Dueling Dragons

Good morning, Orlando! I considered taking the holiday off, but I love jumping into your inbox with fresh things to do for the weekend ahead. Let’s point you in some directions for your post-July 4th fun.

🎇 In Monday’s issue (More Pulp section), I included several 4th of July activities so readers could plan ahead. If you missed it, or are a last-minute planner, here’s a link to that issue so you can see what’s happening today.

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

• From fatigues to footlights

• Dueling Dragons

• Collective corner

• + 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 ⏲️
Guardian Radar: The Future of School Bus Safety in Central Florida

Central Florida's school buses are on the brink of a safety revolution. Osceola County is spearheading the adoption of a cutting-edge radar system developed by South Korea's Smart Radar System (see it in action, right here).

This technology provides a 360-degree protective shield, scanning the bus's exterior and interior for children in danger.

Randy Wheeler, Assistant Director of Transportation, champions the innovation as a virtual co-pilot for drivers, addressing blind spots that have led to tragic accidents.

The Florida Department of Education could approve this life-saving tech by next fall, with rapid implementation possible. Already deployed in Seoul for public safety, the system balances protection and privacy.

Recent student fatalities in Orange County underscore the urgent need for enhanced bus safety measures across Central Florida.

From Fatigues to Footlights: Veterans' Second Act

From battlefield to Broadway, veterans Ryan Lockwood and Luke Pendegrass have found new purpose at Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center. With military lineages, they've transitioned from Army and Air Force roles to cultural stewardship.

Lockwood, once leaping from planes, now manages ticketing software, while Pendegrass, a former security force member, handles IT. They apply battle-tested skills to ensure seamless patron experiences, valuing teamwork and stress management.

Since 2014, the Dr. Phillips Center has hosted 4,000+ performances, welcoming 4.7 million guests and earning acclaim from top magazines. For these veterans, it's a living, breathing entity unlike sterile suburban offices.

They've traded one noble cause for another, proving duty's spirit endures beyond the last salute, now measured in standing ovations and beaming faces.

Dragons on Lake Fairview: Where Badges and Youth Find Common Waters

In Orlando, the Dueling Dragons program is making a splash in its 14th year, uniting law enforcement and urban youth through dragon boat racing on Lake Fairview.

This innovative mentorship, brainchild of Andrea Eliscu, emerged as a response to police-community tensions. Participants like 16-year-old Kaylee Johnson find the experience invaluable for aspiring officers.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina notes the program's transformative power, observing skeptical teens evolve to view law enforcement differently. The 41-foot boats serve as floating classrooms of teamwork, drawing diverse participants from various community centers.

As waters ripple with synchronized paddles, Dueling Dragons proves that when communities and law enforcement pull together, they can navigate even the choppiest waters of social change.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Blue Bamboo Summer Concert Series presents Greg Diaz and the Art of Imagination Quintet

📍Casselberry Arts Center. 137 Quail Pond Circle, Casselberry, FL 32707. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, Jul 5th, 8-10:00 p.m.

Casselberry Arts Center, the city's newest cultural jewel, is set to sparkle in the Summer Concert Series.

Saxophonist and vocalist Greg Diaz, with his quintet, will fill the gallery with a blend of original compositions and fresh takes on jazz standards.

Diaz's musical journey is a mix of star-studded collaborations, from touring with Ben E. King to sharing stages with jazz legends Phil Woods, Ira Sullivan, and Roy Hargrove. His versatility shines through performances with drumming virtuoso Victor Lewis and Latin Grammy winner Jon Secada.

As Diaz's saxophone weaves melodies that bridge eras, attendees will experience an evening where each note tells a story of jazz's rich past and vibrant future.

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Collective Corner @ The Acre

📍The Acre. 4421 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 3280 Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, July 7th, 11 a.m.

Discover local treasures at Collective Corner, transforming The Acre Orlando into a vibrant marketplace this weekend!

Over 20 talented vendors showcase vintage finds, handmade wonders, and mouthwatering local treats. Wander The Acre's beautiful grounds while exploring Orlando's creative spirit through unique goods and flavors.

This isn't just shopping—it's a monthly celebration of community, returning every first Sunday to enliven your weekends. With free parking and entry, nothing stands between you and this local extravaganza.

Support Orlando's artisans, unearth hidden gems, and indulge in the city's creative pulse. Collective Corner at The Acre: where every visit promises new discoveries and the joy of connecting with our city's talented makers.

Melrose Pop Festival '24

📍Melrose Center. 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, July 7th, 1:30-5 p.m.

Last summer, the Melrose Pop Festival transported 300+ attendees back to the Summer of Love. This homage to the iconic 1967 Monterey Pop Festival wasn't just an event—it was a phenomenon that captured peace, love, and harmony through music. Orlando's finest performers created a spellbinding sound, leaving the audience craving more.

Now, the magic returns! On Sunday, July 7, from 1:30–5 p.m., Melrose Pop Festival '24 will again transform the ordinary into extraordinary. This isn't just a concert—it's a journey through Orlando's diverse musical landscape. The eclectic lineup reads like a who's who of local legends and rising stars.

Don't miss this chance to be part of a musical revolution at the Melrose Center!

Villicon: Send in the Clowns

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

🕐 Saturday, July 6th, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Step into a world of whimsy at Villicon: Send in the Clowns! Oviedo Mall transforms into a Halloween wonderland where summer and spookiness collide. Explore their mystical marketplace, filled with unique treasures and tempting treats.

Capture memories with friendly monsters and silly clowns at their enchanting photo ops. Unleash your creativity in our costume contest for a chance to win fantastic prizes.

From circus-inspired games to captivating performances, every moment is an adventure for the whole family.

Join for a day where laughter echoes, imagination soars, and Halloween's charm dances with summer's cheer.

Back Again: Tasting with Master Sommelier, George Miliotes at Judson’s Live

📍Judson’s Live. 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, July 7th, 1:30 p.m.

Missed April's event? Here's your second chance.

Let’s goooo, wine enthusiasts! On July 7th, Judson's Live transforms into a vinous playground as Master Sommelier George Miliotes returns for an unforgettable tasting experience.

George, a celebrated restaurateur, will guide you through six exquisite wines—three reds, three whites—each a 3oz portal to sun-drenched vineyards and ancient cellars. Test your palate with blind tastings, unravel aromatic mysteries, and savor untold stories with every sip.

A shareable charcuterie board complements your journey through these diverse varietals.

From novices to connoisseurs, all are welcome to this intimate workshop where every cork popped sparks lively conversation and new discoveries.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

A.C.E. | 6 p.m. | Milk District | $40-$120 (more info)

152 Productions Presents: Eyes Set To Kill, Lost In Separation, Gilt, and Until I Die | 6:30 p.m. | $18 (more info)

Aria Fiori, earth tones, & Gracie Caggiano | 7 p.m. | Audubon Park | $10 (more info)

The Edge | 7 p.m. | SoDo | Free (more info)

Jen in The Right Light and Pans (Tour kickoff)  with Stingray Szn | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | $15 (more info)

Freaky Fridays: Singapore Sling | 11:59 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $11 (more info)

Golden Flower @ the Nook! | 8 p.m. | Milk District | Free (more info)

Saturday:

History Alive: Unveiling the Power of Nature | 11am-2pm | Downtown | $8 (more info)

Groove and Giggle | 4 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (more info)

BODYBOX | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $15 (more info)

Jhené Aiko: The Magic Hour Tour | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $115-$985 (more info)

Candlelight: A Tribute to Pink Floyd | 9 p.m. | South Eola | $45 (more info)

Punk Show at Uncle Lous! | 9 p.m. | Mills 50 | $10 (more info)

A Night of Covers with American Idiot | 7 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $10 (more info)

Orlando City SC v D.C. United |  7:30 p.m. | $12-$182 (more info)

Crime In Stereo, All Hell Breaks Loose, Love Letter, Spine Eater, Zero Chill | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | $15-$20 (more info)

Shimmy Me Timbers! A Sultry Search for the Booty Burlesque Show | 8 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $25 (more info)

Shadi Ranjous Arab Night | 9 p.m. | Kissimmee | $30 (more info)

"It Ain’t Right” Presented By: Shiloh & Mogembo | 10 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (more info)

Sunday:

Uncomfortable Brunch: Happiness | 12 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $11 (more info)

Date Night Paint n Sip – Summer Sunset Over the Lake | 4 p.m. | Milk District | $39 (more info)

Orlando City B vs. Carolina Core FC | 7 p.m. | Kissimmee | $10 (more info)

Casey Abrams | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $34.50-$64.50 (more info)

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal