In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown in 2020, one of the more riveting local social media feeds was the Center for Post-Capitalist History. Nightly updates were posted wherein the ever-rising COVID numbers in Florida were read in a dispassionate voice, taking deadpan jabs at positive thinking and Florida’s “open for…
While expansion to Orlando International Airport has been underway for years, there was no guarantee that MCO’s embiggening would be completed post-pandemic. Last year, at the height of the confusion, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority slashed the budget to the Terminal C expansion at MCO, despite the project already being more than halfway complete. The…
Rumors of an armed student shut down the Oviedo High School homecoming dance early last weekend. Now, the student who was believed to have a gun has been charged. Though police and the school district reported that no gun was found on the student in question or nearby, the 15-year-old is being charged with aggravated…
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: November 19, 2021, at the times and locations listed below. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 12:00PM Extra Space Storage 11920 W Colonial Dr Ste…
Just days after a video showing a man setting fire to a section of the Pulse memorial was shared widely, the Orlando Fire Department says that an arrest had been made in the case. According to a release from the department, 64-year-old Mark Anthony Henson was arrested in connection with the set fire and charged…
An Orlando woman was near the main stage at Travis Scott’s Astroworld over the weekend, when a crush of people turned the concert deadly. In an interview with WESH, twenty-year-old Kidzya Rodriguez shared her viewpoint of the chaotic concert that left eight people dead and many more injured. Rodriguez is a longtime fan of Scott,…
Orange County Public Schools will start administering child COVID-19 vaccinations to families who want them today. Though walk-up clinics will eventually be offered at all of the district’s 22 high schools, only six of the schools are opening on the first day. Those schools offering the shot today are Boone High, University High, Ocoee High,…
Orlando opted to make e-scooters a permanent presence in the city yesterday, with the city council amending ordinances that created a scootershare pilot program. Beyond making the test program permanent, the city made changes to allow for legal riding on the sidewalk. Where before sidewalk-riding was only allowed on scooters with governors in place to…
In scope and style, the blues music landscape is as wide as it’s ever been thanks to an inspired generational infusion. And young Texas virtuoso Zach Person, who just dropped his debut LP this year, is staking his claim with a charged mix of blues and rock that’s powered more by straight soul than arty…
School boards are asking an appeals court to “expedite” consideration of a challenge to a Florida Department of Health rule aimed at preventing student mask requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorneys for the school boards in Miami-Dade, Leon, Duval, Broward and Alachua counties took the case Friday to the 4th District Court of Appeal after…
On Friday night, Nov. 5, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said it received a call from a mother of an 8-year-old girl who said her daughter’s mouth was cut after biting into a 100 Grand mini chocolate bar she got while trick-or-treating in Riverview. The mother claimed she found “part of an Exacto blade in…
Florida, Georgia and Alabama asked a federal appeals court Monday to put on hold a Biden administration rule that would require tens of millions of workers nationwide to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The states and other opponents of the rule —- including two Florida Christian schools —- want the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals…
Experimental and wondrously ethereal harp/violin duo LEYA are on tour right now, and as you’re reading reading this, the NYC-based duo of Adam Markiewicz (violin) and Marilu Donovan (harp) are in Florida for a handful of gigs. Miami and Gainesville ticked off the list, on Tuesday it’s Orlando’s turn to host the group. LEYA will be…
One would be hard-pressed to find any signs of the pandemic-induced recession at Disney Springs. Crowds fill nearly every inch of the outdoor retail complex, but the hubbub is far from evenly spread. Disney Springs’ West Side feels like a bit of an afterthought, especially after the pandemic put development on hold and the NBA…
When PopStroke announced their Orlando expansion in March, the excitement around the South Florida-based elevated miniature golf concept caused quite a stir. As the first of multiple Central Florida locations breaks ground, we’re learning new details on this East Orlando location and what’s next for the PopStroke’s Orlando expansion. PopStroke will feature a full-service restaurant…
The Florida House and Senate on Monday rolled out proposals for a special legislative session next week that will focus on opposing COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates. A series of bills were released as Gov. Ron DeSantis reiterated what he sees as the need for the session, which will start Nov. 15. DeSantis appeared with…
A school in Northern California has come under fire after a screenshot of a question on a social science quiz went viral. In the screenshot that’s circulating, students at Whitney High School in Rocklin, CA, are asked to choose between four options that match the definition of “a group of complete idiots.” The choices are…
Oviedo High School’s homecoming came to a sudden and scary end after a rumor of an armed student spooked attendees. Principal Trent Daniel sent a message to parents, saying that the dance ended due to students’ reactions to the rumor: a quick exit of the dance. “A student was not allowed to enter this evening’s…
The famous rescue dolphin that changed the fortunes of Clearwater Marine Aquarium has fallen ill with a possible gastrointestinal infection, according to officials at the aquarium. According to a post on the aquarium’s Facebook page, Winter the dolphin stopped eating sometime last week. This led to concern among trainers, who are now closely monitoring the…
A newly released video shows a person setting Orlando’s interim Pulse memorial wall on fire last month. According to the OnePulse Foundation, who shared the footage to their Facebook page, three memorial banners and the effects nearby were burned by a person who approached the memorial in a wheelchair on the night of Oct. 12.…
UPDATE: When asked for police reports and photographs of the supposedly blade-filled candy, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the child’s mother tossed the candy without taking any photos. In short, this story stinks to high heaven. That HCSO shared a scare-mongering post with no evidence is more terrifying than any falsified reports of bad…
Saying that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration struck the “right balance,” an administrative law judge Friday rejected a challenge to a state Department of Health rule designed to prevent student mask requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenge was filed by school boards in Alachua, Broward, Duval, Miami-Dade, Orange and Leon counties, which are among eight…
Winds of political turmoil that roiled academic waters and riled Gators in the home of “The Swamp” and beyond may have calmed for now, after the University of Florida reversed course Friday on an attempt to block professors from testifying in a high-profile voting rights lawsuit. The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of a sweeping elections…
Continuing a series of legal challenges to decisions from President Joe Biden’s administration, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that Florida will join Georgia, Alabama and private plaintiffs in filing a lawsuit against COVID-19 vaccination requirements for tens of millions of workers. The lawsuit was filed Friday at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. It…
Sports betting came online in Florida this week, but Sunshine State residents might have missed it if they didn’t check their social media feeds. The Seminole Tribe on Monday quietly launched online sports betting in the state, amid continuing legal challenges to a gambling deal approved by state lawmakers in May. The tribe’s highly anticipated…
In a 1987 episode of Cheers, mailman Cliff Clavin’s Christmas wish is to spend the holidays in Orlando. In 2021, that wish comes true — a little early, but who’s counting. On Nov. 27-28, Thanksgiving weekend, John “Cliff Clavin” Ratzenberger — or you probably know him better as a ubiquitous voice presence on nearly every single Pixar film —…
Would you like a total lack of human interaction with your takeout salad? Orlando-based company EnjoyRise has got you covered. According to a recent piece in the Orlando Sentinel (hat tip to Vending Times), EnjoyRise’s first automatic salad-vending machine is up and running. The machine allows users to customize a salad bowl from 22 different ingredients…
The value of the home he sold two years ago to move into governor’s mansion has gone up 50 percent
Just in time for our pending weekend cold front (hello, 50 degrees!), Jeremiah’s Italian Ice locations are showing off some new holiday gelati combos with two never-before-enjoyed flavors. Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin pie-flavored ice with cookie butter crumbs. Spicy Hot Chocolate: A new Mexican hot chocolate-inspired ice with mini marshmallows. Candy Cane: New red peppermint-flavored ice…
The 50-tap self-service taproom Pour Choice Taphouse will open at 1225 N. Mills Ave. Friday, Nov. 11. Beverage options will include a selection of domestic, imported and local craft beer, wine, hard seltzer, kombucha and sake. A current and oft-updated list of taps is found on the Pour Choice website. No need to swipe a…
The Biden administration Thursday moved forward with COVID-19 vaccination requirements for employees of large businesses and health-care workers, adding fuel to a debate that will be on display in Florida during a special legislative session this month. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid…
Mayor Buddy Dyer held at press conference Thursday at Camping World Stadium to announce a big-league hitmaker coming to the City Beautiful next year: Billy Joel. The “Piano Man” himself will be headline Camping World Stadium on March 12, 2022. Joel’s show will be his only stadium date in Florida next year, and the first…
Broadway is back in Orlando, and not a moment too soon. A year and a half after the Fairwinds season was abruptly curtailed by COVID-19, national touring musicals have finally returned to the Dr. Phillips Center and the enthusiasm among the opening night audience was frankly intoxicating. In fact, between the nearly frictionless new health…
And … scene? The travails of Mad Cow Theatre came to a head on Wednesday, with the company being evicted from their downtown Orlando headquarters on Church Street by the City of Orlando. Bungalower broke the story late yesterday with confirmation and receipts — in the form of a Termination of Lease notice — that Mad Cow was officially…
Disney wasted no time transforming the parks from spooky spectacle to holiday wonderland overnight on Nov. 1, and the metamorphosis continues as Disney Springs restaurants and retailers begin rolling out their holiday offerings. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, the Indiana Jones-themed restaurant, will become the “Holiday” Bar starting Nov. 1, with limited-time seasonal food and beverage…
Forgot the rosemary for the stuffing? Ran out of eggs for the flan? Need another ribeye for an unexpected plus-one? No need to hop in the car. Today, Publix and Instacart announced an expanded offering intended to save your holiday cooking projects. The virtual convenience store — called “Publix Quick Picks” — allows customers to…
The other “acoustically perfect” shoe drops! During a Wednesday press conference at the Dr. Phillips Center, the official-official opening date of the much-anticipated Steinmetz Hall in the Dr. Phil was revealed. It’s mid-January 2022 and there’s some powerhouse talent lined up to mark the occasion. The opulent performance space in the Dr. Phillips Center —…
A graphic novel that was recently pulled from library shelves in the Brevard County public school system has now been likewise removed from Orange County public school libraries. The award-winning LGBTQ+ illustrated memoir Gender Queer, penned by Maia Kobabe — winner of the American Library Association’s Alex Award and Stonewall Book Award in 2020 — became the…
The humidity is low, temperatures are dropping — it’s fire pit season, y’all, and MX Taco in the Milk District is making our finally-fall evenings even sweeter with a Mexican Hot Chocolate and S’mores Experience. For $60, you’ll get a private spot by the fire pit for you and up to three friends, plus all…
After five hours of deliberation, jurors found Markeith Loyd guilty of the murder of Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton. The verdict was 1st-degree murder. Loyd was also found guilty of the attempted murder of a second police officer, and of a carjacking committed while attempting to flee the scene. Clayton encountered Loyd in the parking lot…
Democrats expressed opposition Tuesday to a special session ordered by Gov. Ron DeSantis to push back against requirements that workers be vaccinated against COVID-19. DeSantis, who has repeatedly battled with the White House about COVID-19 mandates, announced Friday that the special session will be held the week of Nov. 15 to Nov. 19. While bills…
Florida Republicans continue to focus on solving nonexistent problems
Though another Halloween has come and gone, early autumn is the perfect setting to experience witch-house pioneers White Ring. The (very) slight chill in the air, the lengthening nights and diminishing sunlight, the subtle feeling of foreboding as another year starts to end — all fitting set-pieces as this ghostly duo materialize in Will’s Pub…
Dan: I want to correct you on something you’ve said repeatedly: A man can “hide” his bisexual orientation. I disagree. I felt my boyfriend was gay or bi immediately, but he flatly denied it. But it was so obvious! He sucked at sex, he never initiated and he was clueless about female anatomy! I was…
The high-stakes court fight unfolding over the off-again, on-again abortion law newly passed in Texas threatens to throw into confusion plans by Florida lawmakers to pass a similarly restrictive law banning abortions after a physician can detect a fetal heartbeat. Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature already has failed twice in the past two years to pass a…
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Are you still hoping to heal from psychological wounds that you rarely speak about? May I suggest that you consider speaking about them in the coming weeks? Not to just anyone and everyone, of course, but rather to allies who might be able to help you generate at least a partial…
I usually steer clear of restaurants with lengthy menus. To my mind, there’s no way the kitchen could possibly cook all of it well, not to mention the logistics involved in storing and rotating so many different ingredients. Something’s gotta give. But Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant challenged my paradigm and has me rethinking that assumption.…
Our selections of the best stuff to do this week. Wednesday, Nov. 3 Orlando Story Club A group of Orlando’s most savvy yarn-spinners, chosen by the luck of the draw, tell tales on the theme of “Cutting My Teeth.” 7 p.m., CityArts, 39 S. Magnolia Ave., eventbrite.com, $5. Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 3–4 Orlando Film Festival The…
Premieres Thursday, Nov. 4: Aida Rodriguez: Fighting Words — The Puerto Rican/Cuban/Dominican comic explores her roots in a special that’s part stand-up performance and part travelogue. Personally, I’m not agreeing to watch until Dave Chappelle reassures me she’s funny. (HBO Max) Dead & Beautiful — Before they can reach their 30s, five upper-class Asians discover…
Reasons to leave the compound … David Dondero, David Zim: For the past two decades, David Dondero has remained one of the truest folk troubadours in the game. In heart and expression, he’s a pillar of authenticity and integrity. That consistently translates live into engagements of moving humanity. Opening will be Zap Dragon frontman David…
Though maybe well-intentioned, the truth is most of us are just armchair soldiers slap-fighting on social media in the war for social justice. Orlando political punks Debt Neglector, however, have been in the IRL trenches with their action and their money. At the zenith of the historic 2020 election season, the band made some news…
By the end of the week — if the House and Senate can get the infrastructure and reconciliation packages across the finish line — the Biden White House will have pushed through more than $4 trillion in pandemic stimulus and social, climate and infrastructure spending in less than 10 months. This will represent the country’s…
