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This weekend, Central Winds Park in Winter Springs resembles the rolling hills of Scotland, complete with bagpipes, highland games, herding dogs and even haggis. These festivities are part of the 48th Central Florida Scottish Highland Games, which will return on January 17th and 18th to celebrate the sights, sounds, and flavors of Scotland. Attendees can experience a piper, dancing, animals, craft vendors, ax throwing, archery, medieval camping, children’s activities, food and beverages, athletics and more. There is enough variety to satisfy visitors with all interests, but athletic events such as stone throwing, hammer throwing, cabertoss, bundle throwing and weighted overbars…

A day after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered his final State of the State address to lawmakers, a new poll from Mason Dixon Polling & Strategy shows the governor’s approval ratings remain healthy overall but are declining among key voter groups, particularly independents and women. The poll found that 50% of Florida voters approve of DeSantis’ job performance, while 46% disapprove and 4% are unsure. While still good, the numbers reflect the governor’s lowest approval rating since he took office, and represent a 3-point drop from the 53% approval rating measured last March. Related content: Percentage of American voters who…

Florida parents are school selective at one of the highest rates in the nation, with an estimated 3.2 million parents of school-age children considering at least one new school for their child in the past year. A new survey of 508 Florida parents released by the National Foundation for School Choice reveals that 81% of Florida parents are considering a new school for at least one child by 2025. 26% of people ended up enrolling their children in a new school, higher than the national enrollment rate of 21%. Parents most often cited practical reasons for their search, including transitioning…

What does it mean to be a Scottish clan leader in 2026? And more importantly, what does it mean to belong? These are the central themes touched upon in a documentary being shown in a special screening at the Enzian Theater this week. “Meet the Buchanans” will be shown Thursday to coincide with this weekend’s Central Florida Scottish Highland Games in Winter Springs. Film director Barbara Orton and the clan chief’s son Rory Buchanan will also be in attendance. The 90-minute documentary begins with the lush greenery and rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands, specifically Cambusmore Estate, where Mike Buchanan…

Universal Orlando has announced 11 concerts related to the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios Florida theme park. Among the performers are DJ Mode RuPaul, Bebe Rexha, Zedd and former boy banders Joey Fatone and AJ McLean sharing the Music Plaza stage. Performances will begin on February 7th and run on select nights through March 28th. Universal also announced information about the event’s nightly parade and tribute store, which will run through April 4, as well as offering three months of free annual passes. The concert lineup is subject to change, but is as follows: February 7: Cascade (“I Remember”,…

First impressions are important, especially in a professional setting. Your skills, experience, and confidence do the heavy lifting, but how you present yourself can subtly influence how you’re perceived. Clear, healthy-looking skin alone won’t get the job done, but it can help your skin look more refined, energized, and put together. The good news? There is no need for complicated or expensive treatments. A simple, consistent skin care routine will support your appearance and confidence as you navigate interviews, networking events, and daily work life. Why skin care affects professional confidence When your skin looks tired, irritated, or congested, it’s…

2025 was not the greatest year for job creation. The U.S. job market has remained stagnant since the Trump administration imposed flat tariffs, and the slowdown intensified after President Trump’s “Emancipation Day” tariff announcement, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Tariff Costs US, a group opposed to the president’s tariff hikes, claims that U.S. manufacturing has lost jobs every month since April, with about 8,000 jobs lost in December alone, and construction employment down 11,000. “December’s jobs report ended a year of sluggish job growth with the smallest non-recession job gain since 2003,” the group…

The 2026 Florida Legislature begins this week, and in all, more than 1,000 bills have been filed for consideration in the Legislature. Some of the main issues: Fixed asset tax Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has promised to present a plan to exempt homeowners from paying local property taxes, but to get what he wants on the 2026 ballot, he will need to include support from the Republican-controlled state Senate and state Assembly, which likely won’t agree. redistricting Republicans hope to strengthen Florida’s legislative power by creating another district that favors Republicans. The governor has already called for a special legislative…

Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge, the new Chinese restaurant from Kit Vonprachan and the folks behind the Michelin-certified Twenty Four Hour 2D Noodle Bar, will soft open Wednesday (January 14) at 11701 International Drive near SeaWorld. Also on the maiden voyage were Kaikai founders Jerry and Jackie Lau, whose dim sum and Chinese barbecue skills earned recognition for their long-standing concept after its re-opening at Mills Market at Mills 50 last year. Jerry Lau told the Orlando Sentinel that he is now working full-time in Moon Wok’s open kitchen after finishing his consulting career and will remain there for the…

After the Sabers built a 6-5 advantage with a late goaltender, Grier scored his second goal of the game by sending the puck into an empty net at 18:46 to make it 4-2. Grier, who moved into the top six for the injury-depleted Panthers, scored a career-best nine goals and also tied a career-high for total points with 17. “I think I brought some confidence from last year and the offseason that followed. I’m really happy with where I’m at right now,” Grier said. “I give a huge compliment to my linemates and coaches for giving me this opportunity.” Alex…