The Dead Zone On I4

Reading time: 3.5 minutes

Good morning, Orlando! On the off chance my neighbor on the next block over reads this, it is way too early to put up your Christmas tree.

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🌟 In today’s issue: 🌟

• A real dead zone

• More diabetes devices into patients hands

• Florida Man competition

• ….and more

Let’s do this!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Speeding Past Spirits on Florida's "Dead Zone"

Since Halloween is tomorrow, a recent list created by RVTrader highlighted some of the country's “most haunted roads in the U.S.,”, including a notorious quarter-mile stretch along Interstate 4 near Sanford,.

Dubbed "The Dead Zone," this short span of highway has long been associated with unexplained paranormal occurrences.

According to local historian and author Charlie Wilson, the area's sinister reputation dates back to the late 1800s, when a small Catholic settlement was established near the current highway. A yellow fever outbreak killed several German immigrants, who were buried in the woods without receiving last rites.

Decades later when I-4 was built, the nameless graves went undisturbed and the highway was constructed right over the burial site.

Since then, motorists have reported witnessing ghostly apparitions, unexplained lights, and malfunctioning electronics along this patch of road. The area has also been prone to an unusually high number of accidents.

Some attribute the strange happenings to the anonymous graves lurking below the pavement. Others suggest the area's energy was disrupted when Hurricane Donna's eye passed directly overhead.

But whether or not the cause is supernatural, "The Dead Zone" continues to captivate paranormal enthusiasts and strike fear in the superstitious.

For the less ghost-seeking travelers, the highway's reputation for poor cell service provides a more practical reason to avoid the road at night. While the true source of the localized legends remains uncertain, this small section of I-4 has cemented itself as one of America's creepiest drives.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Critical Diabetes Devices Now More Accessible

A new Florida law, known as House Bill 967, that went into effect on October 1 aims to increase access to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for people with diabetes enrolled in Medicaid.

The monitors provide around-the-clock blood sugar readings to help manage the disease. Previously, only children under 21 were guaranteed coverage, but the legislation requires Medicaid to provide CGMs more broadly if prescribed.

While some implementation details still need to be worked out, the legislation requires Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration to provide CGM coverage pending available funds. It also expands Medicaid's diabetes services beyond just children.

Advocates like Christina Lopez, founder of Central Florida’s nonprofit Type Zero Foundation, know the importance of CGMs firsthand. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 13, she aims to empower people to live active lives with diabetes through fitness and mentoring programs.

Lopez supports the law's expansion of CGM coverage so more people can access the potentially life-changing technology.

With improved blood sugar control, people with diabetes can gain better health. The law is a step toward making these critical devices more accessible.

Can you say, Ooof? Baldwin Park Residents Revolt After HOA Proposes 300% Fee Increase

Controversy has erupted in Orlando's Baldwin Park neighborhood over proposed homeowners' association fee increases that some residents say are exorbitant. Baldwin Park, built in 2003, has become highly popular over the years. But now some homeowners face monthly association fees skyrocketing to over $1,000 - more than double what they paid last year.

Long-time resident Dennis James and dozens of his neighbors, who currently pay $758 per month, were shocked to receive a proposal for $1,222 per month next year. Unlike Florida laws capping condo association fees, HOA laws are less defined. 👎

The upset homeowners have hired an attorney to demand the HOA board justify the 300% two-year increase. James says many residents are considering moving out over the ridiculous proposed fees.

The board postponed the budget adoption meeting after an uproar. Baldwin Park residents hope their voices will be heard, but if the unreasonable increases are approved, the once-idyllic community may never be the same.

Towering Ambitions: Lincoln Eyes Lake Eola Site

Downtown Orlando's skyline could soon welcome an ambitious new mixed-use tower called the Edge. Developer Lincoln Property Co., known for award-winning projects like Truist Plaza, has proposed a striking 305-foot tower for a vacant 1-acre lot near Lake Eola.

The site offers prime walkability across from the popular amphitheater. Plans call for a dynamic combination of 364 residential units, a hotel, commercial space, and parking. This follows a stalled earlier proposal for a more modest Cambria Hotel.

Lincoln continues to thoughtfully reshape Orlando's urban core through transformative towers. The company's collaboration with local firm Baker Barrios on the upcoming 32-story Church Street Plaza project provided valuable experience for this latest bold endeavor.

The proposed tower promises to further invigorate downtown.

Orlando Health Steps In To Reduce Returns

Striving to decrease hospital readmissions, Orlando Health this week opened a new outpatient clinic to provide follow-up care to patients soon after hospital discharge who are unable to access it.

Orlando Health Support Team for Aftercare and Resources (STAR) Outpatient Clinics offer care when patients don't have a regular doctor or can't get an appointment within 7 days of leaving the hospital, explained Dr. Ashley Dlugokienski, medical director.

The clinics provide 30-60 minute visits for post-discharge exams, medication management, care coordination, social assistance, and illness prevention education.

Dlugokienski said the clinics aim to serve high-risk patients most likely to be readmitted. She explained that patients can feel overwhelmed by information given in the hospital, especially those diagnosed for the first time.

The clinics aren't meant to replace primary care. Uninsured and self-pay patients are referred to free clinics and services. The first STAR clinic opened at Orlando Health Dr. Phillips Hospital in August.

Got Mullet? Florida Man Games Have You Covered

Publisher’s note: this is another one of those “Not Orlando, but still Florida” stories too fun not to share. 🤣

Just announced. Get ready for Florida Man, the Sunshine State Smackdown is coming to St. Augustine!

This inaugural event on February 24th at Francis Field will turn the crazy antics of Florida Man into a series of zany Olympic-style games.

Competitors can test their skills in activities like “Pool Noodle Mud Duel,” “Beer Belly Sumo,” and the “Evading Arrest” where competitors will jump fences and dash through backyards to escape actual police officers who volunteered for the event.

Don’t forget about unconventional competitions like a catalytic converter themed race to fully embrace Florida culture. 😂

The mastermind behind it all is Pete Melfi, who conceived the wacky event after one too many Florida fever dreams. The games will be judged by American Gladiators legends Dan "Nitro" Clark and Lori "Ice" Fetrick.

Limber up and release your inner Florida Man for this absurd and friendly competition!

Tickets/registration is available here.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Digital parking, 1’s and 0’s

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Purple Ocean Superfood Bar

📍12789 Waterford Lakes Pkwy Orlando Fl

Monday-Saturday: 9am-9pm
Sunday: Closed

The açaí bowls at Purple Ocean Superfood Bar in Orlando are unparalleled. Their creative blend of fruits, granola, and other superfood toppings create a flavorful and satisfying treat. Though known for their cold bowls, Purple Ocean's hot vegan menu deserves equal attention.

Their loaded fries overflow with delicious house-made sauces, an indulgent shareable snack. The impossible burgers transcend expectations of typical veggie burgers, with diverse toppings and mouthwatering sauces transforming each bite.

With multiple locations in Orlando (Waterford Lake, Primrose, UCF), it's easy to get your fix of Purple Ocean's scrumptious and nutritious fare. Their innovative plant-based dishes are crave-worthy and brilliantly executed. Purple Ocean offers a vibrant vegan dining experience unmatched in Orlando.

🗺️ Map to this location, right here.

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

88 🌡️ 70 | 🌤️ | Times of clouds and sun

Tuesday

88 🌡️ 67 | 🌤️ | Partly sunny and warm

Wednesday

78 🌡️ 61 | 🌤️ | Not as warm with lower humidity with clouds and sun

THANKS! 🙏

If you found something useful or interesting, please share this edition with someone you know! We’ll see you on Thursday with some fun weekend recs.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal