Housewives hit Orlando

The stars of  ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ stopped at Star 94.5 for a bit of gossip and grub.

Ladies at the station

Kim Zolciak and Kandi Burruss are two cast members from season three of Bravo‘s reality show which is being filmed as the pair tour the USA.

Zolciak and Burruss joined radio host Jojo on air this afternoon to talk about the new season, romance and their musical endeavors.

Meet & Greet

Around 30 Star 94.5 listeners won the opportunity to have lunch at the station with their favorite radio presenters and delve into to on and offscreen lives of the housewives.

With a plate of fried chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese and some greens the interogation began.

Kandi reveled that she would like to work with B.OB and Janelle Monáe in the future. She told the group that she was working on her next album, which would focus on being a working mother.

Kim was told about the benefits of giving up smoking by listener Betty but replied, “It’s hard and I’m not ready right now.”

She also told the listeners and camera about her new NFL boyfriend and the begings of her musical career in rap.

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Later that night

Kim and Kandi performed at a speical event organised by Star and Bravo at club “Rain” in Orlando.

The crowd went crazy for the former Xscape band member but appeared confused and embarrassed for Kim as she performed her track ‘Google Me’ which included her rapping.

The housewives left Orlando as rumors began, implying some tension between Kim and Kandi. No one will know untill season two premiers later this year.

Sober Shannon Returns

A convicted radio host returns to the airwaves today.

Radio microphone

Local conservative talk show host Shannon Burke is on air for the first time since 2009.

He was released in May 2010 after serving six months for firing a gun. The bullet grazed his wife Catherine Burke’s head and then hit her dog.

According to WESH news, Burke claimed his wife had forgiven him and he that was drunk at the time of the incident.

He also stated that his time behind bars has given him time to think and sober up.

The first  “Shannon Burke Show” will air on Big 810 at 3pm today and listeners are eager to see if he brushes the whole incident aside and carries on as usual.

Fireworks for Freedom

Thousands joined Mayor Buddy Dyer in celebrating their nations independence this weekend.

Fireworks at Lake Eola Park, 4th July 2010

The City of Orlando held it’s the largest and longest-running fireworks show at Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando for the 32^nd time.

The preparation around the lake, were made difficult by rain pockets but the building crew were undeterred. Lake Eola’s historical fountain was struck by lightning last year and had recently been reconstructed.

Things to do

According to WFTV over 150,000 Floridians join news teams and radio stations like Power 95.3 in central Florida for the celebration from day to night.

There were two stages of live entertainment, from bands to Cartoon Networks Ben 10. There were various food stalls and plenty of standing room around the lake before the fireworks began.

The park flooded quickly around 4pm as family’s grabbed spots for picnics near the waterfront and the adults moved towards the two beer-gardens.

Fun with Power 95.3 before the fireworks

The extra revenue was welcomed as local venders sold burgers, fries and cold drinks at a time when tourism is down.

The Big Red Bus (Orlando Blood Centers) and Blue Cross Blue Shield offered free health screenings, back massages and opportunities to give blood.

Across the States

As the USA celebrated the day they were liberated from the British and many remember the Declaration of Independence, thoughts are cast to those serving overseas.

According to WFTV, soldiers in Bagdad celebrated by running 10kilometers through the streets, playing American football and having barbecues on base. Many called home to speak with loved ones.

Back in Washington,  President Barack Obama held a lawn party and invited his family and friends, those who have served and the families of those who are still serving amongst others.

During the South Lawn barbeque, the president spoke about the importance of freedom:

“We celebrate the principles that are timeless, tenets first declared by men of property and wealth but which gave rise to what Lincoln called a new birth of freedom in America – civil rights and voting rights, workers’ rights and women’s rights, and the rights of every American.”

Throughout the USA, Americans stood united to remember that their freedom was not free and they are thankful.

Lyon quits Casey’s Case

As the case against Casey Anthony continues, one of her death penalty defence lawyers has quit.

Anthony (left) and Lyons (right) before the split. Image provided by, westorlandonews.com

Head lawyer Jose Baez spoke out stating, a motion had been filed on Wednesday afternoon at the Orange County Courthouse. It states, lawyer Andrea Lyon is leaving the case for financial reasons.

Chicago born Lyon was named as Anthony’s star lawyer and had she been on the defense team for over a year.

The experts

WFTV’s Legal Analyst Bill Sheaffer has said he is not surprised with the decision. With the lack of publicity surrounding the Lyon’s book, Sheaffer said it was only a matter of time and no significant loss.

Sheaffer believes that local lawyer J. Cheney Mason, a high profile Orlando defence lawyer can perform Lyon’s duties.

According to Baez, Mason has begun performing Lyon’s responsibilities including the filling of motions involving death penalty related arguments.

Money Matters

Lyon received a little more than $20,000 from Casey Anthony before the court declared her penniless.

But Sheaffer and others believe that Lyon was not a true believer in Anthony and that is why she quit.

Baez defended his former collogue claiming Lyon made financial sacrifices by paying for her own travel from Chicago to Orlando because she believed Anthony.

Lyon’s Future

There are no plans to replace Lyon but she will be focusing on a death penalty legal clinic that she runs.

Last year, Lyon appeared in the headlines when some controversial recordings surfaced prior to her joining Anthony’s defence team.

At one point, she referred to judges as “ugly,” alongside, verbally insulting female prosecutors and victim’s advocates, she called jurors “killers.”

The Case

Casey Anthony is accused of murdering her three-year-old daughter Caylee Marie Anthony in 2008, when she called the police claiming her daughter was missing.

The case became suspicious when the police found that Anthony had not reported her daughter missing until a month after she claimed to have seen her for the last time.

Anthony faces a first-degree murder charge but maintains her innocence along with family and friends but the toddler’s body was found outside the mothers home.

Wizards come to Orlando

A star-studded grand opening for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.

Outside Hogwarts

In 2005, it was agreed that Harry Potter, would be brought to the sunshine state and today the attraction’s celebrity affair received a magical reception.

Actors from the film joined the lighting up ceremony including Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley). Held in front of the illuminated Hogwarts school, the dramatic music was provided by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tiny Details

Writer of the seven-book series author J.K Rowling also attended and met with fans. She insisted on supervising every step of the attractions features, including the refreshments.

Situated inside Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, visitors can wonder through the five shops on the streets of Hogsmeade. The village from the series homes a restaurant and three rides.

The shops include Honeydukes and the Owl Post form the books giving visitors the option to buy magical tools, sweets, clothing and the chance to send postcards with a Hogsmeade postmark.

Great Minds

Alan Gilmore was the Supervising Art Director and one of the creative minds behind the park. Gilmore worked on the movies ensuring continuity and the same costume designer was used for the employees at the park and actors in the movies.

According to WESH Gilmore said, “We want you to feel like you’ve actually entered the stories, like you’re in the films, that you’re reading the books aloud in your own mind… You can really become part of the story,”

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open to the public on June 18^th 2010.

Mayor serves the Community?

Mayor Buddy Dyer of the City of Orlando attended a community cookout but residents were left disheartened as he made a quick exit.

The Z.L. Riley Park in Parramore, Orlando was built in town known for it’s sub standard living conditions and crime, is part of a restoration project.

Organizers, Pathways for Parramore and radio station Star 94.5 started work at 7.30am this morning as the mayor arrived for the opening cermny a few minutes past 11am.

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He was greeted with applause, cheers and a hug from Star’s Monica May. He took to the stage to make a short speech and smile for photographs for the grand opening.

Residents were surprised as the mayor left before the children’s choir had begun n the chorus to their first song

Community Comeback

One resident claimed it’s was not uncommon for government officials to “…give there two cents and leave.” Miss Thomas said she was angered  by the way the people in Parramore are “…often disregarded.”

Contributors to the cookout included war veterans and local food venders. J.R Atkins a veteran from the RAFMAN foundation believes”The community needs jobs not just pretty parks.”

But many of the parents are happy for a safe environment for their children.

“They need to listen to the people.” (J.R Atkins) The mayor left before the food, music and good sprits of a harden community could be seen.

It was just another day in the office for him.

Documents Released In Bribery Case

Documents are released, as Commissioner Mildred Fernandez faces charges for corruption in Orlando.

The Orange County Courthouse, Orlando, Florida

Over 600 pages were released on Tuesday in connection with Orange County Commissioner Mildred Fernandez who was arrested in April 2010 for bribery, grand theft and accepting illegal campaign contributions.

According to the state, the transcripts contain conversations with undercover agents proving Commissioner Fernandez was breaking the law. Her lawyer disagrees and claims the evidence proves her innocence.

The Evidence

The State Attorney’s Office released statements made by Fernandez. They claim her campaign office informed developers in ways to give her money and make it appear legal.

It is alleged, the commissioner accepted illegal campaign contributions in exchange for fast-tracking development projects.

She faces 14 charges, including grand theft, accepting illegal contributions, bribery and racketeering.

Fernandez’s Defence

Fernandez’s lawyer, Tony Suarez, said she did nothing wrong outside Orange County Courthouse. He said it’s not illegal to ask for campaign contributions and she was trying to help a constituent.

“All lobbyist buy access, that’s what lobbyist do. It’s totally legal within our system to buy access to legislators,” Suarez told WFTV. “This is the most extreme use of prosecutorial power and interpretation of statue I have seen in my 33 years as a lawyer.”

The Commissioner has withdrawn from the Orange County mayor race and Governor Charlie Crist has decided against his 12-week window to replace the commission. His office has stated there is no official deadline or timetable.