

Cover Story
The best concerts coming to Orlando this fall
From underground to superstar to legendary, the shows you won’t want to miss
Mastodon headline three-headed beast of a bill at Hard Rock Live
Mastodon may now be one of modern metal’s most definitive touchstone bands, but they’re thoroughly the product of an elite underground that is the gold standard of street cred. And if there’s any a lineup that is both reminder and reaffirmation of that fact, this is it. The sleazy humor of Eagles of Death Metal…
World’s Largest Eye Contact Experiment going down at Lake Eola this weekend
In 1997, Dr. Arthur Aron and colleagues published a study outlining how he had induced closeness between sets of strangers by having them stare into each other’s eyes for four minutes and ask each other a set of 36 personal questions. Two of the subjects ended up getting married six months later. It’s a great…
Retro-alternative legends the Church consecrate the Social this week
Australian dark-alternative legends the Church are following in the footsteps of fellow postpunk outliers like Modern English and Psychedelic Furs by eschewing the overt trappings of the nostalgia circuit – package tours, theme parks – and going at it hard like a young-and-hungry band. The Church – best known for U.S. radio hit “Under the…
Cloak & Blaster hosts a brunch worthy of the Shire in honor of Hobbit Day
While halflings’ racial traits make them excellent candidates for playing a thief class, it’s a well-documented fact that their weakness is food. If you understood that sentence, check out the Cloak and Blaster’s Hobbit Brunch. A late celebration of Hobbit Day (Sept. 22, apparently), the brunch features a special menu worthy of the Shire. And…
Florida Is Loud Fest to return to Orlando this December
Florida is Loud: The Sequel is a go. The DIY festival focusing on the various strains of Florida-related heaviness is back for another year and set for December. Full lineup has been released and includes: Holly Hunt, Shroud Eater, Yashira, Gaul, Junior Bruce, Wørsen, ASM, Other Body, Computer, No Fraud, Forms, Los Reyesz Bong Death and many more.…
The Zombies will bring their ‘Odyssey and Oracle’ album to Orlando
Famed U.K. psych ensemble the Zombies are undertaking a last round of tour dates to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their groundbreaking album Odyssey & Oracle, and Orlando is one of those destinations. This tour will reunite the four surviving members of the band in what is promised to be the last time they’ll play…
Brian Regan brings stunning physical comedy to the Dr. Phillips Center
Though you may expect someone a little edgier to be one of the most popular comics among fellow comedians, Brian Regan has developed a reputation for being one of the most hands-down hilarious performers among his peers. The lack of blue material in his repertoire often gets him labeled as a “clean” comic, but even…
‘Limited Edition’ teams up Snap! and UCF’s Flying Horse Editions
Art worlds collide at this show, a collaboration between UCF’s Flying Horse Editions and Snap Orlando. In the past seven years or so, Patrick Kahn has reinvigorated the art scene with his Snap! photo festival and, eventually, galleries of the same name, which combine discerning curation and genuinely exciting opening night parties (it’s hard to…
Kids in the Hall revel in the riddims of classic dancehall reggae at Lil Indies
Connoisseurs of Canadian sketch comedy of a certain age probably got excited at the name of this event, but no, it’s not that Kids in the Hall. This is a night produced by the Grand Collab devoted to the uptempo sounds of dancehall reggae. DJs Jamkam Father and Mr. Mogembo are the selectas for the…
Ami Dang, Wild Anima conjure worlds of adventurous sound at Stardust this Friday
Baltimore’s Ami Dang – an accomplished producer, electronic musician, vocalist and sitar player, and an outspoken Sikh-American – has risen up from that city’s fertile underground over the last few years to become one of the most exciting young experimental artists in the U.S. In the past she’s referred to her music as “Bollywave,” but…
Pirates in search of grog take over Sanford during the annual St. Juans Pirate Fest Pub Invasion
The night before Sanford’s annual pirate-themed parade and block parrrty, get dressed up like a buccaneer and carouse through the streets of downtown Sanford, filling your belly with grog from 10 different bars. The pub crawl kicks off at Little Fish Huge Pond, but be on time or you might miss the boat. 7 p.m.…
California’s Together Pangea bring the leading edge of garage punk to the Social
Each band on this bill is worth the time on their own. Load ’em up three-tall on a single stage, and the punch and value become exponential. Springing from the current and fertile Californian punk soil that is a foundation to entire scene microcosms like Burger Records, L.A. headliner Together Pangea are among the leading…
Florida lawmaker wants to declare porn a public health crisis
A Florida lawmaker has filed a bill that will finally address the state’s pressing plight – not the opioid epidemic, increased HIV transmissions or poor mental health funding – pornography. State Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, wants the Florida Legislature to pass House Resolution 157, which would recognize the public health crisis created by pornography and acknowledge the “need…
Bid farewell to the beers of summer at Celery City’s Sour Outage
Before bar menus are taken over by all-pumpkin everything, hike down to Sanford for Celery City Craft’s second annual showcase of sour beers. The taps are devoted to 15 different sours and goses, and include everything from locals like Coppertail and Hourglass to rare collaboration brews from Jolly Pumpkin and Jester King. You’ve already missed…
Lake County Animal Shelter is at critical capacity and desperately needs adopters
Hurricane Irma has had a major impact on local dogs, and now Lake County Animal Shelter is currently seeking anyone looking to take in a new best bud. The shelter announced today that they are currently housing 210 dogs and are at “critical capacity.” “The hurricane has had a drastic impact on our shelter,” said…
Orlando Sanford International Airport awarded $5.6 million federal grant for improvements
The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a $5.6 million grant to Orlando Sanford International Airport to help with expansions. The funds are necessary to help keep up with the growing number of passengers at the airport, which has doubled in recent year, according to a press release from U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy’s office. The expansion will…
Thanks to Irma, Florida is now a literal pile of poop
Millions of gallons of raw sewage have overflowed into the streets and waterways of Florida, thanks to the stress of Hurricane Irma on an aging and inadequate infrastructure. More than 200 reports of sewage spills have been submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, ranging from a few hundred gallons to multimillions of gallons.…
Cafe Rio will open their first Florida location in Winter Park next week
Not even a hurricane can keep Floridians from experiencing the promise of a burrito doused in Creamy Tomatillo Ranch. Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, the popular Utah-based Tex-Mex chain, will host their soft opening at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at their new Winter Park location in front of the Winter Park Whole Foods (1050 N. Orlando Ave., Winter…
SFS debuts Southern Belle Ball, where the Wynn family rose and reigned for a night
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND SFS Southern Belle Ball, Will’s Pub complex, Sep. 17 Of Southern Fried Sunday’s themed events, the recent inaugural Southern Belle Ball spotlighting the ladies of Central Florida music was one of its most distinctive. And the food drive aspect for worthy local charity Second Harvest Food Bank was particularly timely considering the…
Florida hospital employees removed after ‘unprofessional’ Snapchat posts surface
A series of Snapchat posts showing newborn babies getting the middle finger and being forced to dance has resulted in the removal of staff members at a Florida hospital. According to WTLV, employees at the Naval Hospital Jacksonville have been removed from patient care and are facing legal action after a series of now viral posts appear…
Black metal band Belphegor are coming to Orlando in November
In news sure to make any Central Floridian metal fan smile (grimly), Austrian black metal group Belphegor are heading out on tour with stellar Canadian death metal band Cryptopsy this autumn. And the one and only Florida engagement for these groups will be in Orlando! Belphegor play the Haven Lounge with Cryptopsy on Sunday, Nov.…
Florida tolls will resume Thursday after suspension during Hurricane Irma
Tolls on Florida’s roadways will resume on Thursday after being suspended by Gov. Rick Scott as millions evacuated before Hurricane Irma hit the state. The Florida Department of Transportation says tolls on a majority of the state’s turnpike system, FDOT transportation roads and bridges, and all regional toll facilities will be reinstated on Sept. 21 at midnight.…
Orlando Meats butcher shop is now serving breakfast and lunch
Orlando Meats has the meats, and now breakfast and lunch too. The restaurant side of the local butcher shop located at 728 Virginia Drive is now in soft opening, serving up breakfast and lunch daily. The menu features local and seasonal ingredients, as well as pastured meats sourced within 250 miles of the establishment. Breakfast includes…
South Florida nursery challenges denial of marijuana license
A Homestead-based nursery is challenging a decision by state health officials to deny the grower a medical marijuana license. The Florida Department of Health last month rejected a request by Keith St. Germain Nursery Farms, which sought a license under a law approved this year. The new law, passed during a June special legislative session,…
Hurricane Irma insurance claims already near $2 billion
With 335,000 insurance claims representing $1.9 billion in property losses, Hurricane Irma has already exceeded the claims and losses from the two hurricanes that pummeled Florida last year, the state Office of Insurance Regulation reported Monday. Calculated through Sunday afternoon, Irma’s losses easily exceeded the 119,000 claims and $1.2 billion in losses for Hurricane Matthew…
Republican ads target Winter Park’s Stephanie Murphy
Republicans are launching attack ads against U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Winter Park, targeting her on a vote against a defense spending bill that would have funded President Donald Trump’s border wall. Local GOP leaders have already identified Murphy’s District 7 position as a seat that could possibly switch to Republicans in the next election, though Murphy…
Just a reminder that all Florida tolls are still suspended, ya’ll
Florida Governor Rick Scott announced that all tolls are still suspended as the state recovers from Hurricane Irma. Scott made the announcement today in a statement on Hurricane Irma relief efforts, which also included updates on power outages, school closures and shelters. Gov. Rick Scott initially directed the Florida Department of Transportation to cease…
Hurricane Irma left an estimated 10,000 people homeless in the Florida Keys
Hurricane Irma’s destructive path decimated the Florida Keys and left an estimated 10,000 people homeless, Gov. Rick Scott says. The Miami Herald reports Scott made the estimate using data from people that have signed up through FEMA. The number of homeless residents makes up slightly more than 10 percent of Monroe County. Residents are just now…
Aaron Carter is performing at Southern Nights this weekend
Aaron Carter – pop star and brother of Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter – will play a surprise engagement at Southern Nights this weekend. The singer, who once beat Shaq in a pickup game, has had his share of personal troubles lately, and made headlines for coming out as bisexual last month, but hopes are high that…
Evacuation orders issued for Puerto Rico as Hurricane Maria closes in
Just two weeks ago, Hurricane Irma hit Puerto Rico and killed at least 3, now evacuation orders have been issued for parts of the island as Hurricane Maria nears. According to the National Hurricane Center, Maria is now a Category 3 hurricane with over 120 mph sustained winds and is expected to intensify to a Category…
Hurricane Irma’s death toll in Florida is now 34 – and rising
Hurricane Irma has officially been tied to 34 deaths in Florida, but the number will rise. The figure available Monday morning from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Division of Emergency Management is still being updated. Not every county has been recorded. Absent is Monroe, where recovery efforts continue with ongoing door-to-door checks…
The Queen Returns – Lydia Lunch to play Orlando in November
No-wave queen and performance art/literary terror Lydia Lunch is set to make what is sure to be a confrontational return appearance in Orlando this autumn. The singer will bring her Retrovirus ensemble – including Bob Bert, Weasel Walter and Tim Dahl – for a white-knuckle trip through a musical oeuvre that includes Teenage Jesus and…
Too Much Sauce in Mills Park is now in soft opening mode
You can add another quick-service, do-it-yourself spot to your foodie list. Too Much Sauce will host their official soft opening tonight, Sept. 18, at their Mills Park location (1430 N. Mills Ave., Suite 170), which is the space formerly occupied by Giraffas Brazilian Grill in the Fresh Market Plaza. The new concept comes from the…
Duke Energy Florida president: ‘We deeply apologize’
The president of Duke Energy Florida wants you to know they’re very sorry. The utility company released a statement yesterday, Sept. 17, announcing that they’ve restored power to 90 percent of their 1.3 million customers who have been without power since Hurricane Irma hit Florida, and also to apologize these extremely frustrated people. “To the…
SeaWorld’s new indoor park may be a glimpse at the future of the brand
Late last year, SeaWorld Parks announced that it was partnering with Middle East-based Miral Asset Management to build its first international SeaWorld park in Abu Dhabi. SeaWorld had been hinting at the new park since 2014, when it confirmed it was renewing plans for a Middle East expansion. At the time of the press release…
Merchandise/Meatwound drummer Leo Suarez brings new avant jazz project to Orlando tonight
Crux, the experimental music outlet for South Floridian drummer-in-demand Leo Suarez (also of Merchandise and Meatwound), are making their Orlando debut tonight downtown. Crux is a trio project with Suarez collaborating and improvising with bassist Thomas Milovac and bass clarinetist Alex Ravitz. Expect it to get wild. Crux play the In-Between Series at the Gallery at…
Florida lawmakers seek state investigation after 8 deaths at nursing home
The deaths of eight seniors who were in a sweltering Broward County nursing home for days after Hurricane Irma has spurred some lawmakers to demand a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation and to file legislation to require nursing homes and assisted-living facilities to have generators. Meanwhile, the Broward nursing home, The Rehabilitation Center at…
Hollywood Studios offering new holiday events to distract you from the fact that the park is half closed
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is still in the midst of a multi-year remodel that will eventually include massive new Star Wars and Toy Story lands, but in the meantime, the park has only four rides. With such limited offerings, Disney is looking for all it can to keep people coming to the park. Toy Story Land…
Orlando is one of the worst cities to live for millennials, says study
A new study says Orlando is one of the the suckiest places in the nation for millennials to live. Apartment List, a San Francisco-based apartment and home rental website, has published a recent report about the top U.S. metros for millennials. And who’s near the bottom? Orlando. Out of 75 ranked cities, Orlando fared 73rd…
Florida’s tab for Hurricane Irma is already $273 million
Florida has preliminarily outlined more than $273 million in Hurricane Irma costs for federal reimbursement, with the money primarily used for storm preparation and debris removal. The projection is from 25 state agencies for impacts from the storm that made landfall Sunday in the Florida Keys and Southwest Florida and then traveled up the state.…
Hulk Hogan says people complaining about not having power or water are ‘crybabies’
Hulk Hogan, a Florida resident currently with electricity running to his home, says those of you complaining about not having electricity are “crybabies” who deserve “head butts.” Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, went to Twitter yesterday to call out Floridians, who apparently don’t know “how bad it could be.” No water,no power,crybabies,everyone's complaining,these…
Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull concert at Amway postponed due to Hurricane Irma
The Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull show scheduled for Friday, Sept. 29 at Amway Center has been postponed due to the effects of Hurricane Irma, as have all the Florida shows on their tour. The two performers have rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 14, also at Amway. More info TBA. All tickets will be honored. Related Stories
Duke Energy says all power in Orange County should be restored by Sunday
According to Duke Energy’s latest progress report, the energy company says it plans for Orange County to have its power fully restored by midnight on Sunday, Sept. 17. Currently, 46,793 Duke Energy customers are still without power in Orange County. Duke Energy also says Seminole County should have its power fully restored by Sunday, as…
Niall Horan of One Direction announces Orlando show in November
Are you ready to scream? Niall Horan of Brit boyband sensation One Direction has announced additional solo dates today for his “Flicker Sessions” tour and it includes one very intimate Orlando show. Eschewing arenas, Horan will be playing the House of House of Blues in November with country singer Maren Morris. Niall Horan plays the…
Turns out one of the Gainesville ‘Hot Cops’ is a dick
One of the Gainesville “Hot Cops,” whose selfie went viral last weekend after Hurricane Irma, is the subject of an internal investigation after Facebook posts show he has a propensity for Hitler jokes. Officer Michael Hamill, the bearded one, is being investigated for posting anti-semitic comments to his Facebook page, reports The Gainesville Sun. In a…
Orlando is now a finalist for Elon Musk’s Hyperloop One project
Orlando is now a finalist for billionaire Elon Musk’s Hyperloop One project, which is essentially a vacuum tube that would allow you to travel at speeds up to 750 mph and arrive in Miami in about 26 minutes. Out of 26,000 submissions, officials with Hyperloop One announced the ten winning plans for the project yesterday,…
Dozens of Florida nursing homes continue to lack power after Irma
Dozens of nursing homes continued Thursday to lack electricity or had been evacuated because of Hurricane Irma, as the state grappled with the deaths of eight residents of a Broward County facility that did not have air conditioning. The Florida Health Care Association, an industry group, said it was informed that 64 of the state’s…
Putnam says Florida’s agricultural industry was hammered by Hurricane Irma
Parts of Florida’s agriculture industry are in “tatters” as rural communities throughout the state continue to face severe conditions after Hurricane Irma, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said Thursday. Putnam said the storm hammered citrus, vegetable and sugarcane growers, though he didn’t put a cost estimate on the damage. And as many farmers and residents of…
Paul Chandler drops out again from Central Florida House race, this time for real
Democratic candidate Paul Chandler has announced once again that he’s dropping out of the race for Florida House District 44, only this time, it appears he’s actually doing it. In a letter posted by the Florida Division of Elections, Chandler officially resigned his bid for the district that runs through Winter Garden and Windermere all the…
Southern Fried Sunday presents the Southern Belle Ball at Will’s Pub this weekend
This weekend, Southern Fried Sunday and Will’s Pub presents the Southern Belle Ball, a showcase of local “female-fronted southern music.” Besides a talent-heavy lineup and the usual food and drink on offer (Swine & Sons this time around), the organizers will also be accepting donations of food and money to go to Second Harvest Food…
Florida’s budget could take a hit because of Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Irma could extend her destructive reach to the next state budget. A long-range financial report, which will be reviewed Friday by the Joint Legislative Budget Commission, shows lawmakers working with only a projected $52 million surplus as they craft the 2018-19 budget early next year. It’s a fiscal pittance in an overall $82 billion…
‘Native American Dinner’ at Cress Restaurant is equal parts celebration and commemoration
One of the darker and more painful periods in American history — and I’m not talking about the past six months — was the forced deportation of Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole tribes from their ancestral lands between 1831 and 1850. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 effectively sanctioned these “death marches” — and…
Trump endorses Rick Scott for senator while in Florida to survey damage from Hurricane Irma
Donald Trump wasted no time at all during his visit to Florida to politicize a tragedy. While in Fort Meyers today to survey damage from Hurricane Irma, the President seized the opportunity to endorse Florida Gov. Rick Scott for Senator, who has not formally announced that he will run (but he probably will). “The job…
Ellen DeGeneres wants her robot back from Epcot
Last month, Disney axed the Ellen’s Energy Adventure attraction at Epcot, which was one of the best places to take a nap. Now, the daytime talk show host and subject of a song by Lil B would like her animatronic robot back. Ellen says she has multiple uses for the robot. “It can host my show…
Orlando Sam’s Clubs waive membership fees to help with Hurricane Irma recovery
As Central Floridians resume their regular schedules following Hurricane Irma, Sam’s Clubs across the region are waiving membership fees to help assist with the impact. Thirteen Walmart-owned retail warehouses in the Orlando area have opened their doors Wednesdays to members and non-members alike. The participating locations are as follows: Apopka, 1500 S. Orange Blossom Trail…
Ikea offers discount to those affected by Hurricane Irma
IKEA is offering a 15 percent discount to customers in select Florida cities, as they recover from Hurricane Irma. Shoppers at Sunrise, Miami, Orlando and Tampa IKEA stores will be able to purchase replacement furniture and household items at a cheaper rate. No coupon code is necessary to receive the discount. Correction: A previous version…
7 Orlando concerts actually happening tonight
Concert calendars have been thrown into disarray by loss of power at venues and touring bands having to reroute due to Hurricane Irma. Despite all of those obstacles, here are seven shows tonight that are, as of this writing, confirmed to be on if you need a loud night out. All listings (sigh) are subject…
Disney labor unions ask theme park to pay lost wages after Hurricane Irma
Disney labor unions are asking the Orlando theme park to pay 38,000 union workers for the shifts lost due to park closure during Hurricane Irma. The Service Trades Council Unions says thousands of workers across Walt Disney World’s parks lost wages when Disney closed for two days because of Irma on Sept. 9 and Sept. 10.…
Petty’s Market will cook your meats if you still don’t have power
If you still don’t have power, but have meats in your freezer that are still cold and aren’t sure how much longer they’ll stay that way, take them to Petty’s Market in Longwood. The specialty meat and gourmet foods market is offering to cook your previously-purchased proteins for free so you can take them home…
State regulators block admissions to Florida nursing home after 8 residents died
State regulators late Wednesday took emergency action to block admissions to a Broward County nursing home where eight residents died after an air-conditioning system went out —- a situation that Gov. Rick Scott described as “unfathomable.” The moratorium on admissions, issued by the state Agency for Health Care Administration, came after The Rehabilitation Center at…
Gas supplies get boost as tankers head to Florida ports
Oil tankers are streaming into Florida’s ports as demand for gasoline spikes with Hurricane Irma evacuees returning home. Meanwhile, 3.5 million homes and business were without electricity Wednesday afternoon, down from 3.8 million earlier in the day and some 3 million less than on Monday. And headaches for motorists who went to North Florida and…
Orlando Public Library Fall Book Sale happening this weekend as planned
Thrifty readers’ favorite time of the year has arrived, and Hurricane Irma is powerless to stop it. The Orlando Public Library Fall Book Sale, hosted by the Friends of the Library, is happening this weekend as scheduled. The bookstore located on the third floor of the downtown library is already a must-shop for discerning used-book…
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights kicks off today
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando is back this Friday, Sept. 15. Running through Nov. 4, the 27th annual scarefest will feature nine haunted houses, five scare zones on the road and walkways, and two live shows. In keeping with tradition, this year’s Halloween Horror Nights will include a few memorable faces and worlds…
Massive hole opens near Apopka middle school after Hurricane Irma
A massive rift opened up near Apopka Memorial Middle School Wednesday morning that officials are blaming on storm water from Hurricane Irma. Apopka officials said on Facebook that a very large hole in the ground opened up behind the school and cut into sections of the West Orange Trail. The hole, which is north of Votaw…
FEMA aid now available in Orange County for those effected by Hurricane Irma
Orange County residents whose homes were damaged by the passing of Hurricane Irma may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. With the hurricane’s impact still being felt far and wide across Central Florida, FEMA — the Federal Emergency Management Agency — has moved to provide Individual Aid to the residents of several local counties. Previously intended…
Orange County officials warn of generator safety after 3 die of carbon monoxide poisoning
Orange County officials are stressing generator safety in the wake of Hurricane Irma after three people died of carbon-monoxide poisoning from a generator left running inside a local home. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office identified the dead as Jan Lebron Diaz, 13; Kiara Lebron Diaz, 16; and their mother Desiree Diaz Molina, 34. A 12-year-old child…
Florida nursing home where 6 died after no air conditioning was rated ‘below average’ by feds
A Hollywood nursing home where six residents died Wednesday after Hurricane Irma is rated “below average” in a federal scorecard that includes information about issues such as inspections, staffing and quality of care. The Sun Sentinel newspaper reported that three people died at The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, while three were declared dead at…
Hurricane Irma completely flooded Wekiva Island
Wekiva Island, a favorite local swimming spot and bar, is completely flooded following Hurricane Irma. The 2,000-square-foot recreation complex shared on Facebook Monday that it “suffered some pretty severe flooding” and will be closed until further notice. Mary Sue Weinaug, executive director of Keep Seminole Beautiful and co-owner of Wekiva Island, stated that “the classroom is about…
Three Orlando concerts actually happening tonight
Concert calendars have been thrown into disarray by loss of power at venues and touring bands having to reroute due to Hurricane Irma. Despite all of those obstacles, here are three shows tonight that are, as of this writing, confirmed to be on if you need a loud night out. All listings (sigh) are subject…
15,000 gallons of poop were dumped into Lake Formosa after Hurricane Irma
An estimated 15,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Lake Formosa after damage from Hurricane Irma affected a nearby apartment building. According to the City of Orlando, a Lake Alert has been issued for Lake Formosa after a hearty stream of poop water was discovered flowing from a lift station at The Gallery at Mills…
Most Duke Energy Florida customers expected to have power restored by this weekend
Duke Energy Florida expects to restore power to most of its coverage area by this weekend but did not project a date for electricity to come back on in Hardee and Highlands counties, which it described as “severely impacted” by Hurricane Irma. The St. Petersburg-based company’s repair timelines Tuesday came after Florida Power & Light set a Sept.…
Donald Trump plans to visit Florida this Thursday
In the wake Hurricane Irma, President Donald Trump says he plans to travel to Florida this Thursday, Sept. 14. Trump made the announcement from, his Twitter account early Wednesday morning, but did not mention any specific details of his trip other than he plans to meet with the Coast Guard and FEMA and other first…
Walt Disney Company donates $2.5 million to Hurricane Irma relief
Yesterday, the Walt Disney Company announced that they have committed $2.5 million to aid those affected by Hurricane Irma. According to a statement from Disney, the funds will go to the American Red Cross, UNICEF, Save the Children and other nonprofits. “As millions of people now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities…
Orlando writer Kristen Arnett celebrates new book with a reading at, where else, 7-Eleven
Orlando literary luminary Kristen Arnett celebrates the publication of her debut collection of short stories, Felt in the Jaw (published by Split Lip Press), in requisitely absurdist fashion: with a Saturday-night reading at her local 7-Eleven. The Best of Orlando Readers’ Choice “Best Local Author” winner invites the public to grab a hot dog off…
Director Kenny Howard discusses his ‘First Date,’ opening at the Abbey Thursday
There are few things as awkward as being introduced to the potential love of your life while the shadow of another woman is hovering over your head like a storm cloud. So it’s appropriately ironic that I interviewed director Kenny Howard about First Date: The Musical on the eve of Hurricane Irma’s arrival on our…
Savage Love: ‘Burning Love’
I have been in a long-term relationship with a wonderful woman who doesn’t have a lot of people she socializes with in her daily life. She is a Burning Man person and converses online with other “burners.” I confronted her when I realized she was discussing the ups and downs of our relationship in a…
Gimme Shelter: Meet Havana!
Are you looking for sweet kitty friend? Meet Havana! Havana (A384054) is six months old and recently returned from foster care. This girl absolutely loves to play with all types of toys and has a ton of energy! She’ll be sure to keep you entertained. She is super sweet and will purr as soon as…
Afghan Whigs still hot and heavy, the artistic breakthrough of Manchester Orchestra, and more
AFGHAN WHIGS AND HAR MAR SUPERSTAR, THE SOCIAL, Sept. 6 A true cult band by definition and following, the Afghan Whigs are one of the few acts that can lay claim to their own, nearly exclusive, realm. Now, the influential ’90s indie-rock group are reactivated and two albums into their creative revival. Though perhaps not…
Opening in Orlando: All I See Is You, American Assassin and more
THIS WEEK: All I See Is You You have to give filmmaker Marc Forster credit: He’s always on the lookout for new and challenging ways in which to suck. His oeuvre runs the gamut from pointless, overvalued race drama (Monster’s Ball) to tepid latter-day Bond (Quantum of Solace), with a detour in the middle into…
Legal Public Notices 9/13
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: 7/ DAWSON PINE HILLS ADVOCACY CENTER CASE NO.: DP13-569 In the Interest of: B.S. DOB: 06/24/2011, MINOR CHILD SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF ADVISORY HEARING FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS STATE OF FLORIDA TO: Sierra Shavers,…
Paloma Coffee Co. opens in Windermere, College Park loses a pizza chain, plus more in our wild, weekly food roundup
OPENINGS: Bocas Grill & Bar, a Venezuelan restaurant serving up everything from arepas to wagyu burgers to churro shakes, has opened in the old Bistro CloClo space in the Marketplace at Dr. Phillips … Over in the 1st Oriental Supermarket Plaza on West Colonial Drive, BBB Tofu House, specializing in Korean fare, has opened ……
Harry Potter-inspired ‘Wizard Schools’ come to OCLS, new cabaret series at Savoy and more in local performing arts news
Playwrights Round Table is currently accepting 10-minute short plays for its 2018 Launch showcase. Send your script in PDF or Word form to submissions@theprt.com by Sept. 30; there’s no entry fee, but you must have a (free) PRT membership. Female and POC authors are especially encouraged to apply. Magic and Mayhem Productions, whose bunny-rabbit star…
Selections: Our picks for the best things to do in Orlando this week
Wednesday, Sept. 13 CANCELLED – Lydia Loveless music With a voice that’s pure muscle in a bottle, Midwestern kicker Lydia Loveless first knocked us down in 2012 as a 21-year-old phenom at a Bloodshot Records showcase at the Social where she managed to shine even alongside the usually eclipsing spectacle of wild-man labelmate Scott H.…






