News across Orange County

Opera Orlando Opens Its Season with ‘Madame Butterfly’ This Weekend
Opera Orlando is kicking off its 2026-27 season this weekend with one of the most famous operas in the repertoire, Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. The new production takes over Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for three performances: Friday, Oct. 2 and…
More than 30 Apopka firefighters complete Tunnel to Towers run despite storm
More than 30 Apopka firefighters joined Sunday's Tunnel to Towers run in New York City despite travel delays and stormy conditions. Former Fire Chief Chuck Carnesale called the group "relentless" in its commitment to honoring those lost on September 11.
Nesta’s plan for Apopka resource center draws hope and caution from service groups
Mayor Nick Nesta invited Apopka service organizations to help shape a proposed resource center for people experiencing homelessness and other hardships. Participants welcomed the chance to coordinate their work but urged the city to set realistic goals and follow through.

City Hall’s Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit Is Now On Display Downtown
Orlando City Hall is looking a little more colorful right now. The City of Orlando’s 20th annual Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibition is now on display at the Terrace Gallery, featuring work from 27 Hispanic visual artists from across Central Florida. The free exhibition runs…
Black Phin Is Leaving Harmon Collective, But It’s Not Goodbye
Back in June 2025, we wrote about how a CrossFit gym moving into the former home of The Heavy made us groan, only to walk inside and discover one of our favorite new coffee shops. Now, Black Phin Coffee Bar is getting ready to leave Harmon Collective at 1152 Harmon Avenue in…
Zaza’s New Flagship Restaurant Is Now Open in SoDo
Back in February, we told you that Zaza Cuban Comfort Food was taking over the former Brick & Fire Pizza space at 1621 S. Orange Avenue in SoDo. Now they’re officially open. Zaza opened the doors Wednesday to what the local Cuban restaurant chain is calling its new flagship…

Trader Joe’s Halloween Mini Totes Drop Tomorrow. You’ve Been Warned.
At various points in history, we, as a society, have decided certain things are worth losing our minds over. Stanley cups. Labubus. And, apparently, tiny grocery bags. Trader Joe’s is dropping its limited-edition Halloween Mini Canvas Totes on Wednesday, Sept. 30, which means the…

Ájini Is Now Open on Ivanhoe Row, Bringing African Art and Fashion to the Neighborhood
Another new shop has officially joined Swanson’s Ivanhoe Row. Ájini, the African atelier we first told you about earlier this year, is now open at 1221 N. Orange Avenue, filling the space created when longtime neighbor Tim’s Wine Market downsized its footprint. When we first…

Tigers defeat state champs 3-1 in volleyball
Union County High School’s volleyball team defeated defending Rural Class state champion Branford 3-1 (25-16, 26-24, 25-27, 25-20) on Sept. 21 in Lake Butler. Mallory Waugh and Elizabeth Fowler had 29 and 22 assists as the Tigers handed the Buccaneers just their second loss of…

Florida Democrats think they'll break Republican supermajorities. What does that mean?
Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers of the Florida Legislature. Democrats say they can break both this November — and gain more legislative leverage.
Nesta proposes Apopka government restructuring; former campaign manager expresses interest in chief of staff role
Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta outlined a proposed government restructuring that includes chief of staff and chief utilities officer positions during Monday's town hall. His former campaign manager, Brian Mater, said he would consider the chief of staff opportunity, while Nesta said the…
DRC flags access and infrastructure concerns in 165-home proposals
Apopka's Development Review Committee recommended denying two residential submissions totaling 165 proposed homes and lots because access, safety, and infrastructure questions remain unresolved.