In the woods of east Orange, a nonprofit offers hope to the hidden homeless

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/30 12:00A Ryan Gillespie

Deep in the forest behind a convenience store in eastern Orange County, Stacy, a former restaurant manager, has a roof over her head. It’s made of corrugated metal, sitting propped on some panels and...

After nearly 50 years on death row, Tommy Zeigler seeks final chance at freedom

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/30 12:00A Martin E. Comas

The Winter Garden Police chief was at a party on Christmas Eve 1975 when he received a phone call from his friend Tommy Zeigler, the owner of a furniture store on Dillard Street. “I’ve been shot,...

From the editor: Help us continue our important journalism

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/29 11:58P Roger Simmons

Dear readers, On behalf of our newsroom staff, I want to express my gratitude to you for being an Orlando Sentinel reader and someone who supports a free press, which is vital for our democracy. While...

Orlando Museum of Art to open largest U.S. David LaChapelle exhibit

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/29 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

A retrospective of the work of acclaimed photographer-director David LaChapelle is coming to Orlando Museum of Art in the new year. And it will include a world-premiere creation the museum describes...

Orlando small businesses can count on local shoppers’ loyalty this season

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/28 10:30P Silas Morgan

As Americans feel their wallets tighten this Black Friday, Orlando s small businesses are counting on the loyalty of customers in their community to ensure steady business. Sarah Johnson-Markve is the...

Orlando theaters collect food for hungry students during holidays

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/28 10:00P Matthew J. Palm

Three Central Florida theaters are uniting once again this holiday season to aid local children who go hungry when not in school. After a brief hiatus, Orlando Family Stage , Orlando Shakes and Winter Park Playhouse are reviving their...

Man charged with DUI manslaughter after 18-year-old killed in Osceola County crash

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/28 5:26A Elainie Barraza

An 18-year-old woman from Georgia is dead and several others are injured after a three-vehicle crash late Thanksgiving Day in Osceola County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. At approximately 11:41 p.m., 2004 Acura MDX, driven by 44-year-old Eddy...

Maxwell: Pay high school coaches more? Yes! But also arts and ag instructors

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/27 11:00P Scott Maxwell

There’s a move afoot to better compensate high school teachers in Florida who also serve as coaches. I think it’s a solid idea. Right now, most coaches get stipends worth somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000 for what’s often hundreds of extra hours...

Pictures: Orlando Magic serves Thanksgiving at coalition for 33rd year

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/27 5:31A Joe Burbank

Members of the Orlando Magic organization gather to serve at the team’s 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast in partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida at the coalition’s...

Orlando Magic serve 33rd annual Thanksgiving breakfast at homeless shelter

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/27 5:22A Steven Walker

Even as steaming hot plates of Thanksgiving breakfast flew across tables at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida , Denise Igruvay’s radiant smile was the warmest thing in the room...

Holiday giving: Nonprofits that could use Central Floridians’ support

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/27 1:21A Orlando Sentinel Staff

Central Floridians have many choices when seeking nonprofit organizations to support from food banks to youth involvement groups to humanitarian efforts. While the list of worthwhile groups that could use an assist especially during the giving...

Very Orlando Gift Guide: Epic Universe collectible, NASA ornament, Storm gear

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/27 1:00A Dewayne Bevil

We’ve got a past-present-future theme going for this holiday shopping suggestion list. And each item may have historic implications, depending on how seriously you take your football. Or we can call...

Circus-arts spectacular has Broadway dreams, lets student shine

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/26 10:11P Matthew J. Palm

Gaylord Palms Resort is awash in holiday cheer as usual, with its annual Ice exhibition featuring characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the return of The Greatest Story, a multicultural...

Florida AG vows to investigate Campbell’s after claims of ‘lab grown meat’

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/26 4:29A Steven Walker

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said he plans to investigate Campbell Soup Company over allegations it uses lab grown meat in soups — a claim the company vehemently denies. The investigation comes after a TV station in Detroit reported...

Maxwell: 101 Things to Love about Central Florida (2025)

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 11/26 4:00A Scott Maxwell

It’s time again to give thanks for all the things we love about the community we all call home. Readers offered hundreds of suggestions for the 15th annual installment of  “101 Things to Love about...