Absolute Queen

Absolute Queen channels Freddie Mercury's theatrical magic, delivering spine-tingling harmonies and intricate arrangements that made Queen untouchable.

July 03, 2025

Welcome to Thursday Morning, Orlando!

Based on Thursday’s poll, it appears most of you (43.49%) will tend to freaked-out pets during fireworks tomorrow. Luna’s already reserved her spot under the bed.

In any case, hope you all have the day off and can chill or BBQ with your fam!

Now onto today’s Orlando Signal (weekend fun) issue:

  • Fido Bags

  • Morse Museum

  • Absolute Queen

  • + lots of weekend recs

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Let’s roll!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️

When Crime Strikes, Orlando's Heart Beats Louder

Security cameras at Bad As's Burgers on Curry Ford caught what looked like your typical bike theft last week, until the popular burger joint realized the stolen e-bike belonged to their youngest employee, a determined young adult juggling life without a car or family backup for his 30-minute daily commute.

When the restaurant shared the surveillance footage on Instagram, calling it gut-wrenching to see someone doing everything right get knocked down, Orlando said "not on our watch."

The community exploded with generosity as strangers became instant heroes, flooding comments with offers to help. Within hours, donations poured in to fully replace the bike.

Sure, the thief's still out there, but this hardworking kid learned something priceless: Orlando's got serious love for those who never give up.

Firefighters Now Equipped to Save Pets from Smoke's Deadly Grip

When flames tear through homes, beloved pets often become silent casualties. The Fetch Foundation's donation of 23 FIDO Bags™ to the Orlando Fire Department changes that deadly equation, equipping all 17 fire stations with specialized oxygen masks and medical supplies designed for dogs and cats.

These life-saving kits proved their worth on May 6th, when three cats: Coco, Paco, and Marco made complete recoveries after smoke inhalation during an apartment fire. The generous donation even allowed Orlando firefighters to share five bags with Winter Park Fire Department.

Foundation founder Marie Peck expressed confidence that firefighters will fully utilize this equipment, emphasizing how first responders now protect every family member, regardless of legs.

Beyond the Baby Shower: Building Lifelong Support Networks for Central Florida Moms

Heart of Florida United Way threw the ultimate baby shower trilogy, wrapping up last Saturday at Valencia College West Campus with 150 celebrating mothers from the ALICE population: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed families representing 47% of the tri-county area.

A previous recipient perfectly captured the magic, returning as a volunteer after being showered with love last year. Each mom walked away with $200 worth of baby goodies, but the real treasure was the lasting connections to community lifelines.

Partner organizations like the National Association of Hispanic Nurses added serious value with health screenings, catching some mothers who needed immediate emergency care for sky-high blood pressure.

These joyful gatherings prove that the best parties create lasting villages, building safety nets that sparkle long after the confetti settles.

(Learn more about these helpful baby showers with Emily McLeod, right here)

🙋 Trivia Time

⁉️ Which local band is known for performing live patriotic music at Lake Eola’s July 4th celebration?

Click/Tap your answer below

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WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
July 4th Fireworks & Festivities Around Greater Orlando

📍All around Greater Orlando

🕐 Friday July 4th, different times

Greater Orlando ignites with patriotic splendor on Friday, July 4, 2025, as communities transform into stages for unforgettable Independence Day celebrations. Here’s a handful for your consideration:

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊

Morse Museum Marks 30 Years on Park Avenue w/ Free Admission Day

Image Courtesy of the Morse Museum

📍The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. 445 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, July 4th, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Celebrating thirty remarkable years, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continues its beloved tradition of free admission for July 4th that began in 1995.

This milestone anniversary features live music (1-4pm) and special displays showcasing the world's most comprehensive Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933) collection.

Discover luminous leaded-glass lamps, intricate jewelry, his spectacular chapel from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and treasures from Laurelton Hall alongside exquisite American art pottery and decorative arts.

🆒 Pssst. The galleries are always set to 68 degrees, so come in and cool down!

Absolute Queen - The Ultimate Queen Tribute with Absolute Def Leppard

Image Courtesy of Absolute Queen

📍House of Blues Orlando. 1490 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, July 5th, 7:30pm

When lights dim at House of Blues, Absolute Queen channels Freddie Mercury's theatrical magic, delivering spine-tingling harmonies and intricate arrangements that made Queen untouchable.

Absolute Def Leppard ignites the crowd first, transforming Disney Springs into a rock arena. These aren't average cover bands, they're musical archaeologists excavating every guitar riff and stadium-shaking moment.

Witness this double-barrel tribute where "We Will Rock You" becomes a promise, not just a song.

July 4th Pool Party at Altira Pool + Lounge

Image Courtesy of Altira

📍Grand Bohemian Orlando (Altira Pool + Lounge), 325 South Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, July 4th, 4 p.m.

Golden hour meets poolside luxury at Altira Pool + Lounge from 4:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

Start with their weekly Happy Hour (4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.), then groove to live Top 40s music during their Sunset Soirée.

Sip specialty cocktails at the ATIAN Gin pop-up, savor food specials, and soak up summer vibes.

This slice of Independence Day magic is completely free and open to everyone, just bring your appetite for fun.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Multi-Day

Red, White, and Food Fest | Fri & Sat | Kissimmee | More

Friday - 4th

FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ Quarter Finals | 3 p.m. | Downtown | More

Horsepower & Fireworks: Old Town's Stars, Stripes & V8s Celebration | 5 p.m. | Kissimmee | More

Monumental Fourth of July | 7 p.m. | Kissimmee | More

Maxine’s All-American Birthday Bash | 3 p.m. | Colonialtown South | More

Saturday - 5th

Run, White and Blue 5k Run/Walk | 7:30 a.m. | Williamsburg | More

Jackpot! Comedy | 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. | Wadeview Park | More

Slum Village | 6 & 9 p.m. | Downtown | More

Montgomery Drive Presents: Standards with Floral, Cloutchaser, and Sky Navy | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

American Idiots (Green Day Cover Band), Archer's New Rival, and The Rememberance | 7 p.m. | Winter Park | More

Don Soledad Group: Arte y Pasion | 8 p.m. | Winter Park | More

Soulshake with DJ Smilin Dan | 10 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Sunday - 6th

Cars & Coffee Winter Park | 8 a.m. | Winter Park | More

Cigano Swing | 3 p.m. | Winter Park | More

Josh Firestine | 3:30 p.m. | I-Drive | More

burgafest Artist showcase | 6 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Mode. Album Release Show with Stay At Home Astronauts, Paperback Romance, and October | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

D'Lai LIVE at Bonkerz Comedy Club | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More

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THANKS!

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal