Brick by Brick

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Orlando! You can think of the Orlando Signal as the Trader Joe’s of local news - funky, fun, and everyone’s wearing Hawaiian shirts around here, including Luna! 😀

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Orlando’s brick streets

• Publix cemetery in Orlando?

• UNDER $1 tacos! 🌮

• ….and much more

🛑 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. 🐈 😻

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Brick by Brick: The Enduring Allure of Orlando's Historic Pathways

Orlando's brick streets are more than just charming pathways; they're living relics that bear witness to the city's rich history while providing numerous practical benefits.

These enduring tiles instill a sense of character, calm traffic with their textured surfaces that naturally encourage drivers to ease off the accelerator, and contribute to economic prosperity by increasing surrounding property values by as much as 15-25% (check out this case study).

Though costlier upfront, brick's exceptional longevity, lasting over 150 years with a solid foundation, makes it a wise long-term investment compared to asphalt's semi-frequent resurfacing needs roughly every 15 years.

Residents often appreciate how brick enhances the historic ambiance and traffic-calming effects in neighborhoods like Lake Eola Heights.

Urban planners laud properly laid brick streets for their resilience against buckling, cracking and heaving, minimizing repair needs over time. Not to mention, the ease and swiftness of utility repairs.

With over 57 miles of brick-surfaced roads and many more awaiting rediscovery beneath asphalt coverings, Orlando's commitment to preserving its unique character through these time-honored pathways is undeniable as the city continues to adapt to modern needs.

TOGETHER WITH ST. JOHNS RIVERSHIP CO.
High Tea on Tranquil Waters

Prepare to be whisked away on a truly enchanting experience with High Tea on the Sea for the inaugural voyage on Sunday, August 4th celebrating Sisters' Day.

Drift along the serene waters of Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River as a live harpist serenades you on this luxurious 3-hour cruise.

Indulge in the time-honored tradition of high tea, savoring delicate finger sandwiches, flaky scones, and exquisite sweets, complemented by a vast selection of fragrant teas.

Secure your place aboard this elegant floating experience by booking online, right here, or calling 321-441-3030.

Future themed cruises promise their own ambiance, like the bewitching Witches Brew on Friday October 25th and the festive Teas the Season on Friday, December 20th.

Immerse yourself in the magic at $71 per guest, with a special $30 rate for children. Don't let this opportunity for cherished memories drift away.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
The Melody of Memory: How Music Therapy is Helping Dementia Patients in Central Florida

Music has become therapy for dementia patients in Central Florida. Steve and Joan, married 52 years, relied on the First United Methodist Church's Brain Fitness Academy in Winter Park after Steve's dementia diagnosis four years ago.

The Academy's music therapy, run by Ashley Lewis of Central Florida Community Arts, uses singing, instruments, and lyrics to improve alertness and memory recall for dementia patients.

While no cure exists for the 55 million worldwide dementia cases, the therapy aims to slow progression. Joan credits it for giving Steve an improved quality of life he may not have otherwise.

Debra Edgar, who leads the Academy, stresses early intervention's importance for delaying symptoms.

As melodies fill the room, fleeting moments of joy illuminate the path forward.

Borscht Belt: A Forgotten Paradise Rediscovered

In her exhibition "The Borscht Belt: Revisiting the Remains of America's Jewish Vacationland," photographer Marisa Scheinfeld captures the haunting beauty of abandoned Catskill Mountain resorts that once served as havens for Jewish immigrants.

At their peak in the 1950s, over 900 hotels dotted the region, offering respite from rejection. Scheinfeld's evocative images immortalize cracked swimming pools, tattered corridors, and overgrown steps being reclaimed by nature.

Accompanying artifacts like lighters and postcards offer tangible connections to this forgotten paradise where assimilation and escapism intertwined.

The ruins poignantly contrast the era's dreams with today's resurgent antisemitism.

Until September 9th at the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida in Maitland, this powerful exhibition preserves memories of a remarkable chapter in American history.

Grab your free tickets, right here.

The Hallowed Ground Amidst the Groceries

An arresting sight greets Orlando shoppers at the Publix at Town Center along Daryl Carter Parkway - a small cemetery encircled by a fence, holding the remains of two Civil War Union soldiers.

The solemn plot honors Washington Ludwig and Charles H. Foster, tracing back to the 1920s.

Former planner Scott Henderson invoked "adverse possession" laws in the 1970s to claim the neglected cemetery. He spearheaded a 2010 rededication after a headstone theft years earlier.

Henderson related there was mystery around Ludwig's stone being stolen and returned before Halloween. After 30 years as caretaker, he sold the land but ensured the developer would install a memorial obelisk, fencing, and perpetual maintenance.

The hallowed ground now stands beside the supermarket aisles - a poignant reminder of sacrifices enabling modern life.

Tap/Click below to check it out! 👇

Orlando's Enduring Embrace: Honoring the Pulse 49

Last week In Downtown Orlando, a solemn gathering honored the 49 lives senselessly extinguished during the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre.

Brett Rigas, who lost his partner that fateful night, yearned for a permanent memorial to provide solace and connection. The city's efforts faced challenges, prompting Rigas to implore understanding amidst speculation.

Tatiana Quiroga of Come Out With Pride emphasized the annual Pride event's heightened security measures after the tragedy deeply impacted the community.

While the fabric of Orlando transformed, woven with inclusivity for the community, the echoes of the 49 bells tolled a clarion call.

A call for a world where love triumphs over hate, where life's sanctity is celebrated, and where memories of those lost illuminate a path toward compassion.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Sparrow - Takes Flight in Orlando's Urban Roost

This fall, the visionaries behind Baldwin Park's culinary scene unveil Sparrow (Insta), an 80-seat Spanish-inspired wine bar and tapas lounge in Orlando's North Quarter. Executive chef Wendy Lopez crafts a focused, Euro-influenced menu starring classics like tortilla Española alongside surprises like bacalhau croquetas. Intimate and cozy, Sparrow takes flight with curated wines and cocktails.

2️⃣ White Rabbit - Down Orlando's Culinary Rabbit Hole

Inspired by Lewis Carroll's whimsical tales, White Rabbit Restaurant and Bar (Insta) promises a delightfully mad culinary escapade with international tapas and small plates this summer. A sister concept to Vines Grille and Wine Bar, this Robinson Street gem teases flambéed mussels, artisanal flatbreads, grilled stuffed squid, and picanha steak amidst a Wonderland-inspired decor.

3️⃣ Coro - Stars Align for Audubon Park's Newest Dining Destination

Highly anticipated Coro (Insta), Chef Tim Lovero's new eatery blending Italian and Japanese cuisines, soft opened last Friday in Audubon Park. Lovero's culinary vision unfolds through small plates like potato naan and zenn porkchops in the former Bikes, Beans + Bordeaux space on Corrine Drive, fulfilling his dream of joining the neighborhood's dining scene.

4️⃣ Jeff’s Bagel Run - Bagel Blitz Strikes Winter Park's Orange Ave

Jeff's Bagel Run (Insta), Orlando's rapidly expanding bagel empire, is opening its sixth location in Winter Park today, June 17th, at 1332 N. Orange Avenue. While a soft opening, the grand opening on June 20th promises free bagels for the first 200 customers. Don’t sleep on this!

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

The Lone Sailor statue located in Blue Jacket Park

📷 via @toniobianca |📍Blue Jacket Park

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Tortas El Rey - Under $1 Tacos???

📍6151 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando FL, 32809, or map to this location, right here.

Let’s talk about Tortas El Rey (Insta), a taco oasis promising flavor and value. Housed in a former Checkers drive-through, this humble gem defies its unassuming digs with Mexican fare that's irresistible.

For the budget-savvy, the 95-cent hard shell tacos stretch a dollar bill to its limits, with the carnitas — tender, slow-braised pork cradled in corn tortillas — a particular showstopper.

But Tortas El Rey's magic extends beyond its affordable fare, cultivating a community of regulars united by a shared love for authentic Mexican cuisine.

With quality ingredients and time-honored recipes amidst Orlando's glitz, this unassuming eatery reminds us that culinary passion can unfold in the most unexpected places.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> All this week enjoy this Latin American Festival of Performing Arts, an exhilarating lineup featuring free workshops and online performances streaming Caracas, Yucatan, Barcelona, and Buenos Aires, alongside vibrant in-person events in Downtown Orlando at 54 W Church St. (More info)

> On Tuesday, check out Chow on Church. Presented by the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board, this is your chance to celebrate and support local businesses while enjoying delicious food and Orlando Pride spirit. Admission includes food tasting, the opportunity to meet Orlando Pride players, and two complimentary tickets for an upcoming Pride match! (More info)

> The Orlando Museum of Art is opening its doors free of charge to visitors on Thursday, June 20th, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., as part of an Access for All initiative organized in collaboration with the Art Bridges Foundation. (More info)

> Starting this Thursday, check out Florida Festival of New Musicals at The Winter Park Playhouse. The 4-day event will showcase six new musical works and bring together writers and composers with patrons, press, producers and directors. (More info)

> This Thursday, blink-182 is on their One More Time tour! Featuring special guest Pierce The Veil at the Kia Center (More info)

> This Thursday, at the Abbey, Candlelight Jazz: Tribute To Aretha Franklin is popping off. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Orlando. (More info)

> Starting this Friday, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in Concert. Featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performing Alexandre Desplat’s epic score as the franchise’s seventh film is projected onto a giant screen. (More info)

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal