Dark Magic & Shock Illusionist

Welcome to Thursday Morning, Orlando!

Alright, ya’ll. I need your help today, pleaaasse.

🔥 On Monday, I’m kicking off an awesome giveaway. Can you say, “hell yeah?” Louder in the back! Anyway, I’m going to give away $50 gift certificates to FOUR fantastic Orlando area restaurants. Entering will be simple.

But in the meantime…..

In today’s poll mid-way down, I’m going to list out some top contenders and I’d love for you to vote on those you’d like a shot at winning. Then I’ll take the top 4 and do those. Thanks!

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

• Astor residents battle

• Dark magic & shock illusionist

• Alt-RockpitOberfest

• + lots of weekend recs

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On with it!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Sowing Resilience: Local Farmers Weather Hurricane Milton's Fury

Hurricane Milton's fury has submerged Florida's farms, challenging the resilience of local growers.

• At Everoak Farm, Mike Garcia's urban agricultural haven lies underwater, with annuals devastated and perennials toppled.

• Hank Scott of Long & Scott Farms faces flooded pickle cucumber fields and flattened sweet corn.

• Smaller operations like Winter Park Urban Farm grapple with damaged crops and CSA subscription commitments.

Despite setbacks, these agricultural artisans refuse to be defeated. They're planning recovery, shifting planting seasons, and emphasizing community support through farm stands and markets.

Their story embodies the unbreakable bond between land, farmer, and community, replanting hope in fields of adversity.

Rising Waters, Unbroken Spirits as Astor Residents Battle Against the St. Johns

In flood-ravaged Astor, straddling Lake and Volusia counties, defiant residents face the St. Johns River's relentless rise post-Hurricane Milton. Long-time inhabitants navigate submerged streets with cautious determination.

The river, surpassing its 4.7-foot record, threatens to crest between October 22 and 25. Despite county warnings, many choose to stay, citing attachment to their homes. Federal aid is now available, with FEMA accepting Individual Assistance applications until December 11.

Residents can apply online or at soon-to-open Disaster Recovery Centers. As waters climb, Astor's story unfolds—a testament to human resilience against nature's fury, where community spirit prevails amidst the deluge.

From Reel to Meal with Isaac Escañuela's Food Truck Adventure

Imagine a movie changing your life! That's exactly what happened to Isaac Escañuela. Inspired by "Chef," this Barcelona native packed his dreams and recipes, heading to Orlando in 2015.

After saving for nine years, he launched Barrio Español Food Truck, bringing a taste of Spain to the Sunshine State. Escañuela noticed Orlando was missing authentic Spanish flavors outside the theme parks, so he stepped up to the plate - or rather, the food truck!

His timing couldn't be better, with the food truck industry booming. Now, you'll find him at A La Cart in Orlando's SODO district from 11:30 a.m., dishing out family recipes and a slice of Barcelona culture.

Fresh ingredients and happy customers? That's Escañuela's recipe for success!

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Dan Sperry Dark Magic & Shock Illusionist

📍Cocktails & Screams. 39 W. Pine St. Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, Oct 20th, 7 p.m.

In the twilight zone of illusion, Dan Sperry, "The Anti-Conjuror," reigns supreme.

This maverick magician, catapulted to fame by America's Got Talent, has bewitched audiences worldwide with his macabre blend of intricate illusions and unhinged humor.

From The Magic Castle to the Sydney Opera House, Sperry's performances teeter on the knife-edge of danger, redefining magical entertainment.

As the breakout star of Broadway's most successful magic show and a television sensation, The Anti-Conjuror doesn't just perform tricks—he conjures raw, visceral experiences that shatter conventions and leave spectators spellbound.

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Alt-RockpitOberfest

📍Rockpit Brewing. 10 W Illiana St, Orlando, Florida 32806. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, October 19th, 6 p.m.

Get ready for a wild ride at RockPit Brewing's "Alt-RockpitOberfest" on October 19th! Starting at 6 PM, they're mashing up Oktoberfest with Halloween vibes and Alt-X's killer tunes.

Sip on their new brews and spooky cocktails while Schnitz and Giggles food truck serves up mouthwatering German grub.

It's the perfect bash for beer lovers, foodies, and rockers alike. Ditch the traditional for something extraordinary – where lederhosen meets leather and steins meet sick beats.

Opening Reception: Man and Machine

📍Art & History Museums of Maitland. 231 West Packwood Avenue Maitland, FL 32751. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, October 18th, 6:30 p.m.

Experience art in motion at this electrifying exhibition launch!

DJ Nigel John's beats set the stage for Mauro Wieser's captivating works on our historic campus. Savor Burgers & Booch's gourmet bites and sip from their cash bar as you immerse in creativity.

Entry is free, but donations fuel our community programs. Join us in celebrating Wieser's brilliance amid our landmark's beauty. It's more than an opening—it's a fusion of art, community, and expression. Every contribution paints a brighter artistic future!

4Roots Farm Presentation & Self-Guided Tour

📍4Roots Farm Building. 1101 John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32804. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, October 19th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Guess what's cooking just two miles from Downtown Orlando? It's the 4 Roots Farm Campus – an 18-acre wonderland where everyone can dig into the future of food!

The Orlando Foundation for Architecture (OFA) is dishing out a special presentation of this tasty project. You'll meet the brainy designers behind it all and see how they're whipping up a recipe for a greener tomorrow.

From savvy farmers to curious kids, there's a place for everyone in this delicious community adventure.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Friday:

Swiftie Night | 6 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | Info

ISO BBQ Benefit Dinner | 6 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Info

KBong & Johnny Cosmic | 6:30 p.m. | South Eola | Info

Halloween at the Celeste Hotel | 6:30 p.m. | UCF | Info

Orlando Magic v Philadelphia 76ers - Exhibition Game | 7 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Love & Bossa Nova: Daniela Soledade & Nate Najar | 7 & 9 p.m. | Downtown | Info

UCF Knights Mens Soccer vs. Old Dominion Soccer  | 7 p.m. | UCF | Info

Memory Well, Amani Minott, Monaco Honey | 7 p.m. | Conway/Curry Ford | Info

Djoukil: French Swing and Manouche Jazz | 7:30 p.m. | South | Info

Saturday:

🔥 AdVintage Fair & Flea Market | 8 a.m. | 12 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando | Info

OCA's Monster Dash 5K | 7:30 a.m. | Audubon Park | Info

Nihilball | 9 p.m. | Milk District | Info

13 Films of Halloween: "The Mist", Black and White Director’s Cut | 11 a.m. | Winter Park Area | Info

Gamble Rogers Cinema Fest | 2 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Info

Halo Halo Music Fest | 4 p.m. | Mills 50 | Info

Foundation presents: Bears in Trees | 6 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Shaq's Bass All-Stars | 6 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Come Out With Pride | 12 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Monthly Mayhem: Tough Enough to Wear Pink | 7 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | Info

Sunday:

🔥 Sensory Sunday: Eerie Eola | 12 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Kids Halloween Party: Frankenweenie | 11 a.m. | Winter Park Area | Info

Faire Of The Dog: Fall Market | 12 p.m. | Mills 50 | Info

UCF Knights Womens Soccer vs. Oklahoma State Cowgirls Soccer | 12:30 p.m. | UCF | Info

Gamble Rogers' Orange Blossom Special | 2 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Info

Two Stories, One Powerful Message: Awareness | 4 p.m. | Downtown | Info

Camilo | 8 p.m. | Downtown | Downtown | Info

Maiden Steel and Somebody's Hero | 7 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Info

THANKS!

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal