Channeling Fred & Joanne

December 07, 2023

Reading time: 4.5 minutes

Good afternoon, Orlando! Who serves the best apple cider in Orlando?

In today’s Orlando Signal, Thursday (weekend fun) issue:

  • Building a semiconductor stronghold

  • Will Free downtown parking roll on?

  • Fred & Joanne

  • + lots of weekend recs

Let’s get on with it!

- Philip

P.S. Happy birthday to Kyle L.

QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
The Quest to Build a Semiconductor Stronghold in Central Florida

A high-stakes technology arms race is unfolding in Central Florida as the region vies to shape its economic future through semiconductor manufacturing. Last week, Valencia College unveiled a state-of-the-art semiconductor training lab to double its number of graduates to 120 annually in the 22-week program preparing technicians.

Local leaders hope this specialized workforce will fuel NeoCity, Osceola County’s ambitious development to create a semiconductor powerhouse in Florida. According to Jim Young, CEO of Orlando-based Sawstreet, a private semiconductor company, having a robust domestic infrastructure is critical given supply chain vulnerabilities.

Officials estimate a thriving semiconductor industry could bring billions in economic impact and highly skilled, high paying jobs, with starting salaries ranging from $21 to $27 an hour. Graduates would likely plant long-term roots in the community.

With specialized training and available land, the area aims to capitalize on this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The hum of its new semiconductor robots signals regional ambitions for tech dominance.

‘Tis the Season of Giving: How You Can Truly Help Central Florida's Hungry

The festive decorations across Central Florida belie a darker reality: one in five children lack reliable access to nutritious food. “We see the need growing every day,” says Pamela Huffman, executive director of the South Brevard Sharing Center. Each week, hundreds visit seeking sustenance.

The Sharing Center always needs more funding and volunteers. While material donations are welcome, not everything helps. Huffman specifically requests nutrient-dense staples rather than random items. Their unsheltered patrons rely heavily on pop-top cans and can openers.

In Orlando, the CEO of the Homeless Services Network asks not for more donations but time, urging volunteers outside just the holidays.

Other organizations have different limitations. The Salvation Army of Osceola County focuses on providing new cold weather gear and funds for hot meals rather than used clothing or furniture for the homeless.

So before dropping off donations, call your local organizations. Ask what they truly need right now. While the holidays inspire our generosity, for them it is Christmas morning every morning as they tirelessly care for Central Florida’s hungry year-round.

The Clock Ticks Down on Orlando's Downtown Parking Perk

Orlando’s popular ParkDTO program, offering free downtown parking and valet validation, may be nearing its end. Launched last May to rescue pandemic-battered businesses, the $100,000 pilot funded by the city is set to expire December 31. But a few days ago, the Downtown Development Board was voting to inject fresh funds and extend ParkDTO another full year.

According to Ember restaurant manager Gary Giles, the free parking has been a huge help in rebounding reservations, allowing visitors to come downtown without worrying about parking costs. So far Orlando’s gamble on ParkDTO seems to be working, with the free code used over 6,500 times and another 2,500 taking advantage of weekend valet at restaurants like Ember.

As the deadline looms, downtown businesses and patrons are tuned to the Board’s vote. Will the popular perk win a new lease on life? Orlando holds its breath awaiting the decision on the eve of ParkDTO’s expiration. The coveted program has been key for restaurants rebuilding downtown foot traffic panicked over parking woes. But the question remains - will free parking roll on?

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHT 🧐
A Spellbinding New Vision: Orlando Ballet Reinvents The Nutcracker

This month, Orlando Ballet presents an all-new, visually stunning production of Tchaikovsky's magical holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Led by visionary Artistic Director Jorden Morris and his “dream team” of top choreographers, designers and artists, this highly anticipated show promises to cast its timeless spell through dazzling new choreography, lavish costumes and props, imaginative sets, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Audiences will be swept away as Morris brings his fresh creative vision to life, reimagining every detail while balancing tradition with daring innovation. Months of intense collaboration have resulted in a brilliant re-telling ripe with equal parts depth, whimsy and surprise.

So gather friends and family and return to Orlando’s stunning Steinmetz Hall this month, where cherished memories await as Orlando Ballet makes The Nutcracker new again. Don’t miss a single delightful moment of the magic and splendor when this revered holiday tradition runs select dates from December 8th through Christmas Eve.

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Fred & Joanne, A Winter Park Love Story Walking Tour

📍151 W Lyman Avenue, Winter Park 32789. Map to this location.

🕐 Mister Rogers tours departing meet in the lobby of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Building.

👉 Get more info and tickets, right here.

As you meander past the oak-lined streets of Rollins College, imagine Joanne Byrd nervously waiting to greet new transfer student Fred Rogers. Little did she know, this fateful first meeting in Fall 1948 would blossom into a lifetime of love.

Strolling down charming Park Avenue hand-in-hand as Fred and Joanne once did, you'll hear how their friendship deepened through long walks and deeper conversations. Original Orlando Tours will take you back in time and share heartfelt stories of two kindred spirits falling in love.

Though they came from two different worlds, Fred and Joanne shared an unbreakable bond, even as the years passed.

All Is Bright: Miracle on Orange Sleighs Again. The Courtesy Bar


📍1288 N Orange Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789. Map to this location.

🕐 Open 7-days a week

Ranking Orlando #2 among Florida's top 3 most wondrous cities to visit this holiday season, it's no surprise the epic holiday extravaganza, Miracle on Orange, has gloriously returned to transform The Courtesy Bar into a magical winter wonderland for its second consecutive year.

From now until December 30th, this not-to-be-missed Christmas-themed pop-up will utterly dazzle Orlando with splendid Yuletide decor, signature handcrafted cocktails, endless selfie ops amid the festive backdrop, and special holiday tiki mugs begging to join your collection.

Though The Courtesy's signature libations will take a holiday hiatus, the good cheer is overflowing as Miracle offers revelrous new drinks sure to have you feeling downright jolly. With the bar open daily during this limited-time popup spectacular, be sure to secure your spot by reservation posthaste!

Moonshine & Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas Tale


📍Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St. Winter Garden. Map to this location.

🕐 November 24 – December 23, 2023

Whisking audiences back to 1937 Appalachia, the toe-tapping world premiere musical “Moonshine & Mistletoe” at Winter Garden’s Garden Theatre radiates nostalgic yuletide warmth. Amidst rollicking mountain tunes plucked merrily on banjos and fiddles, a close-knit family gathers in their rustic homestead to reconcile rifts and embrace the Christmas promise of hope.

Despite hard times, joy fills the air in this coal mining town. Cast members breathe new life into cherished carols and folk classics alike, their infectious, hand-clapping songs enough to get Grandma and Grandpa dancing. While light on plot, the musical’s message shines through: faith and human resilience prevail, no matter the adversity.

Prodigal son Dewey Joe returns home with his pregnant wife in tow, proof life prevails despite hardships. Touching performances capture the ache and comfort of the season, none more delightful than David Finch’s scene-stealing turn as the rascal moonshiner Wilmer. Like gentle snowflakes blanketing the town, the musical’s rousing tunes and belief in family blanket audiences in yuletide warmth. It’s a simple story, filled with magic.

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Friday

75🌡️ 62 | 🌤️ | Times of clouds and sun

Saturday

79 🌡️ 67 | ⛅️ | Clouds and limited sun

Sunday

76 🌡️ 59 | 🌧️ | Occasional morning rain and a thunderstorm; otherwise, cloudy

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THANKS! 🙏

Many thanks for reading the Orlando Signal today. If you found something useful or interesting, please share this edition with someone you know!

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal