PRESENTED BY

Welcome to Monday Morning, Orlando!

I attended the Lake Nona’s “Oh, What Fun!” festivities with the fam this weekend. It was quite fun, except, the parade leading up to it beforehand was, shall we say, lacking. Thankfully, the parade part was a one-time thing and I encourage all to visit the rest through Dec 22nd.

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Barber-Mizell Feud

• Winter Park's Public Art

• Nic & Luc

• ….and much more

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🛑 Don’t forget to click (or tap) the poll at the bottom of this issue so we know if we’re on the right track. Every time you vote in a poll, our cat Luna gets a little treat. 🐈

Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Blood and Cattle: The Fatal Barber-Mizell Feud

In the fascinating landscape of Reconstruction-era Florida, a seemingly simple dispute over cattle taxes in Orange County sparked an unexpected rivalry that would shape local history for generations.

At its center stood Moses Barber, a resourceful cattle baron whose successful empire stretched from the Carolinas to the St. Johns River, and the well-respected Mizell brothers, David and John.

The story took a dramatic turn in 1868 when David Mizell, newly appointed as Orange County Sheriff, began collecting unpaid taxes by seizing Barber's cattle. By then, Barber had established a new home in Shake Rag settlement, in what is now Osceola County.

Things grew tense after Jack Barber was jailed for reclaiming what he believed was a stolen family cow from Mizell's herd. Tragedy struck in February 1870 when David Mizell was fatally shot at Bull Creek, setting off a chain of unfortunate events.

Several lives were lost in the aftermath, including Needham Yates and Moses B. F. Barber, who met a tragic end in Lake Conway. Moses Barber himself passed away in 1870 before he could stand trial for David Mizell's death.

Remarkably, time healed old wounds, and the feud finally ended in the 1940s when love brought the families together through marriage.

(Learn more about the Barber - Mizell Feud with Jessica Barnes, right here.)

PRESENTED BY COVERING CENTRAL FLORIDA
Expert Healthcare Navigators Help You Find Affordable Coverage in Central Florida

⏰ Don't wait until the last minute to enroll! December 15th is the enrollment deadline for coverage that starts on January 1st, 2025.

Our Navigators can guide you through options and help you choose a plan that fits your needs.

Call 877-564-5031 or visit www.coveringcfl.net for more information. 📞#CoveringFlorida #CFNP

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Insurance Relief Finally Beckons for Florida Homeowners

A welcome ray of hope is emerging for Florida's property insurance market, according to positive reports from the 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit in Orlando last week.

Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky shared encouraging news that rates have leveled off with tiny increases of just 0.8%, though homeowners still face substantial $3,600 annual premiums. The state's rocky road stemmed from devastating storms, shaky insurers, and a flood of lawsuits - Florida sees just 9% of national claims but 79% of legal battles.

The tide seems to be turning thanks to recent reforms, with seasoned broker Michael Dehlinger now connecting most clients with private insurers rather than the state-backed Citizens program.

Better building standards have helped too, especially vital since 75% of Floridians call coastal areas home.

(Learn more about what came out of this Insurance Summit with Randy Rauch, right here.)

Monthly Book Program Aims to Boost Central Florida Literacy, for Free

Hope brightens for young Central Florida readers through an exciting new program called New Worlds Reading, which delivers free monthly books right to their doorsteps from VPK through fifth grade.

While Florida's reading levels improved 4% this year, 47% of students still read below grade level, making this warm-hearted initiative especially timely.

The program sends nine engaging books annually to Central Florida homes, with choices in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille. Stetson University professor Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown highlights how reading together at home makes all the difference.

Program director Robin Gregory shares that over a million Florida students qualify, and kids get to pick books they'll love. Interested families can easily apply online, right here.

(Learn more about this literacy boost with Danielle Prieur, right here.)

Explore Winter Park's Public Art Collection with New Digital Guide

Winter Park just brought its stunning public art collection into the digital age with a new online platform featuring over 90 remarkable artworks.

The comprehensive online database, launched by the city's Public Art Advisory Board, features an interactive map that guides art enthusiasts directly to each installation's physical location.

From Aletha Jones's whimsical "A Grand Croquet Masquerade" to Albin Polasek's classical "Emily Fountain," the collection spans various mediums and includes every "Best of Show" winner from the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival since 1969.

This digital initiative aims to enhance accessibility while encouraging visitors to experience these artistic treasures in person throughout the city's public spaces.

Local Leaders Champion New Era of Recycling with $75M Facility

Orange County and Orlando are teaming up to create an impressive new recycling hub.

The $75 million facility, planned for a spot between SR-417 and SR-528, will handle an impressive 100,000 tons of recyclables each year when it opens in 2027.

While some neighboring communities have had to step back from recycling programs due to market challenges, this partnership shows a bright path forward.

FCC Environmental Services will run the operation for 20 years, finally ending those long hauls to Cocoa for processing.

(Learn more about this Orange County/Orlando recycling partnership with Ryan Gillespie, right here.)

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Kingdom Sushi - Fresh Sushi Coming to Windermere

Kingdom Sushi (Insta) is bringing its all-you-can-eat Japanese cuisine to Horizon West's Westside Shoppes, marking its fifth Florida location since launching in Orlando in 2019. The restaurant will occupy 6506 Old Brick Road in Windermere, following the recent closure of grilled cheese eatery Toasted.

2️⃣ Cowboy Curry - Elite Chef Unveils Japanese Curry

Acclaimed chef William Shen is bringing his latest concept, Cowboy Curry (Insta), to Orlando's Mills Market food hall in early 2025. The venture promises meticulously crafted Japanese curry featuring premium A4 and A5 wagyu beef, joining Shen's growing empire that includes Sorekara, Zaru, and UniGirl.

👎 Dearly departing: Not a total departure, but King Bao announced they’re closing their Winter Park location. Last day for this location is December 28th. They still have two other locations around the Orlando area.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Walt Disney Amphitheater

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Eola

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Nic & Luc Scratch Kitchen

📍851 E State Rd 434 suite 128, Longwood, FL 32750. Map to this location.

Nestled in Longwood, Nic & Luc (Insta) brings farm-fresh elegance to casual dining. This family-owned café, born from Miami farmers markets in 2014, opened its doors in December 2018 after perfecting their vision in Orlando.

Serving breakfast, lunch, and Saturday brunch from 10am-2pm, they craft house-made pastries alongside 18-hour cold brew and Nespresso specialties.

Every dish celebrates clean, organic ingredients sourced from sustainable producers, delivering honest American fare without pretense. A true testament to mindful eating.

[Check out Nic & Luc, right here]

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

💃 Groovin with the Grinch 
📅 December 9, 2024 | 7-9pm 
📍 Horizon West Theater Company

Holiday-themed dance workshop led by Disney performer Tori Lucas, perfect for all skill levels.

🕯️ Candlelight: Holiday Special
📅 December 10, 17, & 18, 2024 
📍 The Abbey, 100 S Eola Dr, Unit 100, Orlando, FL 32801

Experience The Nutcracker and more under the gentle glow of candlelight in this magical concert series.

👩‍🍳 In the Kitchen with Katie: Holiday Comfort Classics 
📅 December 11, 2024 | 6-7:30pm 
📍 Center for Health & Wellbeing, 2005 Mizell Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

Learn modern, healthier versions of classic holiday dishes with cookbook author Katie Farmand.

🎵 It's My Birth-TAY: Taylor Swift Birthday Bash 
📅 December 11, 2024 | 9pm 
📍 Celine, 22 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Celebrate Taylor Swift's birthday with DJ sets spanning her entire discography.

👗 Bridgerton Holiday Ball 
📅 December 11, 2024 | 6:30pm 
📍 HighT, 23 W Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801

Experience a whimsical Winter in Wonderland with the Red Queen's Holiday Ball.

🎸 The Fleetwood Mac Experience 
📅 December 12, 2024 | 5-9:30pm 
📍 The Wharf at Sunset Walk

Experience Fleatwood Mac's nostalgic tribute to the legendary band.

🏠 Gingerbread House Decorating
 📅 December 12, 2024 | 5-7pm 
📍 JoJo's ShakeBAR, 9101 International Drive, Suite 1208, Orlando, FL 32819

Craft your dream gingerbread home while enjoying festive treats and shakes.

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Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal