John Torres

1 week ago | floridatoday.com | John Torres

Please consider this column an invitation, more of a plea really, to come and see our production of your inspiring story. I've always been a sucker for a sentimental, heartfelt ballad, especially one with a killer hook and sing-along chorus. That's probably why songs like "Anything for You" and "Words get in the Way," by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine play along with the movie montage in my mind when I reminisce about my late teens and early twenties.

1 week ago | floridatoday.com | John Torres

Orlando's first new major theme park in 26 years opened this week with the doors opening on Universal's Epic Universe, prompting me to ask, is Islands of Adventure really already 26 years old? Time really does fly. Except, of course, you're one of thousands waiting on a two-hour line in the scorching sun sipping on a $14.25 Belgian beer all to experience the four-minute "Curse of the Werewolf" roller coaster. Ah, the joy of an Orlando theme park.

2 weeks ago | floridatoday.com | John Torres

I recently wrote a column about the Daily Bread soup kitchen closing its doors as it transitions from providing food to a housing-based model. I repeated a phrase in my piece I'd heard a lot in recent months about how the soup kitchen model is old fashioned and no longer works. That comment prompted David Brubaker, the CEO of the Central Brevard Sharing Center, to reach out to me with an email, inviting me to come have lunch at the sharing center's community kitchen.

2 weeks ago | floridatoday.com | John Torres

Most of us agree that converting septic systems to sewer hookups will greatly benefit the health of the Indian River Lagoon. But the question of who should foot the bills for these conversions remains a sticking point. This week, the Cocoa City Council gave its initial approval to an ordinance that would make it mandatory to hook up to central sewer when public sewer lines become available.

3 weeks ago | floridatoday.com | John Torres

Share your views by taking part in our Question of the WeekThe Brevard County Commission recently rejected a proposal by County Commission Vice Chair Tom Goodson for a $5,000 cultural grant to Space Coast Pride for its Pridefest in downtown Melbourne.