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Barney the Buffalo
On a fateful evening in 1912, when Orlando was just a small city of 4,000 souls, an aging buffalo named Barney
PRESENTED BY
Welcome back to Monday morning, Orlando!
Nice treat over the weekend. We were craving bagels, so we stopped into Jeff’s Bagel Run and picked up a dozen! Asiago Everything bagel for me and the onion cream cheese is on point. After living in NJ for 2 years back in the day, I can safely say Jeff's bagels are as close to NJ/NYC quality as you'll find in Florida.
In today’s issue: 👇
Barney the Buffalo
An Artful Gift
BlueWave
….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 ⏪
Barney the Buffalo's Grand Finale
On a fateful evening in 1912, when Orlando was just a small city of 4,000 souls, an aging buffalo named Barney gave residents the show of a lifetime. It happened right after Buffalo Bill Cody's famous Wild West show had dazzled a whopping 10,000 spectators. Poor old Barney, perhaps tired from performing, decided to take one last tour of downtown on his own terms!
The beloved buffalo went on quite the adventure, giving Mr. Kanner quite a start at his shop and causing quite a stir outside Duckworth's store windows.
Four of Buffalo Bill's finest cowboys finally caught up with their four-legged friend at Orange Avenue and Church Street's "Guernsey corner." Though they managed to wrangle him gently, dear Barney's heart gave out on the way back to the train.
While Barney's story reminds us that the wild frontier was fading – with buffalo numbers down from millions to hundreds by then – there's a happy ending to the bigger tale. Today, over 20,000 of Barney's kin roam in protected herds.
And in 2024, local artist Kelly Williams-Cramer honored his memory with a delightful mural on a downtown traffic box, right near where our buffalo friend bid farewell.
(Learn more about Barney the Buffalo with Joy Wallace Dickinson, right here.)
PRESENTED BY COVERING CENTRAL FLORIDA
Expert Healthcare Navigators Help You Find Affordable Coverage in Central Florida
💸 Did you know that our health insurance enrollment assistance is completely FREE?
Don’t go through Open Enrollment alone — we’re here to guide you.
You have until January 15, 2025 to enroll in coverage. Call 877-564-5031 or visit coveringcfl.net. 📞 #CoveringFlorida #CFNP
THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Saving Life and Limb
In an exciting step forward for Central Florida healthcare, Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital has unveiled its first-ever comprehensive limb preservation program.
This vital initiative comes at a crucial time, with more than 5.6 million Americans facing limb loss or limb difference - many due to vascular disease and diabetes complications.
The program warmly welcomes patients dealing with peripheral artery disease and similar conditions, surrounding them with an exceptional team of caring specialists.
Under the leadership of vascular surgeon Dr. Kevin Claudeanos, the program brings together experts from cardiology, podiatry, wound care, and infectious disease to create personalized treatment paths that give patients their best chance at keeping their limbs healthy.
(Learn more about Orlando Health’s limb preservation program with Liz Ramos, right here.)
An Artful Gift: Orlando Museum Opens its Doors this Holiday Season
Get ready for two special days of art, music, and culture - completely free at the Orlando Museum of Art!
Art lovers can wander the halls on Thursday, December 19th, and Thursday, December 26th, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The museum has packed both days with exciting events, from Dr. Richard L. Gray sharing stories of his fascinating guitar collection to skateboarding pioneer Tim Payne revealing the art of skate park design.
Don't miss the December 26ths screening of the innovative film "Wavelength" with expert commentary.
While you're there, immerse yourself in four stunning exhibitions: from the rebellious spirit of "Torn Apart: PUNK" to the dynamic energy of "PUSH: 80s Skateboarding Photography," alongside "Golden Legacy" and "Front Row Center" - all on display until January 5th, 2025.
Special Hearts Farm Helps Grow Independence for Adults with Disabilities
A remarkable Orlando area non-profit, Special Hearts Farm, is bringing joy and purpose to individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities through the magic of farming.
The idea blossomed in 2014 when Dr. Phillips High School teacher Kathy Meena noticed how her students lit up while interacting with farm animals.
Purdue University research backs up what she saw - these animal connections dramatically boost communication skills and emotional well-being. Today, the farm bustles with workers tending vegetables, gathering eggs, and caring for animals while learning valuable life skills.
Their newest dream? A sprawling 19-acre Forever Home project that will include housing for 30 residents, ensuring a lasting home for this unique community.
(Learn more about Special Hearts Farm with Alyssa Hendry and Ashley Reep, right here.)
Beyond the Badge: Orlando's Street-Smart Solution to Homelessness
Meet Orlando's newest heroes - and they're not your typical cops. The Police Department's innovative Homeless Intervention Unit, led by the big-hearted Captain Drew Thomas, is flipping the script on how to help folks living on the streets.
Instead of handcuffs, they're extending hands of friendship - connecting with over 18,400 people in just seven months of 2024, with arrests accounting for barely a blip at 1%.
Teaming up with Aspire organization, they're like a concierge service for hope, matching people with vital services while treating their belongings with TLC. Even with Florida's new public sleeping law on the horizon, they're doubling down on compassion, bringing in their own dream team of clinicians and case managers.
(Learn more about this helpful approach for the homeless with Katie Streit, right here.)
CHARITY OF THE WEEK
Commission 127: Every Child Deserves A Strong Family
Commission 127 empowers churches to transform lives through innovative Family Advocacy Ministries. They stand with foster, adoptive, and biological families in crisis, preventing unnecessary separations and supporting vital reunifications. Their mission: ensure every vulnerable child experiences love within a well-supported family, creating lasting bonds that strengthen communities.
Support Commission 127’s mission with a donation here, right here.
TASTY NEWS 🧑🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way
Get ready for a sweet treat, Orlando! Ice cream expert Violet Sawukaytis is bringing her warmth and passion to 3464 Avalon Park E Blvd with Viola's Ice Cream Social (Insta). Opening in early 2025, this cozy gathering spot will feature 32 flavors of premium Wisconsin ice cream, including dairy-free options, plus fresh coffee.
2️⃣ Barros Super Market - Brazilian Food Hub Debuts Soon
A slice of Brazil is coming to Kissimmee as entrepreneurs João Leandro and Diogo Barros prepare to launch Barros Super Market (Insta). Located at 5345 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, their Brazilian complex will feature a marketplace, butcher shop, bakery, and restaurant offering rodizio barbecue and buffet service. The opening date to be announced.
👎 Dearly departed: Black Rock Bar & Grill in Windermere closed after 8 years. Cupid's Hot Dogs has left its Lee Road location but plans to reopen in Casselberry, while Chili Star, a Sichuan and Hunan restaurant on West Colonial Drive, has also closed its doors.
#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸
Gaston Edwards Park on Lake Ivanhoe
📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Ivanhoe
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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
BluWave Sushi & Handroll Bar
📍54 West Church Street, Suite 170, Orlando, 32801. Map to this location.
Love sushi?? Well, this spot is where tradition meets delicious innovation!
Their talented chefs love crafting mouthwatering masterpieces like the luxurious Lobster Tail Roll and the fresh Mango Delight Roll topped with silky salmon.
Cozy up to their friendly bar where creative cocktails like the Yokia Monster Martini await.
From their famous Blue Rangoons to authentic Takoyaki, every bite at BluWave promises a delightful adventure in flavor!
MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out
🍹 Holly Jolly Mixology
📅 December 16, 2024 | 6-8pm
📍 JoJo's ShakeBAR, 9101 International Drive, Suite 1208, Orlando, FL 32819
Learn to craft signature Winter Wonderland Cocktails with expert bartender guidance.
🎭 Some Like It Hot
📅 December 17-22, 2024
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Experience this high-kicking musical comedy about two musicians on a life-changing cross-country adventure.
🎸 Sean Holcomb
📅 December 17, 2024 | 7pm
📍 Judson's Live – Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Rock with Sean
🎄 Holiday Party at Deviant Wolfe Brewing
📅 December 18, 2024 | 7-10pm
📍 Deviant Wolf Brewing
Join special holiday editions of Run Club and Trivia featuring a holiday light 5K run and festive trivia questions.
🎄 Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
📅 December 19, 2024 | 6-8pm
📍 Dockside Lake Nona
Create your own holiday wreath while enjoying seasonal drinks and small plates.
🌴 Margaritaville Resort Holiday Celebration
📅 December 19, 2024 | 6-8pm
📍 Margaritaville Resort Orlando, 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Meet Santa, mischievous elves, and Towering Toy Soldiers in this tropical holiday celebration.
🛹 From Skateboards to Set Design
📅 December 19, 2024 | 6-7pm
📍 Orlando Museum of Art
Lecture by Tim Payne, founder of Team Pain Skate Parks, on skateboarding and extreme sports culture.
🎭 Kevin Hart: Acting My Age Tour
📅 December 19, 2024 | 7:30pm
📍 Addition Financial Arena
Join comedian Kevin Hart for his latest stand-up tour.
👋 Help Me Improve Orlando Signal.
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Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal