Cover Story
Rick Scott granted a tax break meant to help the poor to a rich GOP donor’s Florida yacht marina instead
The Rybovich superyacht marina lies on the West Palm Beach, Florida, waterfront, a short drive north from Mar-a-Lago. Superyachts, floating mansions that can stretch more than 300 feet and cost over $100 million, are serviced at the marina, and their owners enjoy Rybovich’s luxury resort amenities. Its Instagram account offers a glimpse into the rarefied…
While Brazil’s Bolsonaro picks fights with Greta Thunberg and Leo DiCaprio, his officials seek tourism advice from Orlando
Just before the Trump impeachment hearings took center stage, Brazil’s president decided he wanted to garner some press by weighing in on Hollywood elites. In an odd, out of left field comment, President Jair Bolsonaro falsely blamed Leonardo DiCaprio for the wildfires that have been ravaging the rainforest within the country. This came just days after Gilson Machado…
Mr. Kitty and the Ephemerality tour to bring witchy vibes from around the world to Will’s Pub this week
Mr. Kitty, dark electro-pop magus from Austin, is making a stop in Orlando this week as part of a the “Ephemerality” tour down to Miami for Art Basel-related shows. They’re be playing Will’s Pub with Pastel Ghost from Oakland, Ukraine’s(!) Culttastic and Daytona’s Ivy Hollivanna (first local appearance since her album release show at Grumpy’s…
Legal Public Notices 12/04 issue
Orlando Legals Legal Public Notices AUCTION Extra Space Storage – Store 8138, 1001 Lee Rd. Orlando FL. 32810 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1001 Lee Rd. Orlando , FL. 32810 (407) 489-3742, December 18th, 2019 @…
You need to see American songwriting titan John Prine when he comes to Orlando
I was 17 when I first met John Prine. I had heard his eponymous debut album three years prior, an album that was already 15 years old. I confused the audience that hot summer night at Riverfest in La Crosse, Wisconsin. What was this spiky-haired skateboarding punk doing front and center, singing along to every…
Bakari Burns wins Orlando City Council runoff election
The runoff race for Orlando City Council District 6 has ended with a runaway winner. Nonprofit executive Bakari Burns won tonight’s runoff vote with 68 percent of the vote, defeating former Sen. Gary Siplin’s 31 percent. Just over 2,900 votes have been tallied so far from Tuesday’s election. No other candidates were on the ballot. Burns…
All four complaints of excessive force by Orlando Police in 2018 involved Black males
Orlando Police received four excessive force complaints in 2018. All of them were filed by Black males. While 13 percent of the U.S. population is Black, FBI data from a 2012 report found that 39 percent of people killed by police while not attacking are Black. In Chicago, a Justice Department report concluded police are 14…
New study ranks Orlando among America’s least-safe cities
A study conducted by WalletHub lists Orlando as the 19th-least-safe city in which to live in America. The top three least safe cities were St. Louis, Fort Lauderdale and San Bernardino. The study also showed that the safest cities to live in were Columbia, Yonkers and Plano. The study’s findings were determined by three key…
Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard announces solo Orlando concert
Central Florida has been impatiently awaiting the return of the soulful rock band Alabama Shakes since its last show at Tampa Bay’s the Cuban Club in spring 2016, but we’ll be more than happy with frontwoman Brittany Howard’s new solo tour, which stops at Hard Rock Live Orlando on April 22. The tour is in…
Enzian Theater to screen heartbreaking roc doc ‘The Devil and Daniel Johnston’ next week
The world lost a rare and unique talent when artist and singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston passed away earlier this year. The fearsomely prolific musician and visual artist captured the hearts of countless fans and musicians from Kurt Cobain to Tom Waits for roughly three decades, with his open-hearted, deceptively simple songs. That he accomplished so much…
Florida Supreme Court to decide on amendment to open state’s primary elections to all voters
It’s dubbed a “jungle” primary system. And the Florida Republican and Democratic parties want no part of it. Now, the Florida Supreme Court will decide whether a proposed constitutional amendment that would overhaul the state’s primary-election system will go before voters in November 2020. Justices heard arguments Tuesday about the proposed amendment, which would allow…
Miss Jill Scott to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album in Orlando this March
You don’t even have to ask Who Is Jill Scott, because her 2000 debut album of the same name was as potent a musical introduction as they come. And just in case, she’s hitting the road to remind you, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the R&B classic Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol.…
Oviedo boy collides with shark while surfing New Smyrna Beach
An Oviedo boy and his father visited New Smyrna Beach over Thanksgiving weekend to surf some holiday waves. That’s where, according to WESH, in the waters of the Shark Bite Capital of the World, 9-year-old Chandler Moore surfed into a young blacktip shark. Video from a camera mounted on the front of his surfboard captured the whole thing, and…
Today is the last day to vote in the Orlando City Council runoff election
Today, Dec. 3, is the last day to vote in the runoff election to settle the last Orlando City Council seat. Polls close at 7 p.m. The voters in primarily west-Orlando District 6 live in and around the neighborhoods of Holden Heights, Richmond Heights, International Drive, and the areas around Millenia and Universal Studios Resort. None of…
Florida state senators will examine repealing the ‘Best and Brightest’ teacher bonus program
Legislation that would get rid of the embattled “Best and Brightest” teacher bonus program is set to have its first hearing before the Senate Education Committee next week. The proposal, sponsored by Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, would help carry out one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ key teacher compensation proposals. DeSantis wants to…
Mile for mile, Florida’s Brightline is the nation’s deadliest train line
Since almost-high-speed Brightline started test runs in summer 2017 and officially began service in January 2018, more than 40 people have been killed by one of their trains, according to Federal Railroad Administration data compiled by the Associated Press. That’s a rate of one death every 29,000 miles – or more than one fatality a…
Updated: ‘SNL’ comic Pete Davidson is making audience members sign $1 million non-disclosure agreements, but not in Orlando
Updated, Dec. 3 | A representative for the Dr. Phillips Center stated “as far as we know, there is no NDA required” of Orlando audiences at the Dec. 8 show. Just weeks after a disastrous Orlando performance in August, where he called UCF students “privileged little assholes,” comedian Pete Davidson began prohibiting cell phones at…
Alanis Morissette to bring Garbage and Liz Phair along to Central Florida for a big summer show
Here’s an early holiday present for the nostalgic alternative-rock lifers of Central Florida. Alanis Morissette — whose classic 1995 album Jagged Little Pill is set to debut on Broadway as a musical co-written with Juno’s Diablo Cody — is coming to Tampa as part of a summer comeback tour. The gig, set for June 17 at…
Orlando musician and visual artist Mike Dunn deepens his impact with big fourth year of Folk Yeah
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Folk Yeah Vol. 4, Will’s Pub/Lil Indies, Nov. 29 In its fourth year, Mike Dunn’s burgeoning annual songwriter festival Folk Yeah has officially gone from good to great. And opening night was a vibrant mix of local stars, choice imported talent and fresh new faces. Among the out-of-state acts, there were even…
Leslye Gale’s O-Town Lowdown on Magic 107.7 for Monday, Dec. 2, 2019
Every morning on Magic 107.7 FM, Leslye Gale discusses the most interesting Orlando Weekly stories of the day on “Chad & Leslye.” Check out Leslye’s picks today. The Best Light Displays In Orlando! The best places to see Christmas lights in Orlando. – LINK There are some great Cyber Monday deals out there, including Amtrak offering…
Band of the Week: Syn Nine
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 Syn Nine. Syn Nine is playing a CD release show at Stonewall Bar on Dec. 6. Just the facts: Who’s in the band?DK – Lyrics, vocals, and music in the…
Jeff Nolan and an all-star Orlando roster paid loving tribute to Ric Ocasek
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND “Since You’re Gone” – A Tribute to the Cars, Will’s Pub, Nov. 27 The music world reeled back on Sept. 15, when it lost new-wave god Ric Ocasek. And what this recent heartfelt tribute event proved is that love for the iconic voice and face of the Cars is deep and wide…
Amtrak announces ‘Track Friday’ sale, offering cheap train rides across the country
Amtrak just announced a “Track Friday” sale starting Friday, Nov. 29 until Cyber Monday, Dec. 2 – to help you get the hell outta town. During those dates, travelers can book tickets to see loved ones (or travel far, far away from loved ones) for as low as $19. You can book select trains nationwide…
It takes planning to protect your pets during the holidays
Holiday safety is a must, and that goes for pets, too. Veterinarians at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital has made a list of holiday hazards, some of which are less obvious than others. Chocolate can be fatal for dogs. During the holidays, be on the lookout for chocolate and any sweets or baked goods…
‘The Hills’ comes alive, with the voices of local actors at the Nook
The Hills started airing in October 2006, a full year ahead of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Reality TV shows and stars inched closer to the center of pop culture ever since. The Hills, which followed the lives and progressions or blonde people in LA, was a big part of this golden-tanner era. For those…
Florida’s bear-management plan could again include hunting
Techniques to manage Florida’s black bear population over the next decade, including the possibility of regulated hunting, will be among the items the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission considers during a meeting next month. The updated bear-management plan is slated for discussion the morning of Dec. 11, with public comments limited to “no more…
Oviedo mayor-elect explains to Spectrum News that women continue contributing to society after having babies
In a recent segment on Spectrum 13 News, later published as a clip on their website, “Oviedo Mayor-Elect Ready to Lead City Amid Newborn Baby,” Megan Sladek took the time to explain how childbirth happens all the time and has never impeded a woman’s ability to work. Sladek, rocking her child (born a week after the…
President Trump negged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in batcrap-crazy rally opener last night
Using a power move beloved by PUAs (and familiar to daughters at holiday dinners) everywhere, President Donald Trump pulled the classic insult/compliment neg on Gov. Ron DeSantis in a tidy three words: “He’s not fat.” You know, negging: When a “pick-up artist” deliberately gives you a backhanded compliment to throw off your confidence. Or when you’re hanging with…
Local college radio station WPRK to celebrate 67 years of challenging sounds next month at Stardust Video
Rollins College radio station WPRK 91.5 FM is turning 67 next month and throwing a show to celebrate nearly seven decades of being the “best in basement radio” and a haven for independent and non-commercial music. In line with the station’s mission to present new sounds, the live music at this event will be courtesy…
State of Florida sues Planet Hollywood for taking job creation money before ghosting
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has filed a lawsuit against Planet Hollywood International, Inc., alleging the company did not comply with requirements after receiving $288,000 in state incentives to add jobs in Orlando. The department filed the lawsuit last week in Leon County circuit court, arguing, in part, that the restaurant and hotel company…
Incredibly-named Austin punks Sailor Poon to play Will’s Pub in December
Sometimes a band’s name just catches your eye. It’s a special treat when the sound on the other side makes you just as happy, and that’s exactly what’s happening at Will’s Pub when Austin, Texas psych-rock quintet Sailor Poon brings empowering, wall-shaking songs from a 2017 b-sides compilation for a show with the Woolly Bushmen.…
Watch UF students being real about Thanksgiving and indigenous genocide
There’s a national outlet called Campus Reform which is basically a Breitbart for campus news. They say their mission is to “expose liberal bias” on college campuses. Here are a couple of recent headlines: “Trump-connected impeachment fails at UF as leftist narrative is torched” and “‘Not a good look’: Video captures moment leftists confront campus…
Punk rock agitators the Queers return to Orlando, still loud and lewd
Imagine notorious punk-rock stalwart Joe Queer sitting alone in a van, parked outside a Rhode Island bar called Patty’s Beach Club, and surrounded by throngs of young partiers who look like they just wandered off the set of a low-rent MTV Spring Break. “Our backstage is on a beach, and there’s not much privacy,” says…
Incubus, Calyx, and more great live music rattling Orlando every night this week
Jujuka Music Showcase Russian DJ Julia Govor and New York DJ Kamran Sadeghi come to town for a night of challenging techno and dance sounds. 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Iron Cow, $10-$20 Paint Fumes It’s a Thanksgiving miracle! Last-minute show on Turkey Night featuring Paint Fumes, touring through town, and the WildTones. 8 p.m. Thursday,…
Dr. Phillips gets a Domu on Black Friday, Taglish Filipino-American opens at Lotte Plaza Market, and more Orlando food news
OPENINGS: Taglish, the Filipino-American eatery by former Bento Group culinary director Mike Collantes and Bento Group’s Jimmy and Johnny Tung, has opened inside Lotte Plaza Market … El Vic’s Kitchen is open and serving its Indian-influenced “modern global cuisine” for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Edgewater Drive in College Park … The owners of Taverna…
Donald Trump isn’t on trial. The Republican Party is.
Informed Dissent
Opening this week in Orlando: ‘Dark Waters,’ ‘Waves’ and more
Opening this week: Dark Waters Twenty-four years after Safe, director Todd Haynes returns to the theme of environmental illness with Dark Waters, a corporate-intrigue drama based on the true story of a lawyer who tried to bring the DuPont Corporation to justice for poisoning unsuspecting Americans. Shades of Erin Brockovich, amirite? But don’t expect to…
‘Thankskilling,’ ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ and more Orlando cinema events to see this week
Holiday Movie Night: The Polar Express Outdoor screening with plenty of snacks, including hot chocolate. Saturday, 7 pm; Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Road, Longwood; free; 407-339-0879; wekivaisland.com. Love and Mercy Film about Saint Faustina’s vision of Jesus and her painting of him. Monday, 7 pm; multiple locations; $13.38; fathomevents.com. Movie Monday: Shrek the Halls…
Matt Gaetz’s milkshaker gets 15 days, Florida women fight for equal access to strip clubs, and more news you might have missed
Strangely, Florida women want equal pay and they’re trying to pass laws to get it: The gender pay gap in Florida shows women earn 85 cents for every dollar a man makes, and last week, several women’s groups joined forces to help change Florida law – and the U.S. Constitution. State bills like the Sen.…
New roller coasters, new technologies and new forms of fried food at Orlando’s annual IAAPA Expo
This year, I’m going into Turkey Day thankful for having survived my 13th visit to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ annual IAAPA Expo. Fueled by little more than free samples of unidentifiable fried objects, I put in over 20,000 steps crisscrossing the Orange County Convention Center seeking out sneak peeks of the…
Delaney’s Tavern brings mass allure to Orlando’s SoDo District
Delaney’s Tavern: It’s a hotel restaurant. It’s a neighborhood bar. It’s got a menu comprised of the globe’s greatest hits. It’s the “something for everyone” brand of eatery that won’t blow studied gastronomes away, but won’t disappoint them either. A “Cheers-style” joint “for family, friends, locals and visitors to Orlando,” says the marketing-speak on their…
‘Knives Out,’ opening in Orlando, is a smart, twisty treat
In 2012, baseball was dropped from the Olympics. Thankfully, it’s been added back for the 2020 games. But let me propose another addition: genre-juggling, with writer-director Rian Johnson one of the favorites to win gold. Admittedly, my sports metaphor might be a bridge too far, but balancing genres is one of the toughest challenges for…
Savage Love: Bluff Calls
I’m a heterosexual cis woman in a monogamous marriage. My husband and I have always struggled to connect sexually, mostly because he has extreme anxiety that makes doing anything new or different difficult. He’s been in therapy since before I met him, but it doesn’t seem to be helping much. His anxiety has caused him…
