New Dr. Phillips Center holiday festival enjoying a good first year — and attendees enjoy it too

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/27 1:43A Silas Morgan

With a week left in its inaugural run, the Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Holiday Festival has made a family-friendly impact in the heart of downtown Orlando, with live music, games, food, and plenty...

Plant Doctor: Enjoy colorful camellias during the cooler months

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/26 11:00P Tom MacCubbin

Question: Many camellias are blooming in our neighborhood and they seem to be easy to grow. If we obtain a few what care is needed? Answer: Gardeners from Tampa northward can enjoy the colorful...

January in the Garden for Central Florida

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/26 10:00P Tom MacCubbin

The Almanac Average temperature: High 72, Low 50 | Florida Arbor Day is Jan. 16 Rainfall: 2.43 inches 1. Moon phases Full moon: Jan. 3 Last quarter: Jan. 10 New moon: Jan. 18 First quarter: Jan. 25 2. Moon sign planting dates Above-ground crops:...

Recycle Old Electronics and Save on Zoo Admission at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

My Central Florida Family 12/26 6:12A Brandi Zrallack

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Travel Millions of Years Into the Past at Fossil Fest at Orlando Science Center

My Central Florida Family 12/26 5:54A Brandi Zrallack

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Student’s costume creation is onstage and Broadway-bound

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/23 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

A Winter Park High School senior could see the whimsical holiday costume she designed as part of her theater studies on Broadway one day. And for the rest of the Christmas season, her design will be part of the Pomp, Snow & CIRQUEumstance show at...

Game-themed pop-up bar, Citrus Bowl Lodge, debuts Friday for Bowl Week

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/23 6:00A Amy Drew Thompson

A milestone moment in college football history has inspired an inception-like celebration in Orlando s Thornton Park neighborhood. Debuting Friday at 4 p.m., the Citrus Bowl Lodge, what may be the nation s first bowl-themed bar, is popping up...

Cruises, an epic bike ride and more: Central Florida Explorer’s 2025 year in review

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 10:00P Patrick Connolly

When thinking back on the year past, it s hard to know exactly how to begin reflecting on another 52 weeks of memories, stories and adventures. Perhaps the year can be measured by the number of...

Katherine Page named associate curator at Orlando Museum of Art

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

The newest staff addition at Orlando Museum of Art comes from right across the street. Katherine Page will leave the Mennello Museum of American Art and move across Loch Haven Park to OMA as its new associate curator. The position had been vacant...

Barry Manilow to have surgery for early-stage lung cancer and postpones January concerts

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 5:50A Associated Press

Barry Manilow will be having surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung and will reschedule his January concerts, the singer announced Monday. Manilow, 82, said doctors found the cancer after he had an extended bout of bronchitis — six weeks,...

Tanqueray’s to close: Downtown music mainstay opened in 1989

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 5:00A Amy Drew Thompson

Opening in 1989, Tanqueray s Bar & Grille, a bastion of downtown Orlando s downtown scene, will close on New Year s Eve due to city regulations and a lease non-renewal. The city has not been kind to the local bars in the downtown entertainment...

Singer-songwriter Chris Rea, known for ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ dies at 74

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 4:19A Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Chris Rea, the singer and songwriter best known for the hit “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died at 74, his family said Monday. FILE Chris Rea arrives at the Odeon Leicester Square for...

SeaWorld announces death of 50-year-old killer whale Katina

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/22 2:50A Richard Tribou

SeaWorld Orlando officials announced the death Sunday of a 50-year-old killer whale named Katina. Her health had begun to significantly decline as she entered her geriatric years, the theme park posted on its social media. Over the last several...

How, where and when to see Disney Parks’ televised Christmas parade

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/21 11:06P Dewayne Bevil

The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade will be televised Dec. 25, and it will feature performances from all four Walt Disney World theme parks and other attractions. Viewers will see Lady A...

Matthew J. Palm: Best of Orlando Theater 2025 | Critic’s Picks

Orlando Sentinel (Soundboard) 12/21 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

Central Florida theaters, large and small, flourished with creativity during 2025. Throughout December, I’ve been saluting achievements in the various branches of the theatrical arts with a series of...