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...

IAAPA Expo: SeaWorld debuts SEAQuest vehicle

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/18 6:57A Dewayne Bevil

SeaWorld Orlando has revealed the ride vehicle for its upcoming SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep , an indoor attraction that will sway left and right while moving forward in a simulated underwater experience. The vehicle, unveiled on the show floor...

Florida’s Turnpike set to be widened, providing relief for growing southern Osceola

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/18 5:41A Natalia Jaramillo

The Florida Department of Transportation is planning to add some desperately needed lanes to one of the only major highways in and out of a booming southern Osceola County. Florida s Turnpike will be widened from four lanes to six along one of...

Strolling through the streets, holiday treats of SeaWorld, Jollywood

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/18 4:59A Dewayne Bevil

This holiday season at Orlando’s theme parks is a bit like that comfy cardigan you’ve had stowed away for several months. It’s totally familiar, full of memories and, oh, there are a couple of things...

Central Florida school district part of drone pilot program to combat shooting threats

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/18 3:24A Garfield Hylton

A Central Florida school district has been selected for a new drone program targeting school safety. On Monday, the Volusia County Sheriff s Office announced the district s partnership with a Texas-based company, Campus Guardian Angel, focused on...

Tuesday has morning fog before sunny skies take over

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/18 1:23A Garfield Hylton

Tuesday morning fog will eventually give way to sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-80s. The fog is reducing visibility, particularly south of Orlando to the Treasure Coast, according to NWS Melbourne. Warm weather and mostly sunny skies are...

Orlando’s largest vacation home is off the rental market after record-breaking sale

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 11/17 11:00P Tiffani Sherman

The Orlando area’s biggest and most luxurious vacation home is off the rental market after a Miami investor paid $14.245 million to make it their private escape. Now the 23,000-square-foot Isolé Villa...

Former Central Florida teacher Joe Acabá steps down as head of NASA astronaut corps

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 11/17 11:00P Richard Tribou

Joe Acabá is no longer chief astronaut. The former Central Florida teacher and three-time spaceflight veteran became the first Hispanic to hold the prestigious post in 2023. NASA confirmed Monday that...

Regina Hill wants Orlando’s election results tossed, or to be declared winner

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/17 7:43A Ryan Gillespie

The latest chapter in the saga of Regina Hill may play out in court. Hill, who was suspended from her Orlando City Council post last year after a felony indictment, is suing incumbent Commissioner Shan Rose and the city, challenging the results...

Novo chops Wegovy prices, but doctors still see affordability challenges for patients

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 11/17 1:57A Associated Press

By TOM MURPHY, Associated Press Health Writer Novo Nordisk is chopping prices again for its popular obesity treatment Wegovy, but doctors say the expense will remain challenging for patients without insurance. Related Articles House explosion in...

Monday has patchy fog early, but the day will be mostly sunny

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/17 12:37A Garfield Hylton

Patchy fog is expected in the area before 8 a.m., but Monday is expected to be sunny. Temperature highs top out at 81 degrees, according to NWS Melbourne. There is a moderate risk of rip currents at area beaches. A look ahead shows temperatures...

New analysis shows more US consumers are falling behind on their utility bills

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 11/17 12:32A Associated Press

By JOSH BOAK, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — More people are falling behind on paying their bills to keep on the lights and heat their homes, according to a new analysis of consumer data — a warning sign for the U.S. economy and another...

Celebrity Xcel tops off trio of new ships to Port Everglades

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 11/16 11:00P Richard Tribou

With the arrival of Celebrity Cruises new ship Celebrity Xcel, Port Everglades is loaded up with new hardware for the winter sailing season. It joined Disney Cruise Line s new ship Disney Destiny and...

Dr. Phillips Center’s holiday gift to Orlando: A free monthlong festival

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/16 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has a plan to make downtown Orlando extra merry and bright during this year s holiday season with a new free outdoor festival featuring seasonal movies,...

2 teens die, several injured in Lake County crash

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/16 1:55A Richard Tribou

Two teens died in a two-car crash in Lake County on Saturday that left several others injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The collision occurred when a 2008 Toyota Scion driven by a 16-year-old girl from Groveland was traveling...