AltWeeklies Wire
A Dubious Development Project in Orlando Sits Idlenew
Almost three years after the city approved a sweetheart development deal for a political ally, the the 3.5-acre property sits idle, used only for overflow parking. There's no sign of construction, much less the slew of single-family homes and offices that were supposed to be finished by year's end.
Orlando Weekly |
Billy Manes |
06-19-2009 |
Housing & Development
Florida Bicyclists Tell of Their Encounters with Carsnew
All too often in Florida, bicycles and automobiles don't get along.
Orlando Weekly |
Lindy T. Shepherd |
06-11-2009 |
Transportation
Tags: bicycle safety, Florida
Why is Orlando Slashing Public Safety Budgets When It's Got $105 Million in the Bank?new
Records show that the City of Orlando has nearly $105 million in its operating funds reserve, money set aside to save the city from economic calamity. To many, these look like the rainy days the reserve funds are intended for, but the city doesn't agree.
Orlando Weekly |
Jeffery C, Billman |
06-11-2009 |
Economy
In Florida, If You Don't Own It, You Can't Save Itnew
While other states grant municipalities the right to go over the heads of private property owners in designating landmarks, Florida's law protects property owners from just that sort of thing. "Florida is a super-private property rights state," says city lawyer Karen Consalo. "We're very conservative like that."
Orlando Weekly |
Billy Manes |
12-04-2008 |
Housing & Development
Why Does Orlando's City Grant Money Go to Already Rich Neighborhoods?new
The Main Street project, a convoluted revitalization program -- the National Trust for Historic Preservation sets the ground rules, but cities pay the bills -- is ultimately a marketing machine, akin to a homeowners' association for businesses.
Orlando Weekly |
Billy Manes |
11-14-2008 |
Economy
The Orlando Police Beatnew
Oct. 16, 10:29 a.m.: Two bits of housekeeping: First, after catching a raft of shit concerning my last column's Gilbert and Sullivan reference, I would like to state the following: I know almost nothing about musical theater.
Orlando Weekly |
Jeffrey C. Billman |
11-06-2008 |
Crime & Justice
One Florida City's War on Sinnew
Winter Park doesn't just have a booby bar in its sights; tattoo parlors and other supposedly ill-reputed businesses have also been targeted next.
Orlando Weekly |
Deanna Morey |
11-06-2008 |
Business & Labor
Did the Feds Bust a Suspected Ponzi Scheme Too Soon?new
Headed by a secretive grandfather and run out of a former flower shop, AdSurf Daily has almost all the trappings of a money-laundering case: victims, a raid by the feds and a very public takedown of a suspect business. What makes this case different is the fact that there are few who consider themselves victims of ASD.
Orlando Weekly |
Deanna Morey |
11-06-2008 |
Business & Labor
The Orlando Police Beatnew
Oct. 9, 7:55 a.m.: Your humble columnist has had a hell of a week, and to be perfectly honest pounding out this mush is just about the last thing in the world he wants to do right now. But duty calls, and like Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance (that's the only musical I know, swear to God), I answer.
Orlando Weekly |
Jeffrey C. Billman |
10-23-2008 |
Crime & Justice
The Orlando Police Beatnew
Sept. 20, 4:20 a.m.: Before we get down to business, I have some housekeeping to take care of. I've learned two things this past week: One, this column has a dedicated following of potheads. Two, I could never be a drug dealer, on account of the fact that I can't do simple math.
Orlando Weekly |
Jeffrey C. Billman |
10-07-2008 |
Crime & Justice
Is the GOP Trying to Keep New Voters from the Polls?new
In the midst of a crush of new voter applicants, there's a new issue that progressives fear the GOP could use to disenfranchise voters across Florida: the Republican secretary of state's recent decision to enforce the state's three-year-old "no match, no vote" law.
Orlando Weekly |
Deanna Morey |
10-07-2008 |
Civil Liberties
Turf War: Who Should Control Charter Schools?new
Throughout Florida, charter schools are exploding in popularity. Their numbers have climbed 300 percent in the last eight years -- from 118 in 2000 to 358 now -- and there are 17 in Orange County.
Orlando Weekly |
Adriana Ruiz |
10-07-2008 |
Education
The Orlando Police Beatnew
As I've trudged through the monotony of home invasions and copper wire thefts, I've become convinced that this column is missing one important ingredient on its way to superstardom: my opinion.
Orlando Weekly |
Jeffrey C. Billman |
10-01-2008 |
Crime & Justice
Our Dumb State: The Casey Anthony Editionnew
In June, Caylee Anthony went missing. Her mother, Casey Anthony, didn't tell anyone – including her own mother -- for a month.
Orlando Weekly |
Jeffrey C. Billman |
09-12-2008 |
Crime & Justice
The Orlando Police Beatnew
Aug. 24; 2:20 a.m.: Good news! According to Orlando Weekly's most recent focus group -- prospective interns and some guy on a bus -- the kids totally dig this column! This, and Blister -- but more importantly, this! Ah, the sweet smell of validation -- and job security! Let's celebrate while we can.
Orlando Weekly |
Jeffrey C. Billman |
09-05-2008 |
Crime & Justice
Tags: crime & justice, armed robbery
