Democratic battle lines are drawn in Orlando’s District 3 city council runoff

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/22 12:00A Ryan Gillespie

The runoff election for Orlando’s District 3 city council seat is drawing big money and a who’s who of local Democrats lining up behind either Roger Chapin or Mira Tanna, who were separated by just 14...

Apopka council seeks to raise impact fees on new homes by 42%

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/22 12:00A Brian Bell

The Apopka City Council took the penultimate step Wednesday toward hiking fees developers are charged to help fund police, fire/rescue and recreation services — as much as 42% for residential and 280%...

‘Fraggle Rock’ show coming to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/21 4:05A Dewayne Bevil

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is adding a live stage show featuring Jim Henson characters. Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure is set to debut Dec. 22 at the attraction. The show with have full-body costumed “walkaround” versions of the...

Florida House moves tax-cut bills forward despite barbs from the left and right

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/21 3:42A Jim Turner

A series of proposals aimed at eliminating or reducing non-school homestead property taxes advanced out of a House committee on Thursday, as local-government officials warned about having to decrease services because of potentially billions of...

Dense fog in parts of Central Florida to give way to sunny, dry Friday

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/20 11:23P Richard Tribou

A dense fog advisory is in place for parts of east Central Florida through 10 a.m., according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. Once it lifts, the region is in store for a warm, sunny day with no chance for rain. The advisory is in...

Orlando airport to replace four terminal link trams in major overhaul

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/20 11:00P Skyler Swisher

The Orlando International Airport is embarking upon a $253 million project to replace four aging trams that connect terminals A and B with airline gates. Airport officials expect minimal disruptions...

Orange County’s pitch to entice filmmakers: Lights, cameras, incentives!

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/19 7:39A Stephen Hudak

Imagine The Walking Dead in Bithlo or Stranger Things in Pine Hills. It could have happened. The pop culture megahits, still available on streaming platforms, were filmed in Georgia, which offers generous tax incentives for motion picture and...

Another I-4 overhaul will begin construction in January, but some are not happy

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/19 7:15A Natalia Jaramillo

Just three years after the lengthy and expansive I-4 Ultimate venture in Central Florida was finally completed, construction on Interstate 4 will start right back up again in January on another major overhaul of the notoriously clogged corridor....

Maxwell: Florida grand juries, at root of Epstein rot, may next target Trump foes

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/19 6:25A Scott Maxwell

You’re probably aware of the growing consensus to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein — the heinous crimes he committed and the grossly favorable treatment he received early on. But did you know that secret favoritism started in...

Stepbrother of teen who died on Carnival cruise ship could face charges, records show

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/19 1:36A Richard Tribou, Cristóbal Reyes

The death of an 18-year-old aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship earlier this month could result in charges being filed against a teenage stepbrother as the FBI continues its investigation, according to filings in Brevard County family court. A...

More patchy morning fog that quickly gives way to sunshine

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/19 12:08A Garfield Hylton

Central Florida s trend of patchy fog before 8 a.m. continues. Once the fog clears, the day will be pleasant with highs in the mid-80s, according to NWS Melbourne. Okeechobee will have the highest temperature for the day at 84, with the Greater...

Osceola commissioners approve $50M plan for soccer complex at Osceola Heritage Park

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/18 11:00P Laura Kinsler

Osceola County would contribute $25 million toward the development of an expanded soccer training academy at Osceola Heritage Park and stadium improvements under a newly approved deal with the owners...

Orange’s animal services aims to move dogs, cats quickly from shelter

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/18 11:00P Stephen Hudak

Orange County commissioners got a first look Tuesday at revised rules for the county s animal shelter and the changes, if affirmed by the board, would mean a shorter leash for stray cats and dogs. Under the proposed new rules, a dog without...

Tony Danza’s singing standards and telling stories for a good cause

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/18 10:09P Matthew J. Palm

Tony Danza is being a good neighbor. If we could all just try to be a good neighbor, what a difference that would make, says the star of such TV sitcoms as Who s the Boss? and Taxi. Danza will perform...

Maxwell: $925/hr legal bills, $494,000 per degree. The costs of cronyism at Florida universities

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/18 7:11A Scott Maxwell

Over the last few years, Florida has gone from being the Sunshine State to the Political Patronage State. Campaign donors and political allies keep cashing in — on no-bid construction contracts down at “ Alligator Alcatraz ,” shady insider deals...