Cover Story
Florida’s opioid crisis is about to get deadlier. Here’s how Orange County officials plan to fight back
Heroin wasn’t new to Stephanie Muzzy, but the batch she tried from Lake Downey trailer park near Union Park plummeted her into the depths of addiction. In 2012, Muzzy was driving around Orlando looking for the worst neighborhood she could find in search of prescription pills. Pills were the reason she had left Boston six…
Organize Florida partners with a dozen local groups on Hurricane Irma Community Recovery Fund
Organize Florida and several partner organizations are working to get supplies to low-income families across the state. Some of these families were already low on food and household supplies, and are struggling to make ends meet after Hurricane Irma. In the aftermath, they now face property damage, power outages, food spoilage and lost wages. With…
Orange County schools will remain closed Wednesday and Thursday
Orange County Public Schools will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday this week as families who fled Hurricane Irma make their way back home. The district says it will close on Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 because officials know many students and their families are still without power, recovering from damage or returning from evacuation.…
Here’s a list of some Orlando businesses open post-Irma
If you’ve tried to physically fight the heat swamping your home right now, it’s probably time to get some extra supplies, snacks and air-conditioning for your soul. As you venture out, you may see some trees and power lines on the road or traffic lights that don’t work. Remember to avoid any debris and treat…
WUCF was easily the best local music radio following Hurricane Irma
As power blinked off in neighborhood after neighborhood on Sunday night, we turned to our battery-powered or hand-cranked radios and boomboxes for a dedicated connection to the outside world, and local news/talk stations like WDBO and WTKS and WMFE (before it got knocked off the air) really delivered with informative, around-the-clock coverage. But after the…
Focus turns to recovery in Florida after Irma’s exit
More than 5.5 million homes and businesses in Florida remained without power at midday Tuesday after Hurricane Irma plowed through the state. Food, water and gas deliveries were starting to return in Central and South Florida as the demand swells from returning evacuees. Airports started to provide limited operations. And the process of allowing people…
The ‘evaculation’ video was the only good thing to come out of Hurricane Irma
#evaculation #rp @bigtiggershow#PrayForFlorid🙏🏽 @donkplanet A post shared by Big Boi (@therealbigboi) on Sep 11, 2017 at 9:59am PDT While the damage from Hurricane Irma is estimated to be in the billions, the one good thing to come out of this whole thing is clearly this amazing video. As the storm was coming in, a Miami…
Florida Pizza Hut manager threatened employees who wanted to flee Hurricane Irma
A Jacksonville Pizza Hut manager threatened to punish employees for fleeing Hurricane Irma because, as the slogan goes, “No one out-pizzas the Hut.” “You cannot evacuate Friday for a Tuesday storm event!” said a memo from the manager. “Failure to show for these shifts, regardless of reason, will be considered a no call / no…
Here’s how to find out if your Publix is open
We’re out of half-and-half, so a riot has broken out in our house. Luckily, the SoDo Publix has reopened and a crise de lait has been averted. Publix has an updated list on their website of all their Florida locations affected by Hurricane Irma. Click to find yours on the list. You know what that…
Hurricane Irma: Orlando International Airport reopens today with limited service
After experiencing some damage from Hurricane Irma, Orlando International Airport reopens with limited commercial service today. While the initial damage assessment is being completed, officials with the airport stress that passengers should confirm their seat assignments with their individual airline before arriving at the airport. So check your flight status. This morning, Delta flight 1818…
UCF will resume classes on Sept. 18
To give students time to get back on campus after Hurricane Irma, the University of Central Florida delayed resuming classes until Monday, Sept. 18. The university says it made the decision after hearing from students who might have a hard time getting back to Orlando because of the heavy traffic and limited flights. UCF faculty…
Hurricane Irma could cost Florida ‘billions upon billions’
Local curfews were in place throughout the state, much of the Florida Keys remained closed and millions of people continued to lack electricity as cleanup work expected to reach into the billions of dollars began Monday in the wake of deadly Hurricane Irma. While businesses slowly reopen, the state is dealing with widespread flooding, from…
Band of the Week: MissFit Toys
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 MissFit Toys. MissFit Toys are playing Sept. 16 at Will’s Pub with Astari Nite. Just the facts: Who’s in the band?Richie V. Suriv (vocalist/music) Destin Dern (keys) Dylan Pride (guitarist…
Lawsuit filed against Polk County sheriff who threatened arrests at shelters
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is being sued days after threatening to arrest anyone with a warrant who came to seek shelter from Hurricane Irma. The lawsuit, filed by Nexus Services and its risk manager Andres Barreno, claims Barreno was denied entry to a Polk County shelter unless he showed deputies his driver’s license and underwent…
Hurricane Irma downgraded but troubles remain for Florida
Floridians awoke Monday no longer with a hurricane overhead, but more than 6.2 million homes and businesses did not have power and flooding concerns continued nearly statewide. And the relief effort from Hurricane Irma —- now a tropical storm —- was just beginning. In requesting federal disaster relief Sunday, Gov. Rick Scott said the state…
The ‘I-4 Eyesore’ survived Hurricane Irma
#Orlando #hurricaneirma #i4eyesore A post shared by Kara Shmara (@karayankit) on Sep 11, 2017 at 6:19am PDT The one building Central Florida residents collectively hoped would blow away is still standing. Though the knights of Medieval Times offered it up as a sacrifice to Hurricane Irma, it appears the Majesty building, aka the “I-4 Eyesore”…
Go back inside, you fool
Look around you. Are you outside right now? If so, go back inside. Though Hurricane Irma was downgraded to a tropical storm and is currently making its way out of Central Florida, local authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and off the roads, as crews work to clear dangerous debris and restore power. This…
Actress Kristen Bell sang ‘Frozen’ songs at an Orlando shelter during Hurricane Irma
Thank you @IMKristenBell for stopping by today! @DrFritzler_OCPS @DrTrimble_OCPS @BethSharpeFL pic.twitter.com/HP5wqYZEl6 — Meadow Woods MS (@meadowwoodsms) September 10, 2017 Actress Kristen Bell decided to stop by a local shelter to sing a few Frozen songs to families riding out Hurricane Irma. As you can see in the video clip above, Bell, who was in town…
Hurricane Irma has been downgraded to a tropical storm, curfew is still in effect
After leaving nearly 5.8 million Florida residents without power, Irma was downgraded to tropical storm this morning, reports the National Hurricane Center. In a Monday morning briefing, Orange County Mayor Teressa Jacobs said that crews are still assessing the damage and urged citizens to have patience and remain indoors until the curfew is lifted at…
Tampa mayor: ‘We are about to get punched in the face’ by Hurricane Irma
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn did not mince words when he described what Hurricane Irma would do to his city: “We’re about to get punched in the face by this storm.” The latest advisory from the National Weather Service has Irma causing life-threatening storm surges down Florida southwest coast that could cause flooding and rising waters.…
Rick Scott urges patience as Hurricane Irma hits Florida
As massive Hurricane Irma battered Florida on a path up the Gulf Coast, Gov. Rick Scott on Sunday advised residents against rushing out once the storm appears to have passed. “We want everybody to survive this hurricane. We focused on getting everybody out of the evacuation zones, getting them into safe shelters,” Scott said. “We’re…
Florida man gives brutally thorough answer to whether or not he’s worried about Hurricane Irma
Fox may have just interviewed the smartest man alive. pic.twitter.com/HerM2F1M9m — Barstool News (BNN) (@BarstoolNewsN) September 10, 2017 “What do you think about the storm? The power? The velocity? And the risk of your own safety at this point?” asked the Fox News reporter, who unknowingly set in motion a response so comprehensive he’s left…
Floridians should expect days without power as Irma tracks north
Widespread and prolonged power outages will become part of life for most Floridians over the next few days as Hurricane Irma has started to make an anticipated northern turn that will result in a destructive run through the state starting Sunday. The storm is on a more western track than earlier in the week and…
Hurricane Irma: Florida labor group wants to know if you’re being forced to work
While Hurricane Irma moves towards Central Florida, just about everyone is hunkering down or making last minute preparations, well everyone except for first responders and anyone being forced to work. Local labor group and non-profit coalition Central Florida Jobs with Justice wants to know if your boss is making you work during Hurricane Irma conditions.…
Florida idiot plans to tie himself to post during Hurricane Irma
This morning, a Miami man told an NBC reporter that he plans to secure his shirtless body to a post outside while the Category 4 Hurricane Irma hits. “I’m testing this out. I’m actually doing a stunt. It sounds crazy, but there’s a meaning behind it,” said the incredibly foolish Florida idiot. “I’m tying myself…
Hurricane Irma: Orange, Seminole counties issue 23 hour curfews starting Sunday at 7 p.m.
Orange and Seminole counties will be under a mandatory curfew beginning Sunday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. The curfew will last until Monday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. “Persons are prohibited from being on public streets, highways, parks or other public places,”said the Seminole County press release. “Restrictions will be enforced by all law enforcement…
Orange County now has five shelters for South Florida evacuees escaping Irma
Orange County has now opened five host shelters for South Florida and coastal evacuees trying to escape the potential devastation of Hurricane Irma. Host shelters are for evacuees traveling from other counties in Florida. If you plan to stay at a shelter, bring an emergency supply kit, a pillow, blanket, toiletries, important papers, medications, snacks,…
Hurricane Irma takes aim at Florida’s Gulf Coast
Florida’s West Coast is now expected to take the brunt of potentially devastating Hurricane Irma, as the system started making itself felt Saturday across South Florida. “As we know, the direction of storms like Hurricane Irma can change in an instant, and the latest forecast track has put the storm heading directly up Florida’s West…
Florida still needs nurses to volunteer at hurricane shelters
Florida Gov. Rick Scott says the state still desperately needs nurses to volunteer their time at shelters, especially special needs shelters. The governor took to Twitter this afternoon to plead with the public for assistance. FLORIDA STILL NEEDS NURSES willing to volunteer their time at our special needs shelters. You can also email HelpFL@FLhealth.gov https://t.co/b8xd1Yc6iw…
Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s Hurricane Irma interpreter is doing amazing work
This interpreter is the only good thing about #HurricaneIrma.pic.twitter.com/VjorOU0pxo — Holly O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) September 9, 2017 During a Saturday morning press conference in Sarasota, Florida Gov. Rick Scott implored residents to take Hurricane Irma seriously. “This is a deadly storm and our state has never seen anything like it,” said Scott. The Florida Governor is…
All Central Florida Publix stores will close tonight at 6 p.m.
All Central Florida Publix stores will be closed tonight, so if you still need any last minute supplies, or Pub Subs, this is your last chance. According to the most recent list of closures, Publix Supermarkets in the greater Orlando area will be closing at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9. This info does (and probably…
Orlando 7-Elevens offering free water Saturday while supplies last
FREE WATER is available in Port Orange, Orlando & Oldsmar. Look for trucks with the banner for free water starting @ 8AM while supplies last pic.twitter.com/ghhP8IwY7R — 7-Eleven (@7eleven) September 9, 2017 Oh thank heaven for free, fresh H2O. This reporter is siding with Ray Hanson on the tap-vs.-bottled question, but if you prefer bottles and…
Time running out for Floridians looking to flee Hurricane Irma
Roads became clogged and fuel supplies strained as more than 1 million people were told to find shelter inland, upstate or in neighboring states in advance of massive Hurricane Irma, which will blanket most of Florida this weekend. Time is fleeting for those who plan to evacuate further than local shelters before the winds and…
Orange County opens two shelters for South Florida evacuees fleeing Irma
Orange County opened two host shelters Friday night for South Florida and coastal evacuees fleeing the potential wrath of Hurricane Irma. The county is using Ocoee High School, at 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, Ocoee, and Meadow Woods Middle School, 1800 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, as a refuge for people and pets. If you plan…
Orange County issues mandatory evacuation for mobile home residents
As Hurricane Irma nears, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs has issued a mandatory evacuation order for people living in mobile homes that are significantly more at risk during the storm. Orange County Fire Rescue are currently going door-to-door in mobile park communities to tell residents they must make final preparations and head to a shelter…
Disney, Universal and SeaWorld close as Hurricane Irma advances
Orlando’s biggest theme parks and smaller attractions are closing this weekend in anticipation of possibly disastrous conditions from Hurricane Irma. Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando have all announced closures starting on Saturday, Sept. 9 and continuing through to Monday, Sept. 11. At Disney: – Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom theme parks will close…
Which Orlando malls are closing for Hurricane Irma?
Planning to wait out the storm while browsing some high fashion? You might have to think again: A handful of Orlando’s biggest malls are closing their doors in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Irma. For the latest on your favorite shopping destination, be sure to check their social media accounts or website before heading…
Pulse memorial town hall on Sept. 13 rescheduled due to Irma
The Sept. 13 town hall to discuss what a memorial and museum could look like at the gay nightclub Pulse has been rescheduled to Oct. 9 due to Hurricane Irma. The onePULSE Foundation says in a statement that the town hall in October will still take place at 6 p.m. at the Orlando Repertory Theater on…
OneBlood urging donors to give before Hurricane Irma closure
As historic Hurricane Irma looms closer to the Florida coast, OneBlood has announced it will cease all service-area operations for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The nonprofit blood collection agency is urging potential donors to give blood now, while the majority of its operations remain open. Currently, all centers in South Florida have closed, as have…
Ravenous Pig selling gourmet hurricane meals for pickup Saturday
At some point, you’re going to get sick of Bud Light and Cheez Doodles. Eating junk food is no longer going to be fun. You’re going to want real food during this storm. You can get some at the Ravenous Pig tomorrow from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Winter Park restaurant is selling “prepped…
911 calls: Emergency responders may be grounded if winds are over 60 mph
During the storm, Floridians may find that they’ll have long waits on 911 calls, as they stack up during emergencies. Emergency officials are reminding residents that they should only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies – if you’re having a heart attack, if your house is on fire and you’re trapped inside, that kind of thing…
Manchester Orchestra ride an artistic breakthrough, Tigers Jaw transcend their origins
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Manchester Orchestra and Tigers Jaw, House of Blues, Sep. 5 It’s been practically an entire lifetime – or at least a significant career cycle – since I last saw Manchester Orchestra just over a decade ago at the Florida Music Festival. Since those nascent days, the Atlanta band have gone from scrappy…
Orlando International Airport plans to close Saturday for Hurricane Irma
Anticipating the arrival of Hurricane Irma, Orlando International Airport says it will cease all commercial operations Saturday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m. Airport officials has not yet announced when it will resume operations. In the meantime, Orlando International Airport will not be serving as a hurricane shelter. Orange County shelter locations will open on an as-needed…
City of Orlando waives fees in some covered parking garages during Hurricane Irma
If you do not have access to covered parking and are looking to shelter your car during the storm, city of Orlando officials can help. Parking fees will be waived at some city-owned parking garages from 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, through 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 (dependent on weather and road conditions). Downtown garages where…
Floridians urged to remain ‘vigilant’ as Hurricane Irma approaches
Almost all of Florida will be directly affected the next couple of days by deadly and powerful Hurricane Irma, Gov. Rick Scott warned Friday. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump issued a video message advising people in the storm’s path to be “vigilant” and to “heed all recommendations from government officials and law enforcement.” “When the time…
Here’s how to know if your food is safe to eat after Hurricane Irma
As Hurricane Irma moves closer, there’s a good chance many of us will lose power in the coming days, even for just a little while. This means refrigeration will be compromised and it’s possible some of your food might be garbage by the time the power company comes to your rescue. The USDA has released…
Gourmet hurricane prep at East End Market while supplies last
As of 9:30 Friday, Olde Hearth Bread Co., one of our best-known local artisanal bakeries, had plenty of loaves, but they were going fast. And across the aisle, La Femme du Fromage has announced at 20 percent off sale on all cheeses. Make your Irmageddon a tasty one and ride it out in style, Orlando.…
White supremacist Richard Spencer could speak at UF in October
After rejecting a request by white nationalist Richard Spencer to speak on campus and being threatened with a federal lawsuit, the University of Florida has set a tentative Oct. 19 date for an appearance by the “alt-right” leader. “As a public institution, UF is required by law to make a good faith effort to provide…
Florida Power & Light gears up for possible ‘widespread’ destruction after Irma
Florida Power & Light, the state’s largest electric utility, said Thursday more than 11,000 employees and contractors will be available to restore power after Hurricane Irma. FPL serves areas of South Florida and the Atlantic Coast that could get hit hard by the storm. FPL said more than 20 staging sites have been activated. Still,…
Fuel becomes key as Floridians flee Hurricane Irma
Florida is scrambling to keep up with high demand for gas from people fleeing and preparing for the weekend arrival of powerful and deadly Hurricane Irma. Highway regulations and restrictions have been lifted for fuel truckers, who are receiving law-enforcement escorts. Also, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt on Thursday approved emergency fuel waivers…
Rick Scott closes all public schools, colleges, universities ahead of Irma
Florida Gov. Rick Scott has ordered all public K-12 schools, colleges, universities and state offices to close Friday through Monday in anticipation of Hurricane Irma. “Today, I am directing the closure of all public schools, state colleges, state universities and state offices for their normal activities effective Friday through Monday, to ensure we have every…
City of Orlando opens second location for free sandbags at Camping World Stadium
Due to increasing demand as Hurricane Irma approaches, the City of Orlando has opened a second location where residents can pick up sandbags at the Camping World Stadium. Sandbags are available Thursday, Sept. 7 and Friday, Sept. 8, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Camping World Stadium, at 1 Citrus Bowl Place, and…
UPDATED: Airbnb is offering free housing for Hurricane Irma evacuees and emergency workers
Airbnb launched a free housing initiative Thursday in some Florida and Georgia counties as Hurricane Irma approaches. Until Sept. 28, $0 listings will be available in eligible areas, according to a press release from the company. The company has set up a section of their site where people can find and offer free housing options.…
As Hurricane Irma approaches, Orlando will need volunteers. Here’s how you can help
As the storm barrels towards Florida, Gov. Rick Scott has called for 17,000 volunteers to assist with preparations for Hurricane Irma and its aftermath. Nearly 9,000 people have already reached out to state-wide organizations looking to provide assistance, according to an update from Scott’s office. Volunteer Florida has partnered with the American Red Cross and…
Here’s Hurricane Irma compared to Hurricane Andrew
On Wednesday afternoon Florida Gov. Rick Scott said that Hurricane Irma is “bigger, faster and stronger” than Hurricane Andrew, the massively devastating Category 5 hurricane that rocked The Sunshine state in 1992. “Hurricane Andrew is one of the worst storms in the history of Florida,” said Scott. “This is much worse and more devastating on…
Orange County has officially declared a state of local emergency in response to Hurricane Irma
This afternoon Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs issued a local state of emergency to better prepare for Hurricane Irma. “As Mayor, my top priority is the health, safety and welfare of our residents, guests and businesses,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “It is urgent that we receive the full cooperation of the people of…
SpaceX squeezes in one last launch before an advancing Hurricane Irma
Weather conditions for the launch stood in stark contrast for what is to hit the coast this weekend. SpaceX successfully carried out another mission for the US military on Thursday afternoon from one of Hurricane Irma’s most vulnerable targets in its path along Florida’s east coast. The classified mission was the second attempt to launch…
Here are all the Orlando concerts that have been cancelled due to Hurricane Irma
The following shows have been postponed/cancelled due to concerns about Hurricane Irma’s possible impact on the area. Contact the venue with any further questions about refunds or rescheduling. We’ll update this post when more info is available. Thursday, Sept. 7 Dark Tranquility at the Haven Lounge Ella and the Bossa Beat at Blue Bamboo Center…
Universal Orlando is closing Terminator 2: 3-D this October
Hasta la vista, baby. Terminator 2: 3-D will make its last run on Sunday Oct. 8 at the Universal Orlando Resort. The theme park announced Thursday a new live action experience will replace the ride in 2019. The sci-fi thriller-themed attraction takes place in an indoor theater that uses 3D film, stage acting and special…
Hurricane Irma: Here’s where to find free internet in the Orlando area
In order to help first responders and residents stay connected during and after Hurricane Irma, Comcast has made all of their Florida Xfinity wifi hotspots free to the public from now until Sept. 15. This means all 137,000 hotspots in Florida will be free to use, whether or not you’re are an active subscriber. “For…
Floridians flood price-gouging hotline as they brace for Hurricane Irma
Floridians bracing for the pounding winds and rains of powerful Hurricane Irma are complaining at a historic clip about price gouging and shortages of fuel, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Thursday. “Our phones are blowing up as they have been all night long and continue to do,” Bondi said. “That’s a good thing, because it’s…
The Kills to play one-off Orlando show in December
U.K. vampire-blues duo the Kills have just announced a special one-off Orlando show for later this year. The band will play the Beacham as a warm-up show for their appearance at that weekend’s Off Weekend Festival in Miami (Dec. 9-10) that will coincide with Art Basel. The Kills play the Beacham on Friday, Dec. 8…
UPDATED: Orlando area restaurants that are closing this weekend for Hurricane Irma
As Hurricane Irma flirts with Florida, many restaurants are not taking any chances to let their employees batten down the hatches and “hunker” as best they can. Here’s a list of all the spots we know of that won’t be operating while the storm rolls through. (We’ll be updating this list as we learn of more…
Puerto Rico governor warns of dangerous floods after Irma blasts past island
Although the worst of Hurricane Irma’s devastating winds blasted past Puerto Rico, the island’s governor warns continued rain could lead to dangerous floods, rising rivers and landslides. Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló says more than 1 million people on the U.S. territory are without power after the Category 5 hurricane’s dangerous eye continued past its…
Hurricane Irma: Where to find water, shelters and other resources in the Orlando area
With Hurricane Irma just days away from a potential impact with Florida, here’s a list of resources to help you stay safe. As always, for the most up to date information, call 311. We will be updating this post as more resources and services are announced. WATER: These local establishments will fill your containers with…
Rick Scott tells Floridians to ‘go now’ if evacuating before Hurricane Irma
Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday implored Floridians and tourists planning to evacuate in advance of deadly Hurricane Irma to do so now, before winds and surging waters arrive later this week. “This is serious, and we cannot take chances. It is life threatening.” Scott said after receiving a 5 p.m. update on Irma at the…
Reinstated Afghan Whigs still hot and heavy, Har Mar Superstar now more super than har har
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Afghan Whigs and Har Mar Superstar, Aug. 6, The Social A true cult band by definition and following, the Afghan Whigs, under the spell of dark-rock duke Greg Dulli, are one of the few acts that can lay claim to their own, nearly exclusive, realm. Now, the deeply influential ‘90s indie-rock group…
Thanks, Irma! A rolling list of Orlando event cancellations due to this hurricane being a jerk
All events at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts for Sept. 8-10 have been cancelled. Orlando Museum of Art’s 1st Thursdays: Eclectic Knights for Sept. 7 has been canceled. The International International Latin & Hispanic Burlesque Festival at the Venue, originally scheduled for Friday-Saturday, Sept. 8-9, has been canceled. Varietease is offering $7 tickets for Thursday’s…
Rush Limbaugh thinks Irma warnings are exaggerated for ‘climate change agenda’
Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh says he’s no meteorologist, but the Palm Beach resident recklessly suggested to his listeners that warnings about Hurricane Irma were exaggerated to advance a “climate change agenda” and the ensuing panic helps local retailers profit on those seeking supplies. Aside from being irresponsible, it’s slightly ironic, given that the loudest…
Orange County government officials say most residents need not evacuate
NOTE: This is a rapidly developing situation. This information is current as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6. Keep checking our site for newer updates. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs led county officials in a press conference today regarding Hurricane Irma preparedness. Ronald Plummer, manager of Orange County office of emergency management, said Orange County…
Agreement could be near on white supremacist Richard Spencer speech at University of Florida
The University of Florida and representatives of white nationalist leader Richard Spencer are nearing an agreement that would allow Spencer to speak on campus, a lawyer representing Spencer and his backers said in an email Tuesday. First Amendment attorney Gary Edinger said an announcement could come Wednesday after the two sides hold a telephone call.…
Florida Gov. Rick Scott says Irma could be bigger than Hurricane Andrew
Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday continued warning all Floridians to pay attention to record-setting Hurricane Irma marching through the Caribbean toward a weekend encounter with the Sunshine State. Scott said Irma could be bigger than Hurricane Andrew, a devastating Category 5 hurricane that 25 years ago raced across South Florida with 165 mph winds, destroying more than…
UCF cancels Thursday and Friday classes due to Hurricane Irma
The University of Central Florida announced this afternoon that that all classes will be cancelled starting Thursday, with complete academic closures on Friday due to an advancing Hurricane Irma in the Atlantic, according to the University’s rapid alert system. UCF will be closed from Friday, September 8th to Monday, the 11th, but the Knights vs.…
25 free shows happening in Orlando this week
All listings subject to change. Wednesday, Sept. 6 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. Reggae Night with Hor!zen and DJ Red I 10 pm at the Caboose, 1827 N. Orange Ave. The Strange Trip 10:30 pm at Tanqueray’s, 100 S. Orange Ave. Giant Peach Hip-Hop Jam 9…
Polk County Sheriff says he’ll arrest anyone with a warrant who tries to go to shelters
While the record-breaking Hurricane Irma tracks toward Florida, Polk County Sheriff and resident big boy with a badge Grady Judd says he’ll arrest anyone with a warrant who seeks shelter from the Category 5 storm. The Sheriff went to Twitter this morning to simultaneously express his asinine thoughts and actively endanger the people he’s supposed to…
GB’s Bottle Shop and Oskar Blues kick off football season with an old-school NFL Blitz tournament
GB’s Bottle Shop invites old-school sports game fans to join them for a tournament using an antique Nintendo 64 and a copy of NFL Blitz. Oskar Blues will be on hand with a special draft selection along with some old favorites. If you need to warm up your thumbs – or if you get knocked…
A gas station in Longwood is reportedly selling water for $22 a case
.@Shell gas station on Ronald Reagan & Dog Track Road selling cases of water for $22 Customers outraged #fox35 pic.twitter.com/41QmcuISiK — Jackie Orozco (@ReporterJackie) September 6, 2017 A gas station in Longwood is reportedly selling bottled water for $22 a case, a sobering reminder to call Florida’s price-gouging hotline whenever you see this type of…
Florida law says insurers must authorize early prescription refills before Hurricane Irma
As you stock up on water, sandbags, PB+J makings, etc., don’t forget to refill any prescriptions you might need. Even if you aren’t due for a refill, the state Office of Insurance Regulation has issued a notice to all health care providers that they are obligated to waive time restrictions of prescription refills. By statute, in the…
Florida braces for record-setting Hurricane Irma
Gov. Rick Scott warned Floridians on Tuesday that powerful Hurricane Irma will start impacting the state by the end of the week —- it’s just not clear where. “I think right now everybody’s got to assume that you’re going to get impacted,” Scott said after receiving a 5 p.m. update at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. “This…
Medieval Times bravely offers ‘I-4 Eyesore’ as sacrifice to Hurricane Irma
In typical medieval fashion, the knights of Medieval Times in Kissimmee, Florida, are preparing for Hurricane Irma the best way they know how– by offering up the Majesty building as a sacrifice. The official twitter account tweeted out the noble sacrifice early this morning. “We offer this as a sacrifice. You can have it, just…
Savage Love: ‘Stranger Things’
I’m a lady considering taking on a foot fetishist as a slave. He would do chores around my house, including cleaning and laundry, and give foot rubs and pedicures in exchange for getting to worship and jack off to my model-perfect feet when I’ve decided he’s earned it. Am I morally obligated to tell my…
Gimme Shelter: Meet King
Are you looking for a very good boy? Meet King! King (A385625) was brought to us because his owners were moving and weren’t able to take him with them. They say that King is very friendly, does well with children, knows basic commands, and is crate-trained and housebroken. He is 1 and a half years…
Burger Records’ Death Valley Girls bring the style and sleaze, New Granada’s DieAlps! max out strong Florida showcase
DEATH VALLEY GIRLS AND SOAPBOX SOLILOQUY, AUG. 29 In what is turning out to be a banner year for them, Orlando promoter upstarts Ugly Orange – who first distinguished themselves by illuminating worthy young Florida talent and expanding the city’s music venue landscape – just continue to keep upping their booking game. Their latest concert…
Selections: Our picks for the best things to do in Orlando this week
Thursday, Sept. 7 Steve Earle Music “Alt” is one sketchy prefix these days. So out of due respect for these exceptional acts, let’s just call this an “independent” country bill. As far as music figures go, the legendary Steve Earle is an iconoclast par excellence. Though not in the traditional Waylon sense, he’s a country…
Orlando concerts picks this week: Modest Mouse, Bryan Adams, Damian Marley and more
Apocalyptica Finnish “metal cello” quartet play a rare Florida show as part of their tour marking the anniversary of their debut album, a surprising suite of Metallica covers. Take your parents … OK, grandparents. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the House of Blues, $38.50 CANCELLED Dark Tranquility Gothenberg death metal overlords (you can thank…
Legal Public Notices 9/6
Legal Public Notices IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2016-CA- 003960-O, ASHINGTON PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., VS. WILLIAM LESNICK and HOLLY LESNICK, NOTICE OF SALE. Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Consent Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in this cause on July…
It remake swaps smarts for cheap scares
Director Andy Muschietti (Mama) sets the tone for his It remake in the first 10 minutes by brutally and unnecessarily depicting a child’s arm being ripped off and a sheep being shot in the head. If you enjoy that type of crap, hold onto your balloons, because It is one wild ride of silly scares.…
Shelf care: What to read this month to manage your anxiety
In the week after the 2016 presidential election, Americans googled the term “self-care” almost twice as often as they ever had before. Like “introvert” and “gluten-intolerant,” self-care is a term that gets tossed around a lot lately, mostly in ways that are only tangentially related, if not inimical, to its actual meaning. The genesis of…
This year’s fall TV schedule offers up plenty of darkness and humor
Seasonal affective disorder
A talk with Ted Chapin, guiding hand behind the touring production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘The King and I’
In the early ’80s, I was introduced to the musicals of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II through a touring production of The King and I starring Broadway’s original Mongkut himself, Yul Brynner. Thirty-five years later, I still remember the impact of that iconic performance, and so does Ted Chapin, the president of the Rodgers…
Opening in Orlando: Crown Heights, Gun Shy and more
THIS WEEK: Crown Heights Having performed this year in everything from Get Out to Atlanta to Death Note, Lakeith Stanfield takes on the real-life role of Colin Warner, who was sent to jail in 1980 for a murder he didn’t commit and remained there even after the real killer confessed. It was just one of…
The Pharmacy has reopened in Dr. Phillips, a second Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream outpost is in the works, plus more in our weekly food roundup
OPENINGS A new Vietnamese restaurant is coming to the pho-starved Central Business District. LePho plans to open in the downtown Chase Plaza building in early September … Teak Neighborhood Grill is really, truly, for-reals open in Maitland. At last, a Spicy Veronica burger without the drive to Metrowest. BTW, ask for the “password-only underground burger…
Legal Public Notices 8/30
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2016-CA- 003960-O, ASHINGTON PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., VS. WILLIAM LESNICK and HOLLY LESNICK, NOTICE OF SALE. Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Consent Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in this cause…
