Central Florida back-to-school supply giveaways and events happening soon

Orlando Weekly 7/26 10:54A Houda Eletr

The start of the new school year is fast approaching, which means its time to start getting the tiny scholars prepared. Across Orlando and Central Florida, several organizations are hosting school...

TikTok personality Nurse John brings his ‘Short-Staffed Tour’ to Orlando this fall

Orlando Weekly 7/26 10:23A Houda Eletr

Social media personality John Dela Cruz, best known for making relatable and humorous nurse content on various platforms, is heading out on his first-ever tour — and it's coming to Orlando. The...

SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream returns with new frights and a sinister sale

Orlando Weekly 7/26 10:14A Houda Eletr

That time of year is creeping up and SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream is teasing new houses, scare zones and more to debut later this year. And in preparation of the event, SeaWorld is offering a 'sinister...

Hurricane center begins tracking Atlantic system with chance to develop

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 7/26 8:46A Richard Tribou

The tropics have been quiet for the last two weeks, but the National Hurricane Center began Friday tracking an Atlantic system with a chance to become the season s next tropical depression or storm. As of the NHC s 2 p.m. tropical outlook, the...

Industrial dance rampagers Nitzer Ebb wants Orlando to 'Join in the Chant' come November

Orlando Weekly 7/26 8:29A Matthew Moyer

EBM and industrial-dance innovators Nitzer Ebb are reunited and planning an Orlando return this fall. With Douglas McCarthy firmly back in the fold after health concerns earlier this year (which led...

Starbucks workers union asks for community support this weekend in fight for a fair contract

Orlando Weekly 7/26 6:30A McKenna Schueler

Unionized Starbucks workers across the country, and right here in the Orlando area, are calling for community support this weekend, asking the public to visit local union stores and wear red to...

Exotic animal expo Repticon heads to Orlando this weekend

Orlando Weekly 7/26 6:17A Sarah Lynott

The reptile-centric expo Repticon is coming to Orlando this weekend, bringing educational experiences, supplies and lots of wild encounters. This event will be held at the Central Florida Fairgrounds...

City Barbeque's very first Florida outpost is now open in Winter Park

Orlando Weekly 7/26 6:17A Sarah Lynott

City Barbeque opened its first Florida location in Winter Park this month. Stationed at 108 S. Semoran Boulevard, the chain specializes in classic barbecue ranging from pulled pork sandwiches, beef...

Florida's 14-day back-to-school sales tax ‘holiday’ starts next week

Orlando Weekly 7/26 5:11A Jim Turner, the News Service of

Florida in recent years has held a variety of sales-tax “holidays” covering everything from hurricane supplies to theater tickets. But many businesses get most excited about the annual tax holidays on...

Brightline reports record ridership, but fewer commuters, as rail line emphasizes longer haul...

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 7/26 4:28A David Lyons

After six years as one of South Florida’s longest running startup companies, Brightline, the high-speed railroad line,  has finally reached its desired inflection point: Most of its passengers are now...

Fight over Florida's abortion amendment statement heads to the Supreme Court

Orlando Weekly 7/26 3:59A Jim Saunders, News Service of Fl

A political committee leading efforts to pass a constitutional amendment on abortion rights has asked the Florida Supreme Court to invalidate a revised "financial impact statement" that would appear...

Residents return to Orlando senior home abandoned during Hurricane Ian

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 7/25 11:30P Lauren Brensel

An Orlando assisted living home that closed because of hurricane flooding is inviting its residents back this week for its grand reopening, marking an end to two years of displacement for its aging and often disoriented population. About 75...

3 political newcomers seek ouster of incumbent commissioner in Kissimmee Seat 3 race

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 7/25 11:00P Natalia Jaramillo

Three political newcomers are trying to unseat first-term incumbent Carlos Alvarez in the race for Seat 3 on the Kissimmee City Commission. Pastor and Army retiree Rubin Anderson, former Salvation Army worker Wade A. Choate and doctoral student...

14-day Florida back-to-school sales tax ‘holiday’ around the corner

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 7/25 11:00P Jim Turner

TALLAHASSEE — Florida in recent years has held a variety of sales-tax “holidays” covering everything from hurricane supplies to theater tickets. But many businesses get most excited about the annual tax holidays on back-to-school items. Florida...

They bathe and house Orlando’s homeless, but they’re running out of money | Commentary

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 7/25 10:53A Scott Maxwell

A few years ago, SALT Outreach was a salvation for Central Florida and swimming in money. The charity was providing a simple yet direly needed service — access to showers and laundry services for...