Cover Story
Hayley Kiyoko brings a vital new voice – and perspective – to pop music
“You wanna be friends forever?/I can think of something better,” Hayley Kiyoko sings on “Sleepover,” the first single from her debut album, Expectations. “Sleeping here right next to me/But will you ever mess with me? No.” When I listened to “Sleepover” for the first time, after months of tuning out Kiyoko-related social media buzz, the…
M Lounge owners expanding with new catering kitchen in Ivanhoe Village
Majors Investments, owner-operator of Ivanhoe Village’s M Bar and M Lounge, confirmed to Orlando Weekly that they have purchased the building next to their current property to open a new catering kitchen. The group recently signed the lease for the former Junior League of Greater Orlando building at 2010 N. Orange Ave. A spokesperson for the…
Redefine Gallery teams up with Ripley’s Believe It or Not for Odd Is Art
Fairy wings painted on a meticulously carved ostrich egg. A portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. etched into a maple leaf. And an ivory-like human skull sculpted with designs of the gods. All of these pieces are featured in the newest book from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – Odd Is Art. The 140-page book…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘Callbacks’ serves up situational dramedy, theme-park style
For an actor, callbacks are often a surprise. You frequently receive them for plays and parts you weren’t expecting, while the roles you swore you nailed in the audition yield nothing, except for perhaps a life lesson. Callbacks, by Orlando theater veteran Thom Mesrobian, is also a surprise. It disguises itself as a comedic examination…
Oh Wonder bring slinky indie-pop to House of Blues
Oh Wonder are usually known for layered synth-pop duets, earning plenty of attention for the Sara Bareilles-meets-the-xx ballads on their 2015 self-titled debut and last year’s follow-up, Ultralife. But they hit the charts last fall as a featured performer on Lil Uzi Vert’s single “The Way Life Goes.” That track relied heavily on samples from…
Justin Timberlake’s Orlando show was the highest-grossing concert at the Amway Center ever
Justin Timberlake’s show on Monday night at the Amway Center was the most profitable single day concert of all time at the downtown Orlando venue. Timberlake’s sold out “Man of the Woods” tour stop in Orlando grossed a record-breaking $2,387,112, the Amway announced Tuesday. “Amway Center has had a string of sold out concert successes…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘My Pal Bette’ returns to the Orlando stage
A Fringe classic has returned. Eleven years after she debuted in Orlando, everyone’s favorite Bette Davis impersonator is back in John Ryan’s comedy My Pal Bette. To call Tammy Kopko an impersonator is not doing her justice – she fully embodies the legendary actress, nailing Davis’ mannerisms, dialect and persona, if not quite her appearance.…
After celebrating new U.S. Embassy, Rick Scott and Bill Nelson haven’t said a thing about the 60 dead protesters in Gaza
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Florida Gov. Rick Scott finally have one thing they can agree on – choosing to remain silent about the dozens of Gaza residents killed by Israeli troops during protests that coincided with the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. The Washington Post reports at least 60 people have died…
Colonial Lanes is closing next week for a major remodel
After 60 years of strikes, one of Orlando’s oldest bowling alleys will temporarily close next week for a major facelift. Colonial Lanes, which has been a prominent fixture in the Milk District since 1959, announced Tuesday that they will be closing May 24, so that the new owners can complete a remodel. The remodel includes removing some of…
Florida attorney general Pam Bondi files lawsuit against major opioid manufacturers
This afternoon, Florida attorney general Pam Bondi announced at Riverside Recovery of Tampa that she has filed a lawsuit against five of the nation’s largest manufacturers and distributors of opioids, calling it the “the most comprehensive lawsuit in the country.” “We are in the midst of a national opioid crisis claiming 175 lives a day…
Wiz Khalifa will bring his ‘Dazed and Blazed’ tour to Central Florida this summer
Rapper Wiz Khalifa will be lighting up Central Florida on his upcoming “Dazed & Blazed” Summer 2018 Tour with co-headliner Rae Sremmurd. Although the rappers won’t be holding any shows in Orlando, fans can head to Jacksonville’s Daily Place 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15; Tampa’s Central Union Amphitheater 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16; or West Palm Beach’s Coral Sky…
Questlove presents a ‘Symphonic Celebration of Prince’ in Orlando this autumn
Prince fans and classical music buffs, prepare to purify yourselves in the waters of Lake Minnetonka this autumn, as a Questlove-curated symphonic tribute to the masterworks of the Purple One is hitting Orlando later this year. This touring tribute – officially sanctioned by Prince’s estate and helmed by Prince superfan Questlove of the Roots – is…
Open casting calls for ‘Deal or No Deal’ are happening at Universal Orlando this week
Orlando residents will finally get a chance to fist-bump Howie Mandel and close a deal. CNBC announced the game show Deal or No Deal is hosting open casting calls at Universal Orlando Resort this weekend. Open casting calls for contestants will be held at Universal’s CityWalk on Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.…
Rick Scott needs $1 million to fix Florida’s gun background check loophole
Gov. Rick Scott is calling on the state of Florida to ask the Justice Department for $1 million to fix a gun background-check lapse that he and his administration originally overlooked. You can thank Politico for pointing that one out last week. Under Florida’s current system, Politico reports that staff shortages have led to about 17…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘S#IT’ flings poop at Stephen King’s ‘IT’
Johnnie Maier and Eddie Gomez, the producing team behind last year’s hit ThanksKilling, are back to musically mock another murder movie, this time flinging poop at the King of Horror himself with S#IT: An Unauthorized Musical Parody of Stephen King’s IT. A self-obsessed author who is definitely not Stephen King (Bob Brandenburg) narrates the story…
Fringe 2018 review: In ‘Moth,’ Jeremiah J. Gibbons leaves it all, and we mean ALL, on the stage
Moth, embodied by creator-performer Jeremiah J. Gibbons, welcomes us into his charming (read: small) world with a hearty wave, inviting us to join a genderfluid adventure for which there are no refunds. This bearded Peter Pan is an All-American dreamer with immense talent who would be fabulously famous by now, if not for naysaying critics…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘El Wiz’ is a life-affirming celebration suitable for the whole familia
L. Frank Baum’s beloved book The Wizard of Oz has already been transplanted to Harlem, to high school and to a Sam Raimi-directed hellscape. Now writer-director Paul Castañeda and composer Juan Cantú have taken the next logical leap and adapted the childhood classic into El Wiz, a big-hearted bilingual tribute to the resilient people of…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘Buggin’ Out’ is squarely aimed at the kids
Mitch (Austin Palmer), a recently molted monarch butterfly with self-esteem issues, is the newest arrival in Bugville, flying into town just as a shady timeshare-shilling wasp (Kenny Nisbett) warns that a catastrophic storm is en route. Can Mitch and his newfound friends – including Tina the toothless termite (Melanie Leon), commitment-phobic lovebug Lewis (Marcus Davila),…
Publix thinks Adam Putnam is worth roughly 75,000 chicken tender Pub Subs
Over the last three years, Publix has given a record $670,000 in donations to Adam Putnam, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and GOP candidate for governor, which is equal to at least 74,527 chicken tender Pub Subs. According to the Tampa Bay Times, no other Florida candidate has received this much backing from the Polk County-based…
‘Stepping in Jerusalem’
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Sports betting won’t be legalized in Florida anytime soon, despite Supreme Court ruling
A U.S. Supreme Court decision viewed as a major win for the gambling industry opened the door to sports betting in states across the country, but Florida almost certainly won’t be one of them —- at least for now. Monday’s decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, a case the state of New Jersey…
NRA can’t keep teens’ identities secret in lawsuit against Florida, judge rules
Expressing sympathy for her plight, a federal judge nevertheless turned down a request by the National Rifle Association to keep the identity of a 19-year-old Alachua County woman secret in a challenge to a state law that raised from 18 to 21 the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns. Lawyers for the…
‘Minnie Van’ drivers at Disney World can join Orlando union
“Minnie Van” drivers who work at Walt Disney World Resort can now join an Orlando union, according to a new ruling from the federal labor board. The Associated Press reports an official with the National Labor Relations Board ruled last week that 60 drivers can be represented by Teamsters Local 385 in Orlando. The red,…
Venice tackles tourist busy season with turnstiles, ‘FastPass’ gates on city streets
Venice, Italy has been struggling to deal with the ever-increasing number of tourists for years now, but earlier this month the city moved forward with one of their most extreme measures yet. With little to no notice to locals or tour operators, the city erected turnstiles at the entrance of two busy streets with plans…
Disney Cruise Line may add a second private port in the Bahamas
Disney Cruise Line has three massive new ships in development, adding to the four ships the cruise line already has. The new vessels will be slightly larger than the two largest ships in Disney’s fleet but have roughly the same number of staterooms, with 1,250 each. The three new ships will allow the cruise line…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘Taurus Faeces’ is a warm hug of a one-woman show
Every family has its own lore, a melange of fact and fiction that fuses into a shared history, but too many of us allow those stories to fade away with the passing of older generations. Storyteller Deanna Braunstein, with the assistance of her sister, has combed through her late mother’s papers to reconstruct some of…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘Enter, Pursued by a Whale’ is perplexing, rapid-fire and very, very funny
“Exit, pursued by a bear” may be the most famously confounding stage direction in Shakespeare, but Enter, Pursued by a Whale is every bit as head-spinning, and far funnier. This new play by Orlando author Irene L. Pynn stars Ken Pruess as Hawel, an atheist Bible salesman who has been involuntarily retired. His wife, Mel…
Fringe 2018 review: Entertaining ‘In Tandem’ explores the contours of the human body
As audiences enter the Blue Venue for In Tandem, the company members of Explore Composite are already crawling on the floor, tracing each other’s outlines in Sharpies onto a long roll of paper, like a mirthful murder scene meets kindergarten crafts. It’s a fitting visual metaphor for this entertaining (if slightly uneven) exercise in identifying…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘Hello’ makes a plea for simple human connection
Bartholomew Jones (Chris Crawford) bursts out of a Chicago coffeehouse and into our brains, bringing time and space to a standstill so we can enjoy his hyper-verbal internal monologue mooning over the muscular barista who’s left a flirty heart on his latte cup. Initially, it appears that we’re in for a lighthearted, campy comedy along…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘Title and Deed’ stuns with existential intensity
David Lee is no stranger to Fringe success. He won the Critic’s Choice award for best male performance in 2015, a Fringe Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and a Patrons Pick prize back in 2011 for Thom Pain (based on nothing). So he’s returning to Fringe with perhaps the highest expectations of any performer not named…
August Greene cancels their Orlando show this week
Jazz-rap supergroup August Greene – the trio of Robert Glasper (pianist), Common (MC) and Karriem Riggins (percussionist) – have canceled their Orlando show, originally set for tomorrow night at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A scheduling conflict with members of the band nixed the show, according to representatives from the Dr. Phillips Center. Tickets…
Fringe 2018 review: In ‘Luna,’ journal entries come to life as musical movement
A woman sits at her writing desk, oversize quill pen in hand, and pours her churning emotions out onto the pages of her journal, where they transform into musical movement. That’s the conceit behind Luna – the first Fringe production from former Cirque du Soleil performer Ana Cuellar – according to her show’s opening voice-over.…
Casselberry oyster bar Pier 36 Fish Camp is now in soft opening
Pier 36 Fish Camp, located in the former Hooters, is in the soft opening process at 2699 Cassel Creek Blvd. The new restaurant dishes up crab, oysters, mussels, tropical fish and more. The soft opening process began on May 9 for lunch service. Since then, the restaurant has been open during selected hours each day, including…
Drake’s latest tour is coming to Florida, just not Orlando
If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to grab tickets to see the “Champagne Papi” live in concert, if you’re willing to go down south. Canadian rapper Drake just announced the “Aubrey & The Three Amigos” tour on Monday, with support from hip-hop trio Migos. They’ll make 41 stops across the country, but the…
It’s about to get extra sloppy in Orlando
Yep, Orlando is expected to be wet and nasty all damn week. A weather disturbance in the eastern Gulf of Mexico is expected to linger over Central Florida for the next few days, with as much as five inches of rain expected for today. The weather disturbance has a 30 percent chance of developing into…
Gwen Graham is considering David Jolly as a running mate in Florida governor’s race
Democratic candidate Gwen Graham is actually considering Republican David Jolly as a potential running mate in the Florida governor’s race. The former Congressman ran on the Republican ticket for U.S. Senator in 2016 before ultimately leaving to run for his seat again in Florida’s 13th congressional district. He lost that race to former Florida Gov.…
Fringe 2018 review: In ‘Somebody’s History,’ a white woman monologues on race relations
Between the resurgence of white nationalism and the increase in police violence against minorities, there’s probably no more crucial crisis in today’s society than the growing division between Caucasians and Americans of color. So who better to try to bridge that gap by dropping knowledge than a self-described super-pale blonde woman from Minnesota? As a…
Oblivion Taproom is closing for the second time in two years
Local beer and burger spot Oblivion Taproom is saying goodbye for the second time in two years. While no exact reason was given, Oblivion’s last day of operation will be Saturday, May 26, the restaurant’s management announced last weekend in a Facebook post. “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the closing…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘Along the Way’ mixes tunes and travel
Airport, that cheeseball movie from 1970, told of several strangers’ lives intersecting during a potentially tragic airplane flight. Along the Way puts a new spin on that predicament by presenting a less dramatic dilemma: one in which passengers never even get on the plane but nevertheless make personal, lasting connections – through song – while…
New Mills 50 wine and beer spot Grape & The Grain is finally open
Last Saturday marked the long-awaited opening of a new beer and wine spot in the Mills 50 District. Grape & the Grain, located at 1110 Virginia Drive, is now serving up craft beer, wine and entertainment from local musicians. The newest addition to the Mills 50 scene is open 5 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday,…
South Florida court upholds constitutionality of revised ‘stand your ground’ law
A South Florida appeals court has upheld the constitutionality of a controversial change to the state’s ‘stand your ground” self-defense law —- but also might have set the stage for a debate at the Florida Supreme Court about how the change should apply in some cases. The decision Friday by the 3rd District Court of…
Fringe 2018 review: ‘To Be Happy’ falls between scatological sitcom and after-school special
Brandon (Blake Auburn), who has always preferred Barbie dolls to footballs, has a biting wit. Shy Jordan (Jake Teixeira) – who was born beside a keg during a 4th of July BBQ – collects his fingernail clippings like a serial killer. They are as dissimilar as brothers can be, but over the course of a…
Fringe 2018 review: Movement performance ‘Awake’ is simple but powerful
For artists, choosing between pursuing their passion and gainful employment in an eternal struggle; now it’s also the subject of Awake, a show combining dancing with live violin playing by the multi-talented Jose Navarro. A frequent collaborator with Blue’s VarieTease, Navarro has broken away from the Black Venue for his second independent Fringe production, in…
Orlando City fans trashed their own field yesterday
As if Atlanta United snapping Orlando City’s six-game winning streak on Sunday night weren’t enough, Orlando City fans decided to throw salt in their own wounds by trashing their own field. Fans began throwing debris onto the field following each of Atlanta’s two goals and after shouts of a foul were waved away. To say…
Royal Caribbean’s hot new shore excursion destination? New Jersey
In their never-ending quest to find hot new ways to draw in travelers, Royal Caribbean has begun offering two new shore excursions. Both embrace the “culture” of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and are designed as a way to fill extra end of cruise time before flying out. The tours soft-launched last fall and are now listed on…
Disney World’s new monorails might include augmented reality windows
Those long-rumored new monorails at Walt Disney World might be even cooler and higher-tech than anyone realized. Disney’s obsession with projection mapping and augmented reality might see some real-world application on the new monorails. In recent episodes of their Disney news podcast, The Disney Dish with Jim Hill, Disney historian and industry insider Jim Hill…
Band of the Week: Suck Brick Kid
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 Suck Brick Kid. Suck Brick Kid is playing May 17 at the Hot Water Music pre-party at 64 North with Teen Agers & Lost In Society. Just the facts: When…
Key lawmaker says there’s no plan to fill $28 million budget hole for Florida prisons
Despite warnings that cuts to substance-abuse programs and transition services could result in more prisoners behind bars, the Senate appropriations chairman said Thursday lawmakers aren’t planning to plug a $28 million budget gap at the Florida Department of Corrections until next year. But budget chief Rob Bradley indicated corrections health-care problems may spur lawmakers to…
Adam Putnam maintains fundraising edge in Florida governor’s race
In the Republican race for governor, new financial reports show Adam Putnam and Ron DeSantis continue to pursue different strategies in their quest for their party’s nomination. Putnam, a two-term state agriculture commissioner, raised more than $2 million in April and spent $2.4 million, including more than $1.8 million launching his first television ad, the…
Gelato Fiasco opens today in Orlando’s SoDo neighborhood
As of this afternoon, a new gelato joint is now scooping pints in Orlando’s SoDo neighborhood. Gelato Fiasco, a Maine-based franchise, opened in the SoDo Shopping Center at 25 W. Crystal Lakes Street. The new spot is open from noon to 11 p.m. daily and offers more than 20 flavors of gelato and sorbetto made fresh every…
Bill Nelson: Florida leads nation in deaths, injuries caused by exploding Takata air bags
Florida continues to lead the nation in deaths and injuries caused by exploding Takata air bags, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson says. About 50 million of these defective air bags are used in roughly 37 million vehicles across the county, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The product is under recall because long-term exposure to…
A dragon float caught on fire today at Walt Disney World
During a parade at Walt Disney World, the head of a mechanical dragon float caught on fire. The Maleficent dragon, which had a functioning fire feature, went up in flames during this afternoon’s Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom. As you can see, the scene was heavily documented on social media. According to reports,…
Herd of deer allow massive gator to play through at Florida golf course
A recent video shows a herd of deer presumably allowing a Kaiju-sized gator to play through at a Florida golf course, a scene that is incredibly normal here in the Sunshine State. The shot was taken by Jessica Miller and uploaded to Facebook by Eat Sleep Play Beaufort, who say the gator was 12 feet…
A bear that attacked two dogs and destroyed an SUV in Longwood has been killed, officials say
Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission believe they have caught and euthanized the same bear that attacked two small dogs and ripped apart an SUV last month in a Longwood neighborhood. According to News 13, the female bear was located early Friday morning and tranquilized near the Estates at Springs Landing in Longwood.…
Central Florida facility for disabled will shut down after multiple violent incidents
A Mount Dora facility for people with severe disabilities is finally closing after reports of horrifying violence and neglect over the years. The state Agency for Persons with Disabilities says the company that owns Carlton Palms Educational Center notified the agency it would cease operations in Florida on May 31. The company, Bellwether Behavioral Health,…
Florida had a terrible citrus season and now it’s ending earlier than expected
After a disheartening growing season – with Hurricane Irma taking a heavy toll on an already jilted industry – Florida citrus farmers are facing their lowest yield in eight decades. “Overall, the profitability of the citrus season is projected to decline with reduced production and higher production costs despite higher prices at market with total…
SeaWorld’s latest attraction Ray Rush just opened at Aquatica
Ray Rush, SeaWorld’s new 60-foot-tall manta ray-themed water slide, just opened at Aquatica. The new family-friendly slide, which opened a day earlier than expected, will celebrate its official opening Saturday, May 12. Ray Rush is the first in Florida to combine enclosed tube sections, a giant sphere and a drop into an open-air halfpipe, says SeaWorld.…
Yes to bring 50th anniversary tour to Orlando
Prog-rock godfathers Yes have reconvened for a tour marking a half-century of musical outer limits and Orlando will be one of those stops. The lineup of the oft-fractious band for this anniversary celebration is longtime members Steve Howe and Alan White, joined by Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, and Billy Sherwood. In addition, Yes founding member…
Orange County public schools wrap up fourth annual ‘Fresh Attitude Week’
Orange County public schools participated in the fourth annual “Fresh Attitude Week” this week – a multinational collaboration that helps raise awareness about the consumption of fresh fruits and veggies at school and at home. Fresh Attitude Week is an annual event produced by the Urban School Food Alliance, a collation of the largest school…
Disney, Seminole Tribe sink $10 million into anti-gambling amendment in Florida
In a major escalation of their support, Disney Worldwide Services and the Seminole Tribe of Florida each plowed $5 million last month into a proposed constitutional amendment that would make it harder to expand gambling in the state. Disney and the tribe had already provided almost all of the money for the political committee Voters…
Florida Democrats blast state plan to cut $98 million from Medicaid program
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Democratic U.S. House members Thursday called for the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to reject a move by Gov. Rick Scott’s administration to cut $98 million by trimming the length of time people have to apply for the Medicaid program. “I rise here today because the state of…
New jazz-rap supergroup August Greene plays the Dr. Phillips Center this week
One might be forgiven for concern that August Greene – the heavyweight trio of rapper-actor Common, jazz pianist Robert Glasper and polymath percussionist Karriem Riggins – might not be able to live up to the hype that such a surprising set of partnerships would inspire, but … this time, believe the hype. August Greene, half…
‘Be Best, Be Bully’
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The Pinball Lounge celebrates its third birthday with all-day free play
Oviedo’s mecca for the pinball-obsessed celebrates its third anniversary this week with an all-day blowout. Enjoy free play on 24 different machines along with the opportunity to enter a three-strikes tournament sanctioned by the International Flipper Pinball Association. And, of course, enjoy as many buckets or pitchers as you need to enhance your skill. 1…
Blackstar goes deep into underground disco at this week’s Fang x No One Knows I’m Disco
This week’s Fang party brings Tommy Mot’s passion project, No One Knows I’m Disco, back to the forefront. Showcasing underground disco and all of its subgenres (space, Afro, Italo, garage, etc.) – not the leisure-suited pop that’s normally associated with the genre – the selection of tunes from Mot, Dayo Shyne and Mr. Mogembo should…
Orlando experienced a record 72 million tourists in 2017
Orlando is still the most visited place in the United States, according to new numbers from tourism officials. That’s right, despite Hurricane Irma essentially removing tourism from the state last September, a record-setting 72 million tourists visited the Orlando area last year. The impressive numbers, which bested last year’s 68 million, were released this afternoon…
Florida officials ask judge to reject ‘bump stock’ lawsuit
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office is asking a Leon County circuit judge to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges a recently approved ban on firearm “bump stocks” is an unconstitutional taking of property. Lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott approved a ban on the devices after the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas…
Orlando Science Center debuts new tribute to Pulse victims, survivors
The Orlando Science Center is debuting a new tribute to victims and survivors of the 2016 mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse. The mixed media art installation is called “Facets of Love” and was created by local artist Christy McCutchen. McCutchen was selected from a group of artists who proposed projects to recycle parts…
Adam Putnam’s campaign for Florida governor has an extremely faith-heavy agenda
Agricultural Commissioner and GOP gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam released his Florida Families First agenda earlier this week, which predictably champions religious, conservative values. Here it is in detail: Fight for the life of the unborn by expanding services that help mothers successfully carry their pregnancy to term. Remove activist judges who seek to protect abortions…
Every Mother’s Day brunch, discount and event happening in Orlando this weekend
Here you’ll find a few Orlando-centric ideas to make mom happy this Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day Brunch: Oklahoma! A special brunch buffet with live music, followed by a screening of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical western. Sunday, 11 am; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; $40-$240; 407-629-0054; enzian.org. Mother’s Day at Tapa Toro Special…
Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town, Luke Combs and more announced for this year’s Party in the Pines festival
Upstart country music festival Party in the Pines is back for another year at the Bienville Plantation in North Florida. And they just announced an initial round of confirmed acts that will wow country fans. Confirmed to headline this year are Zac Brown Band and Little Big Town, and they will be joined by Luke Combs, Kip…
Body found in Orange County pond isn’t the teen from previously reported alligator attack
The unscathed body of a woman was found in an east Orange County retention pond by deputies searching for a teenage boy seen screaming and flailing in the water. Around 6:30 a.m. Thursday, a deputy on the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit saw the body of a female in her late teens to early…
Legoland Florida announces new Lego Movie World for spring 2019
An immersive “Lego Movie World” is coming to Legoland Florida, the company announced this morning. In partnership with Warner Bros. and based on the popular film of the same name, the new land will put guests in the middle of the fictional Bricksburg and will feature three new rides, character meet-and-greets and a massive kid-friendly…
Here’s how to watch today’s SpaceX launch of a new, crew-rated rocket
Today at 4:12 p.m., SpaceX will launch a new rocket from its iconic Falcon 9 fleet called the Block 5, sending into orbit a communications satellite for the Bangladeshi government. The rocket will also attempt to land on a droneship off the coast of Florida about eight minutes after launch. Yes, SpaceX launches are becoming normalized,…
Florida Constitution Revision Commission files eight measures for November ballot
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission formally concluded its work Wednesday, sending eight proposed constitutional amendments to Secretary of State Ken Detzner for placement on the Nov. 6 general-election ballot. “After holding more than 15 public hearings, the most in CRC history, and reviewing thousands of public comments, we submitted a compelling set of transformational proposals…
‘Rogue Nation’
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Deep house meets dancing divas at Iron Cow’s Queens of Noise Burlesque
The Iron Cow dips a toe in the burlesque scene this week with a show that starts off with burlesque performances from Kissa Von Addams, Tymisha Harris, Angela La Muse and Foxy D’Ville. Then the DJ collective Queens of Noise take over for a deep house dance party with beats from Lola B., FoxForce005 and…
Fur moms get to pamper their pooches at the Brewstillery’s Sniff & Schmooze event
The Bear and Peacock kicks off Mother’s Day weekend with an afternoon devoted to all of the “fur moms.” Bring your (well-behaved) pooch to the Brewstillery and enjoy some wine, beer or liquor while your fur baby gets pampered with free grooming and special treats, including dog beer! They think they’re people. 5-7 p.m. Friday;…
A Florida judge just upheld a traffic stop that led to drug charges over a ridiculously small detail
A state appeals court Wednesday said a police officer was allowed to stop a Miami-Dade County motorist because the word “Florida” on the car’s license plate was obscured by a metal frame. While expressing concern about its ruling, a panel of the 3rd District Court of Appeal overturned a lower-court decision that suppressed evidence obtained…
97 percent of Orlando homes are unaffordable for restaurant workers, study says
In today’s edition of Orlando’s Housing Market is the Worst™, a new study shows 97 percent of local homes are unaffordable for restaurant workers. The report from Trulia examines how many houses on the 2018 market are affordable for doctors, first responders, programmers, teachers and restaurant workers across the nation. “The news is discouraging,” the…
Digital license plates could be available in Florida soon
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with comments from Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. A California technology company says digital license plates could soon be available in the Sunshine State, though Florida officials say no such deal is in place. NBC News reports Reviver Auto has developed wireless electronic license plates…
Disney releases details on new space-themed restaurant coming to Epcot
This afternoon, Disney released a few tidbits about the new space-themed restaurant coming to Epcot’s Future World. According to Disney, the yet-to-be-named restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, who you may know from local eateries like The Edison and Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs, and Via Napoli Ristorante E Pizzeria at Epcot. Their…
The Coca Cola Orlando Eye is now the ICON Orlando
The 400-foot Coca-Cola Orlando Eye observation wheel has been rebranded, again, and will now be called the ICON Orlando. Besides the renaming of the wheel, the entire 18-acre complex, which includes SeaLife Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and the soon to open Orlando Starflyer thrill ride in the neighboring parcel, will be rebranded from I-Drive 360 to…
Christina Aguilera is coming to Central Florida this fall
Christina Aguilera may have been caught up in the news cycle around Kanye West’s Trump tweets since her West-produced comeback cycle “Accelerate” dropped around the time of West’s Twitter woes, but she’s now putting the spotlight squarely back on her music with today’s announcement of a North American tour that will stop in Central Florida…
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club reward Orlando for its patience with powerful, generous performance
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Pete International Airport, The Beacham, May 8 Black Rebel Motorcycle Club fans around here are used to having to wait. Late last year, the San Francisco band announced their first scheduled Orlando appearance in over a decade. And then, only 24 hours before showtime, an official announcement…
32 free shows coming to Orlando this week
Wednesday, May 9 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. Thursday, May 10 Leisure Chief 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Raleigh Estes and Friends 8 pm at Muldoon’s Saloon, 7439 Aloma Ave.,…
Richard Corcoran ended his sort-of-campaign for Florida governor today
That’s all, folks – Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran called it quits with his unofficial campaign for governor on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. But besides a one-on-one debate with Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum, as well as a some good ole fashioned anti-immigrant advertisements on the speaker’s part, Corcoran never made…
‘Flapping With Rudy’
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Emeril’s Orlando will soon close at Universal’s CityWalk
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse will close his Orlando restaurant at Univesal’s CityWalk this summer. After nearly 20 years in business, Emeril’s Orlando will officially close doors July 7, the chef announced in a statement. While no specific reason was given for the closure, the staff of 108 employees were told of the company’s decision Tuesday.…
Court backs Florida air-ambulance firm in fight over child’s $28k helicopter bill
In a case stemming from a child getting rushed to a hospital after a traffic accident, a federal appeals court Tuesday backed an air-ambulance firm in a dispute about whether the amount paid for helicopter services should be limited by Florida’s no-fault auto insurance law. A panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals…
New poll gives Rick Scott the edge in Florida’s U.S. Senate race
Gov. Rick Scott has an edge over Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson in this year’s U.S. Senate race, while large numbers of voters in both parties remain undecided on Florida’s next governor, according to a new poll. The survey from the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative showed Scott, a Republican, with a 44.3…
The best concerts coming to Orlando this week
Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth Weekly residency by the hardest-working man in (Orlando) show business never fails to surprise and delight. 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at Lil Indies, free Green Velvet British drum & bass alien lands the mothership at the Beacham for a late-night show; expect glam grooves in full. 10 p.m. Thursday,…
Orange County mayoral candidates grilled by local arts leaders
Considering the current state of our union, it’s tempting to tune out political talk altogether. But just because the national discourse has gone off the deep end, that’s no reason for civilized citizens to ignore local elections. In Orange County, three leading candidates are vying to replace term-limited Mayor Teresa Jacobs in November. While most…
Bangrak Thai x Pizza Bruno collab, Argentinian food in Casselberry, plus more in local foodie news
OPENINGS: Downtown mainstay Artisan’s Table will move to 55 W. Church St. in early 2019. Chef-partner Monica McCown says the move will allow the restaurant to build out a bigger bar area and focus more on the late-night food and drink crowd. Expect to see a lively patio scene by January or February of next…
Desi eatery Southern Spice serves down-home fare from India’s deep south
Southbound and down
Rollins’ Fred Stone Theater closes, Central Florida Vocal Arts teams up with Opera del Sol, and more in performing arts news
In April, Rollins College confirmed the permanent closure of the Fred Stone Theater, and accelerated plans to demolish it in favor of a new facility. The historic former church, which was suffering from structural damage to its roof, was home to Rollins’ black box theater. The venue hosted both free student-run performances and occasional works…
Savage Love: ‘Pedestrian AF’
First let me say that I think you give excellent advice, even if it is a bit pedestrian at times. I have a small problem: Last fall, my penis bent up and to the left at an almost 90 degree angle. I know from Google that this is not an unusual problem. And at 59,…
Gimme Shelter: Meet Henry!
Looking for a new furry friend? Meet Henry! Henry (A402658) is a loving 3-year-old boy. He plays very well with other dogs, knows basic commands, and enjoys eating treats. Henry is looking to find his forever home. Come meet him today! For the month of May, Orange County Animal Services is spotlighting stray pets. For…
Opening in Orlando: Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami, Breaking In and more
Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami The hugely influential singer and supermodel is the subject of yet one more FFF encore. “Bowie-level stunning,” said our Matthew Moyer. “Moyer-level insightful,” said Bowie from beyond the grave. “You two get a room,” said Jones, still smarting from how things turned out with Dolph Lundgren. (NR) Breaking In In…
ICYMI: Disney offers union workers a raise with a catch, FEMA grants extension for storm evacuees, and more
Disney proposes $15 per hour contract that cuts protections: After months of negotiating, Walt Disney World finally offered Orlando theme park workers a contract that would get them to a $15 hourly wage, but it comes at the cost of key union protections and benefits. Disney’s proposal would raise the current minimum wage ($10 per…
