Black Bear Memorial at Lake Eola.

Posted on by Thor

In 2015 a black bear hunt was authorized in Florida.  This was the  first bear hunt in Florida in 21 years.  The
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set a quota of 320
bears despite the fact that a complete bear population study won’t be
available until 2016.  It only took two days for the hunt to reach the Commissions limit.  The Florida black bear was removed from the threatened species list just three years prior to the hunt.  In response, bear advocates organized a memorial inspired in part by a you tube video by 5 year old Khendall.

The states Humane Society director Kate MacFall said, “This
is a sad day for Florida’s black bears. This weekend, trophy hunters
will take to the woods to kill our bears for rugs and taxidermied
trophies. This hunt is completely unnecessary and it’s not supported by
science or by public sentiment. Research overwhelmingly shows that
hunting bears in the woods doesn’t reduce problems with bears in
neighborhoods. The state would be better off helping citizens manage
trash and outdoor food sources. Unfortunately for bears, most of
Florida’s wildlife commissioners failed to listen to the overwhelming
majority of Floridians who publicly opposed the hunt.”

At the Lake Eola band shell about 300 people gathered dressed in black to memorialize the bears that had been killed.  Advocates say that the hunt will affect the remaining bear population.  About one third of the bears killed were lactating mothers.  I was told that one hunter decided to bury a bear cub alive after he had killed the mother bear.  Those who attended the memorial want to fight to make sure Florida never does this again.

In 2016, the seven-member Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
voted to postpone bear hunting in Florida in 2016. Although the
framework for bear hunting in Florida remains in place, there will be a
zero hunt objective set for 2016, 2017, and 2018. The FWC “needed more time” to better explain itself and turn public opinion around. Driving out of New Smirna, I saw a bear crossing sign.  I find that odd since I have never seen a bear from any Florida Road. Having worked on the character of Koda in The Disney feature animated film “Brother Bear“, I have a soft spot for bear cubs.

Weekend Top 6 Picks

Posted on by Thor

Saturday November 9, 2013

8am to 3pm Fifth Third Bank Second Art Market, (Fifth Third Bank Coloinal Branch, 3244 E Colonial Drive Orlando, FL). Free. On the 2nd Sunday of every month Gallery Fresh Art Markets and 5/3 Fifth Third Bank (Colonial Branch) proudly present our “Second Saturday Art Market” This outdoor event will showcase 20 to 30 artists and fine crafts persons located at 5/3 Bank Colonial Branch, Directly Across From Orlando Fashion Square, from 9am to 3pm in an outdoor setting with AMAZING ART, music, food trucks, and fun! Join Us!

10am to 5pm   The Festival of the Masters. Downtown Disney 1780 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL. Free.  The 38th annual Festival of the Masters is Nov. 8-10 in the Downtown Disney Area. Dazzling works of art from more than 150 Master artists. One of the largest displays of official Disney Art in the Disney Artist Village.

7pm to 11pm The Master Class Event. Just bring canned goods for the food drive. Through philanthropic events and the sale of items from our Conscious Boutique, Conscious People LLC strives to support a community of mindful, healthy, and socially responsible people. The theme of this Master Class event is: Be Conscious to Local Hunger Issues, an Art Show and Food Drive benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank. Genevieve DeMarco will be the featured artist of the night. All new work will be presented throughout the venue. Music performances from MoZaic and Purple Kloud.

Sunday November 10, 2013

10am to 6pm  Fashion Square Art Fair. Free. Orlando Fashion Square (3201 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, Fl). This is an indoor event showcasing 30 to 60 artists and fine crafts persons located throughout Fashion Square Mall.

12:30pm to 4pm Florida Gospel Jam. Grab a drink or some food. Fish on Fire 7937 Daetwyler Drive Belle Island FL.Non Denominational Gospel open mic Every 2nd and 4th Sunday.

9pm to 11pm Non Denominational Gospel open mic. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday. Free. Natura Coffee and Tea 12078 Collegiate Way Orlando FL).

Weekend Top 6 Picks

Posted on by Thor

Saturday November 2, 2013

6pm to 8pm Run Nona at Night. Laureate Park, Crescent Park, (Lake Nona Tavistock Lakes Boulevard Orlando, FL 32827.) Cross the line into an epic block party fueled by 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Samuel Adams, energetic music and incredible lights. Enjoy 4 Rivers Smokehouse specialties all included in your 5k entry fee! Pulled chicken sandwich, chips and lemonade, sweet tea or beer! For non-meat lovers: veggie skewers or chopped salad. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Tavistock Foundation. The Tavistock Foundation serves programs and organizations in the communities where it has significant business interests.

7pm to 11pm Neanderthal Ball. $150 General Public, $100 Science Center Members. Orlando Science Center (777 Princeton Street, Orlando FL.) Step into the Past as we support the future at the Orlando Science
Center’s Neanderthal Ball! Set amongst the prehistoric setting of
“DinoDigs” and the Ice Age theme of “Our Planet, Our Universe” exhibit.
Enjoy delectable food and wine choices under under the star lit sky on
the beautiful SunTrust Terrace. Chisel out your mark at the silent auction. Dress code is cocktail
fun with an accent on “cavemen couture”, with an animal print necktie or
leopard pattern cocktail dress!

8pm Jessica Earley Art Opening. Free. Buy a beer or some art. The Falcon 819 E. Washington Street, Suite 2, Orlando, Florida

Sunday November 3, 2013

11am to 6pm $3 Greek Festival Saturday and Sunday. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (1217 Trinity Woods Lane Maitland FL). All things Greek!

9pm to 11pm Comedy Open Mic. Free. Austin’s Coffee (929 W Fairbanks Ave Winter Park, FL 32789.) Come out & laugh, or give it a try yourself.

10pm to Midnight Sick Of It Presents: Rancid karaoke cover set. Free. Will’s Pub (1042 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803.) You come up out of the crowd and sing your favorite Rancid songs with a live band…YOU’RE the singer!