Welcome to Monday Morning, Orlando!

Ate Local: So I’m essentially a donut degenerate, OK?? I was out driving around and I found myself back at The Salty Donut where I picked up a COOKIE MONSTER donut, a brown butter & salt donut, and two friggin cookie butter with banana cream pie filling. If you want to see what all this gluttony looks like, click here!

Also, I have a very cool announcement just a little further down. 👇

In today’s issue: 👇

• Fabled 137-Year-Old

• Craft, Connect, Create

• Side Chik

• ….and much more

Did someone forward this email to you? If so, subscribe here.

🛑 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. 🐈

Let’s dive in!

- Philip

(NEAR’ISH) ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Central Florida's Fabled 137-Year-Old: The Charming Tale of Charlie Smith

Tucked away in Wildwood Cemetery rests Charlie Smith, whose headstone proudly declares him "America's Oldest Man" at a remarkable 137 years. This beloved Central Florida character became a national sensation in the 1970s with his incredible longevity claims.

Charlie loved sharing his colorful life story: how he was brought from Liberia as a boy with promises of magical "pancake trees," sold in New Orleans, and lovingly raised in Texas by a cattleman whose name he took. His tales grew more delightful with each telling, even featuring wild adventures with Billy the Kid!

His journey to fame began innocently in 1955 when, applying for Social Security, he listed his age as 113. When officials checked some records, Charlie happily took it as proof of his amazing age.

While researchers later found a marriage certificate suggesting Charlie was likely 105 at most when he passed, many locals stood by him. The Lakeland Ledger even dismissed the evidence, supporting their cherished local celebrity.

Whether Charlie truly believed his stories or simply enjoyed entertaining folks, his community adored him enough to forever honor his legendary status in stone.

(Learn lots more about Charlie Smith story with Anthony Talcott, right here)

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
City Approves Ambitious Sunbridge Project Along Innovation Way

Great news for Orlando's Southeast side! Tavistock's impressive Sunbridge development got the green light last Tuesday, bringing plans for 7,370 homes, massive office and retail space, and 490 hotel rooms along SR-528 and Innovation Way.

The 4,700-acre project is just part of Tavistock's Lake Nona-inspired vision spanning 20,000 acres across two counties.

After some friendly city-county negotiations last year, Orlando welcomed 6,200 acres into its borders.

Next up: state review before the final nod from Orlando's planning board!

🔥 Check out the full project plans, right here.

Craft, Connect, Create: Orlando's DIY Art Communities

Looking for your artistic tribe? Orlando's vibrant DIY scene has you covered!

Over at Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar, Bess Carnan's friendly Zine Meetup invites everyone—shy creators included—to craft handmade booklets monthly.

The welcoming Orlando Collage Club, started by Xine Hann in 2023, meets every third Friday at Blackbird Comics and Coffeehouse, turning magazines into magical visual stories.

And twice a month, Jennyfer Marie's Sketchbook Club brings fellow artists together at cozy spots like Whippoorwill Beer House and the gorgeous Mead Botanical Garden, creating the supportive community she always wished for.

(Learn a lot more about these creative clubs with Lily Cancel, right here)

Tee Off for History: Courthouse Cup Returns to Legendary Rio Pinar

Ready to walk in the footsteps of legends? Join on March 10 at Orlando's beloved Rio Pinar Golf Course for the ninth annual Courthouse Cup!

This fun four-person scramble supports the nonprofit Historical Society of Central Florida, which funds the Orange County Regional History Center's important mission. Play where Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, and Patty Sheehan once competed!

They'll kick off with breakfast at 9 a.m. before our 10 a.m. shotgun start at 8600 El Prado Avenue. Try your hand at our special challenges—swing antique clubs, ace some trivia to shave strokes, or blast away with our air cannon!

Finally, they'll wrap up with lunch and celebrate your achievements together.

👉Get all the deets for this awesome event, right here.

Building Tomorrow on West Colonial Drive

After years of businesses leaving West Colonial Drive, hope is blooming!

City officials are working with neighbors to reimagine this 1.4-mile stretch, hosting community meetings to gather ideas from everyone.

Chef Andre Combs is bringing his Blu Magic Seafood to the area, excited about its potential despite being a food desert. Mark Vengroff feels the same way - he's creating affordable homes for 300 families through One Stop Housing.

Residents are dreaming of senior housing, fun shops, and safer streets. All these conversations will shape Orlando's plans for the corridor, breathing new life into a neighborhood ready for its comeback story!

(Learn more about this ambitious neighborhood comeback with Sasha Teman, right here)

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ Two Bridges Pub & Eatery - Elegance Meets Victorian Pub

A Victorian time capsule is emerging in Winter Garden as Two Bridges Pub & Eatery (Insta) comes to 16112 Marsh Road soon. This elegant newcomer promises fresh pub fare, extensive libations, and a mysterious "Darwin's speakeasy." From indoor charm to outdoor dining, guests can experience both modern comfort and Victorian splendor.

2️⃣ Nabe - Wagyu Hot Pot Perfection

A culinary journey awaits as Lewis Lin unveils Nabe (Insta), an intimate wagyu shabu-shabu experience, in early March. Coming to Dr. Phillips' Dellagio Town Center, this refined hotspot invites guests to discover the art of Japanese hot pot dining with premium ingredients and timeless tradition.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

T.G. Lee in the Milk District

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Milk District

Tag @orlandosignal to get your photo featured in the newsletter!

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Side Chik K-Mex

📍811 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

The culinary wizards behind Chi-Kin have Side Chik next door, serving Korean-Mexican fusion that's serving up delicious street food.

Their menu transforms classics with brilliant Korean twists—bulgogi carne asada tacos, soy garlic carnitas, gochugaru chicken, and kimchi queso that'll make your taste buds dance.

From loaded nachos to hearty burritos, each creation perfectly blends these two beloved culinary traditions. If you're craving something familiar yet thrillingly innovative, Side Chik delivers an unforgettable flavor adventure.

👉 Check out Side Chik, right here

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

📄 Next Step Screenplay Series: "Cold Reading Night" 
📅 February 24, 2025 | 7-10pm 
📍 Bynx Orlando, 420 E. Church Street

Actors perform the first 10 pages of 9 different screenplays with audience voting to determine future productions.
👉 Get Tix

🎨 19th Annual Wekiva Paint Out 
📅 February 24 - March 1, 2025 
📍 Wekiva Island

Plein air art festival featuring world-class artists, live auction, and gala benefiting conservation.
👉 Plan Your Visit

🧘 Space Yoga with Deborah 
📅 February 24, 2025 | 6:30-7:30pm 
📍 Maitland Public Library

FREE space-themed yoga class (bring your own mat and water).
👉 Find Your Zen

🎵 MindTravel 'Silent' Piano Concert 
📅 February 25, 2025 | 6-8pm 
📍 Lake Eola Park

Live piano improvisation experience combining music and mindfulness.
👉 Check it Out

🧵 Crafting with the Hannibal Square Story Quilters 
📅 February 25, 2025 | 2-5pm 
📍 Orlando Public Library

Lecture and optional workshop exploring quilting's cultural significance.
👉 Register

📚 Adam Matthew Smith Meet+Greet 
📅 February 26, 2025 | 10am-1pm 
📍 Acme Super Store

Comic creator signing copies of HyperForce and Shadows graphic novel.
👉 Meet + Greet

🏛️ Art & History After Hours 
📅 February 26, 2025 | 5:30-8pm 
📍 Art & History Museums – Maitland

Free gallery admission, cash bar, and curator-led tours.
👉 Learn More

🎸 METAL IN The MILK
 📅 February 26, 2025 
📍 The Nook on Robinson

Local hardcore bands Shock & Awe, WEAK, and Plurbal perform in The Milk District.
👉 Rock Out

🎡 Central Florida Fair 
📅 February 27 - March 9, 2025 | 4-10pm weekdays, noon-10pm weekends 
📍 4603 W. Colonial Drive

The 113th annual fair featuring rides, food, livestock shows, entertainment and petting zoo.
👉 Grab Tix

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal