New ventures for the Sanctuary building
The owners of Funky Monkey Wine Company are launching two new restaurants in the Sanctuary building downtown. Eddie Nickell and Nicholas Olivieri announced that Prickly Pear”Fresh American Cuisine and Nick's Italian Kitchen will arrive in the spots formerly occupied by Graze and Fifi's. Prickly Pear will serve southwest-inspired dishes, while Nick's Italian Kitchen will feature dishes from all regions of Italy and an extensive wine list. Both restaurants are slated to open this summer.
UCF spotlights LGBT issues
The University of Central Florida (UCF) may offer domestic partner benefits to the university's faculty and staff. The Student Government Association Senate passed a resolution supporting the benefits on April 14. Additionally, the school hosted a debate about same-sex marriage on April 21. Anti-gay author and radio host Dr. Michael L. Brown faced off against LGBT supporter and Rollins professor Dr. Eric Smaw. The original moderator was John Stemberger, but UCF reportedly changed the event after receiving negative feedback on Stemberger's involvement.
Babes N Bonnets raises nearly $9K
The Orlando Youth Alliance's (OYA) annual Easter-time fundraiser, Babes N Bonnets, raised $8,841. The event was April 18 at the Footlight Theatre at Parliament House. Nineteen clubs, bars, restaurants and other businesses created elaborate headdresses that were auctioned off to attendees. The event was hosted by Darcel Stevens and Baby Blue. Carmella Marcella Garcia created the event, which debuted at the Parliament House in 1998.
