Colonialtown Porchstock

Good morning, Orlando! Woo-wee. Fall has definitely arrived. Lots of Fall events in this issue for your weekend pleasure, although, hopefully they don’t get washed out from Helene. Stay safe in this tropical storm, everyone. Thanks for being here. 😀

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

• Green Dreams

• Freaky Frights Market

• Porchstock

• + lots of weekend recs

🛑 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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On with it!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Orlando's Solar Surge: A City Divided by Green Dreams

Orlando is poised for an energy overhaul of epic proportions.

The Orlando Utilities Commission plans to replace 90% of its fossil fuel-based power with solar within 16 years, sprawling across 10,000 acres. This ambitious shift aims to combat climate change, but faces unexpected resistance from residents.

City council member Patty Sheehan leads the charge against proposed rate changes, exposing a rift between the utility and its customers. As OUC forges ahead, launching major solar installations this year, it grapples with technical challenges and community trust issues.

The road to net-zero emissions by 2050 demands not just infrastructure overhaul, but a reimagining of energy production and consumption. Orlando's green future hinges on bridging the divide between vision and community concerns.

From Personal Loss to Public Crusade by Battling Fentanyl in Orange County

Peter Cook, a recovering alcoholic, leads the charge against this epidemic through his nonprofit, Largest Heart. Inspired by his brother's unexpected death, Cook founded the organization to distribute fentanyl test strips.

The "Test Before You Try" program has given out 38,000 testing kits, aiming to prevent accidental overdoses. Fentanyl, 50 times stronger than heroin, poses a lethal threat even in minute quantities. Orange County's multi-pronged approach includes awareness campaigns and treatment programs, funded by opioid settlement money.

Cook's initiative extends beyond distribution, sparking crucial conversations about harm reduction. As National Recovery Month unfolded (September), Largest Heart's work underscores that every test strip could save a life.

Redefining Golden Years with Charlie Harris's Second Act at FHP

Charlie Harris, a 76-year-old veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol, is redefining retirement. After 38 years of service, Harris hung up his badge in 2016, only to return two years later.

Now, he conducts background checks for new applicants, leveraging his military experience to connect with candidates. His return reflects a growing trend, with over 13% of baby boomers rejoining the workforce in 2023.

The FHP welcomes Harris's expertise, viewing it as invaluable. As the patrol actively recruits (pssst. here’s their hiring event in Orlando), Harris's story inspires other retirees to consider giving back.

His journey proves that some callings last a lifetime, transcending traditional retirement norms.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
9th Annual Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival

📍Southern Hill Farms. 16651 Schofield Rd, Clermont, FL 34714. Map to this location.

🕐 Kicking off Saturday, September 28th, 7 p.m.

Southern Hill Farms' 9th annual Fall Festival beckons with a cornucopia of autumnal delights.

Wander through sunflower fields as live music fills the air, and savor irresistible apple cider donuts from a vintage Airstream bakery. The Kids Zone buzzes with excitement, featuring jump pillows and rock climbing walls, while adults navigate the 5-acre corn maze or enjoy football on big screens.

Select the perfect pumpkin, roast s'mores by crackling fire pits, and capture memories against picturesque backdrops. Indulge in seasonal treats, local craft beverages, and take home handcrafted goods from the Southern Hill Market.

It's more than a festival—it's autumn magic come to life.

TOP 3 4 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Unleash Your Inner Ghoul at the Freaky Frights Market!

📍Oviedo Mall. 1700 Oviedo Mall Boulevard, Oviedo, FL 32765. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, September 28th, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Prepare to be bewitched, Oviedo, as the Freaky Frights Market transforms Oviedo Mall into a realm of delightful terror.

Explore a labyrinth of local artisans offering handcrafted horrors. Dare to sample infernal treats that will chill your soul. Don your most diabolical disguise for our costume contest, and let haunting melodies bewitch you.

Little goblins are welcome to enjoy face painting and trick-or-treating. Immortalize your descent into madness at our themed photo realms.

Join for a day when the ordinary slips away and the extraordinary reigns. Will you answer the call?

4th Annual Colonialtown Porchstock

📍Colonialtown Neighborhood. 1517 Lake Highland Dr, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, September 28th, Starting at 6 p.m.

Get ready for Colonialtown's coolest (newish) tradition! Porchstock returns for its 4th year, transforming front porches into stages from 6-9 p.m. This community-based sensation features four local homes hosting live bands.

Catch Spencer Singleton at 1440 Lake Highland Drive (6 p.m.), Taylor Maxwell at 1620 Illinois Street (7 p.m.), Pinteros Duo at 735 Plaza Court (8 p.m.), and 97 Bulls at 837 Palm Drive (9 p.m.).

Join your neighbors for an enchanting evening of music, community, and starlit melodies. Don't miss this family-friendly musical journey through the heart of Colonialtown!

We Sell. Fall 2024

📍Thornton Park District. 431 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801-1922. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, September 28th, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Get ready for the return of "Downtown Like a Local" this fall! On Saturday, the Thornton Park District transforms into a vibrant celebration of small businesses.

Explore two city blocks packed with over 70 local creatives, makers, artists, and vendors. Start your journey at TPD Circle (431 E. Central Blvd.) or The Street (420 E. Church St.) - just a 4-minute walk apart.

With food trucks, DJs, and family-friendly atmosphere, it's the perfect way to kick off the new season.

Join for this free event and experience your city like a true local!

Lake Nona Oktoberfest

📍Lake Nona Town Center. 6941 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, September 28th, 5 p.m.

Prost! Lake Nona Town Center transforms into a Bavarian paradise for Oktoberfest.

Park Pizza & Brewing Co. headlines with exclusive brews, while the Stein-hoisting competition tests your mettle. Polka rhythms and German entertainment fill the air as you explore the artisan market.

Savor sauerbraten, schnitzel, and pretzels, transporting your taste buds to Munich. Don your lederhosen and immerse yourself in this slice of Germany, right in your backyard.

The best part? This cultural extravaganza is free and open to all. No ticket needed—just bring your appetite and zest for celebration to this unforgettable feast!

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Friday:

Quarters of Change | 6 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Winter Park Sunset Wine and Jazz | 6 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Info

Juan Fernando Velasco | 7 p.m. | Milk District | Info

Endoxa Booking Presents: Goatwhore, Vitriol, and Necrofier | 7 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Info

BK Jackson | 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. | Downtown | Info

UCF Knights Mens Soccer vs. Georgia State Panthers Men's Soccer | 7 p.m. | UCF | Info

The Real Fritz, New Eagles | 8 p.m. | Audubon Park | Info

Beat Play King Crimson | 8 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | Info

Mark Farina at Iron Cow | 9 p.m. | Milk District | Info

Bonnie X Clyde | Downtown | 10 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Jersey Boys | Fri 7:30 p.m. & Sat 2 p.m. | Kissimmee | Info

Saturday:

Capoeira Cultural Event and Batizado | 10 a.m. | Downtown | Info

At Home In Home: Thriving In Place | 10:30 a.m. | Central | Info

Collective Corner Local Pop-Up Market | 11 a.m. | Milk District | Info

Dorian Electra | 6 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Endoxa Booking Presents: Skeletal Remains and Bewitcher, with Support from Phobophilic and Torture Rack | 6 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Info

Yacht Rock Party | 6:30 p.m. | Kissimmee | Info

The Core Bar Crawl An evening of Hardcore and Grindcore | 12 a.m. | Mills 50 | Info

Sons of Town Hall | 7 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Art on the Edge- 7 Deadly Sins | 7 p.m. | College Park | Info

Gala Of Ghouls presents: Coven | 7 p.m. | Thornton Park | Info

Sunday:

🔥 GEM Wedding Expo | 12 p.m. | Dezerland Park Orlando | More

Derrick Harris and The Eighth Note Collective | 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Steve Treviño | 6 p.m. | Milk District | Info

Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos and his Buena Vista Orchestra | 7 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Kayko - Time Of Your Life Tour | 7 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Info

Skart (from the Supervillains) | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | Info

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My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal