brendan, Author at Orlando Shine

Winter Park Library facing construction issues – years after it was built

The Winter Park Library & Events Center (Website), a $42.3 million facility that opened in late 2021, is now sharing a number of concerns and formal complaints alongside city officials over some alleged construction issues. Built by national contractor Brasfield & Gorrie (Website) and designed by acclaimed architect Sir David Adjaye (Website), the building was […]

CityArts looking for muralists and artists for 2025 Orlando Mural Festival

The Downtown Arts District (Website) in downtown Orlando has just issued a call for muralists, artists, and vendors who would like to participate in the 2025 Orlando Mural Festival, scheduled for September 18 and 19. The event will run from 6-10 p.m. both days and be held along Magnolia Avenue in front of CityArts gallery. […]

Florida Attorney General threatens to remove Orange County officials over ICE transportation pushback

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has just issued an ultimatum to Mayor Jerry Demings and the Orange County Board of Commissioners: approve a transport amendment to the county’s ICE agreement or face potential removal from office by Governor Ron DeSantis. The statement is in response to a proposed addendum to the county’s 287(g) agreement with […]

White Castle sets opening date for Clermont store

We told you HERE on July 8 that White Castle (Website) was hard at work building its second freestanding location in Florida, and we now have an opening date. The burger chain’s new Clermont Castle is located at 4551 Collina Terrace [GMap] in the Plaza Collina development and is expected to open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, […]

Orange County audit alleges Visit Orlando’s spending has been Unbelievably Real

A recent audit by Orange County’s Comptroller is alleging that Visit Orlando (Website), the region’s publicly funded tourism marketing agency, may have misused taxpayer dollars by spending tourist development tax (TDT) funds on expenses that were not aligned with their designated promotional purpose. The audit found that over $3 million in public funds had been […]

Applications now open for a Winter Park history research grant

Applications are now open for the Rhea Marsh and Dorothy Lockhart Smith Winter Park History Research Grant, an initiative of the Winter Park Public Library (Website) that supports original research on the rich and diverse history of Winter Park, Florida. The grant is named in honor of two local figures dedicated to preserving the city’s […]

City District Main Street hosting 3rd Annual Downtwn Orlando Field Day, November 6

The City District Main Street (Website) will once again host its outdoor recess-like day of field games on Thursday, November 6, and they are currently accepting signups. The 3rd Annual Downtown Orlando Field Day (Website) will be hosted at the Seneff Arts Plaza in front of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and feature […]

Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute gets funding to repair marina in Indian River Lagoon

A nearly $1 million state grant has been awarded to the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (Website) to transform a run-down marina on A1A in Melbourne Beach into a fully functional aquaculture and seagrass restoration hub for the Indian River Lagoon. The renovated site will support the Sea and Shoreline (Website) nursery’s operations, where biodegradable sandbags are […]

Florida DOGE sets magnifying lens on Orange County

Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a state agency created in early 2025 to allegedly boost fiscal accountability, is launching a comprehensive audit of Orange County government’s finances. In a July 24 letter to County Mayor Jerry Demings, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia requested access to county buildings, data systems, and personnel. The audit seeks […]

Former Apopka golf course sells for $4.25 million

A massive track of land in Apopka that was once home to Errol Estate Golf & Country Club has changed hands at a steep discount. Just this month, the 380-acre property (of which only 170 acres were deemed buildable by the City) sold for $4.25 million to an investment group linked to billionaire entrepreneur Michael […]

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