Convenience Big Store: 7 Orange schools closing | Maxwell on Florida Legislature | NASA audit | Big-name Broadway at Dr. Phillips Center | Orlando City, coach part ways

Orlando Sentinel Evening Update

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

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7 Orange schools closing | Maxwell on Florida Legislature | NASA audit | Big-name Broadway at Dr. Phillips Center | Orlando City, coach part ways | Pictures: Pulse sign removed

Orange school board votes to close 7 schools

The students at the seven schools, all with low enrollment, will be assigned to attend nearby schools for the coming school year.

Maxwell: Overtime and underperforming, Florida Legislature lets record-hiding continue

Once again, the Florida Legislature, distracted by sideshows, failed to pass a budget on time. They also appear poised to let an important public-records bill die.

NASA audit raises concerns about astronaut safety on SpaceX, Blue Origin's moon landers

Astronaut safety and delays were top concerns in a new audit of NASA's plans to use either SpaceX's Starship or Blue Origin's Blue Moon lunar landers on future Artemis missions, although costs have remained on target so far.

Dr. Phillips Center goes for big-name Broadway with 3 events

Jason Robert Brown, a touring concert version of "Rent" and Jodi Benson starring in "Into the Woods" are all ahead at Dr. Phillips Center.

Coach Oscar Pareja leaves Orlando City after six seasons in mutual decision

Orlando City has announced that it has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Oscar Pareja, who took the club to six straight postseason appearances, including winning the U.S. Open Cup in 2022.

Pictures: Pulse sign removed ahead of site demolition

Workers begin the process of taking down the Pulse nightclub sign in preparation for the construction of the Pulse memorial.

Republicans deliver bill to kill DEI in cities, counties to DeSantis

Opponents said the bill, if it becomes law, would prevent local governments from supporting events their residents want.

Senate moves to provide stopgap funding for HIV/AIDS drug program

The funding would help the 16,000 people who were cut out of the program in January, but it still needs approval from the House.

Health inspections lead to 3 Central Florida restaurant shutdowns

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shut down three Central Florida restaurants for health code violations during the week from March 1-7.

Reactions to Adebayo's 83 range from raves, rants, respect: What coaches, players, pundits had to say

The reactions to the 83-point performance by Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo were as diverse as the means utilized to put himself in the NBA record books.

Deadline extended for Central Florida Top Workplaces nominations

Any organization with 35 or more employees in the region is eligible to compete for a Top Workplaces award. Standout companies will be honored in fall 2026.