Years in the making: The Forum releases debut album, ‘All We’ll Ever Be’
Looking to dive into some new local music? Look no further, as Orlando-based band The Forum takes over your playlist.
Kayla Gayle
Kayla is the managing editor and copy chief of The Charge, the University of Central Florida’s student-run publication, where she leads editorial operations and upholds journalistic standards. She also serves as vice president of UCF’s chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. She graduated in May 2025 and holds degrees in journalism and political science. Her writing has been published in The Charge, Centric Magazine, The Community Paper, Oviedo Community News and EnVi Media. She is passionate about using journalism to amplify underrepresented voices and tell meaningful, inclusive stories.
Emerald Football Club unites College Park with wins and local pride
College Park has a new team to cheer for, and they haven’t lost a game yet this season! Emerald Football Club, the neighborhood’s semiprofessional soccer team, is in its second season with the goal of not just scoring but uniting the community.
High school seniors receive full-tuition scholarship to Valencia
Seniors at Jones High School and Evans High School were awarded a scholarship for free college or technical education at Valencia College on April 9.
From Girl Group to Solo Star: Makhyli Boldly Leaps with “Breaking Bad"
Makhyli has officially stepped into her solo era with the release of her debut single, “Breaking Bad,” on April 23. The genre-bending, unapologetic anthem marks the beginning of a bold new chapter following the disbandment of her former group, Boys World.
Old tech, new purpose: Local nonprofit launches tech drive for neurodiverse adults
Techtonic is calling on the community to dig through drawers and recycle old electronics for its Million Device Drive. The social enterprise, founded by local nonprofit Jonathan’s Landing Foundation, has launched a nationwide 30-day Impact Challenge to collect 3,000 used devices during Earth Month and Autism Awareness Month.
Orlando Fringe Festival returns in May
The Orlando Fringe Festival will be making its return May 13 – 26, celebrating independent art and bold performances.
Page 15 to host 13th annual anthology release party - The Community Paper
Page 15, a local nonprofit, will host its 13th annual anthology book release party at the Orlando Museum of Art on May 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
LegaStrings to host youth orchestra concert and fundraiser
LegaStrings Foundation will host a Youth Orchestra Concert and Charitable Fundraiser on Sunday, April 27 from 12 – 5 p.m. in College Park.
YMCA of Central Florida expands affordable health and fitness access
The YMCA of Central Florida has partnered with Dr. B, an online telehealth service, to offer eligible members with a health savings account or a flexible savings account to use pre-tax dollars to cover YMCA membership and personal training fees.
Two Central Florida James Beard Award finalists named
Two Central Florida dining stars are cooking up something big! For the first time, Orlando has two finalists in the James Beard Foundation Awards. Good Salt Restaurant Group’s Sue Chin and Jason Chin have been nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur. Ômo by Jônt in Winter Park has been nominated for Best New Restaurant.
The Future is Bright: 5 Girl Groups to Watch Before Their 2025 Debut
Though we are only nearing the midway point of the year, 2025 has proven to be a monumental year for women in music all around the globe. This momentum is far from slowing, with highly anticipated girl group debuts on the horizon.
IDignity celebrates groundbreaking ceremony
Local nonprofit IDignity celebrated a major milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new facility on March 26.
The Christ School hosts Spring Resource Fair
The Christ School is hosting its Spring Resource Fair on Thursday, March 27 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The fair is free and open to Central Florida community members.
The fair is free and open to Central Florida community members.
McRae Studios to hold exhibition of high school students’ arts
McRae Art Studios will collaborate with Edgewater and Evans high schools for the second year to inspire young artists. The studio will host a free two-day student art show in its main gallery, showcasing student artwork.
Orlando serves up five more restaurants in the Michelin Guide
Orlando’s dining scene just got a boost with five new additions to the Michelin Guide.
Bánh Mì Boy and Kai Kai join UniGirl as Michelin-recognized spots at Mills Market, while Gyukatsu Rose in the East End Market also earns a place on the list. Smokemade Meats + Eats, 1400 S. Crystal Lake Drive, and Walala Hand-Pulled Noodle House, 5062 W. Colonial Drive, #120, are also featured in the guide. Bar Kada in Winter Park joined the ranks as well.
Bánh Mì Boy and Kai Kai join UniGirl as Michelin-recognized spots at Mills Market, while Gyukatsu Rose in the East End Market also earns a place on the list. Smokemade Meats + Eats, 1400 S. Crystal Lake Drive, and Walala Hand-Pulled Noodle House, 5062 W. Colonial Drive, #120, are also featured in the guide. Bar Kada in Winter Park joined the ranks as well.
Live music and local eats: Free yacht rock concert in the Packing District
Who doesn’t love a free concert? Enjoy Dock & Dine: Anchoring Support, a free yacht rock community concert, on April 10 at 6:30 p.m. The concert is in benefit of 4Roots Farm and will be held at The Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall in the Packing District.
Business Anniversary: Gravity Taproom - The Community Paper
Craving house-made Neapolitan-style pizza? Gravity Taproom has you covered. And here’s something worth toasting to — the restaurant is celebrating its first anniversary this year!
To pair with the pizza, Gravity Taproom offers a lineup of shareable bites, all fired in a brick oven.
To pair with the pizza, Gravity Taproom offers a lineup of shareable bites, all fired in a brick oven.
Orlando Gifted Academy hosts book drive
Orlando Gifted Academy’s National Elementary Honor Society is hosting a book drive from March 24 to April 2.
Game on! Emerald FC announces schedule
Orlando’s Emerald Football Club is gearing up for an exciting spring season as the team announced the official fixture list.
Business Spotlight: Alien Treats
As you step through the doors of Alien Treats, a towering lime-green alien welcomes you with bulging eyes, an exposed brain and a toothy grin to the out-of-this-world ice cream bar in downtown Orlando.
Business Anniversary: 4 Rivers Smokehouse
The family-owned restaurant 4 Rivers Smokehouse is celebrating its 15th year as a go-to spot for authentic, slow-smoked barbeque. With several locations across Florida, 4 Rivers has become a barbecue staple for Central Florida.
From Orlando to Paris: Omari Jones’ journey to the Olympics
From Orlando to Paris, Omari “Banger” Jones stood proudly on the 2024 Paris Olympics podium with a bronze medal draped around his neck. The now 22-year-old has chronicled his journey to becoming an Olympian in his recently published book, “The Journey of an Olympian.”
Makk’s Barber Parlor offers free haircuts for children
Makk’s Barber Parlor is offering free haircuts through its new initiative, Cuts for Kids. Ten children will receive complimentary haircuts each month. The first event took place on Sunday, March 9.
Orlando Museum of Art to feature Portraits of FusionFest Exhibition
The Orlando Museum of Art will present its newest exhibition, Juan David Tena: Portraits of FusionFest, from March 14 to May 4.
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