We’re not blind to the fact that we can be a pretty negative bunch here at Orlando Weekly. Running a progressive and labor-minded publication in the heart of one of the most tyrannically right-wing states in the US can do that to a person (or persons, as the case may be).
Since it’s Thanksgiving, we figured putting aside that cynicism might be in order. There’s plenty in this town that still makes living here great and we’d love to give thanks for what we have.
The teachers who are actually staying in schools and creating good humans
Many Florida teachers have fled in the face of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ continuing attacks on public school curriculum. We can’t blame them, honestly. But many, many more have opted to hang back amid waves of anti-CRT and anti-LGBTQ panic, doing the hard work to create good and thoughtful Floridians in spite of the hate coming from Tallahassee. Credit: AdobeNo more late fees at OCLS
Would it shock you to learn that some of us are slow readers? Credit: Facebook (Orange County Library System)Being a blue drop in Florida’s Red Sea
Orlando manages to do the right thing quite often when the state lets us alone. If that blue wall ever fails, you can send us to Hell or Pasco County… it would be about the same to us. Credit: Election Map Screengrab via CNNA county mayor who sees right through Ron DeSantis
Somehow, Jerry Demings manages to get up everyday and fight the good fight against the power-hungry state leaders who rode small government campaign promises only to spend 90% of their time telling cities and counties what to do. Credit: Screenshot via Orange County Board of County CommissionersFringe Festival (and their new downtown space!)
Case in point: can you think of any conservative corner of the state that could grow something as weird and wonderful as the Fringe Festival? Orlando has thrown in behind them, leasing city-owned space to the organizers to foster an entire new generation of oddball productions. Credit: Orlando FringeThe I-4 Ultimate project is finally done? ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Or is it? Credit: Adobe
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland This art house theater in Maitland seems relatively normal, right? Wrong! At around 1 a.m. on some moonless nights, a screaming disembodied head has been spotted in the north corner of the building before it disappears into the kitchen. Credit: Photo via the EnzianThe weather might be cool enough for that family football game on Thanksgiving?
Small miracles. Credit: Sandra Harrison/FacebookThanksgiving specials
Publix’s turkey and cranberry Pub Sub and Pom Pom’s Mama Ling Ling Thanksgiving are more than enough to keep us hanging around for another year. Credit: PublixUncle Lou’s Entertainment Hall is still rockin’
God bless and keep ’em. Credit: Photo by Jen CrayRent Control is not dead yet
Judicial shenanigans have stalled action even as Orange County overwhelmingly confirmed that the rent is too damn high. The fight for affordable housing is far from over, however. Credit: AdobeCredit: Adobe
