The sound of silence: VIDEO from the other side of Gov. Rick Scott’s “Let’s Keep Working” whistle stop in Central Florida today
In case you couldn’t smell it in the air, Rick Scott was touring through the area this morning on a bus-thing under the banner of “Let’s Keep Working,” because nobody is working. We caught wind late last night that he would be making an everyman stump at Austin’s in Winter Park at 6 a.m. for…
This Little Underground: Reunion Weekend for Will’s Pub anniversary
This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene. Read the latest column here. Peterbuilt at Will’s Pub reunion weekend (photo by Michael Lothrop) Will’s Pub, one of the city’s most beloved and authentic music-centric social clubs, is celebrating its anniversary again. This time every…
Halloween Horror Nights 24 map surfaces online
Image via Behind the Thrills Halloween Horror Nights starts next week (Friday, Sept. 19, to be exact). If you like to maximize your time at the fright fest, you’ll be stoked at what Behind the Thrills revealed last week. The theme park blog uncovered what they believe to be an official map of the HHN layout this…
This Little Underground: Terry Bozzio at the Plaza Live
This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene. Read the latest column here. Drummed out: Terry Bozzio at the Plaza Live (photo by James Dechert) Beyond a string of credits alongside people like Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Missing Persons and U.K., Terry Bozzio…
5 massive shows coming to Orlando you don’t wanna miss
There’s much to look forward to before 2014 ends if you’re a music fan in Orlando – Belle and Sebastian, Banks, and Twin Shadow hit the right notes early this fall – but if you’re a fan of massive tours, some of our biggest venues have some of the brightest shows on their schedules in…
Child-welfare leaders gather for summit in Orlando
By MARGIE MENZEL THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA New money, a new leader and a sweeping new law had Florida’s child-welfare professionals and foster parents feeling cautiously optimistic at their annual gathering in Orlando this week. After nearly two years of turmoil, the 2,650 attendees at the Department of Children and Families’ Child Protection Summit…
Charges against Orlando City Soccer fans dropped
21 thrilling shots of Orlando City Soccer’s victory over the Dayton Dutch Lions Good news for Orlando City Soccer fans, members of the Ruckus and the Iron Lion Firm or anyone else who enjoys a bit of justice. All charges have been dropped against the four Orlando City Soccer fans who were arrested for disorderly…
COUNCIL WATCH: Liveblogging your city at work, because somebody ought to
Well hello!!!! Welcome to our gracious blogging room. It’s been a bit since your dais darlings have convened for a game of Go Fish (it was totally a month ago), mostly because they’ve been cobbling together the next fiscal year’s budget (we won’t be sitting around for that production at 5:01 p.m.) where they will…
Olive Garden introducing a never-ending pasta pass
Image via Olive Garden If you’re a lover of corporate pasta, get your clicking finger ready. At 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8 (that’s TODAY), Olive Garden will sell never-ending pasta passes to just 1,000 lucky carb-lovers. For $99, the never-ending-pasta-pass-holders will have access to just that: unlimited pasta in more than 150 combinations. The passes…
Brewmaster Ron Raike leaving Cask and Larder
Ron Raike at the C&L taps (photo by Gary Bogdon) In somewhat surprising news, it was announced today that brewmaster Ron Raike will leave Winter Park’s Cask and Larder to pursue “an independent craft beer endeavor.” Renowned St. Augustine brewers Scott and Bill Morton will oversee the Winter Park restaurant’s impressive in-house brewing operation during the…
Textgate II: Electric Boogaloo? – County raises questions by doing public business in the cloud
Sure, he may be cruising through a chamber-hop bus tour in Orlando today, and sure it will probably rain, but we already knew about our favorite plaything Gov. Rick Scott’s Sunshine problems, anyway. A Tallahassee judge last month ordered Google and Yahoo to fork over account information that Scott and his staff use when they…
Steve-O facing charges for SeaWorld prank; will he come to Orlando next?
via TMZ Back in May, Californians were in an uproar mildly amused over a prank involving a freeway sign in San Diego being vandalized to read “Sea World Sucks” instead of “Sea World Drive.” Monocles popped. Heads were scratched. Scotland Yard was consulted. Then the culprit revealed himself via YouTube. [youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eleVfRwufS4″] Yeah, it turns…
The Quarterly at Will’s Pub promises secret guest this Sunday
Poster by Dave Losso The Quarterly, Will’s Pub’s semi-regular stand-up showcase, is promising a special secret headliner for their edition this Sunday, Sept. 7. While we can’t tell you who the headliner is, we can tell you that he or she has had at lest one special on Comedy Central, has appeared on Late Night…
Disney Side Dog’s Day a wagging success
Image via Disney Do you ever grow tired of seeing tuckered-out 2-year-olds on leashes at Disney screaming about their ill-fitting Cinderella gowns? If you answered yes, then get ready for the butt-sniffing mania that will solve all your terrible toddler traumas. On Saturday, Aug. 30, Walt Disney World hosted its fur-st ever Disney Side Dog’s Day…
Thank you, Internet: Biscuit Tacos and Pumpkin Cheesecake ice cream
For most of us, this week was a short one. This doesn’t make the end of a Friday any less welcome, though. Here are some links that should help you push through the last few hours of your week: Instagram: bookofelie 1. Following the success of their Doritos Loco Tacos, Taco Bell is currently testing…
Join the Living Goddess Gallery at the Peacock Room
via Lady Elevate Arts and Music Festival That elusive fall chill may not yet be in the air, but news of a lovely-sounding takeover has wafted our way instead. Next week, the Peacock Room will transform into the Living Goddess Gallery when an array of local female artists and performers convene there beginning 9 p.m.…
Update: Eye Spy and Sky Sixty get renamed differently than originally planned
Last month, we spoke with the Social/Beacham about their plans for Eye Spy, Sky Sixty and Bar-BQ-Bar and at the time, the plan was to go the way of Thoreau and simplify, simplify when it came to renaming Eye Spy and Sky Sixty. Things have changed since then, and by things, we mean names. They…
Orlando is one of the best places to retire in the United States
60 epic Orlando sunsets WalletHub, the self-proclaimed social networking site for your wallet, compiled a list of the best and worst places to retire in the United States, and it should come as no surprise to anyone that Florida dominates the top 10. Tampa grabbed the top spot, followed closely by Orlando (No. 3), St. Petersburg…
United for Care says “bring it on” to personal and billboard attacks on John Morgan after NSFW video leak
We all saw this coming. After last week’s amateur video featuring SUPERATTORNEY John Morgan appealing to the more, uh, familiar audience for marijuana leaked by Peter Scorsch over at Saint Petersblog – a video we also posted on Aug. 29 (via saintpetersblog.com) – the pearl-clutchers and angry cops who are working against the legalization of…
Soul surfer Bethany Hamilton signs autographs and meets fans
Image via Xtreme Sport 4U This Saturday, you have the chance to meet inspirational surfer Bethany Hamilton. Remember her? The 13-year-old badass surfer who had her left arm bitten off by a 14-foot tiger shark and then went back to surfing? She will sign autographs and meet with fans at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach,…
Save next Sunday for Wally’s 60th anniversary party with Ben Prestage
At last! Details for Wally’s awesome 60th anniversary party on Sunday, Sept. 14, have arrived in flier form! Any seasoned Wally’s-goer knows the longstanding, long-loved dive services your needs from 7:30 a.m. til 2 a.m. every day except Sunday (the Lord’s Day), so when they open their doors on the regularly observed day of rest…
10 free things to do in the Orlando area this weekend (Sept. 5-7)
At last! Details for Wally’s awesome 60th anniversary party on Sunday, Sept. 14, have arrived in flier form! Any seasoned Wally’s-goer knows the longstanding, long-loved dive services your needs from 7:30 a.m. til 2 a.m. every day except Sunday (the Lord’s Day), so when they open their doors on the regularly observed day of rest…
Fifteen and life: Fast-food strikers and protesters gather on I-Drive to demand a living wage (video)
As you might be able to tell from the image above, our bleary eyes begat blurry images as we rushed to catch the crack-of-dawn (before, really) gathering of what ended up being nearly 100 protesters – a number of whom were actually striking at least one of their several fast-food jobs – outside of a…
Florida man takes a break from crime spree to play with cats; gets caught
Image by Brendan O’Connor Describe in one word: Scrubby! Info/cost: Sunrise to sunset; Lyonia Preserve, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona; 386-736-5927, volusia.org; free It lasted: 1-3 hours (depending on how fast you walk) Lyonia Preserve was once a big old beach back in the dinosaur days. Now that the waters have retreated, the remaining ridge is one of the…
Do me, Orlando: Show some love for scrub jays on the Lyonia Wildlife Walk
Image by Brendan O’Connor Describe in one word: Scrubby! Info/cost: Sunrise to sunset; Lyonia Preserve, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona; 386-736-5927, volusia.org; free It lasted: 1-3 hours (depending on how fast you walk) Lyonia Preserve was once a big old beach back in the dinosaur days. Now that the waters have retreated, the remaining ridge is one of the…
Local musicians recall favorite show memories at Will’s Pub
via Will’s Pub on Facebook It’s Will’s Pub’s anniversary month, which means all the musicians who regularly stomp pedals on that stage are getting all misty-eyed with memories. For this week’s music feature, we interviewed bygone bands who are reuniting this week to celebrate 19 years of indie music invasion at the pub, in which…
Wake up and take a walk on the muddy side
Spring Hammock Preserve Enjoy a first-hand look at the Spring Hammock Preserve by joining Seminole County Natural Lands Program for SWAMP WALK. Prepare to trudge through thick, deep mud to explore the beauty of the hydric hammock. Wear long pants and closed-toe, tie-on shoes that you don’t mind getting down ‘n’ dirty in. And if you…
Let Disney love you to death with new mac-and-cheese bread cones (updated!)
Image via Disney Food Blog Word comes to us that Disney’s Hollywood Studios has added a little sumpthin’-sumpthin’ called bread cones to their menu. Is this comfort food? Or job security for cardiologists? Well, like most food trends (bacon, cupcakes, doughnuts, pork belly, Cronuts, bacon, bacon, BACON) – both, obviously. If you’re the danger-loving sort, throw caution to the…
Duke Energy sucking customers dry?
Reader comments and letters to the editor
This Little Underground: Farewell to music scene clubhouse Bar-BQ-Bar
Plus live reviews of Centuries, Jungbluth, Modern Music Movement’s R.E.M. tribute
Powerfully evocative, Roadkill Ghost Choir’s debut shines
Album review: Roadkill Ghost Choir’s ‘In Tongues’
Flashlights’ latest cuts a huge, swollen heart with a rusty knife
Album review: Flashlights’ ‘Bummer Summer’
Remix: We flip the Bloody Mary
Celery up, tomatoes down in this cocktail
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19) I don’t usually do this kind of thing, but I’m going to suggest that you monitor the number six. My hypothesis is that six has been trying to grab your attention, perhaps even in inconvenient ways. Its purpose? To nudge you to tune in to beneficial influences that you have been…
Ashtray thieves and a police chief goes to OIA with a gun
A selection of crime reports from the Orlando Police Department
Opening in Orlando: ‘Forrest Gump: An IMAX Experience,’ ‘The Identical,’ ‘The Last of Robin Hood’ and ‘The Remaining’
Movies opening in theaters this week
Despite outstanding visuals, ‘Sin City: A Dame to Kill For’ feels like a rehash
Director Robert Rodriguez newest take on the Frank Miller graphic-novel genre feels formulaic
The chill agility of Niko Is’ flow pops on ‘Good Blood’
Album review: Niko Is’ ‘Good Blood’
Neigh-saying: ‘Bojack Horseman’ offers up star-studded satire
Couchsurfing: Stuff to stream and download
The sea’s bounty lures patrons to Thornton Park’s revamped Cityfish
Chef Greg Richie refreshes the menu and commits to transparency in seafood sourcing
Moonmen From Mars merge concept, levity and punk rock
Album review: Moonmen From Mars’ ‘The Horrors of Dr. Jones’
Democrats embark on muted “Unity” tour
In primary dismount, everybody tries to look like friends; most succeed
Drinking, Nightlife and Parties
Where to drink and party in Orlando this week
Will’s Pub anniversary reunites an eclectic sect of bygone bands
Waking a scene: Resident Weirdo, History, Vostok, Hurrah, Backhand, Peterbuilt, Dragbody, Destination Daybreak
Insta-Loophole: In Florida, High-Cost Lender Skirts the Law
Despite a ban on high-interest car loans, the nation’s largest title lender is growing its business in Florida
Savage Love
My wife and I went through a long-distance period when we were still dating and she went away to school. I used porn as a masturbatory aid during that time. I did not tell her this, as she believes that porn use is equivalent to cheating. Well, fast-forward a couple years (and a marriage), and…
California environmentalist puts money behind anti-Gov. Rick Scott ads
Political committee linked with West coast tycoon Tom Steyer takes to TV to target climate-change skeptics
Voci Dance and DJ Nigel present an immersive, multilayered experience
A constellation of local voices coalesces in a show of dance, video, music and sculpture
Etoile Boutique was robbed; here’s how you can help identify the assailant
Image via Etoile Boutique At about 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, Etoile Boutique was robbed. During the robbery, the employee on duty at the Milk District shop was tied up and assaulted by a man in his mid-40s who stands about 5 feet 10 inches. We spoke with the owner, Falon Quillen, who is eager to see the man…
Orlando Shakes stages a Les Mis flash mob at Mall at Millenia
Image via the Orlando Shakes We know they’re a little played out, but a well-executed flash mob still gives us chills. This weekend, as part of a publicity push for their season opener, Les Misérables, the Orlando Shakes staged a chill-inducing flash mob smack in the middle of the Mall at Millenia. The lead actor of the…
Get in free to the Holy Land Experience tomorrow
19 things to do at the Holy Land Experience Theme Park Wanna get down with Jesus this week? Tomorrow, the Holy Land Experience is offering free admission as part of its deal to continue operating as a tax-free entity. Starting at 10 a.m., guests to the Bible-centric park will receive free admission and free parking. However,…
Falcon’s Fury is officially open at Busch Gardens
Image via Busch Gardens Tampa After missing numerous opening dates, Falcon’s Fury is finally open at Busch Gardens in Tampa. The first-of-its-kind thrill ride stands tall at 335 feet – Busch Gardens says it’s “North America’s tallest free-standing drop tower” – and hurtles riders down at 60 mph. What sets this attraction apart from similar ones…
Breaking: Former UCF student Steven Sotloff has apparently fallen victim to ISIS (UPDATE)
via The Telegraph In a horrifying development, many international outlets are reporting that ISIS has released a nearly three-minute video of journalist Steven Sotloff being killed. You’ll recall that it was just two weeks ago that Sotloff was paraded out as a threat after the similar beheading of captured journalist James Foley. That action gained…
Shows I Go To: Panther Camp dominates Backbooth at their “Single Release Party” with Teen Agers
Thursday night I watched the lead singer of Panther Camp climb the chain link fence in front of the sound board at Backbooth like he was Vega from Street Fighter. As he reached the second floor guardrail, he hung on for a moment by one arm, yelling into the mic. He continued up until he was…
