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David Loyola
The Orange County school board rejected an effort to gut LGBTQ History Month, DeSantis announced plans for another immigration detention facility in Florida, and other news you may have missed last week.
BY MCKENNA SCHUELER; SHALINA CHATLANI AND JAY WAAGMEESTER, FLORIDA PHOENIX; AND JIM TURNER, NSF
» Orange County School Board rejected bid to ditch LGBTQ+ History Month recognition
The Orange County School Board once again rejected an effort by one of their board members to get rid of an annual proclamation declaring LGBTQ+ Awareness and History Month, after more than a dozen parents, students and school staff urged the board to keep it. Alicia Farrant, a Moms for Liberty activist elected to the school board in 2022, said she felt the proclamation was “redundant” and duplicative, since the school system also recognizes June as Pride month and June 12 as Pulse Remembrance Day to commemorate the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse nightclub. The LGBTQ+ Awareness and History Month proclamation, recognized annually in the Orange County school district since 2019, was one of several dozen cultural observances the board was tasked with approving for the school year last Tuesday as a procedural matter. “I have no problems with any of the others,” explained Farrant, who’s being challenged for re-election next year. None of the other school board members were buying it, though. Everyone else approved the list of observances for the next school year, which included Dyslexia Awareness Month, Black History Month and four separate cancer awareness observations, among others. Again, Farrant is up for re-election next year.
» Healthcare advocates are organizing in Orlando for Medicaid expansion — and want you to join Healthcare advocates in Orlando, organized with Youth Action Fund and the Eskamani-backed People Power for Florida, organized a canvass and phone bank kickoff last week for a proposed 2026 ballot measure to expand Medicaid in Florida. But if you missed the event last week, they’re still looking for people to get involved. Medicaid coverage is currently subject to strict eligibility requirements based on age, income and disability status. As it stands right now, for instance, if you’re a single mother of two and you make $1 more than $7,128 a year, you cannot get on Medicaid in Florida. If Florida were to expand Medicaid, the federal government would finance 90 percent of the cost, and this would benefit the more than 1 million Floridians who are stuck in what’s known as a “coverage gap,” where they make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance or receive federal subsidies to help pay for insurance. Florida is one of just 10 states nationwide that hasn’t expanded Medicaid yet, as permitted under the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Opportunities to volunteer and get involved with the campaign to expand Medicaid are open to all — even if you’ve never done any kind of political organizing work before. “It’s one of the most direct ways to make a real impact right now,” one advocate said. Learn more at floridadecideshealthcare.org.
» Florida approved first bear hunt in a decade despite pushback
Despite pleas from animal-rights advocates, Florida wildlife officials last Wednesday approved a 23-day bear hunt in December that could lead to 187 black bears being killed. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved rules for the state’s first bear hunt in more than a decade. The hunt will take place in four regions of the state and use a lottery process for hunters to obtain permits; archery and bear-baiting will be allowed as well as firearms. Opponents announced plans to quickly file a lawsuit to fight the hunt, contending the commission hasn’t followed its own rules about the need to follow a science-based approach. Commissioner Gary Lester, however, claimed the agency’s staff members brought forward “good, solid science for us to follow.” The state had an estimated 4,050 bears in 2015, considered the most recent figures by the commission. The rules approved last week established a permit-drawing process that will be open to anyone paying a $5 entry fee. The process does not include a limit on the number of times people can enter, but people whose names are drawn will only be able to purchase a single permit.
» Florida won federal approval to restrict soda, candy for SNAP recipients At least 12 states have received federal approval to restrict recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, from using their benefits to purchase certain foods such as soda and candy. The states receiving waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are overwhelmingly Republican. SNAP served on average nearly 42 million people a month in fiscal 2024, with about 12% of the U.S. population receiving benefits. The trend is part of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda to “make America healthy again” by inviting states to apply
for waivers to change SNAP rules to limit what types of food recipients can buy. Critics of these waivers say the policy could harm people in places such as food deserts, where healthy options are limited, and take away recipients’ power to make their own food choices. Craig Gundersen, a professor in the Department of Economics at Baylor University, told Stateline he worries the restrictions could stigmatize SNAP, which he called one of the best programs for fighting food insecurity.
» Florida will get a second detention center, dubbed “Deportation Depot” Gov. Ron DeSantis announced last week that the state will “soon” open another immigrant detention facility, this one at the shuttered Baker Correctional Institution in Sanderson, west of Jacksonville. The governor made the announcement during a news conference outside the facility. This will be the second in the state, after the Everglades camp that opened in July. Guthrie claimed the facility will provide the same services offered at the Everglades detention camp called “Alligator Alcatraz,” including three meals per day, a pharmacy, access to recreation yards, legal and clergy services, laundry and “everything that is required under federal or state law.” DeSantis said the facility “will be operational soon” and claimed the projects, this one and the Everglades detention facility combined, will come in under the budget of what the federal government will reimburse. The Sanderson project will cost $6 million to build out, he said. The DeSantis administration has dubbed it “Deportation Depot.”
Welcome-ah back-ah (backs away from the ledge of bad Mario impressions) … ahem. Welcome to the Best of Orlando® 2025 awards: a downright fantastical world of unbelievable feats and characters and realms all within the Technicolor land of the 407!
To match the competitive ferocity of this year’s digitized voting, we chose 8-bit hyperreality, arcade-style, but with an Orlando-riffic spin.
You don’t have to dump in quarters to play this game — you’re living it. Whether you’re piloting your kart down I-4, jumping crowds of troopas and tourists in lines at theme parks, treating yourself to local mushroo … um, eats, or rubbing shoulders with all the characters in the Orlandoverse while you take in the sights and rich diversity of Orlando culture, you’re the real high-scoring player.
Sentimental words aside, let’s get on to the actual high-scorers!
Get ready to thrill to the hard-fought victories in our 10 levels, er, categories: Local Notables (page 11), Food + Dining (page 17), Arts + Entertainment (page 47), Drinking + Nightlife (page 59), Local Music (page 67), City Life (page 75), Attractions + Recreation (page 87), Shopping + Retail (page 99), Health, Beauty + Wellness (page 113) and Services (yes, including plumbers; page 127).
We hope you enjoy this issue, and take heart in and garner some enjoyment from the feats and skills of this year’s winners.
Editorial contributors: J.D. Casto, Ida V. Eskamani, Chloe Greenberg, Faiyaz Kara, Grayson Keglovic, Juno Le, Bao Le-Huu, Jim Leatherman, David Loyola, Gabby Macogay, Pedro Macias, Matthew Moyer, Michael Murphy, McKenna Schueler, Nicolette Shurba and Jessica Bryce Young.
FLIP TO CONTINUE ->
Local Notables
READERS’ CHOICE
BEST LOCAL ACTIVIST GROUP
1ST PLACE: Central Florida Jobs With Justice cfjwj.org
2ND PLACE: Zebra Coalition zebrayouth.org
3RD PLACE: Veterans Cannabis Care veteranscannabiscare.org
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BEST LOCAL ANIMAL RESCUE
1ST PLACE: Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando petallianceorlando.org
2ND PLACE: Pet Rescue by Judy petrescuebyjudy.com
3RD PLACE: Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida poodleandpoochrescue.org
BEST LOCAL BIG SHOT WHO’S NOT AN ELECTED OFFICIAL
1ST PLACE: Anna Eskamani annaforflorida.com
2ND PLACE: Lulu the Cat instagram.com/lulunleashed
3RD PLACE: Scott Maxwell orlandosentinel.com/author/scott-maxwell
BEST LOCAL CHARITABLE GROUP
1ST PLACE: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida feedhopenow.org
3RD PLACE: Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando petallianceorlando.org
BEST LOCAL INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER
1ST PLACE: instagram.com/jessiedeexx
2ND PLACE: instagram.com/lemonhearted
3RD PLACE: instagram.com/searchcentralfl
BEST LOCAL MUSIC-FOCUSED RADIO STATION
1ST PLACE: WXXL 106.7-FM xl1067.iheart.com
2ND PLACE: WJRR 101.1-FM wjrr.iheart.com
3RD PLACE: WUCF 89.9-FM wucf.org/listen
BEST LOCAL PODCAST
1ST PLACE:
“The Lady and the Professor” facebook.com/theladyandtheprofessor
2ND PLACE:
“Bungalower and The Bus” iheart.com/podcast/256-bungalower-and-the-bus-30974808
3RD PLACE:
“Motherfunkler” motherfunkler.com
BEST LOCAL RADIO SHOW
1ST PLACE:
“The Rick Stacy Morning Show,” 105.9 Sunny FM
instagram.com/therickstacymorningshow
2ND PLACE:
“Monsters in the Morning,” Real Radio 104.1 realradio.iheart.com/featured/as-heard-on-themonsters
3RD PLACE:
“The News Junkie,” Real Radio 104.1 realradio.iheart.com/featured/the-news-junkie
STAFF PICK
BEST LOCAL DEFENSE OF DUE PROCESS: ORLANDO CENTER FOR JUSTICE
Every single one of us, regardless of where we are born, has a Constitutional right to due process in this country. And if one of us loses it, all of our rights are on the line. The Orlando Center for Justice works to provide legal services to those who may not qualify for traditional legal aid, but also don’t have enough to pay for a private attorney. Right now they are working around the clock across Central Florida to protect immigrant communities, as well as working in collaboration with direct service organizations to provide know-yourrights training, legal clinics, and free legal support for families targeted by unjust deportations. orlandojustice.org
The Contigo Fund was founded in 2016 in response to the Pulse nightclub tragedy. The nonprofit gives micro-grants to local LGBTQ+ organizations, infusing cash directly to innovative queer leaders and grass-roots startups working to ensure every person, no matter who they love, what they look like, where they’re from or where they live, has equal opportunity to thrive in our community. The nonprofit’s mission focuses on the intersections of queer, racial and immigrant justice, especially essential in this moment. Most recently Contigo Fund launched their “Immigrant Advocacy & Defense” emergency response, where donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000. Every dollar raised will resource frontline organizations protections for our immigrant neighbors. contigofund.org
Best Local Animal Rescue: Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
Best of Orlando
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3RD PLACE: Jim Colbert realradio.iheart.com/featured/the-jim-colbertshow
BEST LOCAL TALK NEWS RADIO STATION
1ST PLACE: Real Radio, WTKS 104.1 FM realradio.iheart.com
2ND PLACE: Central Florida Public Media, WMFE 90.7-FM wmfe.org
BEST DISTURBANCE OF THE STATUS QUO: PULSE FAMILIES AND SURVIVORS FOR JUSTICE
Even nine years after the devastating mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, questions about the club’s safety, known code violations, and how aid was provided in the aftermath remain on the minds of many — including survivors and families of the 49 killed. Pulse Families and Survivors for Justice, a grassroots group formerly known as NoPulseMuseum, has held the line in efforts to ask the tough questions and get mainstream attention on them — even when they make city leaders, and others who might prefer to let sleeping dogs lie, uncomfortable. Mayor Buddy Dyer actually publicly described one still-unnamed associated individual as a “second terrorist.” We stand with those who still have unanswered questions, and hope for all of those affected by the tragedy to find justice and peace. pulsefamilies.com
BEST, BIGGEST, MOST BEAUTIFUL MIDDLE FINGER TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION: PLANNED
PARENTHOOD OF FLORIDA
With his second term, Donald Trump rammed his way into the White House and Americans’ lives with two big ugly fistfuls of authoritarian legislation, rhetoric that threatens minorities and a whole slate of cuts to essential resources and programs. One of those cuts came in the form of a slash to Medicaid reimbursement for larger nonprofits that offer abortion care — just like Planned Parenthood. But in the face of this regime, Central Florida PP locations told us they won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, and their vital services are still available to locals who count on them. That’s one big, beautiful, badass F-you, Mr. Trump. plannedparenthood.org/plannedparenthood-florida
BEST “HIPS DON’T LIE” OF ORLANDO: THE GENTLEMAN WHO DOES SALSA-DANCING LAPS AROUND LAKE EOLA
“Dance like no one is watching,” as the old saying goes … but what if everyone is watching and it’s the most incredible thing we’ve seen? Among the aggressive swans and questionable water quality, there is a gentleman who does laps around Orlando’s Lake Eola — not jogging, not walking, but dancing salsa flawlessly. He wears shorts and a tank top, and his thighs are incredible. He does not stop, his footwork flawless — at times, he’ll catch the eye of another Eola-circler, grab their hand and effortlessly lead them into the dance. Now that’s notable. We don’t know this man’s name (please identify yourself, you beautiful gazelle!), but he heartily deserves this award.
BEST WAY TO SPEND AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN DOLLARS: MEDICAL DEBT RELIEF IN ORANGE COUNTY In an impactful win by Central Florida Jobs With Justice (a coalition of labor and social advocacy groups), Orange County government this year wiped out more than $472.5 million in medical debt owed by over 310,000 local residents, in partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. The county initiative, approved by the Orange County Commission last August, was funded by federal relief funds allocated to the county during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). All in all, this has cost the county just $3 million of the roughly $270 million ARPA dollars, which was then leveraged by Undue Medical Debt to erase the debt for pennies on the dollar.
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Best Local Charitable Group: Second Harvest Food Bank
READERS’ CHOICE
BEST BAKERY
1ST PLACE: The Glass Knife theglassknife.com
2ND PLACE: Kōri Bakery and Dessert koridessert.com
3RD PLACE: Charlie’s Bakery and Creamery charliesbakery.com
Ever wish you could take the good part of this, leave behind the bad part, and combine it with the good part of that (leaving behind, of course, the bad parts of that)? Wish fulfillment time: When food truck Gnarly Cuban carved a takeout window in their Packing District industrial kitchen space, they put together their great food with the exquisite convenience of a fast-food drive-thru, and left behind the bad parts of both: no chasing a food truck around town and no eating crappy industrial junk. ¡Mamey! 2545 Coolidge Ave., thegnarlycuban.com
2ND PLACE: The Townhouse Restaurant oviedotownhouse.com
3RD PLACE: Keke’s Breakfast Cafe kekes.com
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Best Bakery: The Glass Knife
STAFF PICK
A Taste of Italy in Flamingo Crossings Town Center
Experience the flavors of southern Italy at Simply Capri, where the charm of the Amalfi Coast meets modern elegance. Our menu features handcrafted pastas, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables — all made from the freshest ingredients at honest prices. At Simply Capri, every guest is family, and every meal is a celebration.
While Koyla Pakistani BBQ, just down the street from the Florida Project motel, is short on looks, there’s real beauty in its fare. To the side of the restaurant, under a tent, sits a long rectangular grill with hot red coals beneath dripping skewers of beef and chicken, scenting the air — but only on Sundays. Try the bihari kebab, plush chunks of eye-of-round beef marinated in papaya paste and a bit of yogurt overnight, lending them a soft, almost creamy texture with a crusty charred exterior. A “treasured family recipe” is used for the seasoning blend, but garlic, ginger, chilies, poppy seeds and nutmeg are basic elements.
4990 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, koylabbq.com
memories-of-india.res-menu.com
2ND PLACE: Bombay Street Kitchen bombaykitchenorlando.com
3RD PLACE: Tabla Indian Restaurant tablacuisine.com
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Il Pescatore ilpescatoreonline.com
2ND PLACE: Prato prato-wp.com
3RD PLACE: Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria francescos-rist.com
BEST JUICE OR SMOOTHIES
1ST PLACE: Juice Bar Orlando juicebarorlando.com
2ND PLACE: New Moon Market newmoonmarket.com
3RD PLACE: Grounding Roots groundingroots.com
STAFF PICK
BEST SPLURGE: WHOLE MAINE LOBSTER AT NAMI
While Nami is not for the slim of means, executive chef Jason Beliveau makes it a more-than-worthwhile splurge. Case in point, the whole Maine lobster ($120): a two-in-one affair featuring a platter of tail and crusher claw with a separate bowl of lobster fried rice deepened with smoked chili and bound with soycured egg yolk. Mind blown. One of the better dishes we’ve eaten in Orlando in years.
Lake Nona Wave Hotel, 6004 Artist Ave., namilakenona.com
BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Surah surahorlando.com
2ND PLACE: Izziban Sushi and BBQ izzibansushibbq.com
3RD PLACE: Korea House Orlando koreahouseorlando.com
2ND PLACE: Mike Rumplik, The Nauti Lobstah thenautilobstah.com/about 3RD PLACE: Francesco Aiello, Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria francescos-rist.com/about
BEST LOCAL COFFEE ROASTER 1ST PLACE: Foxtail Coffee Co. foxtailcoffee.com
After just one bite of the sugarcoated, deep-fried artery-hardeners served at Voodoo Bayou, your conscience, colon and cardiovascular system will demand you refrain from tearing into the sublimely flaky Crescent City confection again. But try as you might, you just won’t have the heart (perhaps literally) to say no to another bite. Before you know it, you’ve downed another, and possibly another. Five beignets come in an order and it’s a good thing they’re served in a pink to-go box — it might be the only thing standing between you and a sugar coma.
7525 W. Sand Lake Road, voodoobayou.com
BEST PLACE TO EAT GLUTEN-FREE
1ST PLACE: Domu domufl.com
2ND PLACE:
High Tide Harry’s hightideharrys.com
3RD PLACE: Lamp and Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails throwsomeshadeorl.com
BEST POKE
1ST PLACE: Poke Hana poke-hana.com
2ND PLACE:
Island Fin Poke Co. islandfinpoke.com
3RD PLACE: Rion’s Ocean Room rionsoceanroom.com
BEST RAMEN
1ST PLACE: Domu domufl.com
2ND PLACE:
Jinya Ramen Bar jinyaramenbar.com
3RD PLACE: Ramen Takagi ramentakagi.com
BEST RESTAURANT OVERALL
1ST PLACE: Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria francescos-rist.com
2ND PLACE: The Nauti Lobstah thenautilobstah.com
3RD PLACE: High Tide Harry’s hightideharrys.com
BEST BOWL OF PHO: “BOUJEE PHO” AT Z ASIAN
Don’t let the name rile you. This phrou-phrou pho is the finest bowl of the Vietnamese staple being served in the city right now. Filet mignon and roasted bone marrow aside, it’s the herbs procured from chef Huong Nguyen’s brother-in-law’s family in Vietnam — they have an herb farm there — that lend this bowl its unmatched aroma. And the broth? Perfect.
1830 E. Colonial Drive, eatzasian.com
BEST RESTROOM
1ST PLACE:
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts drphillipscenter.org
2ND PLACE: Tori Tori toritoripub.com
3RD PLACE: The Glass Knife theglassknife.com
BEST SANDWICHES
1ST PLACE: Stasio’s Italian Deli and Market instagram.com/stasiositaliandeli
2ND PLACE: Beefy King beefykingorlando.com
3RD PLACE: The Nauti Lobstah thenautilobstah.com
BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE:
High Tide Harry’s hightideharrys.com
2ND PLACE: The Nauti Lobstah thenautilobstah.com
Best of Orlando
3RD PLACE: The Osprey theospreyorlando.com
BEST SPLURGE RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE:
High Tide Harry’s hightideharrys.com
2ND PLACE: Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster christnersprimesteakandlobster.com
3RD PLACE: Kabooki Sushi kabookisushi.com
BEST STEAKHOUSE
1ST PLACE: Linda’s La Cantina lindaslacantina.com
2ND PLACE: Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster christnersprimesteakandlobster.com
3RD PLACE: Kres Chophouse kresrestaurant.com
BEST SUBS 1ST PLACE: Publix publix.com
2ND PLACE: Stasio’s Italian Deli and Market instagram.com/stasiositaliandeli
3RD PLACE: Kappy’s Subs kappyssubsfl.com
BEST SUSHI 1ST PLACE: Seito Sushi seitosushi.com
2ND PLACE: Kabooki Sushi kabookisushi.com
3RD PLACE: Edoboy edoboysushi.com
BEST TACOS
1ST PLACE: Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant lascarretasmexicanrest.com
2ND PLACE: Gringos Locos gringoslocos.com
3RD PLACE: Black Rooster Taqueria blackroostertaqueria.com
BEST TAPAS
1ST PLACE: Santiago’s Bodega santiagosbodega.com
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2ND PLACE: Tori Tori toritoripub.com
3RD PLACE: Cafe Tu Tu Tango cafetututango.com
BEST TEAHOUSE
1ST PLACE: Kōri Bakery and Dessert koridessert.com
2ND PLACE: Infusion Tea infusionorlando.com
3RD PLACE: Krungthep Tea Time krungthepteatime.com
BEST THAI RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Thai House of Orlando thaihouseoforlando.net
2ND PLACE:
SEA Thai Restaurant seathaiorlando.com
3RD PLACE: Royal Thai Cuisine royalthai-orlando.com
STAFF PICK
BEST BAGUETTE: J’ADORE THE FRENCH BAKERY
When Teddy and Sophia Dumoulin arrived in Florida last year, their intent was to establish a bakery just like the one they ran in the quaint French village of Saint-Geniès-des-Mourgues. Eh bien — mission accomplie. At their Altamonte boulangerie, baguettes “de tradition” are made using high-quality French flour from Grand Moulins de Paris (along with water, salt and yeast). After an overnight cold retardation and some time to rest, the dough is shaped, allowed to rise, then baked at 260°C for 20 minutes. The result: a beautifully caramelized loaf with a soft crumb and slightly nutty flavor.
910 Sand Lake Road, Altamonte Springs, instagram.com/jadore. thefrenchbakery
BEST THEME PARK RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: The Boathouse, Disney Springs theboathouseorlando.com
2ND PLACE: Victoria and Albert’s, Walt Disney World Resort disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/grandfloridian-resort-and-spa/victoria-and-alberts
3RD PLACE:
Summer House on the Lake, Disney Springs disneysprings.com/dining/summer-house-onthe-lake
BEST THING TO EAT AT A THEME PARK
1ST PLACE: Dole Whip
2ND PLACE: Mickey Ice Cream Bar
3RD PLACE: Turkey Leg at EPCOT
BEST THING TO EAT AT A THEME PARK
1ST PLACE: Dole Whip
2ND PLACE: Mickey Ice Cream Bar
3RD PLACE: Turkey Leg at EPCOT
BEST DOG PARK FOR GASTRONOMES: BARKHAVEN
It’s a place to give one’s canines, be they furry or pearly, a proper workout. For dogs, an off-leash play area lends to the sights, sounds and scents of hounds a-humping, schnauzers a-sniffing and whippets a-whizzing. But on the other side of the fence, an ambitious menu by Citricos alum Chris Hernandez has guests pawing at superbly executed dishes fusing Cuban, Puerto Rican and Lebanese flavors. There’s even a specially curated food menu for pups for those dog day afternoons.
724 Brookhaven Drive, barkhaven.com
BEST TRADITIONAL PIZZA
1ST PLACE: Broadway Ristorante and Pizzeria broadwayfl.com
2ND PLACE: John and John’s – A Pizza Shop johnandjohnspizza.com
3RD PLACE: Bella Italia Pizza mybellapizza.com
BEST VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Winter Park Biscuit Co. winterparkbiscuitco.com
2ND PLACE: Plantees planteesburgers.com
3RD PLACE: Karelyn’s Vegan Soul Café
karelynsvegan.com
BEST VEGETARIAN DISH AT A NONVEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
BEST (OR POSSIBLY WORST) RESTAURANT TREND: RESTAURANTS WITH HIDDEN SPEAKEASIES
There’s been a spike in restaurants housing hidden concepts from within their walls. Hokey? Perhaps. But setting aside the snoot and stumbling into some of these “speakeasies” can actually be a lot of fun. Just ask the folks who sit in the Louis XV chairs inside Voodoo Bayou before being spun around into Roka Hula, an Asian tiki bar. Or the diners at Talay who make their way to the bathroom only to find themselves walking through a door leading into Noir, a dark and moody bar. Or those looking to indulge in Nola’s ice cream but happen upon Hinabe, a stunning space where wagyu hotpot, beer, sake and booze flow. Corny or not, these hidden subconcepts provide an added revenue stream for restaurants and, at the very least, added intrigue for patrons.
BEST WAIT STAFF
1ST PLACE: High Tide Harry’s hightideharrys.com
2ND PLACE: The Nauti Lobstah thenautilobstah.com
3RD PLACE: The Glass Knife theglassknife.com
BEST WATERFRONT DINING
1ST PLACE: The Boathouse theboathouseorlando.com
2ND PLACE: Grills Lakeside Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar grillsseafood.com
3RD PLACE: Enzo’s on the Lake enzos.com
BEST WINGS
1ST PLACE: Domu domufl.com
2ND PLACE: Gator’s Dockside gatorsdockside.com
3RD PLACE: High Tide Harry’s hightideharrys.com
BEST ALTAMONTE SPRINGS RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Antica Pizzeria and Market antica-pizzeria.com
2ND PLACE: Nonno’s Italian Restaurant nonnositalianrestaurant.com
3RD PLACE: Chroma Modern Bar and Kitchen chromalakenona.com
BEST LONGWOOD RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Mi Casa Kitchen micasakitchen.com
2ND PLACE: Enzo’s on the Lake enzos.com
3RD PLACE: Papa Bees papabeeswings.com
BEST COMEBACK TREND:
WINE BARS
The trend that swept the nation in the 1990s like a Jerry Maguire catchphrase is back and better than ever, what with such lingerworthy spaces as Quicksand, Lorelei and Sparrow turning oenophiles into moan-o-philes this year. Each bespoke build-out expands on what predecessors Digress, Modest, Grape & the Grain and Wine Bar George started in this city, but with a contemporary verve and urbane styling. Now say it with me: “Show me the pét-nat!”
BEST MAITLAND RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria francescos-rist.com
2ND PLACE: Kappy’s Subs kappyssubsfl.com
3RD PLACE: Luke’s Kitchen and Bar eatatlukes.com
BEST MILK DISTRICT RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Stasio’s Italian Deli and Market instagram.com/stasiositaliandeli
2ND PLACE: Beefy King beefykingorlando.com
3RD PLACE: Se7en Bites se7enbites.com
BEST MILLS 50 OR COLONIALTOWN RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Hawkers eathawkers.com
2ND PLACE: Pig Floyd’s Urban BBQ pigfloyds.com
3RD PLACE: Tori Tori toritoripub.com
BEST SAND LAKE OR DR. PHILLIPS RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Seito Sushi seitosushi.com 2ND PLACE: Domu domufl.com
3RD PLACE: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood eddiev.com/locations/fl/orlando/orlando/8513
BEST HASHBROWNS: UNIGIRL
Yes, onigiri are the draw at William Shen’s snack house inside Mills Market, but when the Japanese curry hashbrowns (of the sort you’d find at a konbini or 7-Eleven in Japan) are available — get ‘em. They’re hot, crispy and coated in a sweet-saltyspicy seasoning that’ll have you wanting another right away. So just order two — it’ll prevent you from having to get back into that snaking line.
Mills Market, 1110 E. Colonial Drive, unigirlfl.com
BEST SANFORD RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Hollerbach’s German Restaurant hollerbachs.com
2ND PLACE: The Old Jailhouse Kitchen and Spirits theoldjailhousesanford.com
3RD PLACE: The District districtsanford.com
BEST SODO OR CURRY FORD RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Pizza Bruno pizzabrunofl.com
2ND PLACE: SoDough Square sodoughsquare.com
3RD PLACE: F + D Woodfired Italian Kitchen fdwoodfireditaliankitchen.com
Best of Orlando
BEST SOUTH OBT RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Bombay Street Kitchen bombaykitchenorlando.com
2ND PLACE: Tortas El Rey tortaselreyorlando.com
3RD PLACE: Aji Ceviche Bar ajicevichebarorlando.com
BEST THORNTON PARK OR SOUTH EOLA RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Jinya Ramen Bar jinyaramenbar.com
2ND PLACE: The Stubborn Mule thestubbornmuleorlando.com
3RD PLACE: RusTeak Thornton Park rusteakthorntonpark.com
BEST WEST ORLANDO RESTAURANT
1ST PLACE: Ivanhoe Park Lager House ivanhoeparkbrewing.com
2ND PLACE: Jaztro by Chef D.O.C. httpsjaztrobychefdoc.com
The Prokan Infinity Argentine Grill is your invitation to stand out. Fueled by wood or charcoal, this open-fire grill delivers bold, smoky flavor—and a dramatic visual experience that gas grills simply can’t replicate.
Imagine your backyard transformed into the heart of Argentina—where woodsmoke lingers, laughter rises over flame, and every meal becomes an event. From slow-roasting meats on an adjustable grill grate to searing steaks over live fire, every cookout becomes a performance—and your backyard, the envy of the neighborhood. Available as freestanding, built-in, or islandintegrated models, each grill in the Infinity Series is engineered for serious culinary power—and designed to be a stunning centerpiece.
THE SOUL OF ASADO
Asado isn’t just grilling—it’s a ritual, a communal celebration of time, fire, and storytelling around the embers. Rooted in Argentine tradition, it revolves around slow cooking over wood or charcoal and sharing memories as much as meals. The crackle of coals, the savory aroma, the communal anticipation—every element connects diners to centuries of Gaucho culture.
BRINGING ARGENTINA’S CULINARY RITUALS HOME
The Prokan Infinity series brings this essence into familiar spaces, giving home cooks the tools to master Asado’s rhythms:
• Vgroove grates & adjustable lift: Lets you control heat like an asador—closer for searing, raised for slow cooking.
• SS304 brasero (firebox): Central to creating embers on one side, then raking them beneath the ribs or steak for that signature smoky richness.
• Shooks included: For hanging meats—perfect for slow-roasting chorizo, veggies, or even fish. These features replicate the timehonored techniques of Argentine grilling—infusing every bite with authenticity and flavor.
PROKAN’S INFINITY ARGENTINE GRILL SERIES
Choose the style that fits your space, but expect the same unparalleled experience:
SS304 ARGENTINE CHARCOAL AND WOOD
BBQ
GRILL
Built from premium #304 stainless steel, it includes firebrick insulation, adjustable Vgroove grates, SS brasero, and a full accessory kit (shovel, poker, cleaning tool, cover)—all in a sleek 48’’×29’’×52’’.
European Ledge Argentine BBQ Grill Island Elevated for entertaining, this model blends the Infinity grilling system with a stylish island setting—complete with side preparation surfaces. It becomes the hub of your patio, perfect for hosting friends while you grill with flair.
36’’ BUILTIN ARGENTINE CHARCOAL & AMP; WOOD GRILL
Designed to integrate seamlessly into outdoor kitchen setups. It delivers full Asado performance—adjustable Vgrates, firebrick walls, brasero, and cooking tools—while fitting into a 36’’ counter opening.
BACKYARD ENTERTAINING: STYLE + SUBSTANCE
Set your scene with style and ease:
• Showpiece design: Gleaming stainless steel, firebrick accents, and bold architectural lines make these grills impossible to ignore. They don’t just cook—they captivate.
• Effortless hosting: Built-in side prep areas offer a seamless space for plating, chopping, and serving—so you spend less time juggling and more time engaging.
• Atmospheric centerpiece: Let the fire set the tone. As guests gather around the glowing embers, conversation flows, wines are poured, and anticipation builds with every crackle.
STYLING TIPS FOR THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR SCENE
• Frame the Flame: Add string lights overhead and place a few wooden bar stools nearby to cre-
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ate a cozy, intimate vibe around the grill.
• Serve with Soul: Use cast iron skillets, rustic wooden boards, and ceramic plates to showcase your grilled creations with texture and charm.
• Grazing Made Easy: Set up a grazing table filled with cheeses, charcuterie, olives, and warm empanadas—designed to draw people in as the fire works its magic.
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
From its cultural foundation in Asado to the engineering details and entertainment appeal, the Prokan Infinity Argentine Grill series offers a holistic outdoor-living experience. It’s more than a grill— It’s a backyard transformative statement, a bridge between tradition and modern lifestyle, and a tool that turns every meal into a mini-festival around fire.
ABOUT PROKAN GRILLS
Founded in 1977, Prokan Grills has over 40 years of heritage in crafting durable, high- performance outdoor grills built to last—and built to connect. What began as founder Jeffery’s personal mission to create grills for family and friends has grown into a trusted name in outdoor kitchens. Designed to withstand time and the elements, each grill is responsibly made using ISO-certified materials, blending expert craftsmanship with sustainable values. More than cooking tools, Prokan grills are made to spark connection, tradition, and moments.
READERS’ CHOICE
BEST ART GALLERY
1ST PLACE: Snap! Orlando (RIP) snaporlando.com
2ND PLACE: Crealdé School of Art Alice and William Jenkins Gallery crealde.org
BEST ART GALLERY TO GET YOUR STEPS IN: CORRIDOR ART TRAIL
Looking at art and improving one’s cardiovascular function are no longer opposing activities, now that the city of Orlando has the Corridor Project’s Art Trail. Covering just over eight miles along the Downtown Connector between the Orlando Urban Trail and the Cady Way Trail are displayed eight works by local artists. It’s a healthy twist on the Corridor Project’s Billboard Exhibition, which showed local art on billboards throughout the city — rather than driving, one can walk or bike. The art changes quarterly, so if eight miles feels like a lot, you’ve got time to work up to it. Downtown Connector Trail along Anderson Street and Crystal Lake Drive, corridortrail.art
3RD PLACE: Matt Marberry mattmarberrycomedymagic.com
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Best Dance Company: Orlando Ballet
STAFF PICK
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BEST LOCAL DRAG EVENT
1ST PLACE:
Off the Record Wednesdays at Renaissance Theatre Co. rentheatre.com
2ND PLACE: Gala of Ghouls at The Veranda instagram.com/galaofghouls
3RD PLACE: The Gig at the Renaissance Theatre Co. rentheatre.com
BEST HOEDOWN: BOOTS AT THE RENAISSANCE THEATRE CO.
If you climb in the saddle, be ready for the ride. Boots, the summer sensation schemed up by the Renaissance Theatre Co. quickly became Orlando’s best hoedown. Ren director Donald Rupe and his compatriots dreamed up something spectacular: a 360-degree country show in an authentic saloon built from the ground up, featuring a live band and singers, drag queens and kings, and country hits from Reba to Dolly to Beyoncé. On weekend nights from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., the line was out the door, with cowboy hats, spurs and (assless) chaps as far as the eye could see. Giddy up, Orlando. 15 E. Princeton St., rentheatre.com
BEST LOCAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER OR DESIGN AGENCY
1ST PLACE: Chill Artistry chillartistry.com
2ND PLACE: Prismatic helloprismatic.com
3RD PLACE (TIE)
Jonathan Hugo Hunte, Broken Gumball Machine facebook.com/jonathanhunte
3RD PLACE (TIE) Lure luredesigninc.com
BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER
1ST PLACE: Jim Hobart, Macbeth Studio macbethstudio.com
2ND PLACE:
Amy Edwards, The Tattooed Bride Photography thetattooedbride.com
3RD PLACE:
Jack Casey Rabold, “Paparazzi” thepaparazziagency.com
BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST
1ST PLACE:
Kelly Joy Ladd kellyjoyladd.com
2ND PLACE: Dawrby dawrby.com
3RD PLACE: Andrew Spear spearlife.me
BEST MOVIE THEATER
1ST PLACE: Enzian Theater enzian.org
2ND PLACE: Regal Cinemas Winter Park Village regmovies.com/theatres/regal-winter-park-village-rpx
3RD PLACE:
AMC Disney Springs amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/orlando-daytona-beach/amc-dine-in-disney-springs-24
STAFF PICK
BEST CLOWNIN’ AROUND: KRISTEN ARNETT, STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS ONE Orlando’s reigning Big Time Celebrity Author does it again with her third novel, another sexy, funny, queer classic. You don’t need to be Orlandoan to love her books — as her dozens of critics’ picks and weeks on various bestseller lists over the years prove — but if you are a local, the level of astute detail will enrich the wisdom and whimsy of Stop Me Scenes set in 7-Eleven parking lots, Publix aisles, plastic McMansions and DIY punk houses, soundtracked by I-4 traffic and alt-right comedians, capture the anxiety felt by each of us, every day, “in this economy,” haha. But felt just a little bit more in the South. And just another little bit more if you’re gay in the South. And, well, still more if you’re underemployed and gay in the South. And Arnett makes the heartbreak hilarious. kristenarnettwriter.com
BEST MUSEUM
1ST PLACE: Orlando Museum of Art omart.org
2ND PLACE: Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art morsemuseum.org
3RD PLACE: Orlando Auto Museum orlandoautomuseum.com
BEST RECURRING ARTS NIGHTS
1ST PLACE:
Thornton Park 2nd Thursday Art & Wine Walk thorntonparkdistrict.com
2ND PLACE: FAVO Art Stroll (First Friday and Saturday of the month) faithartsvillage.com
BEST WAY TO GET NEW BOOKS WITHOUT PAYING FOR THEM: IT’S LIT-ERARY BOOK SWAPS
When the bookshelves are too full, and/or your pockets are too empty, there’s nothing quite as convenient — outside of our public library system — to grab a new book without risking jail time than heading over to one of Orlando’s book swap events. It’s Lit-erary is just one group that holds book swap events in the Orlando area (often up at Deviant Wolfe Brewing in Sanford) every few months to give folks the opportunity to swap out a book they’ve read before (or are just done with — fair) for another. And hey, you might just make a new friend, or at least strike up a conversation with a fellow bookworm, too. instagram.com/its.lit_erary
BEST RECURRING COMEDY NIGHT
1ST PLACE:
Diamond in the Rough Comedy Show thecorner.gallery
2ND PLACE: P. Sparkle at SAK Comedy Lab sakcomedylab.com
Forced relocation has been the death of many a beloved business here in Orlando, where ever-more voracious landlords emphasize profit over community worth. When the Space Station left their longtime Coolidge location, the outlook seemed grim. But they found a great new spot in SoDo that suits their hybrid screenprinting/arts gallery/venue operations very well. They’ve hosted crucial group art shows spotlighting locals and even a fashion show. Follow the stars and make your way there. 315 W. Grant St., instagram.com/ spacestationstudio
It began as an idea shared between siblings Hai and Kelley Truong: a late-night boba-pop up that would hybridize Asian-style cafés and European late-night café culture. Only 12 people were there on opening night last summer, but since then, Starbaby has evolved into a vibrant weekly gathering hosted at Koko, owned by Tammy Truong. Thursday nights at Starbaby, under the banyan tree, is a space for fun, friendship, art, dancing, informational meetups and community gathering. Hai Truong calls it a living, breathing art project. 620 N. Thornton Ave., instagram.com/ starbabyboba
Best of Orlando
GB’s Bottle Shop and Tasting Bar gbbottleshop.com
3RD PLACE: Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. ivanhoeparkbrewing.com
2ND PLACE: The Guesthouse instagram.com/the_guesthouse
3RD PLACE: Lamp and Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails throwsomeshadeorl.com
STAFF PICK
BEST (AX) MURDER ON THE DANCEFLOOR: BARBARELLA AT THE TRAP
Downtown nightclub innovators Barbarella decamped from their Orange Avenue locale presciently ahead of the nightlife clampdown and upped sticks to Orange Blossom Trail. Their latest move, though, is to Winter Park’s ax-throwing joint The Trap, formerly the (chef’s kiss) Booby Trap. Barbarella mainstays like their new-wave weekend nights and goth soiree Memento Mori are back in full swing. They’ve even resurrected the longtime favorite (and BOO winner in its own right) Mac & Cheese. One might say this latest move has really hit the target.
2600 Lee Road, Winter Park, instagram.com/barbarellaorlando
In less than nine months since opening, Quicksand has become not just a welcoming and luxurious natural wine bar but a third space for many, led by Heather LaVine of Golden Hour and her dedicated team. Thoughtfully designed and offering hundreds of wines, LaVine’s bar features an inviting patio with tables large enough for game nights and cozy enough for dogs to nap underneath. LaVine collaborates with some of Orlando’s best food and beverage creatives, hosting pop-ups and curating regular nights of music and food, including collaborations with Kaya and EdoBoy. Come for a glass, and you’ll end up staying awhile — after all, it is Quicksand. 1903 E. Colonial Drive, quicksand.wine
BEST NEW BAR
1ST PLACE: Lamp and Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails throwsomeshadeorl.com
2ND PLACE: Ivanhoe Park Lager House ivanhoeparkbrewing.com
3RD PLACE: Alfie’s HiFi alfieshifi.com
BEST OLD-FASHIONED
1ST PLACE: Lamp and Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails throwsomeshadeorl.com
2ND PLACE: The Guesthouse instagram.com/the_guesthouse
3RD PLACE: The Hideaway Bar facebook.com/hideawaybarfl
BEST THEME PARK BAR
1ST PLACE: Finnegan’s Bar and Grill, Universal Studios Orlando universalorlando.com
2ND PLACE:
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Walt Disney World Resort disneyworld.disney.go.com
3RD PLACE:
Oga’s Cantina, Walt Disney World Resort disneyworld.disney.go.com
BEST TRIVIA HOST
1ST PLACE: Sarah Finn
instagram.com/finnypie
2ND PLACE: Bill Keevan, The Five Minute Professor facebook.com/groups/51258148090
3RD PLACE: Curtis Earth earthtrivia.com
BEST WATERFRONT BAR
1ST PLACE: Wekiva Island wekivaisland.com
2ND PLACE: Relax Grill relaxgrill.com
3RD PLACE: Jax 5th Ave Lake Mary jaxlakemary.com
BEST WINE BAR
1ST PLACE:
The Wine Room thewineroomonline.com/winter-park
2ND PLACE: Eola Wine Co. eolawinecompany.com
3RD PLACE: Wine Bar George winebargeorge.com
BEST WINE SELECTION
1ST PLACE: The Wine Room thewineroomonline.com/winter-park
2ND PLACE: Eola Wine Co. eolawinecompany.com
3RD PLACE: Digress Wine digresswine.com
BEST (AND MOST RELIABLE) TOUCHTUNES MACHINE IN THE CITY: WALLY’S BAR AND LIQUORS
Your wallet’s biggest enemy on a night out is actually not the fifth round of drinks you decided to splurge on; it’s your local bar’s TouchTunes machine. While there are a multitude of these modern jukeboxes popping up all over the city, most seem to be frequently out of service or overrun by other users to the point that the queue is 20 or 30 songs deep. Wally’s seems to consistently draw a crowd that plays classic crowd-pleasers while also allowing for wiggle room to affordably bump your own more, let’s say, avantgarde picks (like, say, the Twin Peaks theme) to the top of the list. 1001 N. Mills Ave., wallysbarandliquors. com
BEST ZERO-PROOF COCKTAIL
1ST PLACE: Lavender Pomojito, The Neighbors Orlando theneighborsorl.com
2ND PLACE: My Dear Watson, The Monroe themonroeorlando.com
3RD PLACE: Winter Park Vice, The Chapman thechapman.com
BEST ALTAMONTE SPRINGS BAR
1ST PLACE: Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen tibbys.com/locations/altamonte
2ND PLACE: Kiwi’s Pub and Grill kiwispub.com
3RD PLACE: Froggers Grill and Bar froggers.com
BEST CASSELBERRY BAR
1ST PLACE: Post Time Lounge and Cafe posttimelounge.com
2ND PLACE: Green Parrot Sports Bar facebook.com/p/green-parrot-sportsbar-61558740983045
3RD PLACE: Bowigens Beer Co. bowigens.com
BEST COLLEGE PARK BAR
1ST PLACE: Ollie’s Public House orlandopublichouses.com
3RD PLACE: The Castle Irish Pub and Restaurant thecastleirishpub.com
BEST ANALOG TIME MACHINE: ALFIE’S HIFI
If you weren’t around “back in the day” when vinyl was king, this far-out listening lounge and bar is the closest thing to a time machine. Alfie’s HiFi has all the accoutrements of the perfect disco: mood lighting, physical media, OG wallpaper, cocktails sure to make you feel groovy — and mirrorballs that spin in time to the LPs, of course. 1300 N. Mills Ave., alfieshifi.com
Best Bloody Mary: Maxine’s on Shine
STAFF PICK
STAFF PICK
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BEST DOWNTOWN BAR
1ST PLACE:
Mathers Social Gathering mathersorlando.com
2ND PLACE: Gravity Taproom gravitytaproom.com
3RD PLACE: Thrive Cocktail Lounge and Eatery eatdrinkthriveorl.com
BEST FREE EVENT FOR BEER-CHUGGING METALHEADS: SIDEWARD SABBATH
There’s nothing quite like a Sunday in February (one of the only tolerable months in Florida to spend outdoors) that offers live heavy metal, metalheads, some of the best beer in the City Beautiful and — perhaps just as beautiful — no cover charge, all in one place. Each year, for the last six-ish years, that’s been Sideward Brewing’s Sideward Sabbath, an annual event in the Milk District generally held during Orlando Beer Week. And if you haven’t had any of Sideward’s surprisingly stellar food menu, don’t hesitate to get a taste (pun intended) of that, too. 210 N. Bumby Ave., 407-866-2195, sidewardbrewing.com
BEST IVANHOE VILLAGE BAR
1ST PLACE: Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. ivanhoeparkbrewing.com
2ND PLACE: The Hideaway Bar facebook.com/hideawaybarfl
3RD PLACE: Savoy Orlando savoyorlando.com
BEST LAKE MARY BAR
1ST PLACE: Citrus City Craft citruscitycraft.com
2ND PLACE:
The Vineyard Wine Co. thevineyardwinecompany.com
3RD PLACE: 4th Street Bar and Grill 4thstreetbargrill.com
BEST LAKE NONA BAR
1ST PLACE: Boxi Park
boxiparklakenona.com
2ND PLACE:
Chroma Modern Bar and Kitchen chromalakenona.com
3RD PLACE: The Nectar Room nectarroomlakenona.com
BEST FINAL GIRL: SCREAM QUEEN TRIVIA AT CONDUIT
A terrifying new entrant to the local trivia scene is the Scream Queen, who hosts a chillingly high-stakes horror quiz night at Conduit. Themes of previous nights have included “wishes gone wrong” and “love beyond death,” with film clips screened (screamed?) in between for good measure. The Queen, Janecka Olen, knows the devil is in the details, so she even includes on-point photo backdrops so attendees can snap a selfie to relive the fright. With themed drinks on tap courtesy of the venue, this is a great way to get the blood pumping early in the week. 6700 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, conduitfl.com, instagram.com/ screamqueenpodcaster
BEST LONGWOOD BAR
1ST PLACE: Hourglass Brewing hourglassbrewing.com
2ND PLACE: The Tooting Otter, Wekiva Island wekivaisland.com
3RD PLACE: Little Wekiva Brewery littlewekivabrewery.com
BEST PLACE TO BUY A MIX CD WITH YOUR CRAFT BEER: COMMISSION BEER CHAMBER
Leave it to a nostalgic hip-hop craft beer bar to dust off the tried-and-true concept of spotlighting local music on a mix CD. Delightfully time-warped Curry Ford establishment Commission Beer Chamber justified their boombap love local-style with the second volume in their mixtape (on CD) series. The CD was curated by Tek the Intern and My Good Phelo and could be gabbed at the bar alongside your drink.
2230 Curry Ford Road, facebook.com/ thecommissionbeerchamber
3RD PLACE: Celery City Craft Beer Garden celerycitycraft.com
Best of Orlando
BEST WAKE: THE FINAL NIGHT OF THE HAMMERED LAMB
The scene at Ivanhoe Village staple and LGBTQ+ haven the Hammered Lamb had a distinctly party-at-theend-of-the-world feel to it, with folks tightly packed in, dancing, reminiscing, drinking and crying. Open since 2013, this Ivanhoe Village staple drew in Orlandoans with late night hangs, drag shows, train shots and Bloody Marys that consistently topped our Best of Orlando® Readers’ Choice ballots. Beyond the party atmosphere, though, the Lamb was a safe haven for the local LGBTQ+ community, and the bar gave back to the community in kind. A mix of COVID and interminable road construction did the Lamb in, and this blurry all-day Saturday party was the best way to say goodbye — complete with familiar faces, drinks, hugs, laughs and many, many tears. “It’s the end of an era,” said many a regular. And they were right. Jan. 25, 2025
BEST THORNTON PARK OR SOUTH EOLA BAR
1ST PLACE: Burton’s Thornton Park instagram.com/burtonsthorntonpark
2ND PLACE: Aku Aku Tiki Bar akuakutiki.com
3RD PLACE (TIE): Eola Wine Co. eolawinecompany.com
3RD PLACE (TIE): The Falcon linktr.ee/thefalconbar
BEST WINTER GARDEN BAR
1ST PLACE: Crooked Can Brewing Co. crookedcan.com
2ND PLACE: The Hangry Bison thehangrybison.com
3RD PLACE: Home State Brewing Co. homestatebrew.com
Hey nonny no? The inaugural Florida Dungeon Fest was an intriguing highlight of early 2025, bringing practitioners of dungeon synth — think John Carpenter meets Dungeons & Dragons and old 8-bit arcade games, all with a healthy dose of metal theatrics — from all over the country to Orlando to ply their medieval musicks. The highlights were many: a Byronesque Hillsfar conjuring gorgeous dark ambience at Conduit; the Conan-plays-keytar intensity of Seregost; and the courtly Ren Faire dancing that broke out in lieu of a circle pit during the second (k)night at Audubon Park Church. Well met, ye lords and ladies. instagram.com/floridadungeonfest
3RD PLACE: Circuit Church circuitchurch.bandcamp.com
BEST METAL ACT
1ST PLACE: Just Priest
3RD PLACE: Kings County kingscountyofficial.com
BEST COMEBACK: BLUE BAMBOO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
This independent jazz haven went from being squeezed out of its fringey original location in late 2023 to making a grand reopening this summer in the high-profile space of the former Winter Park Library. Not only is it now in a prime location, it earned the very coveted and public spot by beating out Winter Park leviathan Rollins College, which also vied for the venue. It’s a triumph of organic, community-based culture against steep institutional odds.
460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, bluebambooartcenter.com
BEST POP ACT
1ST PLACE: Stereo FM stereofmofficial.com
2ND PLACE: Cat Ridgeway and the Tourists catridgeway.com
3RD PLACE: Billy Mick billymick.bandcamp.com
BEST PUNK ACT
1ST PLACE: TV Generation tvgeneration1.bandcamp.com
3RD PLACE: Tommy Frenzy instagram.com/tommyfrenzyrules
BEST RECORDING STUDIO
1ST PLACE: Studio Live USA studioliveusa.com
2ND PLACE: Red Lion Recording Studio redlionrecordingstudio.com
3RD PLACE: Bynx Cafe Studios bynxrecords.co
BEST REGGAE ACT
1ST PLACE: Kash’d Out kashdout.com
BEST OPEN MIC
1ST PLACE: The Alley facebook.com/thealleylive
2ND PLACE: Austin’s Coffee austinscoffee.com
3RD PLACE: Copper Rocket thecopperrocket.com
BEST STAR TURN: ISAIAH
FALLS
Young Orlando R&B artist Isaiah Falls is crystallizing into a new pop icon with breathless velocity. His big breakout only happened last year, when 2024’s Drugs n’ Lullabies landed on lots of high-profile tastemaker lists; it has since garnered tens of millions of plays. On the heat of that fire, Falls unveiled his latest release on a groundswell of hype, ambition and worldwide touring. And that album LVRS Paradise (Side A) is the biggest Orlando release in a long time. instagram.com/isaiahfalls
BEST LIVING TRIBUTE: JIM FEST
Proof that we’re getting wiser as a city: We’re appreciating our history before it’s, well, history. In the Orlando music scene, there are few documentarians greater than rock photographer Jim Leatherman, whose ongoing work spans four decades. This year, Joshua “Danger” Dobbs — himself one of the most devoted keepers of our music history with Orlando Punk Archive — organized Jim Fest, a concert featuring some of Leatherman’s favorite local bands. Jim’s alive, well and still snapping photos at most of the cool shows around town. But Jim Fest sought to honor a living legend in his very presence. That’s how it should be done.
BEST “POISED FOR THE BREAKTHROUGH”: FAST PREACHER 2025 is shaping up to be Daniel Hanson’s year. The Fast Preacher frontman has had a great run of late: opening for Etran de L’Aïr at The Social last September, sharing the stage with Future Islands at The Beacham in May, and making a summer appearance at Dog Days Fest in Savannah. His creative streak is formidable, too. Hanson released the heartfelt single “Take It, Fake It” at the end of December, and in alignment with the Strawberry Moon of June, followed up with the sultry “Full Moon.” Bring on the full album — fast fastpreacher.bandcamp.com
BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER
1ST PLACE: Francesca T. facebook.com/francescatmusic
2ND PLACE: Cat Ridgeway catridgeway.com
3RD PLACE: Hannah Stokes hannahstokesmusic.com
BEST SOLO ACT
1ST PLACE: Thomas Watkins thomaswatkinsmusic.com
2ND PLACE: Shine instagram.com/shineandtheshakers
3RD PLACE: Zoya Zafar instagram.com/zoyazafar
BEST ORLANDO MUSIC SCENE CLASS REUNION: REDLIGHT 20TH ANNIVERSARY FEST
Because craft-beer trailblazer Redlight Redlight was founded by people deeply embedded in the Orlando music scene, they celebrated their 20th anniversary with not simply a party but a mini music festival. And because it’s Redlight, it was a hall-of-fame lineup that brought defining 2000s legacy bands back home from far away (Gasoline Heart) and back from death itself (History) to join the likes of Mike Dunn, New Eagles and Skeletizer. More than just a concert, it was a golden chapter of Orlando indie-rock history revived and reunited again.
March 9, 2025
BEST SOUL ACT
1ST PLACE: Groove Slayers grooveslayers.com
2ND PLACE: The Sh-Booms theshbooms.com
3RD PLACE: Shay Butter Band shaybutterband.com
BEST 4(07)AD: STRANGELACE
Orlando musician Eva Strangelace has lived many musical lives locally, whether with Call In Dead, M.A.C.E. or Caustic Bats. But we’re irresistibly drawn to her latest eponymous project, Strangelace, wherein the transgender hellraiser displays a much more somber and reflective side — composing solo cello and voice soundscapes that are nothing less than hymns for a dying world. We’re reminded of the ghostly works released on seminal British label 4AD by artists like This Mortal Coil and Dead Can Dance, ethereal yet suffused with Floridian humidity. instagram.com/strangelacemusic
Best of Orlando
BEST SENDOFF: TERRI BINION FAREWELL
When local Americana icon Terri Binion moved away this spring, it left a major hole in the Orlando music landscape. But the farewell event at Will’s Pub organized by fellow legend Kaleigh Baker said just as much about our scene as it did Binion’s legacy. Before a capacity crowd, a glittery cavalcade of the area’s top musicians performed Terri’s songs and spoke about her impact on them. It was a house aglow with love, a communitywide reflection that beamed back all the beauty and positivity that Binion’s given Orlando for over a quartercentury. And it was a chest-swelling display of local heart and pride. May 12, 2025
BEST LIVE MUSIC TANTRUM IN THE FACE OF POLITICAL INSANITY: ZETA AT WILL’S PUB
Post-rock group Zeta is not new to the intersection of politics and alternative art. The Venezuelan outfit, nomadic but based in South Florida and managed by Orlando’s Montgomery Drive, was founded more than two decades ago and has not let up since. The band is a coalescence of its past, with roots stretching back to its start in a nation burdened by political turmoil, and its present, wrapped in an ethos that champions marginalized groups in the face of Trump’s America. The band’s recent show at Will’s, after one of their members lost TPS status and moved back to Venezuela, was a loud, pissedoff temper tantrum fueled by the fiercest resource we have: community. July 9, 2025
STAFF PICK
STAFF PICK STAFF PICK
READERS’ CHOICE
BEST APARTMENT BUILDING OR COMMUNITY
1ST PLACE: Lake House Apartments lakehouseapartmentsorlando.com
2ND PLACE: The Ivy Residences at Health Village theivyorlando.com
3RD PLACE: The Gallery at Mills Park thegalleryatmillspark.com
Endless Discoveries at Swanson’s Ivanhoe Row
From longtime favorites to bold new additions — Swanson’s Ivanhoe Row is the place to be!
• Oxford Eyes
• Yay! Tiny Shop
• Aguila Co ee Coming Soon
• La Jetée Perfumery
• Jarboe
• Tim’s Wine Market
• Ma rey’s
• House of Sploot
• Specialized Bodywork
• Inside Out IV
• Old Florida Electric Tattoo
guyswithties.org
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL
1ST PLACE: ette hotel ettehotels.com
2ND PLACE: The Alfond Inn thealfondinn.com
3RD PLACE: The Wellborn thewellbornorlando.com
BEST CATEGORY TO ELIMINATE FROM BEST OF ORLANDO IN 2026
1ST PLACE: Best Real Estate Company
2ND PLACE:
Best Paddleboard Company
3RD PLACE: Best Bathroom
BEST CHARITY EVENT
1ST PLACE:
Runway to Hope Spring Soiree runwaytohope.org
2ND PLACE: White Party, Guys With Ties Philanthropy
3RD PLACE: Paws in the Park secure.qgiv.com/event/2026pawsinthepark
BEST EVENT VENUE
1ST PLACE:
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts drphillipscenter.org
2ND PLACE: Rosen Shingle Creek rosenshinglecreek.com
3RD PLACE:
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida feedhopenow.org
Mayor LuLu the Cat, The Falcon linktr.ee/thefalconbar
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD TO DRINK IN 1ST PLACE:
Mills 50 2ND PLACE: Ivanhoe Village
3RD PLACE: Thornton Park/South Eola
Best of Orlando
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD TO EAT IN 1ST PLACE:
Mills 50
2ND PLACE:
Park Avenue, Winter Park
3RD PLACE: Ivanhoe Village
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD TO LIVE IN 1ST PLACE:
College Park
2ND PLACE: Ivanhoe Village
3RD PLACE: Baldwin Park
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD TO SHOP IN 1ST PLACE:
Park Avenue, Winter Park
2ND PLACE: Ivanhoe Village
3RD PLACE: Waterford Lakes
BEST NEW CATEGORY TO ADD TO BEST OF ORLANDO IN 2026
1ST PLACE:
Best Small Business
2ND PLACE:
Best Historic Site
3RD PLACE: Best Hiking
BEST PRESERVATION OF LOCAL SKATE HISTORY: TEAM PAIN’S RE-CREATION OF THE BURDINES WALL AT OMA The Push exhibition at Orlando Museum of Art was the first solo retrospective of J. Grant Brittain’s pioneering skateboarding photography and it had a fascinating local connection. One of Brittain’s most influential earlier shoots was a guerrilla late-night session at Orlando’s Fashion Square mall, where skateboarders took on the curved wall in front of Burdines — which, fortuitously, was a reasonable facsimile of a quarter-pipe. Local skate legend Tim Payne re-created that section of wall faithfully and artfully to scale and placed it in the entryway to the exhibition. From hiding from mall-cops in the bushes to a museum? What a ride. omart.org/exhibitions/push_j_ grant_brittain_80s_skateboarding_ photography
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BEST NEW THING IN ORLANDO
1ST PLACE:
Eva’s Casita, Peer Support Space peersupportspace.org/respite
2ND PLACE: Anna Eskamani running for mayor annaforflorida.com
Outside of Orlando’s very gay side, there is almost no better example of how much Orlando differs from the rest of the GOPcontrolled Sunshine State than the anticapitalist streak that permeates the local arts and culture scene. The “Eat the Rich” graffiti that popped up not just once, but twice (after being painted over) earlier this year on Mills Avenue is a prime example. Painted on construction boarding outside of what’s slated to be a new Team Market Group restaurant, the graffiti was celebrated online for a mere few days, just ahead of Trump’s inauguration in January. We don’t know who was behind either iteration, or whether it was the same tagger. But it served as a firm reminder — along with the massive anti-Trump protests outside of City Hall this year — that Orlando is painfully aware of wealth inequality and willing to call it out. 1024 N. Mills Ave., anonymous artist(s)
3RD PLACE: Food scene
BEST RESORT HOTEL
1ST PLACE:
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/polynesian-resort
2ND PLACE:
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando grandelakes.com
3RD PLACE:
Four Seasons at Walt Disney World Resort fourseasons.com/orlando
BEST SUBURB
1ST PLACE: Winter Park
2ND PLACE: Winter Garden
3RD PLACE: Oviedo
BEST USE OF PUBLIC MONEY
1ST PLACE: Orange County Library System ocls.org
2ND PLACE: The arts
3RD PLACE: Fixing roads
BEST PLACE TO RUN INTO A GRAND SLAM CHAMP: USTA NATIONAL CAMPUS
Since the United States Tennis Association’s National Campus in Lake Nona opened to the public back in 2017, scores of the world’s top tennis players have either trained at or called this sprawling 100-court facility home. And for tennis (or Tennis Channel) junkies, there’s no better place in town to bump into the sport’s greats — 2023 U.S. Open and reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff, for example, or 2025 Australian Open winner Madison Keys. You’ll also see the country’s top men’s players, like Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, smacking balls at the campus. Best of all, Central Florida residents can experience a brush with tennis fame while enjoying a free 30-minute session with a certified teaching pro. Just remember to keep your eye on the ball.
ustanationalcampus.com
Best of Orlando
BEST WAY TO MAKE I-4 TRAFFIC EVEN WORSE:
EPIC UNIVERSE
This year brought with it Florida’s biggest theme park news in years: Universal Orlando opened the doors — or portals — to its newest park, Epic Universe, this summer. There are five immersive worlds, over-the-top themed environments, crazy new rides, film franchise-inspired eats — truly a theme park-goer’s dream. Our only gripe? I-4 was absolutely not ready for the onslaught of parkhoppers now jamming up Central Florida roads on Saturday mornings (and every other hour on all the other days). Traffic was bad; now it’s worse. But hey, what other city can say it has a designated neighborhood for riding dragons?
universalorlando.com
STAFF PICK
STAFF PICK
STAFF PICK
READERS’ CHOICE
BEST ARCADE 1ST PLACE: Arcade Monsters arcademonsters.com
BEST “EMBRACE MODERNITY, REJECT TRADITION”: DISNEY REMOVES MUPPET*VISION 3D It happened. Walt Disney World succumbed to the sparkly appeal of modernity and abandoned the nearly 35-year-old attraction Muppet*Vision 3D and its surrounding courtyard to make way for the upcoming Monsters, Inc. land. It was a hard pill for theme park (or Muppets) obsessives to swallow, as many viewed the attraction as key to maintaining the Hollywood Studios mission: highlighting the nostalgic magic that is Disney moviemaking. Luckily, these cultural icons of puppeteering aren’t leaving for good; they’ll be taking over the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster sometime in 2026. Movin’ right along … disneyworld.disney.go.com/ destinations/hollywood-studios
1ST PLACE: West Orange Trail orangecountyfl.net/cultureparks
2ND PLACE: Seminole Wekiva Trail
BEST HIKE TO KILL THREE HOURS WHILE RESTORING YOUR SOUL: BLACK BEAR WILDERNESS TRAIL
One of the most regrettable aspects of summer in Florida for those who enjoy outdoor activities is the increasingly brutal heat. But during the cooler — or, let’s say, milder — months, one of the activities we’ve found most restorative, particularly as media workers in the current political climate, is taking a long hike along the St. John’s River. If you’re a regular on the local trails, you’re probably already familiar with the 7.1-mile Black Bear Wilderness Area trail up in Sanford. If you’re not — you’re welcome. Just make sure you’re in good company (it would be a terribly awkward hike with the wrong person), or else be prepared to enjoy your time in nature in comfortable solitude. seminolecountyfl.gov/locations/ location-info/black-bear-wildernessarea
3RD PLACE: Cady Way Trail orangecountyfl.net/cultureparks
Seminole Aerial Adventures, Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens centralfloridazoo.org
2ND PLACE: Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park orlandotreetrek.com
3RD PLACE: Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, Gatorland gatorland.com
BEST WAY TO PISS OFF SPONTANEOUS FLORIDA SPRINGS VISITORS: WEKIWA SPRINGS RESERVATION PROGRAM
In an effort to mitigate the usual Black-Friday-circa-2008 crowds of antsy outdoorsers waiting for entry to our natural springs systems, the Florida State Parks system this March kicked off a new reservation program right here in Central Florida at Wekiwa Springs. It’s orderly, it’s lawful, it makes for an easier day in the sun. What it doesn’t do is appease the last-minute planner or the spontaneous springs-goer. You have to wake up pretty early to beat out a dedicated sunbather, and at Wekiwa, you really have to wake up early days in advance to nab one of these reservations. reserve.floridastateparks.org
BEST PLACE FOR BIRDERS TO GET A BIG JUMP ON THEIR LIFE LIST: LAKE APOPKA WILDLIFE DRIVE
Fire up that Merlin app and get ready for a heavy data usage day — the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a drivable 11 miles of birding nirvana. Open on weekends and holidays only, the drive takes anywhere from one to three hours through one of Florida’s top three birding areas, home to 377 different bird species. During the winter months, more than 150 species regularly use the property, “from showy herons and egrets to numerous tiny warblers and flycatchers,” according to the St. John’s River Water Management District. Audubon Expert certification is within your grasp!
BEST SPOT TO INDULGE IN A HARRY POTTER MOVIE MARATHON: THE FIVE-PLUSHOUR-LONG QUEUE FOR “HARRY POTTER AND THE BATTLE AT THE MINISTRY”
Getting trapped in a seemingly endless theme park queue makes you question a lot of things. Am I in too deep to back out now? Why does J.K. Rowling have to be such a thoroughly horrible and irredeemable person? Is it the best idea to waste my phone battery to distract myself by watching the first two Harry Potter movies and still not be at the front of this line? Nonetheless, Epic Universe’s star attraction is an unbelievable achievement and a terrific thrill ride. If you have to lose your mind somewhere, what a magical place for it to happen.
Universal Orlando Resort, universalorlando.com
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Best Arcade: Arcade Monsters
STAFF PICK
READERS’ CHOICE
BEST ANTIQUE STORE
1ST PLACE: The Mercantile Antiques and Uniques themercantilefl.com
2ND PLACE: Orange Tree Antiques Mall orangetreeantiques.com
3RD PLACE: Eclectic Interiors and Design eclectic-interiors-design.com
erhouse blending funk, rock, pop, soul and more! From 70’s classics to today’s hits, our electrifying performances keep the dance floor packed. Book us now for an unforgettable night of music and vibes!
Groove Slayers: a high-energy, horn-driven powerhouse blending funk, rock, pop, soul and more! From 70’s classics to today’s hits, our electrifying performances keep the dance floor packed. Book us now for an unforgettable night of music and vibes!
Contact the band at: grooveslayers@gmail.com or through our website: www.grooveslayers.com
ENJOY A VISIT TO HISTORIC CASSADAGA SPIRITUALIST CAMP, A COMMUNITY WITH SPIRIT!
Bring your friends and family, book a reading, or just relax in our peaceful 130-year-old community where Certified Mediums and Healers are available daily.
WE ALSO HAVE:
• Weekly classes and workshops
• Historical Tours
• Encounter the Spirits Night Tours
• Fairy Trail & Labyrinth
• Beautiful Meditation Parks
• Special Events including our Quarterly Gala Days
• Spiritualist Church Services on Sundays and Wednesday Nights
• The largest Spiritual/Metaphysical Bookstore in the Southeast
WE’RE A ONE-OF-A-KIND DESTINATION AND ONLY 5 MINUTES OFF I-4 BETWEEN ORLANDO AND DAYTONA BEACH!
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BEST BICYCLE SHOP
1ST PLACE: Orange Cycle orangecycleorlando.com
2ND PLACE: Retro City Cycles retrocitycycles.com
3RD PLACE: Kyle’s Bike Shop kylesbikeshop.net
BEST COMIC BOOK SHOP
1ST PLACE: Blackbird Comics and Coffeehouse theblackbirdroost.com
2ND PLACE: Gods and Monsters godmonsters.com
3RD PLACE: Acme Superstore acme-superstore.com
BEST EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE
1ST PLACE: Oxford Eyes oxfordeyes.com
2ND PLACE: Eola Eyes eolaeyes.com
3RD PLACE: See Eyewear seeeyewear.com
BEST GARDEN STORE
1ST PLACE: Lukas Nursery and Butterfly Encounter lukasnursery.com
2ND PLACE: Palmer’s Garden and Goods palmersgarden.com
3RD PLACE: Apenberry’s Gardens apenberrys.com
PICK
BEST PLACE TO FIND A UNIQUELY FLORIDIAN TRINKET: HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
Earlier this year, Audubon Park saw the opening of Happy-Go-Lucky, a sister shop nestled inside Hellcats USA. Even with such compact real estate, Happy-Go-Lucky has room for seemingly endless one-of-a-kind pieces from local vendors and vintage goodies that are Sunshine State-centric. If you’re looking for a fun knick-knack or bauble to spice up your life with a touch of Old Florida charm, look no further! 2826 Corrine Drive, instagram.com/shop. happy.go.lucky
BEST GIFT STORE
1ST PLACE: Gold Dust Home golddusthome.com
2ND PLACE: Good Crowd goodcrowdshop.com
3RD PLACE: Rare Earth Gift rareearthgift.com
BEST HOME DECOR STORE
1ST PLACE: Gold Dust Home
Best of Orlando
golddusthome.com
2ND PLACE: The Mercantile Antiques and Uniques themercantilefl.com
3RD PLACE: Adjectives Market shopadj.com
BEST INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
1ST PLACE: The New Romantics thenewromanticsbooks.com
How best to describe H Mart to a nonbeliever? Like a Korean SuperTarget crossed with the best mall food court that ever existed, maybe. Look, if you aren’t already part of the cult, step aside — that’ll leave one more parking space for the rest of us. H Mart has been playing with our hearts since early 2024, promising to open “soon” (HA!), but last month they started hiring, so we are still wiggling on that hook. PLEASE JUST OPEN ALREADY. Westland Terrace Plaza, 7501 W. Colonial Drive, hmart.com
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BEST LOCAL WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
1ST PLACE: Siegel’s Clothing siegelclothing.com
2ND PLACE: The Owl’s Attic theowlsattic.com
3RD PLACE (TIE): Jarboe jarboeinc.com
3RD PLACE (TIE): The House on Lang thehouseonlang.com
BEST MALL OR SHOPPING CENTER
1ST PLACE: The Mall at Millenia mallatmillenia.com
3RD PLACE: Audi North Orlando audinorthorlando.com
BEST RECORD STORE
1ST PLACE: Park Ave CDs parkavecds.com 2ND PLACE:
BEST HOCUS POCUS: SPIRAL CIRCLE TURNS 50
Occasional and painfully misguided goofball protesters (eternal outrage is even more important than eternal salvation for some people these days!) aside, surely we can all cheer esoteric bookshop Spiral Circle hitting the half-century mark. This New Age mainstay, a longtime purveyor of books, crystals, tinctures and host of all manner of spirit-centering events, holds the distinction of being Orlando’s oldest independent bookstore. The shop has weathered both the supposed death of print and a pandemic — it’s as if their success was written in the stars. 750 N. Thornton Ave., spiralcircle.com
BEST PLACE TO SHOP ’TIL YOU ROPE DROP: THE HAPPIEST MARKET
We all know that our city is theme park central, but we bet you didn’t know that there’s a niche pop-up market that specifically caters to amusement park devotees. The Happiest Market is a once-a-month market specializing in unique theme park-inspired products sourced from local small businesses. There’s no place like The Happiest Market to score magical must-haves that are based on the worlds of Disney World, Universal and Epic Universe. And there’s also no better place to beat theme park prices. thehappiestmarket.com
Rock and Roll Heaven rock-n-rollheaven.com
3RD PLACE: Blackbird Comics and Coffeehouse theblackbirdroost.com
BEST MILK DISTRICT? MORE LIKE FILM DISTRICT: NOT ANOTHER FILM LAB AND BELLOWS FILM LAB
All of a sudden, our little Milk District has, weirdly, two places practically next door to each other, that opened within weeks of each other, supporting the art of analog film photography. At Not Another Film Lab — located in a tiny (though not Fotomat drive-thru-sized) building in the center of the block, behind Iron Cow, you can even get a hand-crafted cup of espresso while you drop off your film to be developed. While you’re there, take a brief skip around the corner to Bellows Film Lab, which fronts on Robinson Street and proffers all manner of film, cameras and lenses. They plan to host more art parties like the exhibition opening that marked their first week, and they’ll develop your prized rolls as well.
2436 E. Robinson St., notanotherfilmlaborl.com; 2426 E. Robinson St., bellowsfilmlaborl.com
themercantilefl.com
2ND PLACE: Orange Tree Antiques Mall orangetreeantiques.com
3RD PLACE: Eclectic Interiors and Design eclectic-interiors-design.com
BEST WINE SHOP
1ST PLACE: Tim’s Wine Market timswine.com
BEST GOBLIN MODE: GOBLIN MARKET
Goblin Market, the discount art market with a (pointy-eared) difference, is drawing bigger and bigger crowds only a year in. This delightful local artisan and vendor showcase is more quirky and eccentric than most, featuring a plethora of vendors peddling art, baked goods, jewelry, keepsakes, apparel, toys and food, along with diversions like drag shows and a Goblin Maid Café. The Market has seemingly outgrown their initial digs at Oviedo Mall — they shifted over to the Central Florida Fairgrounds for their recent Pride month edition, which sold out. Goblin Market’s liege, the Goblin King, encourages trading between artists for that extra utopian edge. goblinmarketfl.com
Best of Orlando
BEST SELFIE SPOT FOR DUDES WHO CLAIM TO HATE SELFIE SPOTS: WRESTLING FIGURE WALL AT SHOP SUPLEX
Tucked away in Dezerland Park is the grapple-tastic Shop Suplex, a clearinghouse for all things prowrestling: shirts, DVDs, magazines, repro belts and … oh yes, action figures. So many action figures, in fact, that they cover a wall of the store from floor to ceiling in a surreal display of miniaturized muscles and spandex suspended in the air. It’s become an essential rite of passage for fans and shoppers to snap a pic in front of this one-of-a-kind backdrop. 5250 International Drive, instagram. com/shopsuplex
2ND PLACE: The Good Pour goodpour.com
3RD PLACE: The Wine Room on Park Avenue thewineroomonline.com/winter-park
STAFF PICK STAFF PICK
Doctors, nail salons, hairstylists, tattoos and gyms!
READERS’ CHOICE
BEST DAY SPA
1ST PLACE: Sugar and Spice Esthetics instagram.com/sugar.spice.esthetics
2ND PLACE: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando Grande Lakes ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/mcorz-the-ritz-carlton-orlandogrande-lakes/spa
3RD PLACE: Zen Space Wellness Studios zenspacewellness.com
into ZEN
• Yoga
• Massage
• Cupping
• Lymphatic drainage
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic
• Red light therapy/Salt Therapy
• Psychic Medium/ Medical Intuitive
• Reiki
• Waxing
• Professional barber
• Facials
• Lash lifting
• Sound Healing
• Counseling
• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
• Wellness Retreats
•
•
Best of Orlando
BEST DENTIST OR DENTAL PRACTICE
1ST PLACE: Park Smiles Dentistry dentistwinterpark.com
2ND PLACE: Oviedo Family and Cosmetic Dentistry oviedodentists.com
3RD PLACE: Your Oviedo Dentist youroviedodentist.com
BEST DERMATOLOGIST OR MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE
1ST PLACE: Sand Lake Dermatology Center sandlakedermatology.com
2ND PLACE: Flutter Fitness Studio flutterfitnessstudio.com
3RD PLACE: HiLi Fitness hili.fitness
BEST GYM
1ST PLACE: Flutter Fitness Studio flutterfitnessstudio.com
2ND PLACE: HiLi Fitness hili.fitness
3RD PLACE: T.U.F. Martial Arts tuf-martialarts.com
BEST HAIR SALON
1ST PLACE: Prive Salon privesalonorlando.com
2ND PLACE: Braided by Wire braidedbywire.com
3RD PLACE: Christa Danae Studio christadanaestudio.glossgenius.com
BEST SPOOKY INK: KALI MARI
If you, the discerning horror fiend, want to justify your love for the genre with a commitment that goes beyond a subscription to Shudder and repeat visits to Halloween Horror Nights, have we got the tattoo artist for you. Orlando’s Kali Mari, owner of Amaranthine Tattoo Studio on Edgewater Drive, specializes in the creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky all done with artistry, precision and flair.
2ND PLACE: Massages by Stacy B facebook.com/massagesbystacyb
3RD PLACE: Terrie Makin, Park Ave Cryotherapy parkavecryo.com
BEST WILD HAIR ADVENTURES: ANNA BONADONNA
If you’re already thinking about the perfect hairdo to complement your outfit for EDC, get Educe Salon on the horn and ask to speak to Anna Bonadonna. This stylist to the stars can transform your hair into a construct of dizzying architectural wonder, a pool of sinewy braids or a lush shag. (Or anything in between!)
Educe Salon, 1901 E. Colonial Drive, instagram. com/hairdazed_
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Best Tattoo Studio: Anatomy Divine Tattoo
STAFF PICK
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STAFF PICK
HEALTH FIRST HEALTH PLANS PROUD TO GROW WITH ORANGE COUNTY
Last year, the not-for-profit Health First Health Plans insurance company, which started in Brevard County, expanded to include Orange County.
The move combines an experienced Central Florida company with one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. Ten thousand of our nearly 100-thousand Health First Health Plans members live in Orange County.
Health First Health Plans is dedicated to offering high-quality, low-cost individual and family plans. There are plans for every budget, including some with a $0 premium for those who qualify.
All plans include no referrals to see a specialist, members receive hearing and vision allowances, access to fitness programs, and more than 5,600 providers and 48 hospitals across Central Florida.
Health First Health Plans partners with AdventHealth, which has nine locations in Orange County. This agreement strengthens the existing network of caregivers to help ensure more convenient access to care for those in the area.
“We’re dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our members,” said Matt Gerrell, president, Health First Health Plans. “We partner with healthcare providers in a community to support a strong network to provide access to care close to where you live.”
Unlike with many national health insurers, the customer-service representatives and agents Health First Health Plans’ customers interact with are locally based, which helps support higher customer satisfaction. In fact, our HFHP associates are part of the J.D. Power 2025 certified Customer Service Program for phone support - recognized for exceeding customer satisfaction benchmarks. *
Health First Health Plans is designed to manage healthcare needs with access, ease, and excellence, offering plans to fit every budget, wellness goal, and lifestyle. Depending on the plan, benefits include pediatric and adult dental care, mental health treatment, virtual health and urgent care.
“We are excited to grow with Orange County and meet folks in this community,” said Gerrell. I’m confident if you talk with one of our plan associates, they will help you find a plan that suits your specific needs,” he added.
Health First Health Plans has been designated as a 4.5-Star Medicare Plan by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The score puts the Health First Health Plans’ performance amongst the top 10% in the country for all Medicare Advantage plans.* This result is a direct reflection on members’ experiences and quality-of-care outcomes.
Health First Health Plans is proud to serve Central Florida for nearly 30 years. Plans are currently available in 15 counties in Florida.
Additional information can be found on hf.org/ healthplans.
*J.D. Power 2025 certified Customer Service ProgramSM recognition is based on successful completion of an evaluation and exceeding a customer satisfaction benchmark through a survey of recent service interactions. For more information, visit www.jdpower.com/awards.
*Health First Health Plans has been rated 4.5 out of 5 Stars for 2025. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5- star rating system.
BEST MEDICAL SPA
1ST PLACE:
Couture Med Spa couturemedspa.com
2ND PLACE: Soluma Aesthetics solumaaesthetics.com
3RD PLACE: Aesthetic District Med Spa admedicalspa.com
BEST POSH PIERCING: MEGAN MODIFY
Orlando-based professional body piercer Megan Davenport is ready to lend a little glitz and glam to your piercings. The in-demand artist, working out of the women-owned Aurum Veil Adornment on Turkey Lake, will adorn your new piercing with dazzling high-end jewelry: think implant-grade titanium, niobium, glass and gold.
Aurum Veil Luxury Piercing, 5907 Turkey Lake Road, Suite 112, instagram. com/meganmodify
BEST NAIL SALON OR NAIL ARTIST
1ST PLACE: Flexi Nails and Spa flexispaandwellness.com
2ND PLACE: A Royal Touch Nails instagram.com/aroyaltouchnails
3RD PLACE: SoDo Nails and Lash Bar sodonailsandlashbar.com
BEST OB/GYN PHYSICIAN OR PRACTICE
1ST PLACE: Women’s Care (Winter Park) womenscareobgyn.com/locations/1551-clay-stwinter-park-fl-32789
2ND PLACE:
Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology premierob-gyn.com
3RD PLACE: Contemporary Women’s Care contemporarywomenscareobgyn.com
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST OR PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC
1ST PLACE:
Daniel Komforti, New Horizons Physical Therapy newhorizonsrehabilitation.com
2ND PLACE:
Jonathan Gonzalez, RehabSpot Physical Therapy rehabspotpt.com
3RD PLACE:
Specialized Bodywork of Orlando specializedbodyworkoforlando.com
BEST PHYSICIAN OR DOCTOR’S PRACTICE
1ST PLACE: Dr. George Elias apopkafamilydoctors.com
2ND PLACE:
Family Tree Primary Care familytreeprimarycare.com
3RD PLACE (TIE): Newgen Direct Primary Care newgennewyou.com
3RD PLACE (TIE): Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology premierob-gyn.com
BEST FULL-SPECTRUM HAIR
COLOR: EMILY VELASCO
If Manic Panic is a little too humdrum for your increasingly avant personal aesthetic, hairstylist Emily Velasco has you covered. Velasco, part of the ArtistryxCreative group at Sola Salon SoDo, works in vivid and brash colors on any hair, in any combination — they’ve even done plaid hair. You’re only restricted by your own imagination! Velasco also crafts custom wigs with human hair, if you can’t sport your dream ’do 24/7. Sola Salon SoDo, 752 S. Orange Ave., instagram.com/emily6artistry
BEST PIERCING STUDIO
1ST PLACE: Piercing by Billy instagram.com/piercingsby_billy
3RD PLACE: Gabe Feliciano instagram.com/gabe_felicianoart
BEST COMMUNITY-MINDED AESTHETICS: MURGASKIN LABS
The medical estheticians at MurgaSkin, the medical spa founded by Dr. Eddie Irfan Murgasen and Ahmad Ayyash, pride themselves on having created an “inclusive space” as part of their practice — and they really have. The queer-owned and queer-friendly business balances beauty enhancement with inclusivity and education.
1ST PLACE: Fairwinds Credit Union fairwinds.org 2ND PLACE: Addition Financial Credit Union additionfi.com
3RD PLACE: Truist truist.com
BEST HVAC COMPANY
1ST PLACE: Frank Gay Services frankgayservices.com
2ND PLACE: PMK Air Solutions pmkair.com
3RD PLACE: Swift Brothers swiftbrothers.com/orlando-fl
BEST LAW FIRM OVERALL
1ST PLACE: Todd Miner Law toddminerlaw.com
2ND PLACE: Payne Law thepaynelaw.com
3RD PLACE: TK Law onefirmforlife.com
on page 137 ->
BEST EMOTIONAL RESCUE: LIBERATION CAT HOUSE
Liberation Cat House, founded by Jessica Harper, has been doing the good work for local felines since 2017. The small, nonprofit organization works to rescue and rehabilitate at-risk cats and kittens in the area, with an emphasis on safe adoption. (At least one Orlando Weekly staffer can vouch for their careful process from personal experience.) Their social media is chock-full of stellar adoptable cat content and their community outreach is tireless. You’ll see them popping up at local events often in concert with compatriot org Brozanski for Cats. liberationcathouse.com
STAFF PICK
Best Farmers Market: Winter Park Farmers Market
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BEST LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNER OR FIRM
1ST PLACE: Blue Daze Designs bluedazedesigns.com
2ND PLACE: Sarah Doherty Interiors sarahdohertyinteriors.com
3RD PLACE: Casa Interiors casainteriors.us
BEST FACE VALUE, NO FEES: BILL & MARY DARDEN
BOX OFFICE AT THE DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
As any live music fan knows, the state of the concert ticket industry is a disgrace. Unfortunately, the FTC’s junk fee rule — set after various members of Congress just about died trying to purchase Taylor Swift tickets — only requires transparency on said fees; it doesn’t reduce them. But here’s a pro tip: If you want to see a show at any of the Dr. Phillips Center’s lovely spaces, but you don’t want to pay the extra $10, $15, $30 or whatever, all you have to do is walk up to their ticket window. The box office is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Easy! Worth it!
445 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-358-6603
BEST MOVING COMPANY
1ST PLACE: Two Men and a Truck twomenandatruck.com
2ND PLACE: College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving collegehunkshaulingjunk.com
3RD PLACE: Headway Moving and Storage headwaymoving.com
2ND PLACE: Sunstate Pest Solutions sunstatepest.com
3RD PLACE: Dr. Critter drcritter.com
BEST PET GROOMER
1ST PLACE: Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming woofgangbakery.com
2ND PLACE: Beyond the Leash btl.dog
3RD PLACE: Happy Paws Pet Resort happypawsorlando.com
BEST PLACE TO ADOPT A PET
1ST PLACE: Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando petallianceorlando.org
2ND PLACE: Pet Rescue by Judy petrescuebyjudy.com
3RD PLACE: Orange County Animal Services orangecountyanimalservicesfl.net
BEST SISTERS OF NO MERCY (FOR DUST AND GRIME): SISTERS SPARKLE
Traveling cleaning service Sisters Sparkle brings both a careful eye and zero tolerance for clutter and mess, and an undeniable verve and swing while they do it. These “deepcleaning divas” (real-life sisters, no less!) guarantee a spotless dwelling executed with style. Check out the videos on their Instagram — set to a tastefully curated galaxy of pop tunes — where they groove their way through the messiest of rooms, leaving them fresh and gleaming on the way to the next job. instagram.com/sistersparklefl
BEST PLUMBER OR PLUMBING COMPANY
1ST PLACE: Frank Gay Services frankgayservices.com
2ND PLACE: Emerald Plumbing
emeraldplumbing.net
3RD PLACE: Brownie’s Septic and Plumbing wrenvironmental.com/north-orlando-fl
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
1ST PLACE: Beth Hobart bethhobart.com
2ND PLACE: Ryan Rapolti ryanrapolti.lpthomesearch.com
3RD PLACE: Alex Zweydoff alexzweydoff.realtor
BEST MAKING THE BEST OF THE MOST TERRIBLE DAY: CODAPET
Self-described as “compassionate inhome pet euthanasia,” CodaPet offers a service that no one wants to think about, but it’s good to know it exists. This network of local veterinarians will come to your home when it’s time to say goodbye to a beloved cat or dog, thereby sparing you and your pet the stress (and danger; have you ever tried to drive on I-4 while blinded by tears?) of traveling to a vet’s office. Consider it a final appreciation of all you did for each other. codapet.com
BEST REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY OR LAW FIRM
1ST PLACE: NeJame Law nejamelaw.com
2ND PLACE: Metka Law Firm metkalawfirm.com
3RD PLACE: Rosenthal Meyer rosenthalmeyer.com
BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY
1ST PLACE: The Pozek Group, Keller Williams Realty pozek.com
2ND PLACE: Mainframe Real Estate mainframere.com
3RD PLACE: Miller Grant and Co. millergrantandco.com
BEST ROOFER
1ST PLACE: Central Homes Roofing and Solar centralhomesroofing.com
2ND PLACE: Winter Park Veterinary Hospital wpvet.com
3RD PLACE: Pine Castle Animal Care Center pinecastlevet.com
BEST VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANY/ STUDIO
1ST PLACE: MediaGeekz mediageekz.com
2ND PLACE: Boltz Media boltzmedia.com
3RD PLACE: Hifive hifive.agency
BEST WEDDING OR PARTY VENUE
1ST PLACE: Orlando Science Center osc.org
2ND PLACE: Casa Feliz casafeliz.us
3RD PLACE: ’Til Death Chapel tildeathchapel.com
STAFF PICK
STAFF PICK
STAFF PICK
The power of eye-catching signage to attract,interest and direct people is undeniable, and standing out is more than just a desire for most businesses – it’s a necessity. Signs, decals,banners, vehicle graphics, business ID signs and printing are more than “just signs,” says Renee Friedman with FASTSIGNS of Orlando - Central, an advanced center that specializes in every type of signage and printing service your business, office or organization may need as well as all basic signage needs including ADA signage, wall and window graphics and more. “For businesses, they’re your first impression,your silent ambassador and your secret weapon in attracting potential customers,” said Friedman. Professional signage equals professional services. There’s also practical – wayfinding and directional signage tells new customers or patients to where an entrance might be or visitors to an event.
Think about it. People look for clues when they are passing by a place that they’re not familiar with, whether it be a new restaurant, an apartment complex or a special event. Signage is more likely to make people check out a place, and signage matters even more than a place’s popularity and convenience with potential customers. In a 2022 national survey by FASTSIGNS, when asked what would make you want to check out a place you’re not familiar with, almost half of people surveyed said signs would draw their interest – in fact 47% of respondents said eye-catching signage is likely to make people want to check out a place.
A BUSINESS WITHOUT A SIGN IS A SIGN OF NO BUSINESS
Signs are like a magnet to attract interest and potential business – they are your non-stop salesperson, working around the clock to communicate your brand’s message, identity and offerings. And a unique, visually appealing sign has the potential to grab and direct a customer’s attention and turn a one-time visitor into a repeat customer.
“Signage is more than just a marker telling customers your business location. It’s a powerful marketing tool,” said Friedman who’s been in the visual communication and graphic services industry for over 35 years. The services her center offers customers also includes wayfinding, rebrandinging dimensional logos, reception signage, building ID signs and more. Since 1987, Friedman has worked with clients as their marketing partner, not just their sign vendor.
“When they say “I need a sign,” it’s really just a conversation starter,” says Friedman. “We really want to make your brand seen and remembered.” Someone requesting signs may really need graphics on their vehicles, or they may need to think digital instead of just a large monument sign or something more trendy like neon. Friedman and her team help customers turn a request into a visual solution and often help customers think ahead or spend more effectively.
MAKE YOUR STATEMENT
Whether you’re an established business looking to grow or simply starting a new business and wondering where to start, it’s important to think ahead.
“Harness the power of signage and let it do the talking for your business,” said Friedman whose center includes advanced equipment and experienced staff better prepared to take on large and complicated, deadline oriented projects including working with construction companies, hospitals, schools, hotels and with the manufacturing industry on projects ranging from banner displays, to project management including permitting, installation, manufacturingand more.
“Sometimes we’re guiding you through from the very start,” said Friedman, who understands the needs of new businesses and entrepreneurs well.
She began her career in sales in Dallas, Texas, before purchasing her first FASTSIGNS franchise in Atlanta, Georgia. There, she served as the Preferred Sign Vendor for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, creating all the signs for the Olympic Village and beyond. In 2001, she opened her center in Orlando, Florida. This year, Renee and her husband Richard Goldstein relocated across the street, opening their new, expanded center at 4835 E. Colonial Drive.
As an original Orlando center, Renee has clients all over Florida and the United States though the center concentrates primarily on the Orlando Central area, stretching from the Orlando Municipal Airport to Winter Park, the University of Central Florida as well as the Parks and Downtown. In fact, Commissioners named May 2 FASTSIGNS Day in Orlando and the center was recently named Mills50 Outstanding Business of the Month.
Renee says to remember that a well-designed sign can convey your brand’s personality and quality, and can help to differentiate you from competitors. Whether it’s a bold, vibrant sign that exudes energy and creativity, or a sleek, minimalist one that communicates sophistication and professionalism, your signage should be a visual representation of your brand’s unique identity.
“After all, a sign is worth a thousand words, and yours could be the one that people can’t stop talking about,” said Friedman. Call Renee and her team today to get started on your next project!
Contact: 407-898-5770 FASTSIGN.COM/239
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WEDNESDAY, AUG. 20
Erykah Badu
The “Queen of Neo Soul” Erykah Badu and hip-hop producer The Alchemist are coming to the House of Blues to debut their collaborative LP, Abi & Alan. Iconoclast Badu redefined R&B in her own image with flourishes of jazz, soul and hip-hop from the jump with her 1997 debut Baduizm in 1997 — later certified triple-platinum. Meanwhile, The Alchemist — born Alan Daniel Maman — is renowned for his gritty beats and collaborations with the likes of Mobb Deep, Nas, Eminem, Freddie Gibbs and Earl Sweatshirt. Following the release of their joint single “Next to You” in June, Abi & Alan will be the 54-yearold Badu’s first album release in over 15 years. The “Abi & Alan Luv Iz …” tour is like a live listening party, with the musicians performing the album in full before it drops on Aug. 29. Hear it first IRL. 7 p.m., House of Blues, Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, houseofblues.com, $95. — Jessica Battisti
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 20
Official Unofficial “Best Of” Orlando Weekly Party and Award Pick-Up
If it’s Wednesday and you’re poring over the results of our Best of Orlando readers polls in this issue, hopefully you’re turning the pages quickly. Because if you read this before 7 p.m., you can scoot over to Will’s Pub to meet many of this year’s BOO winners and score yourself a free beverage. Our Official Unofficial “Best Of” Orlando Weekly Party and Award Pick-Up happens for a third year tonight at Will’s — and it’s free. Join us to toast the winners (and cast a sympathetic glance at the staffers who put this ish together). Shine and Sean Holcomb play, and that’s a crackerjack pairing of locals if there ever was one. Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday, surrounded by the Best(s) while you knock back
of the
a gratis drink. 7 p.m., Will’s Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave., willspub.org, free. — Matthew Moyer
THURSDAY, AUG. 21
Florida Prize Closing Ceremony
Summer whizzed by — what even is time anymore? — and unfortunately that means that Orlando Museum of Art’s signature annual exhibition-cum-competition, The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, closes in a few days. This week sees the closing ceremony, where the People’s Choice award winner will be revealed amongst this year’s Florida Prize artwork. The 2025 artists were Nathalie Alfonso, Eddie Arroyo, Leo Castañeda, Kelly Joy Ladd, Amanda Linares, Kandy G. Lopez, Jiha Moon, Troy Simmons, Cornelius Tulloch and Lisu Vega. The winner of this 2025 Prize was South Florida artist Nathalie Alfonso, for her large-scale and site-specific 87-by-17-foot work LineScape — Onset. So make sure to spend some time with that one on the evening. Will the people also choose Alfonso? Or will they go in a different direction? Find out for yourself and take in this impressive collection of emerging Florida creatives one last time. 6 p.m., Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., omart.org, free. — MM
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, AUG. 22-23
Slaymaker
Award-winning local playwright Bethany Dickens Assaf brings her latest play to the Imagine Performing Arts Center this week. Dickens Assaf, the co-founder of Whiskey Theatre Factory and 2023 Orlando Fringe winner for Best Play-Drama for The Vast of Darkness, stages Slaymaker, a story of marriage, fandom and Magic: The Gathering. Lead characters Jay and Meghan both agree that “Slaymaker” is the badassest surname for anyone ever — especially a Magic: The Gathering champion (or champion in the making). But as Meghan
Weeknd at Camping World Stadium
PHOTO BY COLIN PAGNONI
navigates divorcing Jay and the difficulty of being a girl in gaming, the two decide to resolve their differences through a Magic tournament. This one’s worth a roll of the dice. Imagine Performing Arts Center, 1220 Oviedo Mall Blvd., imagineperformingartscenter.org, $15-$20. — JB
SATURDAY, AUG. 23
Against All Odds: Anniversary Beer Festival
Longwood’s Hourglass Brewing is turning 13 this week — and just like any true party starter, the brewery knows you can’t let a birthday go out without a beer-fueled bash. Hourglass hosts their Against All Odds anniversary beer festival in celebration of yet another year slinging brews and hosting the community. The indoor ticketed festival happens Saturday and offers unlimited sampling of all 25 taps of Hourglass beer, plus anniversary offerings and 20 beverages from other breweries. Worth re-emphasizing: This one is indoors! 1 p.m., Hourglass Brewing Longwood, 480 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, hourglassbrewing.com, $40. — Chloe Greenberg
SUNDAY, AUG. 24
The Weeknd
The last time The Weeknd was in Orlando was more of a spiritual visit, when his haunted attraction debuted at Halloween Horror Nights in 2022. This week, though, he’s back in the flesh with a post-apocalyptic live music experience at Camping World Stadium. The singer’s “After Hours” North American stadium tour hits Orlando Sunday, with haunting visuals and themes in line with his After Hours (2020), Dawn FM (2022) and Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025) albums. The Orlando show is one of just two Florida stops; Playboi Carti and Mike Dean are the touring openers. 7 pm, Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, campingworldstadium.com, $35.50-$275. — CG
TUESDAY, AUG. 26
The Struts
Brit rockers The Struts are celebrating a decade of their debut album, Everybody Wants. The hitmaking glamsters are smack in the middle of a U.S. tour with a mere two Florida shows — though
WEDNESDAY–TUESDAY, AUG. 20-26, 2025
Submit your events to
that’s two more than Oasis did, so hey! “We came at a time in music where guitars were seen but never heard and to be androgynous was highly unfashionable. Being myself certainly did not make life easier for us nor the climb to success faster but we certainly kicked the doors down for so many bands to come,” said frontman Luke
Spiller in a surprisingly profound press statement. With Everybody Wants the band came charging straight out the gate with their template perfected — big Queen-size tunes with sleazy charisma to spare. It’s aged well, and here we are. 8 p.m., Hard Rock Live., 6050 Universal Blvd., entertainment.hardrock.com, $34.50-$45.50. — MM
Tuesday:
The Struts at Hard Rock Live
CONCERTS
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 20
Erykah Badu, The Alchemist 7 pm; House of Blues, Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista; $95; 407-934-2583.
Hard Swingin’ Country Soiree with Decker and Dimitrov 7 pm; Lil Indie’s, 1036 N. Mills Ave.; free; 407-748-8256.
Russell Stephens: Broadway in Blue 7 pm; Judson’s Live, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave.; $23-$35; 407-358-6603.
Citizen Soldier 6 pm; House of Blues, Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista; $41$46; 407-934-2583.
Gasolina Party 7 pm; The Vanguard, 578 N. Orange Ave.; $10-$25; 817-583-1136.
Impending Doom, With Blood Comes Cleaning 7 pm; Conduit, 6700 Aloma Ave., Winter Park; $27.51; 407-673-2712.
International Guitar Festival: Clive Carroll 7:30 pm; Timucua Arts Foundation, 2000 S. Summerlin Ave.; $30; 407-279-0902.
The Story So Far Sept. 27, Orlando Amphitheater
Lil Wayne: Oct. 1, Kia Center
Alex Warren: Oct. 5, Addition Financial Arena
Andrea Bocelli: Oct. 9, Kia Center
Leslie Jones: Oct. 11, The Plaza Live
Joss Stone: Oct. 12, Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center
Billie Eilish: Oct. 14, Kia Center
Jeezy Presents TM:101 Live with Color of Noize Orchestra, DJ Drama 8 pm; Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave.; $111-$497; 844-513-2014.
Morgan Joyce Hart 8 pm; Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park; $25; 407-636-9951.
Central Florida Vocal Arts, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra: “The Music Man” in Concert 8 pm; Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave.; $41-$59.
NOTD
10 pm; Palm Tree Club, 9101 International Drive; $41; 407-506-0473.
Open Mic: Singer/Songwriter 7:30 pm; Austin’s Coffee, 929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park; 407-975-3364.
Aly & AJ: Oct. 26, Hard Rock Live
Jonas Brothers: Oct. 26, Kia Center
Peter Frampton: Nov. 4, Hard Rock Live
Ulcerate: Nov. 6, Conduit
EDC: Nov. 7-9, Tinker Field
Lainey Wilson: Nov. 8, Kia Center
Mind’s Eye: Oct. 16, Will’s Pub
Legendary Pink Dots: Oct. 16, Conduit
Turnstile: Oct. 19, Orlando Amthitheater
Johnnyswim: Oct. 20, House of Blues
Minus the Bear: Oct. 21, The Beacham
Kevin Gates: Oct. 22, Addition Financial Arena
AFI: Oct. 23, Hard Rock Live
Phoneboy 6 pm; The Social, 54 N. Orange Ave.; $25; 407-246-1419.
Sisaundra Lewis 7 & 9 pm; Judson’s Live, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave.; $35-$53; 407-358-6603.
SATURDAY, AUG. 23
Dystinct 6 pm; The Beacham, 46 N. Orange Ave.; $25-$45; 407-648-8363.
Ella & The Bossa Beat 8 pm; Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park; $30$40; 407-636-9951.
Great White, Slaughter 8 pm; Hard Rock Live, 6050 Universal Blvd.; $59$223; 407-351-5483.
International Guitar Festival: Chris Schoelen 4-5:30 pm; Timucua Arts Foundation, 2000 S. Summerlin Ave.; $30; 407-279-0902.
International Guitar Festival: Gareth Pearson 7:30-9 pm; Timucua Arts Foundation, 2000 S. Summerlin Ave.; $30; 407-279-0902.
Central Florida Vocal Arts, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra: The Music Man in Concert 8 pm; Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave.; $41-$59.
Charlie Hunter Trio: Nov. 1112, Judson’s Live, Dr. Phillips Center
Warped Tour: Nov. 15-16, Camping World Stadium
Juvenile: Dec. 3, Hard Rock Live
Conan: Dec. 4, Conduit
Sarah Brightman: Dec. 7, Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center
Trivium: Dec. 14, Hard Rock Live
Unter Null: Dec, 21, Conduit
One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk 7 pm; The Vanguard, 578 N. Orange Ave.; $25-$57; 817-583-1136.
Randy + DJ Adoni 7 pm; House of Blues, Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista; $70-$136; 407-934-2583.
Raspberry Pie, Discord Theory 8 pm; Will’s Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave.; $15-$25.
Sisaundra Lewis 7 & 9 pm; Judson’s Live, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave.; $35-$53; 407-358-6603.
Messiah Choral Society’s Annual Sing-Along 2 pm; First Congregational Church, East New England and South Interlachen Avenues, Winter Park; free; 321-285-6382.
Central Florida Vocal Arts, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra: “The Music Man” in Concert 3 pm; Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave.; $41-$59.
Ryan Devlin Quartet 5 & 7:30 pm; Judson’s Live, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave.; $23-$41; 407-358-6603.
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti, Mike Dean 7 pm; Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place; $35.50-$275; 407-423-2476.
MONDAY, AUG. 25
The Struts, Dirty Honey 8 pm; Hard Rock Live, 6050 Universal Blvd.; $34.50-$45.50; 407-351-5483.
35mm Cult Classics: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
The breakout international hit that propelled Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar to global fame, Women on the Verge of Nervous Breakdown is a wild, vibrant farce tinged with
Tierra Quebrá A screening of the award-winning film Tierra Quebrá, the debut film by EDALX artist Nina Marín. Manuela returns to rebuild family ties in a rural area where violence prevails. There, she suffers another tragic event. The film will be followed by a conversation with the film’s director and producer, who are visiting from Colombia. 6:30 pm Tuesday; Winter Park Public Libary, 1052 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park; free; 407-623-3300; descoteatro. org/events.
COMEDY
Comedy Dark Orlando’s craziest comedy show: our comedy showcase features professional comedians doing their most insane material. 8 pm Thursday; Grape and the Grain, 1110 Virginia Drive; $12; 407-674-6156; comedydarkaugustshows.eventbrite.com.
Decisions, Decisions: No Holes Barred The “Whoreible Decisions” podcast is Mandii and Weezy, two corporate 20-somethings; black women who discuss sex, dating and relationships focused around POC and the black community. 7 pm Saturday; The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave.; 407228-1220; plazaliveorlando.org.
Don “DC” Curry 7 & 9:45 pm Friday, 6:30 & 9:15 pm Saturday; Funny Bone Comedy Club, 9101 International Drive; $27; 407-480-5233; orlando.funnybone.com.
Mike Rivera After decades of award-winning comedy and classroom experience, Mr. Rivera was named America’s Most Hilarious Teacher on ABC’s The View. 8 pm Saturday; Theater West End, 115 W. First St., Sanford; $12; 407-548-6285; theaterwestend.com.
REAL Comedy Series: Sabrina Ambra 6:30 pm Thursday; Mount Dora Community Building, 520 Baker St., Mount Dora; $20-$40.
Zachariah Porter 6 pm Friday; The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave.; 407228-1220; plazaliveorlando.org.
EVENTS
Access for All On the third Thursday of each month, we extend our hours and offer free admission to all visitors. This month, we host Cait Rainey at 2 pm leading a sound healing practice designed to allow participants to connect more profoundly with Florida Prize artist Kelly Joy Ladd’s artwork and their own inner selves. 10 am-8 pm Thursday; Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave.; free; 407-896-4231; omart.org.
Against All Odds: Anniversary Beer Festival Celebrating 13 years with local friends and distant favorites at the indoor beer festival of the year. 1-4 pm Saturday; Hourglass Brewing Longwood, 480 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood; $40; 407-262-0056; aao.eventbrite.com.
Bartenders Bash This year, eight of Central Florida’s top mixologists will compete with their delicious handcrafted cocktails. Guests can sample and vote while indulging in perfectly paired bites prepared by The Edison. In addition to live entertainment, the evening will feature a silent auction benefiting Give Kids the World Village. 6:30 pm Thursday; The Edison, 1570 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista; $85-$100; 407-560-9288; theedisonfla. com.
Breathe With the Trees Relaxation
Training Participants will learn the practical magic of “green immersion” through simple exercises that stimulate the senses, release endorphins, enhance mental clarity, neutralize anxiety, lift the weight of fatigue and replenish the spirit. 10 am Wednesday; Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park; free; 407-622-6323; meadgarden.org.
Florida Prize Closing Ceremony
Be there when the moment everyone’s been waiting for finally happens. After the reveal, celebrate with the artists themselves, take one last look at the galleries and soak in the final hours of this iconic, can’t-miss exhibition. 6 pm Thursday; Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave.; free; 407-896-4231; omart.org.
Flowers by the Bside Artists
Thursday 6 pm; CityArts, 39 S. Magnolia Ave.; free; downtownartsdistrict.com.
Funding Love Fest Family-friendly event in support of Funding Love,
which serves adoptive families and birth moms post-adoption. Games, prizes, carnival fare, DJ and more in celebration of their seventh anniversary. 5:30 pm Saturday; Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co., 1300 Alden Road; free; 954-610-0293; fundinglovefest.raiselysite.com.
Illume: A Transformative Art Workshop for Breast Cancer Survivors
This weekend workshop will provide a supportive space for all-stage breast cancer survivors to process and explore their experiences through engagement with creative practices. Participation is required for all three days of this weekend program. Please call to register or email education@omart.org. 6-7:30 pm Friday, 10 am-4 pm Saturday, noon-4 pm Sunday; Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave.; free; 407-896-4231 ext. 258; omart.org.
Let’s Get Shrekxual: Burlesque and Bingo Round 2 Join us for a night of Shrekxual laughs, bingo prizes and brews! We can’t wait to welcome you into our chaos. 8 pm Friday; Hourglass Brewing Curry Ford, 2500 Curry Ford Road; $25; 407-730-5249; hourglassbrewing.com.
OA World Service Convention: Walking in the Sunlight Together Three-day convention to gather individuals recovering from food and body obsession, obesity, bulimia, anorexia, restriction, binge eating and compulsive eating behaviors. ThursdaySaturday; Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive; $70$210; 305-338-0423; oa.org.
Official Unofficial “Best Of” Orlando Weekly Party and Award Pick-Up One free drink included with your free entry! Featuring music from BOO nominees Shine and E-Turn. This event is 21 and over. 7 pm Wednesday; Will’s Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave.; willspub. org.
Raps & Yoga Mats: The Weeknd Trilogy vs. Hurry Up Tomorrow
Flow Two yoga teachers, two DJs, one dope yoga class. Enjoy this high-powered, all levels yoga class.Attenndees have a shot at winning sold-out tickets to see The Weeknd at Camping World Stadium! 9-midnight Saturday; Evans Maynard High School, 4949 Silver Star Road; $35; 407-283-7595.
Science Night Live A night of comedy, improv, music and science — all
in one epic evening for adults. Enjoy everything you love about the Science Center, without the kids. Ages 18 and up only. 8-11 pm Saturday; Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St.; $20; 407-514-2000; osc.org.
The Shift: Choreographers Showcase A dynamic choreographers showcase spotlighting new works by professional choreographers and dance companies from across Central Florida. 7:30 pm Saturday, 5 pm Sunday; ME Theatre, 1300 La Quinta Drive; 844-633-2623; metheatre.com.
Summer Concert Series: Ariapalooza! Featuring tenor Brendan J. Boyle and pianist Robin Stamper. 2 pm Sunday; University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park; 407-644-6149; uclubwp.org.
Winefest 2025 Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres for dinner guests from 5-6 p.m. Enjoy music and dance as we honor our past Weinköniginnen (Wine Queens) and present our new Weinkönigin. 5-10 pm Saturday; German American Society of Central Florida, 381 Orange Lane, Casselberry; $25-$35; 407-834-0574; orlandogermanclub.com.
THEATER
Gothic Castle: Spirits of Camelot In this interactive and immersive spooky comedy show, Camelot is not as chivalrous as you know it. The kingdom is now controlled by a dark and magical evil, and knights have been banished from the land. You’ll mix tantalizing elixirs, meet famous magicians and assist hapless heroes and clandestine servants as they stumble forth on their quest for mythical objects. New Generation Theatrical, 3201 E. Colonial Drive; $35; newgentheatrical.org.
Slaymaker Jay and Meghan, amid their divorce, agree to settle who deserves the epic surname “Slaymaker” through a Magic: The Gathering tournament. Imagine Performing Arts Center, 1220 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo; 407-986-0494; imagineperformingartscenter.org.
The Bridge Theatre: A Million Dreams Enjoy a night of incredible performances from local talent and big stars, all while supporting their mission to provide vital educational theatre experiences for young people. 2:30 pm Sunday; The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive; $45; 407-704-6261; abbeyorlando. com.
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Legal, Public Notices
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location and times indicated: September 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM Extra Space Storage, 292 W Central Pkwy, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 (407) 378-6671. Krystal Lincoln-Gonzales:Furniture,Victoria’s secret. Michael Manfredi:Household goods. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: September 9th, 2025 at the times and locations listed below. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 12:00 PM Extra Space Storage 610 Rinehart Rd. Lake Mary, FL 32746 (407) 637-1360Gloria Thomas-household goods, Davey Gibbs-Personal Items,Davey Gibbs-Personal Items. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location and times listed below. September 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM Extra Space Storage, 1451 Rinehart Rd, Sanford, FL 32771 (407) 915-4908. The personal goods stored therein by the following: Rachel Karl: exercise equipment,vaccum,shelving. Krista Denoff: shelving, totes, boxes. Christopher colon: furniture,boxes. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures. com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: September 11th, 2025, at the times and locations listed below: The personal goods stored therein
by the following: 1:30PM Extra Space Storage, 11971 Lake Underhill Rd Orlando FL 32825 4075167913: Michael Moore: bed, chair, totes The personal goods stored therein by the following: 12:00PM Extra Space Storage, 11071 University Blvd Orlando, FL 32817 3213204055: Mariguel Delgado Diaz: Bike, Skateboards, basketball hoop, carrier buggy, health & wellness, toys, clothing & shoes, wall art, sports 7 outdoors, boxes. Luis Arce: suitcases, totes, bags, car speakers, entertainment center, toys, clothes & shoes, mattress & bedding, electronics furniture, boxes. Michael McFadden: Totes, lawn tools and Christmas decor, toys, documents, personal effects, boxes. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 11:00 AM Extra Space Storage 11583 University Blvd Orlando FL 32817 4077772278: Daeshawna Sanchez- chair, boxes, toys, furniture. Robert Brooks- totes, boxes, toys, home decor. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 11:00AM Extra Space Storage, 9001 Eastmar Commons Blvd, Orlando, FL 32825 4079016180: Ariel Diaz: Bags and bins; Dianna Heywood: Holiday decor, totes, luggage, furniture; Lincoln Shim: Building materials, dolly, Power tools. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 10:00AM Extra Space Storage, 12280 East Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32826 3212867324: Shawndra Deshler: Boxes, clothes, household goods, Stephanie Salinas: household, totes, bikes, toys; Michael Martin: Tools, household goods, appliances, boxes; Eduardo Lozada Vargas Jr: household goods, tools, boxes, furniture The personal goods stored therein by the following: 10:00AM Extra Space Storage, 14916 Old Cheney Hwy, Orlando FL 32826 4079179151: Peter Torres: tires, boxes, headlights, TV, car parts; Shavonne Mason: bed frame, table, fold up bed, sofa, mattresses; Pierre Wilkins: couch set, clothes, dresser, box spring, air fryer. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 1:30PM Extra Space Storage, 10959 Lake Underhill Rd Orlando FL 32825 4075020120: Yaritza Jones: Mini fridge, twin mattress, air compressor, saw table, bench and car jack; Julissa Gonzalez: Decorations, bike, kid toy car, clothes, car seat and mattress The personal goods stored therein by the following: 2:00PM Extra space storage, 12709 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, Fl 32826 4076343990: Ryan Andrews, Household items; Jessica N Rosa, household goods The personal goods stored therein by the following: 12PM Extra Space Storage, 342 Woodland Lake Drive Orlando FL 32828, 3218004793: Trina Van Till Trott: household items; Sudanese American Association of Central Florida / Abdelmonein Osman Kardash: Boxes; NINOSKA SCORSESE: Household items, boxes, furniture; Tara Neal: 2 hutches Scrapbooking material New Kitchen items New Bathroom Items, New Livingroom items in Boxes. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: September 11th, 2025, at the times and locations listed
below: The personal goods stored therein by the following: 10:00AM Extra Space Storage, 6068 Wooden Pine Drive. Orlando, Florida 32829 407.974.5165: Evelyn Williams-w/d boxes, armoire, French doors, cabinets, bookshelf, microwave; Shaira Castro- Bed frame, tv stand, appliances; Carlos Gonzalez- Clothing, boxes, gloves, large washcloths. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 11:15AM Extra Space Storage, 1305 Crawford Ave. St. Cloud FL 34769, 407.504.0833: Amanda Allen; boxes, tv, printer- Amanda Ratliff; boxes, household items- Angel Vilchez; boxes, Furnitures, baby items- Michelle Osborne; furniture, boxes The personal goods stored therein by the following: 11:30AM Extra Space Storage, 2855 E Osceola Pkwy Kissimmee FL. 34743, 689.223.6810: Terry Davis – Xmas decor, boxes, clothes, rugs Tania Mendezboxes, mattress, spotlight, ceiling fan
The personal goods stored therein by the following: 12:30PM Extra Space Storage, 14800 Narcoossee Rd. Orlando, FL 32832 407.987.4115: Katrina Moore-household goods, Adriana Agudelo-household goods
The personal goods stored therein by the following: 12:00PM Extra Space Storage, 12915 Narcoossee Rd. Orlando, FL 32832 407.501.5799: Juan Desosa: TVs, Mattress, Ninja pressure cooker; 3 AM Group: Tables, rugs, and plastic bins; Farah Petion: bins and cleaning supplies; Tatianna Sutherland: Fridge, luggage, washer dryer, ping pong table, printer: Tysen Meyer: Chairs and table: The personal goods stored therein by the following: 12:45 PM Extra Space Storage, 9847 Curry Ford Rd Orlando, FL 32825, 407.495.9612: Aiesha Collins- Furniture, household items, boxes, totes, etc; Maria Cifuentes- Books, boxes; Ramon Nunez-Clothing & Shoes, personal effects; Lincoln Shim- Household, Boxes, Furniture, Tools, Electronics, Heavy equipment. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 10:30 AM Extra Space Storage, 13597 S Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida 32824 407.910.2087: Ricardo Arroyo Nieves – Household items, Personal items, Cynthia Williams – Household items, My Innovation Products LLC/ Luis Carrasco – Water filters, Casandra Wilson – Household items, Personal items. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 01:30 PM Extra Space Storage, 13450 Landstar Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32824 407.917.8672: William Rutherford; Household Stuff, clothing. Rafael Lopez, Household goods, tv, boxes. Dariana Toro 5x5 boxes. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 01:00 PM Extra Space Storage, 7627 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, Florida 32822 689.278.1735: The Emanuel Firm PA/ Charles Emanuel – Boxes, Christmas Decorations, PC, Monitor, Keyboard, Paperwork, Rug, Christmas Tree, Gazebos, Portable Rack, Totes, Lamps. Michelle Robinson – Wooden Bench, Wooden Chair, Wooden Table, Small Freezer, Char Griller, Box, Comforter. Brian Smith – Electric Sofa, Glass Table, Lamps, Clothing Items, Boxes, TVs, Portable Folding Trays, Table Decorations, Speaker, Camera. Mirrors, Printer, iMac Box, Shoe Boxes. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 12:30 PM Extra Space Storage, 35 Goldenrod Rd S, Orlando, Florida 32807 407.487.3270: Brett Thompson – Golf Clubs, Drinks, Baker Rack, Standing Video Games, Cooler Stand, Dishes, Tools, Clothing, Shelves. Jeremiah Turner - Bike, boxes, totes, books The personal goods stored therein by the following: 10:45 AM Extra Space Storage, 6174 S Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, Florida 32822 407.955.4137: Matt Williams - Clothes, tv, furniture, game console;
Blonide Jonathas - table, chairs, boxes and totes; Kathea Johnson - beds, tvs, furniture, clotches, candles; trevion Ellis - luggage and boxes The personal goods stored therein by the following: 10:15 AM Extra Space Storage, 5753 Hoffner Rd, Orlando, Florida 32822 407.212.5890: Michael Hurtz: vacuum, boxes, chairs, rugs, furniture, household, paint bucket, table, tools, basketball rim/hoop/net, office chair, mirror, car seat, clothing rack on wheels, laundry hamper on wheels. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 02:00 PM Extra Space Storage, 2334 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32822 407.930.4541: Lisa Dyke: bedset couch kitchen table q bed bunk bed 2 tvs ; Crystal Brown: Clothing, shoes, microwave, boxes, kitchen appliances, plastic bins, 40” TV. The personal goods stored therein by the following: 12:15 AM Extra Space Storage, 408 N Primrose Dr, Orlando, Florida 32803 321.285.5021: Gina Perez- Household goods, tools, furniture, and clothing ; James Derosier- Seasonal decor and household items ; Rodney Brenor- clothes ; Anthony BlackmanHousehold goods ; Lemar Ramirez- bed frame, boxes, dresser, tables, TV stand, patio furniture ; Deanna Wilson- Bedroom furniture, boxes. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures. com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 2650 W. 25th St. Sanford, Fl 32771, 407-324-9985 on September 9th, 2025 at 12:00pm Chantel Otoole:Household items queen mattress, box springs, reclining sofa, appliances, 2 tv’s, 2 bikes Katherine Hernandez: Furniture Boxes Bins Toys J.C Washington: household goods JuanGomez:tools: garage items Christopher Patterson:HouseholdGoodsFurnitureCamping equipmentTV/Stereo EquipmentTools/Appliances Jessica Green:full house. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures. com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.
Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage, #3700, 5645 W State Road 46, Sanford, FL 32771 (321)286-7326. On September 9th, 2025 at 12:00 PM Nataly Estrella-household goods Vincent Laspada- Household goods. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchse up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ORANGE COUNTY STATE OF FLORIDA. CASE NO: DP23-141, IN THE INTEREST OF W.D. DOB: 2/24/2013, minor child. NOTICE OF ACTION, TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: MIRIAN LOPEZ DOMINGO, address unknown. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families, has filed a Petition to terminate your parental rights and permanently commit the above referenced child(ren) for adoption. You are hereby commanded to appear on September 16, 2025, at 09:30 AM before the Honorable Wayne Wooten at the Thomas S. Kirk Justice Center located at 2000 East Michigan Street Orlando, Fl 32806, for an ADVISORY HEARING. FAILURE TO PERSONALLY APPEAR AT THIS ADVISORY HEARING CONSTITUTES CONSENT TO THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS OF THIS CHILD (OR CHILDREN). IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR ON THE DATE AND TIME SPECIFIED, YOU MAY LOSE ALL LEGAL RIGHTS AS A PARENT TO THE CHILD OR CHILDREN NAMED IN THIS NOTICE. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court at Orlando, Orange County, Florida this 23rd day of July, 2025. CLERK OF COURT By: /s/ Deputy Clerk. (Court Seal) This summons has been issued at the request of: Christina Stewart, Esquire; FBN: 1033034, Children’s Legal Services
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ORANGE COUNTY STATE OF FLORIDA. CASE NO: DP23-141, IN THE INTEREST OF W.D. DOB: 2/24/2013, minor child. NOTICE OF ACTION, TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: VICTOR DOMINGO PEREZ. address unknown. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families, has filed a Petition to terminate your parental rights and permanently commit the above referenced child(ren) for adoption. You are hereby commanded to appear on September 16 2025, at 09:30 AM before the Honorable Wayne Wooten at the Thomas S. Kirk Justice Center located at 2000 East Michigan Street Orlando, Fl 32806, for an ADVISORY HEARING. FAILURE TO PERSONALLY APPEAR AT THIS ADVISORY HEARING CONSTITUTES CONSENT TO THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS OF THIS CHILD (OR CHILDREN). IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR ON THE DATE AND TIME SPECIFIED, YOU MAY LOSE ALL LEGAL RIGHTS AS A PARENT TO THE CHILD OR CHILDREN NAMED IN THIS NOTICE. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court at Orlando, Orange County, Florida this 23rd day of July, 2025. CLERK OF COURT By: /s/ Deputy Clerk. (Court Seal) This summons has been issued at the request of: Christina Stewart, Esquire; FBN: 1033034, Children’s Legal Services
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA JUVENILE DIVISION: 05 CASE NO.: DP18-589 IN THE INTEREST OF MINOR CHILD S.S. DOB: 10/8/2024, NOTICE OF ACTION TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS To: TRICIA SHORTER, Last known address: 5433 Lescot Ln Orlando, FL 32811. A Petition for Termination of Parental Rights under oath has been filed in this court regarding the above-referenced child. You are hereby commanded to appear October 8, 2025, at
11:00 AM before the Honorable Alicia Latimore at the Juvenile Justice Center, 2000 East Michigan Street, Orlando, Florida 32806, for a TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ADJUDICATORY TRIAL. FAILURE TO PERSONALLY APPEAR AT THIS TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ADVISORY HEARING CONSTITUTES CONSENT TO THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO THIS CHILD(REN). IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR ON THE DATE AND TIME SPECIFIED YOU MAY LOSE ALL LEGAL RIGHTS AS A PARENT TO THE CHILD NAMED IN THE PETITION. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court at Orlando, Orange County, Florida this 14th day of August, 2025. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, By: /s/ Deputy Clerk (Court Seal)
Life Storage/Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below on August 22nd, 2025 at the location indicated: Store 8439: 1420 N Orange Blossom Trail Orlando FL, 32804 407.312.8736 @12:00 PM: Kimberly Scheuerman-old stuff, health and wellness, furniture, boxes, personal effects, clothing and shoes;Tammie Steringer-old stuff, health and wellness, furniture, boxes, personal effects, clothing and shoes; The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures. com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Life Storage/Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Legal, Public Notices
LOST OR ABANDONED PROPERTY FOUND OR RECOVERED WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF ORLANDO, FLORIDA. PROPERTY NOT CLAIMED WILL EITHER BE SURRENDERED TO THE FINDERS OR RETAINED FOR USE BY THE DEPARTMENT. PICTURE IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED.
August 2025
DESCRIPTION - FOUND PROPERTY:
Phone 5500 Blk E Michigan ST
Airpods 6400 Blk Raleigh St
Phone 590 Blk N Primrose Dr
Diamond 6400 Blk Raleigh St
Bike 2800 Blk Lake Baldwin Ln
Bike George DeSalvia Way
Currency 50 Blk W Central BV FOR INFO CALL (407) 246-2445, MONDAY – THRU THURSDAY, 9:00 AM TILL 4:00PM
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
CASE# 2025-DR-6848
Has been filed against Angel Luis Velez Sanchez, and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, to it on Adriana Isabel Chacin Quintero, whose address is 1341 West Pointe Blvd. Apt. 102, Winter Garden, Fl on or before 8/ 14/2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, Fl 32801 before service on Petitioner or immediately after. Clerk name: Tiffany Moore Russell.
Notice of Public Auction for monies due on storage units located at U-Haul company facilities. Storage locations are listed below. All goods are household contents or miscellaneous and recovered goods. All auctions are hold to satisfy owner’s lien for rent and fees in accordance with Florida Statutes, Self-Storage Act, Sections 83.806 and 83.807. The auction will start at 8:00 a.m. on September 3rd, 2025 and will continue until all locations are done. Auctions will be held online: www.lockerfox. com U-Haul Moving and Storage at Maitland Blvd, 7815 North Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32810; C12, JAMAUL HAYES, $554.10 , U77, Marjorie Albright, $510.20 , C76, Shrisonda Archie, $594.35 , D62, Rodnika Hayward, $491.06 , E23, GERARDO GONZALEZ, $970.85 , U107, Eboniegh Robinson, $281.81 D31, TOMMY ELLIS, $771.60 , U94, John Hope, $516.88 C20, Margarito Macedo, $556.46 , B53, KAMILAH ROSS, $325.85 , A31, rose dorval, $863.85 , C69, jamie johnson, $494.96 , B23, LEGEIA HENLEY, $725.40 , D17, najiyaah miles, $899.67 , B56, Trina Clarke, $658.80 , E16, Gail AND BILLY REDDEN, $1,906.45 , E03, sandra Henry, $976.60 , U78, Thomas Swafford, $590.20 , C19, Sandra Henry, $922.70 , U-Haul Moving and Storage of Apopka, 1221 E Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703; 1352, Brian Tucker, $603.20 , 1108, Imaxx Pluming System, $664.10 , 1220, jennifer franklin, $1,095.60 , 1185, CHRISTOPHER CHAMBERS, $817.80 , 1216, Rose Petit-frere, $571.90 , 1129, david elliott, $776.80 , 1151, Luis Vega, $778.60 , 1270, Rose Petit-frere, $571.90 , 1024, LAMAR BENNETT, $469.40 , 1004, Nathaniel Figaro, $469.40 , R047, Jonathan Morales, $633.28 , 1253, ELIZETTE MERVILLE, $493.30 , 1247, ernest cobb, $487.30 , 1014, Keesha Brinson, $394.65 U-Haul Moving and
Storage of Altamonte Springs, 598 West SR 436, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714; B103, ALFRED CULLORS, $965.60, C133, Mckayla Guiod, $777.05 U-Haul Moving and Storage at Semoran Blvd, 2055 State Rd 436, Winter Park, Fl 32792; 2078, myra rebustillos, $585.40, 2414, myra rebustillos, $693.80, 1364, Jonathan Garcia, $621.50, 1040, Angelicia Abel, $687.35, 2705, Amiri Woodruff, $408.24, 2326, MALACHI FAIRLEY, $865.10, 2470, Armond Chambers, $808.55, 2049, Teesha Lambert, $1,006.75, 1016, Sheneda Pryor, $936.50 U-Haul Moving & Storage of Longwood, 650 N Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood, FL 32750; C016, Juan Fernandez, $648.30, B090, KENNETH DOTSON, $481.77, A004, Torris Lewis, $663.20, E006, Vinnessa Ferguson, $819.00, C015, David Catalano, $605.15, E085, esther estrada, $515.00, E060, STANLEY PIERRE COFFY, $419.75, E067, ANTONIO RUANO, $419.75, A042, MARYBETH BECK, $571.80, B046-47, Anyta Irons, $389.25, A047, BRIANNA HAGGINS, $388.85, E037, meodda may, $563.00 , U-Haul Moving and Storage at Lake Mary Blvd, 3851 S Orlando Drive, Sanford, Fl 32773; 1581, Tyree Davis, $327.05, 2502, JAKEVIA RANDLE, $388.80, 2282, Shealyn Taylor, $335.45, 2215, RAUL VEIZAGA, $395.60, 1081, JOHNNY ROWE, $636.05, 0009, JULIAN ANTE, $404.30, 5004, Joseph Lumpkin, $659.90, 2026, CERISSA JOHNSON, $311.60, 2312, JAKEVIA RANDLE, $790.50, 2440, TARREK BUTLER, $311.60, 1045, JOHNNY ROWE, $636.05, 2585, Sara Gopher, $488.90, 2278, AQUASHA BEVERITT, $338.45, 2545, luz montana castillo, $311.60 U-Haul Moving and Storage of Sanford, 3101 S Orlando Drive, Sanford, FL 32773 1534, Latoya Howard, $558.35 , 0230, TYMIEA FINNEY, $512.90, 1937, LATOSHA PERRYMAN, $528.35, 0152, Inga Rozier, $536.75, 1809, Aaliyha Richardson, $528.35, 1742, Sybil Vasquez, $435.60, 1275, Sybil Vasquez, $343.55, 1177, KATE BUSH, $227.95, 1812, Reggie Maxwell, $327.50, 1442, Melissa Tomovick, $227.95, 1797, SYLVESTER ROBERTS, $265.70, 1650, MICHELE WILLIAMS, $328.35 , 1837, Mystery Room, $265.70,1698, Ezequiel Villavicencio, $682.80, 1693, JOSE TORRES, $682.80 U-Haul Moving & Storage of Sanford at Rinehart Road, 1811 Rinehart Road, Sanford, FL 32771; 4117, BELINDA BROWN, $616.55 , 1080, alonda Matthews, $965.60, 2019, Orianna Simmons, $1,339.45, 2055, STANLEY MCKINNEY, $527.90, 4053, shiquita Alexander, $826.50, 4091, Kevin Larocca, $589.70, 2132, Atasia Hayes, $647.20, 3062, GABRIELA DIAZ JIMENEZ, $553.60, 1076, SINCERE ROBINSON, $477.50, 2040, Charles bouchard, $527.90.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Site #3086, 130 Concord Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707, 09/09/2025, @ 12:00 pm: Hailey henderson- household goods Candie AdamsHousehold Goods/Furniture Melissa Borja- Furniture. The auction will be listed an advertised on www.storagetreasures. com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage, 1170 W State Rd 434 Longwood, FL, 32750 - (407) 602-3999 September 9th, 2025 @ 12:00pm. Milanna Otway- tv, couch, bed, nightstands, coffee tables Clothing / Kaylania ChapmanClothing, Camera Equipment for Photography, Laptops, Skincare. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Management, LLC #0695 - 4554 Hoffner Ave Orlando, FL 32812 to satisfy a lien on September 9,2025 at approx. 10:30am at www.storagetreasures.com: Joan Marie Lugo Joubert, Edgar Comellas, Arnaldo Ortiz Santiago, Candice Jackson, Lydia Bivens, Julio Gomez, Jomar F Brache, Christian Emmanuel Torres Diaz NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for Owner CubeSmart # 5341 – 2310 W Carroll St, Kissimmee, FL 34741 to satisfy a lien on September 9,2025 at approx. 11:00am at www.storagetreasures.com: Jonathan lewis Hunter, Simon Kenga Martin, Adline Ramos Hernandez/ Fashion Touch by Aviles, Milagros Del Carmen Gutierrez Ocando, jaime gavilanes, Jehessen Eugenio Santos Echevarria, Jamie Lee Chambers, Stevie McLeod, Wulf Perez, Weperia Williams, Weperia Denise Williams, Digna Acosta, Oscar Enrique Bracho Villalobos, Kaia Sofia Vazquez, Seth Gniotczynski, Brittany Mccoy NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for Owner CubeSmart # 6174 – 1004 North Hoagland Blvd. Kissimmee, Fl. 34741 to satisfy a lien on September 9,2025 at approx. 11:30am at www.storagetreasures.com: Mike M Green, Lawrence Smith, Barbara Jane Short, Charlene Diaz, LaCandice Michelle Hollinger NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for Owner CubeSmart # 4586 – 8235 N Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL 32810 satisfy a lien on September 9,2025 at approx. 12:30pm at www.storagetreasures. com: Karneshia Johnson, Ronald Usmiller, Ernesto Poux, Tranetta Stephens, Jonathan Aldana, William Fisher NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for Owner CubeSmart # 5695 – 1159 Tomyn Blvd Winter Garden, FL 34787 to satisfy a lien on September 9,2025 at approx. 1:00pm at www.
storagetreasures.com: Phil Pennington, Paulo Lima, Nastassia Bacon, Melanie Gregory, Lydia Hair Crayton NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Management, LLC #0671 – 100 Mercantile Ct. Ocoee, FL 34761 to satisfy a lien on September 10,2025 at approx. 10:30am at www.storagetreasures.com: ASP GREG SNOW, Naomi Vega, Marcio Rogerio Araujo Fonseca, Jaan Lee Shaw, Lucille Priolo NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Management, LLC #0693 - 1015 N. Apopka Vineland Rd. Orlando, FL 32818 to satisfy a lien on September 10,2025 at approx. 11:00am at www.storagetreasures. com: Shareefah Bailey, Sherelle Gipson, Milton Williams, Sherrl Stewart, S L Stewart, Darius Francis, Carlos Jean, Hector Rodriguez, Micah Gray, Jaciana Perry, James Hines, Joevany A Kersaint, Victoria J Laney, RS, Rasheda Saunders NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Management, LLC # 0420 –5301 N. Pine Hills Road, Orlando Fl 32808 to satisfy a lien on September 10,2025 at approx. 11:30am at www.storagetreasures.com: Kiandra Jasper,Kamesh Liafortune,Courtney King,adrianna ware,Keith Gibbs, FELICIA DANNER,Danaja Davis,Christopher Joseph Harris,Kamey Fenton,Courtney King,Kevin Daniel Williams,Shayla Boyd,Sonya Johnson,Jasmine Clark,Tranise Brown,Charlie James McCoy,Samuel Demarcus Florence,Kamaria Jackson NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Management, LLC #430 - 7400 West Colonial Dr, Orlando Fl 32818 to satisfy a lien on September 10,2025 at approx. 12:00pm at www.storagetreasures.com: mcnair cornell, Sandra Rae, Sandi Rae, Clinton butts, Monique Hall, Gertha Gaston, Teneika Alexander, Larron Phillip, Ma’haganee Nicole Jackson, Syria Judea Joseph NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for Owner CubeSmart # 6698 – 45630 US Hwy 27 Davenport, FL 33897 satisfy a lien on September 10,2025 at approx. 12:30pm at www.storagetreasures.com: Armando Mercado, Rickey Gray, Evelyn Whittaker, Jasmine Battles, Nickey Dorne, Jonel Segarra, Cauntavia Henry NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for Owner CubeSmart # 5868 – 4752 Conroy Storage Lane, Orlando, FL 32835 to satisfy a lien on September 11,2025 at approx. 10:30am at www. storagetreasures.com: Siedah Mackida Jacobs, Alethea Dyas, Eric Grady, Sandy Hickson, Mahendra Moonan, Kindrick Richenzie Soiro, Michael Thomas Quinlan, Jocelyn Bellas, Lisa Ann Hardy, Vanessa Chanel Dempster, Brittany Crumpton, Gwendolyn Hamm NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Management, LLC # 0351 –10425 S John Young Pkwy Orlando, FL 32837 to satisfy a lien on at approx.
September 11,2025 at approx. 11:00am at www.storagetreasures.com: Brandon Jones, Jesus Reynosa, Zipporah Roberts, Courtney Ebner NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for Owner CubeSmart # 5962 – 49671 Hwy 27 Davenport, FL 33897 to satisfy a lien on September 11,2025 at approx. 11:30am at www.storagetreasures.com: Damian Rivera, Cynthia Colon, Marcus Junior Ocasio, Katherine Allen, Wendi Uhrig, Angel Velez, Alan Beattie, John Meacham, Bianca Grullon, Reinaldo Morales, Denise Lisa Blackmon, Lauren Torres, Adrian Higgins, Edward Garczynski, Larry Limes Williams. NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for Owner CubeSmart # 5961 – 1540 Sullivan Rd., Davenport, FL 33896 to satisfy a lien on September 11,2025 at approx. 12:00pm at www.storagetreasures.com: Michael Washington, Laurie Salmi, Maurici Braulio Luz, Kaylani Marie Santiago Vissepo, Anthony Morcilio, Anncarine Lucas, KENDALL BUTLER, Morgan Elizabeth Peters, Norrell Taron Wilcox, Abraham Gomez, Daniel Johnson, Adrean marrero, Anna Lundberg, Javier Enrique Otero Reyes, RayderAlexander Paredes Tejeda, Adori Gardner, Brittney Patrice Williams, Efrain Cuevas Machado. NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Self-storage Cube contents of the following customers containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLC as Agent for Owner CubeSmart # 5694 – 7220 Osceola Polk Line Rd. Davenport, FL 33896 to satisfy a lien on September 11,2025 at approx. 12:00pm at www.storagetreasures.com: Natasha Reid, Shatera Jones, Youthnie Petion, Shawnta Anton Leon Taylor.
NOTICE OF SALE
ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under The Florida Self Storage Facility Act. Bidding takes place on lockerfox.com and concludes Thursday the 28th day of August, 2025 at 10:00 AM with payment at the facility. Store Space Millenia, 4912 S. John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL, 32839. Aisha Isaac ; Brooke Ansley ; Aiesha Tanner ; Fernando Garriga ; Brittany Williams ; JESSICA SANTIAGO ; Store Space Sanford - Storage, 3980 E. Lake Mary Blvd., Sanford, FL, 32773. Milagros Pola ; Verlon Henley ; Gina Vincenza Van Epps
Employment
Marketing Technology AssociateAvenue Z, Inc. is looking for a Marketing Technology Associate to join our office in Orlando, Florida. Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and 2 years of experience. Must also have 2+ years of experience in the following: digital marketing with a broad purview across channels & systems; applying digital marketing principles, including search, social media, and email marketing; and applying excellent communication skills with the ability to translate data insights
into actionable recommendations for non-technical stakeholders. Please send all applications to lisette.ortiz@avenuez.com
Nancy H Abrams in Windermere, FL seeks full-time Personal Concierge to coordinate personal tasks, travel, and events while handling messages and reservations. Req Bachelor’s degree in Administration. $37,502/year. Mail resume to N. Abrams, 11237 Macaw Ct, Windermere, FL 34786.
Project Designer
Fugleberg Koch, LLC (dba FK Architecture) based in Maitland, FL seeks a Project Designer to join our team. Works independently on architectural design projects and often coordinates project design efforts while collaborating closely with a licensed architect for final approval. Develops planning and creative-design concepts for projects. Develops solutions and creates project design and plans. Prepares presentations and design drawings and details. Telecommuting is allowed 2 days per week but should be able to come in person if required. Requires: Must have a Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Architecture and 5 years of work experience in the field, developing details, and providing planning and design support in the preparation of design development. The work experience must include 5 years of experience in AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch Up, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office software. Must reside within the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. Email resume to Karen Durrance at KarenD@fkcompanies.com
