. Now she and her family are fighting to make a new home in Central Florida
Desiree Torres knew exactly what she would do when things fell apart. She would fasten her baby in his stroller and grab her two other children by the hand. Together, they’d get on a bus for a 30-minute ride to downtown Kissimmee, walk the remaining block of Church Street and head to city hall. Inside,…
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is the voice of this cartoon cowboy frog
Local vocal celebrity Mayor Buddy Dyer is moving on up from his simple days voicing the welcome message on the Orlando airport’s automated people movers to an actual cartoon character gig. Dyer is the voice of Wizard, a boot-wearing, blue dart frog who sounds like he’s more comfortable wrangling cows at the Kissimmee cattle drive…
An Orlando resident and former Sinclair employee is being sued by the company for quitting
Over the weekend, Sinclair Broadcast Group garnered criticism for requiring its anchors to read a statement that took a shot at major national media outlets. Many in media and beyond wondered why the company’s employees simply didn’t quit, calling them “whores” who “should be ashamed of themselves” for going along with the directive. If only…
Florida’s largest medical marijuana provider challenges state limit on dispensaries
Trulieve, Florida’s largest medical marijuana business, is asking a Tallahassee judge to strike down a state law that limits the number of dispensaries marijuana companies can operate, saying the restriction “arbitrarily impairs product availability and safety” and “unfairly penalizes” pot providers. Gadsden County-based Trulieve is challenging the 25-dispensary limit established by state lawmakers last year,…
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio gets called out for gun control hypocrisy
Following the Parkland massacre on Feb. 14, remember the CNN Town Hall on gun control featuring Rubio at which he was essentially tarred and feathered by angry students and parents in his home state? Remember how he told them – in front a national audience, no less – that 18-year-olds shouldn’t be allowed to buy a…
SushiPop opening new location in Winter Park
Sushi Pop is opening a new location in Winter Park this summer, chef Chau Trinh tells us. The new location is located at 115 E. Lyman Ave., in the former Boi Brazil steakhouse spot. Sushi Pop also has a location in Oviedo at 310 W. Mitchell Hammock Road. The new Winter Park outpost will offer the classic…
Bad Balloon showcases young area talent in Boston Marriage, Gamma Waves and the Forum
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Boston Marriage, The Forum and Gamma Waves, Will’s Pub, Apr. 2 Constant discovery is what keeps a scene healthy and vital. And the latest diverse showcase organized by emerging young Orlando promoter Bad Balloon was, fittingly, one featuring all relatively new bands. Boston Marriage is a local indie rock band that’s been…
‘Stranger Things’ is coming to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios announced this morning that a Stranger Things maze is coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2018 at the Hollywood, Orlando, and Singapore parks. “We’re very excited to be working closely with Netflix – to give our guests an immersive experience into the “Stranger Things” world by recreating some of the show’s most iconic scenes, 80’s…
Asian street food joint Kai now open in Winter Park
You want more street food? No? Well, you’re getting it anyway. Kai is the latest joint to offer Asian street eats, theirs more of the pan-Asian sort (think wontons, crispy Korean and Vietnamese fried chicken wings, soups, garlic noodles, loaded fried and fried rice). I know, I know, you were hoping for more tacos, but…
Gideon’s Bakehouse ups prices, acquires new production space
The good news: The cookies aren’t going to sell out (as often). The bad news: You’ll be shelling out a bigger wad of dough for your wads of dough. Gideon’s Bakehouse, the East End Market cookie shop that’s garnered such praise as “Best Chocolate Chip Cookie in Florida” by food-centered website Delish, announced today on…
Pharmacy panel criticizes Florida lawmakers over flu tests
A state pharmacy board on Monday criticized the Florida Legislature for not passing a bill that would have allowed Florida pharmacists to test and treat people for the flu and strep throat. Members of the Board of Pharmacy Legislative Committee exchanged stories about the costly bills their family members incurred after undergoing flu tests at…
The world’s largest cruise ship begins its maiden voyage before it heads to Florida
After years of construction, the world’s largest cruise ship is now on its maiden voyage. Royal Caribbean has once again beat its own record with what is the world’s largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas. Clocking in at 228,021 gross tonnages, roughly 1,118 gross tonnages more than its sister ship the Harmony of the…
Noor Salman’s trial gave us the best glimpse of what actually led to the Pulse shooting
Last week, a federal jury found Noor Salman not guilty of aiding and abetting her husband, Omar Mateen, in his plan to murder 49 people at the gay nightclub Pulse. But despite the verdict, many in Orlando still have questions about what happened that night and Salman’s alleged role. The confusion has only been increased…
Hunger Street Tacos, Pizza Bruno coming to Winter Park market/food hall
There’s long been speculation of the old Lombardi’s Seafood building being transformed into a market/food hall but now, it seems it’s finally coming to fruition. Jennifer Crotty, proprietor of flower and garden shop Porch Therapy in East End Market, is spearheading an effort to bring an East End Market-like operation to the old Lombardi’s Seafood space at…
A leaked survey might’ve just shown us where SeaWorld plans to build its next theme park
With the company in the midst of what can easily be viewed as an executive purge, it is not surprising that a leaked survey which gives away great details on what is likely SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment’s next big move flew below the radar. Last May, SeaWorld announced it was extending its long-running agreement with Sesame…
Big Freedia’s ass-tastic Orlando debut was one of this year’s hottest tickets
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Big Freedia, Will’s Pub, Mar. 31 Y’all can keep your trap. Any day of the week, I’ll take bounce music, probably the best thing to come out of the Southern underground in modern times. It’s the most unbridled expression of music’s carnal spirit since booty bass. Bounce is pure sex – unleashed,…
Counting Crows are coming to St. Petersburg this summer
The Counting Crows, along with frontman Adam Duritz and his extremely unfortunate fake “white guy dreads”, are bringing their latest tour to Central Florida this July. Counting Crows play the Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg with Live on Tuesday, July 31, at 6: 30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 6 at 10…
A Florida family had to close their pool last weekend because of an 11-foot gator
An 11-foot-long alligator was removed from a family pool Friday night in Sarasota County. Pictures and videos emerged on Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Twitter account of the gator taking a swim in the backyard pool, until a trapper arrived to wrangle it out of the water. So, remember that #gator call we went on earlier?…
University of Florida will take food donations as payment for parking tickets
The University of Florida says they will now accept food donations as payment for parking tickets, the school announced April 1. Despite it being April Fools’ Day, known prankster UF President Kent Fuchs (who joked about merging schools with school rival Florida State University in 2016) was dead serious about the news. The announcement came in…
South Florida cities plan to sue state over penalties on local gun laws
At least 10 South Florida cities are planning to sue Gov. Rick Scott and other state officials to invalidate penalties against elected officials who try to enact local gun laws. Currently, elected officials who pass gun laws can be removed from office by the governor, fined up to $5,000 and can be personally sued. Weston…
Rick Scott faces deadline on final batch of bills, including ‘toilet-to-tap’ measure
Gov. Rick Scott has a little more than a week to act on the remaining 19 bills from the 2018 legislative session, including a water-related measure drawing fire from environmentalists. The proposal would allow chemically treated, recycled water to be pumped into the state’s underground aquifer, an effort supporters argue is a means to boost…
After years of delays, Daytona Beach finally has a Hard Rock Hotel and less beach to drive on
Back in 2014 a Hard Rock hotel was first announced for Daytona Beach, which began the long, tumultuous journey that led to the recent opening of the hotel. The hotel finally opened last month, after a phased opening that began in mid-February, and it’s nothing like the one announced four years ago. It’s not even…
A water park built the world’s tallest water ride; now its owner is being charged with murder
In 2016, when a 10-year-old child was decapitated while on a raft ride at a water park in Kansas City, it looked like a freak accident. But a recently unsealed grand jury indictment now claims that not only was it not a freak accident, but, in fact, the water park knew of the dangers and…
Orlando Rep. Darren Soto’s wife arrested for disorderly intoxication
The wife of U.S. Rep. Darren Soto was released from the Orange County Jail this morning, following her arrest on a charge of disorderly intoxication. According to the jail’s database, 33-year-old Amanda Soto was booked into jail at 10:44 p.m. Sunday night. She was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor after she and her mother reportedly…
An orca is being treated for a dorsal fin injury SeaWorld Orlando
On March 17, SeaWorld killer whale “Katina,” a matriarch of her orca pond, suffered a tear to her dorsal fin, the organization stated in a blog post Saturday. Theme park officials said it is currently unclear how the 39-year-old female orca suffered the injury, though it’s believed the injury to the base of her dorsal…
Just a reminder that we all get free pizza today because Little Caesars lost a March Madness bet
If you think you had it bad during March Madness, Little Caesars’ bracket is so incredibly busted that the pizza chain now owes the entire country free lunch today. Back on March 16, the Little Caesars marketing team made a very reasonable bet that if a bottom-seeded team beat a No. 1 seed that evening,…
U.K. hardcore standouts the Flex blaze into town for Monday night moshing
Though it’s a little surreal that some of the best new NYC/Boston-style hardcore (think SSD, Agnostic Front) is coming from old London town, youthful frustration with the current social and political order is a worldwide phenomenon. It doesn’t matter where the U.K. bands the Flex and Arms Race are based; what matters is that they…
Florida community set to become nation’s first solar-powered town
One brand-new Florida town has taken its first steps toward becoming completely solar powered. Babcock Ranch, just north of Fort Myers, already has residents moving in and businesses looking to get in on the action. The town’s developers hope its success will keep the federal government from imposing high tariffs on solar energy, and keep…
Band of the Week: Nundayo
Welcome to Orlando Weekly’s “Band of the Week.” Every week, we highlight one of our favorite local bands. This week, we’re pleased to bring you Nundayo. Nundayo are playing April 8 at HENAO Center with I Met a Yeti, Vox Vocis, and Letters to Part. Just the facts: When did the band form?We’ve been at…
Buddy Dyer ate a Tide Pod
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer reportedly decided to eat a Tide Pod this week. No exact reason was given as to why the mayor decided to consume the popular laundry soap, but insiders tell us he couldn’t resist the tantalizing texture. “We were all in a meeting and he just sort of pulled one out of…
Following Disney, Universal says they will also increase employee wage gap
After Disney announced an impressive pay package for CEO Bob Iger, Universal followed suit and also increased their employee wage gap. In a prepared statement, NBCUniversal announced this week it would maintain their median pay of $9 an hour for low-level employees, and bravely push CEO Stephen B. Burke’s salary to a competitive and healthy…
The Villages now offers complimentary Bang Bus
After years of overwhelming comment card demands, Florida’s most active senior citizen retirement community is finally adding a complimentary Bang Bus to its grounds. “At first we had liability concerns about adding a Bang Bus to The Villages,” says Eunice Plorkin, The Villages Head of Marketing. “But then a resident pointed out that we’ve never…
SeaWorld’s search for new CEO narrowed down to three people who haven’t seen ‘Blackfish’
Following the departure of former CEO Joel Manby, SeaWorld released a statement saying they’ve narrowed their search down to the only three people in existence who haven’t seen the documentary Blackfish. “We’re confident that whoever takes over here at SeaWorld will not only be a leader and an innovator, but most importantly, someone who hasn’t…
Holy Land Experience now offers a ‘Body of Christ’ poke bowl
In a bold move, the Holy Land Experience announced a slew of new food offerings for park guests, including a trendy Body of Christ poke bowl. The new poke bowl, which comes with fresh ahi tuna, avocado, carrots, mango, edamame, pickled ginger and lots of extra sriracha, is just one part of a massive food…
Fun Spot announces new ‘Florida Project’ Experience
In a bold move meant to cash in on the popularity of the Kissimmee-set Oscar-nominated film The Florida Project, Fun Spot announced today that their Kissimmee theme park will soon offer “The Florida Project Experience.” Located less than two miles from the landmark Magic Castle Inn on Kissimmee’s Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Fun Spot’s take…
Coca-Cola Orlando Eye is now the Faygo Orlando Eye
The Orlando Eye has made a bold and sort of tasty move, trading their Coca-Cola sponsorship for a Faygo endorsement. “We wanted to retain a soda association with a company that’s just as good, or so we’ve been telling ourselves,” said Michael Blerkin, the Faygo Eye’s new Chief Poperating Officer. “Florida is a state that…
Marco Rubio builds elaborate tunnel system to keep teens away from NRA money
Following a barrage of insults from Parkland shooting survivors, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio has reportedly built an elaborate tunnel system, complete with booby traps, to keep teenagers away from his NRA donations. Located beneath an undisclosed location in Florida, the secret tunnels run for miles and are only accessible through a fireplace in a restaurant…
Audit questions Florida’s anti-fraud efforts in Medicaid program
Florida’s Medicaid program has been rapped by auditors who questioned what the state got for millions of dollars spent with a company whose lobbyists included two former Republican House speakers and a former top health-care regulator. State auditors additionally raised questions about how aggressive the Agency for Health Care Administration has been in trying to…
Florida AG Pam Bondi demands in-person meeting with Facebook over data scandal
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and her office are demanding an in-person meeting with Facebook executives after a data scandal involving Cambridge Analytica. The political consulting firm obtained the personal information of 50 million Facebook users through questionable practices to target audiences with digital ads for President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, according to the New…
Miguel makes his case in Orlando as one of R&B’s most complete stars
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Miguel, The Plaza Live, Mar. 29 While the pop music machine can spin seeming magic from figures of marginal talent, R&B often suffers from an opposite phenomenon. Even at its baseline, R&B is a genre overflowing with naturally gifted voices. But often, voices are all they are. Without solid songs or music,…
Tako Cheena will open new Church Street location
Tako Cheena plans to open a new location on Church Street, near the Orlando City Stadium. Owner Edgardo Guzman confirmed to Orlando Weekly that Tako Cheena will take over the kitchen in the downstairs area of Stonewall Bar, located at 741 W. Church St. While this Tako Cheena will have a parking lot, the new…
UCF now has an unknown vigilante called ‘Rat Man’
Is he friend or foe? What does he want? No one knows. All we know at this point is that there’s a full-grown man walking around the University of Central Florida campus in a rat costume, and he’s called “Rat Man.” Recent videos on social media from UCF students appear to show an adult man…
Orlando rapper Woop to play comeback show this weekend
Orlando rapper Woop is set to play a triumphant hometown show on Easter Sunday, after a lengthy absence from the music scene. The MC was released last month after serving nearly two years in prison and he’s hungry to make his mark again, starting with a string of Southern tour dates. Woop made a splash…
Jury finds Noor Salman not guilty on all counts in Pulse shooting
A jury has found Noor Salman not guilty of helping her husband in his plans to murder 49 people at the gay nightclub Pulse. After deliberating for almost 12 hours over the course of three days, on Friday jurors unanimously acquitted Salman of aiding and abetting Omar Mateen in his plans to conduct the 2016…
Morgan Page brings progressive house back to Gilt Nightclub
Progressive house revivalist Morgan Page stops into Gilt this weekend for a DJ set. Page’s latest EP, Born to Fly, features two songs with vocals from former Orlandoan electropop firecracker Britt Daley, including an update of the Cure’s “Lovesong.” Expect something a little more classic than the usual flavor-of-the-month style. 10 p.m. Saturday; Gilt Nightclub,…
The Sugar Sow Bacon and BBQ opens in Altamonte Springs next week
Sooo-eeeee! Calling all carnivores: The Sugar Sow Bacon & BBQ opens Friday, April 6, in Altamonte Springs. The bacon confectioners known for such gems as chocolate-praline bacon brownies and bourbon brown-sugar bacon roses will add barbecue to the mix when they move into the wee space next to Tamale & Co. Take-Out. Opening-day hours are…
Brazilian bossa nova singer Vanessa da Mata plays House of Blues this weekend
Known stateside for her 2007 “Boa Sorte” hit collab single with Ben Harper, it’s time for U.S. audiences to become fully acquainted with Brazilian singer Vanessa da Mata. The former basketball player and model and med student rocketed to stardom in her homeland courtesy of a sultry hybrid of bossa nova songforms with sleek reggae…
Get a taste of international cuisine at Altamonte’s World Food Festival
Take a vacation around the world without leaving the Orlando area or breaking the bank. Food is the best way to experience a culture, so why bother renewing your passport when the food can be brought to you? Altamonte Springs and iHeartRadio partner up to create the first World Food Festival and make your staycation…
Iron Cow devotes a night to Afrobeat with Bengali 600, FoxForce005 and Mr. Mogembo
The Milk District’s newest spot for live music and dance parties goes full “Por que no los dos?” this Friday with an all-night afrobeat party. DJs FoxForce005 and Mr. Mogembo play their funkiest sub-Saharan tracks with appearances from guest MCs. Then Orlando’s only active Afrobeat band (that we know of), Bengali 600, brings enough brass…
AIDS Foundation fights getting shut out of South Florida Medicaid market
The largest nonprofit AIDS health-care provider in the nation is at risk of being blocked out of South Florida’s Medicaid market. AIDS Healthcare Foundation attorneys filed a written protest and requested a hearing after its managed-care division was not among the health plans selected to negotiate with state Medicaid officials to continue providing care in…
A new restaurant in Tampa is only selling food that begins with the letter C
A new restaurant in Tampa is betting that your favorite foods start with the letter C. With primary focus on champagne, charcuterie and cheesecake, The C House, located in 6005 N. Florida Ave. in Seminole Heights, just celebrated their grand opening March 24. Of course, the new spot also offers other C-related dishes, like cinnamon rolls,…
The ‘world’s first running music festival’ is coming to Orlando this summer
Because neither avid runners nor EDM kids are opposed to taped nipples, the “world’s first running music festival” is coming to Orlando this summer. Night Nation Run will take place at the Central Florida Fairgrounds July 28. Though no musical acts have been announced, tickets for the 5K/EDM fest are on sale now, and half-price until April…
Florida governor candidate Chris King releases ‘March for Our Lives’ video
Chris King, a Winter Park businessman and Florida gubernatorial candidate, just released an online campaign ad featuring Orlando’s “March for Our Lives” protest last weekend. The video shows the Democrat marching through the streets of downtown Orlando with his family on Saturday, along with a speech on a megaphone to a crowd in front of…
Shakira to play Orlando make-up show this August
Latin music sensation Shakira was forced to reschedule last year’s “El Dorado World Tour” due to strained vocal chords, but luckily for Orlando fans she’s rescheduled her show to a much more seasonally appropriate time for her sultry pop. The 12-time Grammy winner promises the hits and songs from her new album, El Dorado. Expect all…
Universal is already offering BOGO tickets for Halloween Horror Nights 28
What better way to gear up for Easter than making your plans for Halloween? Universal is already offering a deal on tickets to Halloween Horror Nights 28, even though it doesn’t start until Sept. 14. There is some incentive to buy early though – if you purchase your tickets between today and June 6, you’ll get a…
A UCF student who owned multiple assault rifles and showed ‘disturbing behavior’ will be deported
After classmates reported a fellow University of Central Florida student for displaying “disturbing behavior” and owning multiple assault rifles, a judge has ruled that he be deported for violating his visa. The UCF Police Department were first alerted to Wenliang Sun on Feb. 1 after it was reported that he showed a “dramatic change” in…
UCF confirms Dale Whittaker as university’s fifth president
After being selected to succeed longtime University of Central Florida president John Hitt earlier this month, Dale Whittaker – UCF’s provost since 2014 – has been confirmed as the university’s fifth president. Whittaker was selected over three other finalists on March 9. His appointment was confirmed Thursday by Florida’s Board of Governors at the University…
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Truck is coming to Winter Park next week with free samples
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Truck is on its way to Florida and will be scooping out free samples in Winter Park on Wednesday, April 4. The truck will park out in front of New General, located at 155 New England Avenue, from noon to 5 p.m. Their “Flavor is Everything” tour is part of a…
Environmentalists are calling for Florida Gov. Rick Scott to veto ‘toilet-to-tap’ bill
Gov. Rick Scott has the power to keep actual shit (not kidding) out of Floridians’ drinking water, but will he? If Scott does veto the legislation – what environmentalists have coined the “toilet-to-tap” bill – it would be the governor’s first time to pull the nay-trigger this spring. So far, Scott has reportedly received more…
Florida Supreme Court weighs ‘stand your ground’ defense for police officer
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office this week urged the Florida Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that allowed a police officer to use the state’s “stand your ground” self-defense law after being charged with manslaughter in an on-duty shooting. Bondi’s office, in a 22-page brief filed Monday, argued that Broward County sheriff’s deputy Peter Peraza…
Art31: Fiber closes with a party featuring Godrick and Accidental Music Fest
After a monthlong series of events and exhibitions showcasing projects artists have been working on at the A&H, it all comes down after this one last night. Browse through the galleries, then feel free to enjoy a performance of avant-classical works by Accidental Music Fest and interact with Godrick, a “cosmic creature made of dreams,…
Hammered Lamb celebrates Easter with an adult egg hunt and boozy prizes
Easter’s all about coming back from the dead, so there’s no better place to celebrate Sunday morning than at Ivanhoe Village’s best trainside hangover patio. The Hammered Lamb celebrates with brunch (of course) accompanied by an Easter Egg hunt, egg toss competition and more. 10 a.m. Sunday; The Hammered Lamb, 1235 N. Orange Ave.; various…
Broken Social Scene reconvene for a group ‘Hug’ at House of Blues
Impelled by the urgent and uneasy times in which we live, the Canadian indie-rock supergroup break their hiatus and ride in rumbling like the cavalry. An indie-rock hall of fame in motion, Broken Social Scene returned after seven relatively quiet years with 2017’s Hug of Thunder. The work of 15 people – including Emily Haines…
Rick Scott backs benefits for Florida first responders with PTSD
Firefighters, police officers and other first responders who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder will qualify for a full array of workers’ compensation insurance benefits effective Oct. 1, under a bill that Gov. Rick Scott signed into law Tuesday. Joined by state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Attorney General Pam Bondi and legislative leaders, Scott signed…
Marco Rubio warns of ‘nefarious’ election threats
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio warned Tuesday of a “level of overconfidence” about the security of the nation’s election system heading into the 2018 midterm elections. The Miami-Dade County Republican, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, told reporters in his Tallahassee office he isn’t satisfied enough safeguards are in place —- from the federal, state…
New vegetarian Mexican restaurant Mission Kitchen opens Friday
A new vegan (mostly) food truck that hopes to be rolling by the end of the month will also have a brick-and-mortar home base, they announced this week. Mission Kitchen holds a grand opening party all day Friday, March 30, and everything on the menu is just $1. The menu covers the basics like tacos, burritos,…
Universal Orlando now offers a Minion character breakfast
The pancakes aren’t the only thing that are so fluffy and to die for at this breakfast. Universal Orlando is offering a Despicable Me Character Breakfast at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort on Saturday mornings that you can bring your Minion obsessed rugrat to. The breakfast is served in the Cayman Court buffet-style that includes classics…
Jam band Umphrey’s McGee to play Orlando this summer
Jam overlords Umphrey’s McGee have announced a “Fresh” summer tour set for this August and Orlando is one of the stopping points for the band. The extended summer trek will give audiences a chance to hear live tracks from the band’s new album It’s Not Us, as well as a Pearl Jam cover apparently. Umphrey’s…
Flo Rida will be performing in Orlando for free in a couple of weeks
Break out the Apple Bottom jeans and the boots with the fur, because rapper Flo Rida is coming to Orlando for a free community concert Saturday, April 14. The Grammy-nominated artist will be performing at the Central Florida Fair along with his opening act, Tinashe, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The concert is sponsored…
Lions midfielder Sacha Kljestan buys out screening of ‘Love,Simon’ and invites the whole city
Sacha Kljestan joins a growing list of celebrities who are buying out screenings of Love, Simon at theaters across the country, and you’re invited to see it with him. The Orlando City midfielder and his wife, Jamie Lee Darley, bought out a showing of Love, Simon at Regal Winter Park Cinemas for an upcoming Thursday showing,…
Florida ordered to create new voting rights restoration system for felons
On Tuesday, calling it a “fatally flawed” system, a federal judge ordered Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet to revise the state’s method in restoring voting rights to felons. Scott and state officials – who, under current law, act as the state’s clemency board – can no longer rely on “whims, passing emotions or perceptions” when…
Pulse shooter planned to hide rifle in baby stroller and attack Disney Springs, says prosecutors
During Wednesday’s closing arguments, prosecutors at the trial of Noor Salman said that her husband, Pulse shooter Omar Mateen, originally planned to attack Disney Springs by hiding a rifle under a baby doll in a baby stroller. Federal prosecutors argued that Mateen attacked Pulse instead of Disney Springs because he noticed Orange County sheriff’s deputies…
Pharmacy throws it back to the Roaring ’20s with a flapper costume party
Super-swanky bar and eatery Pharmacy on Restaurant Row throws a special pre-Depression party this weekend. Come dressed in your glitziest flapper wear for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate that you can use on a subsequent visit. With any luck, you’ll be able to use it before the economy collapses again. 5 p.m.…
The ‘World’s Biggest Bounce House’ comes to Orlando this weekend
Along with the Big Freedia show at Will’s Pub, this touring inflatable monstrosity makes it a big week for bounce in Orlando. The “World’s Biggest Bounce House” boasts 20,000 square feet of rubber walls, floors and obstacles. Session times are separated by age, so your toddler won’t get crushed by an inattentive tween – and…
35 free shows happening in Orlando this week
Wednesday, March 28 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. Beat Poverty Concert: Layla Brisbois Band, Beemo, Josh Williams, Zack Maruniak, Zach Meadows, Elizabeth Ward 6 pm at The Tin Roof, 8371 International Drive. Central…
Vegan-friendly ice cream shop Greenery Creamery now open in downtown Orlando
You know the saying: “I scream, you scream, we all scream for vegan ice cream.” A new ice cream boutique The Greenery Creamery opened its doors Monday, serving up unique flavors that are dairy-based along with some vegan-friendly options. The shop is located in Thornton Park, near Lake Eola at 420 E. Church St. They’re scooping up…
New champagne and caviar concept, Bites & Bubbles, coming to Mills 50
Bites & Bubbles will movie into the former Restaurant Ash location (and more recently, Brooklyn Coffee) in the Mills 50 district. Located at 912 N. Mills Avenue, chef and property owner Eddie Nickell’s champagne and caviar-focused concept will also offer up oysters and a variety of tapas dishes. As the name implies, also expect a large…
Florida school superintendents say increased funds may not cover armed resource officers
A new report from Florida’s school superintendents warns that despite a nearly $100 million increase in funding, there may not be enough money to post an armed school resource officer at each school in the state. In reacting to the shooting deaths of 17 students and staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on…
Opening in Orlando: Paul, Apostle of Christ, Finding Your Feet and more
THIS WEEK: God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness Just in time for Easter (or April Fool’s Day, take your pick), your moviegoing cup runneth over with the milk of the Lord’s goodness. The third God’s Not Dead flick arrives in theaters one short week after the debut of Paul, Apostle of Christ (see below); bottom…
Savage Love: ‘Cock Locked’
I’m in D/s relationship. I’m not submissive around the clock, but my partner owns my cock. We’ve purchased several male chastity devices, but I can pretty easily get my cock out of them. My partner did some investigating and learned that the only effective devices work with a Prince Albert piercing – a ring through…
Gimme Shelter: Meet Max!
Looking for a new furry friend? Meet Max! Max (A397348) is a 5-year-old kitty with an amazing personality! He is very sweet, loving, and laid back. He enjoys being pet, and loves attention. He also enjoys playing, but overall he is a very mellow cat. He does have FIV, but cats with FIV can live a…
Spring Break is here, so we’re taking a first look at new attractions at all three major Orlando theme parks
Ray Rush, Pirates of the Caribbean, Forbidden Journey (and Voodoo Doughnut) Ray Rush at SeaWorld’s Aquatica: Universal reawakened Orlando’s water park wars with last summer’s debut of Volcano Bay, so now Aquatica is striking back with an innovative new hybrid raft ride. Ray Rush is still very much a work in progress, but SeaWorld invited…
Big Freedia twerks her way to a sold-out show in Orlando
Shake Ya Rumpa
Legal Public Notices 3/28
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 540 Cypress Parkway, Kissimmee Florida 34759, 863-240-0879 on 4/17/18 @ 3:30PM. Andre Butler-household goods and furniture, Jeremy Nichelson -household goods and furniture, Brian Santiago-twin bed,…
The best concerts coming to Orlando this week
SickOnes Transatlantic partnership touring bill of UK hardcore band Sickones and Midwest HC stalwarts Divebomb will go down like a storm at Lou’s. 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Uncle Lou’s, $5 Betty Who The unconventional Australian pop musician recently broke free from longtime label RCA and now controls her own creative destiny. Similar to Robyn,…
Spielberg stuns with Ready Player One
Otherworldly adventure
Sus Hi Eatstation opening soon in Lake Nona, a new Foxtail Coffee coming to Altamonte, plus more in local foodie news
OPENINGS: Tre Bambine will serve Italian street food out of the old Spice Modern Steakhouse space on East Central Boulevard later this summer … Two vegan food trucks specializing in Mexican cuisine – Mission Kitchen and Jacked Up Tacos – have rolled into town. Mission Kitchen celebrates its grand opening March 30 at 1322 25th…
ICYMI: Thousands demand gun reform at March For Our Lives rally, the latest in the trial for the Pulse shooter’s widow, and more
Thousands demand gun reform at March For Our Lives rally: Tens of thousands of people flocked to Lake Eola Park Saturday to march through downtown as part of a nationwide rallying cry against gun violence, started by student survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. More than 800 rallies were organized across the…
