Courage in Bronze

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Orlando. And the tour continues. Yesterday morning we hit Goodroast @ Koolbear for Tiramisu Cloud Vietnamese Coffee and Taro Boba Tea on Curry Ford.

🎉 Happy birthday to Keith Folse!

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Courage in Bronze

• Pulp Friction

• Barnie’s Cafe

• ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Courage in Bronze: The Jones Perry Legacy

In Orlando's Washington Shores, a monument stands as a silent sentinel to courage and progress. The Jones Perry Monument honors Lt. Richard A. Jones and Officer Belvin Perry, Sr., Orlando's first black police officers who dared to don the blue in a time of racial turmoil.

Jones, a known "risk-taker," and Perry braved streets where they were often seen as threats rather than protectors both joined the OPD in 1951, and retired in 1976. Their daily patrols weren't just about law enforcement; they were paving the way for a more diverse future.

This monument is more than stone and metal—it's a lightning rod for community engagement. In December 2020, locals and police united to restore it, a poignant reminder of the ongoing impact of these pioneers.

As you stand before this landmark, you're witnessing the physical embodiment of a dream—a dream of equality and service. It challenges us to remember, honor, and continue their work.

In Washington Shores, take a moment to reflect on Jones and Perry—not just names in stone, but flesh and blood heroes who took the first steps on a long road to justice.

🚨 Check out the Jones Perry Monument, right here.

TOGETHER WITH FEVER - CANDLELIGHT NEO-SOUL
Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More

Step into a soul-stirring dreamscape at The Abbey, Orlando, where "Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites" awaits this Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. or 9 p.m.

The Listeso String Quartet breathes new life into beloved classics, from Prince's "Purple Rain" to Alicia Keys – “You Don’t Know My Name.” Feel the raw emotion of Lauryn Hill, the seduction of Sade, and the modern pulse of Childish Gambino, all bathed in flickering candlelight.

Let’s not minimize the venue, The Abbey, known for its eclectic entertainment, becomes a temple of sound and light

This is a multi-sensory journey through neo-soul's heart. Don't miss this perfect fusion of music and atmosphere that will leave you spellbound.

Grab your tickets now!

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Orlando Nonprofit Helps Transform Youth Mental Health Support

In Orlando, the Mental Health Association of Central Florida launches a vital initiative against teen suicide.

As Suicide Prevention Month begins, this nonprofit unveils a game-changing guide for parents and educators. CEO Marni Stahlman emphasizes the persistent challenges of anxiety and depression plaguing youth.

The comprehensive guide offers strategies for building resilience, identifying warning signs, and taking action. Available in English and Spanish, it caters to Central Florida's diverse community.

With suicide being the second leading cause of death for certain age groups in 2022, Stahlman stresses the power of simple conversations.

She advocates for authentic dialogues filled with open-ended questions and active listening. In this battle, silence is not an option, and help is always a call (or text) away at 988.

Nature's Plot Twist, Hurricane Season May Not Pack Expected Punch

AccuWeather's crystal ball has cleared, revealing a less turbulent 2024 hurricane season.

The Labor Day weekend's unexpected Atlantic calm prompted a forecast revision: now 16-20 named storms are expected, down from March's 20-25 prediction. Of these, 6-10 may become hurricanes, with 3-6 potentially reaching Category 3 status.

Midway through the June 1-November 30 season, five named storms have graced the stage, including Hurricane Debby's Taylor County cameo. Colorado State University echoes the tempered outlook, trimming its forecast from 25 to 23 named storms.

While three fledgling systems lurk on the horizon, coastal dwellers breathe a cautious sigh of relief. Yet in nature's grand theater, the next act always looms.

Pulp Friction: The Shrinking World of Florida Oranges

Florida's iconic citrus industry is facing a bitter squeeze.

Recent data reveals a staggering 17% shrinkage in citrus acreage over just one year, continuing a two-decade decline. This sun-drenched sector grapples with urban sprawl, global competition, hurricane damage, and the insidious citrus greening disease.

Despite these challenges, industry leaders remain cautiously optimistic. They believe many lost acres will return to production as growers replant. Some producers, like Alico Inc., are strategically selling underperforming groves to boost returns.

Even in contraction, citrus remains a vital part of Florida's agricultural landscape, ranking among the top commodities.

As the industry adapts to this new reality, it epitomizes the resilience of Florida's agricultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.

A Room with a New View at Best Western's Affordable Housing Transformation

Orlando's affordable housing landscape is evolving, with the 57-year-old Best Western Orlando West poised for transformation.

Aryn Spahr of SL Capital Group envisions converting the 110-room motel into workforce housing, following the successful metamorphosis of the nearby Ambassador Hotel.

The $9 million property will retain its gem, the Taste of Chengdu restaurant. Spahr plans to overhaul guest rooms into studio apartments with upscale finishes, repurpose common areas for community use, and enhance outdoor spaces.

Unlike the Ambassador project, this conversion won't seek city funding, targeting renters at 60% of median income.

As Orlando adapts to housing needs, this project symbolizes a helpful urban renewal.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Qahwah Con Leche - Cross-Cultural Caffeine Beats

Qahwah Con Leche (Insta), a unique coffee-meets-DJ pop-up, hits Orlando's Uncle Tony's Donut Shoppe on Saturday/Sunday September 14-15. Brainchild of El Bles and Thanks Joey, it blends Middle Eastern and Latin cultures through craft coffee, vinyl, and food. Expect exotic brews like Cardamom Cappuccino and curated 60s-90s Arabic and Latin tunes at 703 N. Orange Avenue.

2️⃣ Chick N Max - Smoky Chicken Sensation Swooping into Orlando

Clucking fantastic! Kansas-born Chick N Max (Insta) is swooping into Orlando with five smoky nests planned. This almond wood-fired chicken maestro is expanding its flavor empire, bringing loaded sandwiches and savory sides to the Sunshine State. Expect 2,100-square-foot poultry paradises with drive-thrus, promising finger-lickin' yummies in fast-casual dining.

3️⃣ Blue Coast Burrito - Coastal Mexican Wave On Its Way

Surf's up, Orlando! Blue Coast Burrito (FB) is riding a tasty wave into The Packing District, bringing Nashville-born, West Coast-inspired Mexican flair. By early 2025, 2311 N. Orange Blossom Trail will be burrito central, offering build-your-own delights, fish tacos, and fresh salads. Get ready to hang ten with your taste buds!

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Sunset Bodega

📷 via @sunsetbodega |📍Downtown

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Barnie’s Café

📍118 S. Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, or map to this location.

Tucked away on Winter Park's Park Avenue, Barnie's Coffee & Tea Co. isn't just brewing java – it's cooking up a storm!

This flagship café boasts a weekend and weekday brunch menu that'll make your taste buds tango. From the decadent Coffee Cake Crumble to the Park Avenue Quiche, Barnie's is full of surprises.

My personal faves? The chorizo-packed breakfast burrito and the heavenly French toast.

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a weekday rebel, Barnie's Cafe has your cravings covered. Who knew this coffee shop was hiding a culinary wonderland? Your taste buds will thank you for the intel!

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> This Wednesday, check out Governor’s Job Fair: Featuring more than 100 employers offering thousands of career openings in various industries and resources on hand to assist your job search. Bring resumes and dress professionally. (More)

> Also on Wednesday, catch Twenty One Pilots at the Kia Center. Formed in 2009 in Twenty One Pilots comprises Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. This duo has garnered widespread acclaim for their unique blend of alternative rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronica. (Rock out)

> This Thursday, the City of Orlando invites you to join as they commemorate and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Dubsdread Golf Course. For a century, Dubsdread has been a beloved community gem, and we're throwing a centennial celebration you won't want to miss. (Grab tix)

> This Thursday, how about Fall Vegetable Gardening: Learn how to create a Florida vegetable garden that grows what you want to eat and produces throughout the fall season. Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardner, this class covers the science of how to grow better, healthier plants and ways that you can grow more garden vegetables with less work. (Play in the dirt)

THANKS!

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal