Garnished by George

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 In today’s issue: 👇

• Citrus Tower

• Garnished by George

• @ The Diner

• ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Citrus Tower's Bird's-Eye View of Central Florida’s Evolution

For nearly 70 years, the Citrus Tower has stood sentinel over Central Florida, a 226-foot-tall testament to the state's evolving landscape. This orange-and-white colossus, situated 23 miles west of Orlando in Clermont, offers panoramic views spanning eight counties from its 360-degree observation deck.

Born from the vision of Clermont's mayor and brought to life by a Pittsburgh entrepreneur in 1956, the tower originally showcased Florida's booming citrus industry. In its heyday, visitors gazed upon 17 million citrus trees—one-third of Florida's annual production.

Over the decades, the tower has hosted an eclectic array of attractions: glassblowers, alligators, citrus queens, and even a future governor. It's weathered challenges from Disney World and changing travel patterns, adapting to remain relevant.

Today, the view tells a different story. Where orange groves once stretched endlessly, modern Florida unfurls: subdivisions, shopping centers, and the occasional lingering citrus tree. Yet the Citrus Tower endures, offering a unique perspective on Florida's journey from an agricultural powerhouse to tourism mecca.

Now under new ownership as of 2023, this beloved landmark continues to bridge past and present, inviting visitors to touch the sky and connect with Florida's rich history.

See an expanded version of this article with our partner, Orange County Regional History Center.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
From Crisis to Opportunity: The Live Local Act's Bold Vision for Florida

In 2023, Florida's "Live Local Act" burst onto the scene, a legislative feast aimed at solving the state's housing crisis.

Signed by the Governor, this law tantalizes developers with tax exemptions for affordable housing projects and encourages mixed-use revitalization of struggling commercial areas. It also conjures the Hometown Hero program, offering down payment assistance to essential workers.

Communities can opt out if they're full up on affordable housing, with Lake County already pushing away from the table.

As Florida's housing landscape simmers, only time will tell if this Act is the secret sauce or just another half-baked attempt at a complex problem.

Neutral Ground: How Florida Sheriffs Are Safeguarding Child Handoffs

Florida's Cassie Carli Law, born from tragedy, revolutionizes child custody exchanges. Named after a mother allegedly killed during such an encounter in 2022, the law transforms sheriff parking lots into sanctuaries.

These zones, bathed in purple light and under constant surveillance, offer a 24/7 haven for tense handoffs.

Criminal defense attorney Jose Rivas hails them as fortresses of truth, eliminating ambiguity.

Morgan Cardinal of Community Legal Services sees the law as a game-changer for domestic violence survivors. Orange and Seminole counties have swiftly implemented these safe zones, some doubling as e-commerce exchange spots.

As purple lights flicker across Florida, they signal a societal shift in viewing co-parenting complexities.

• Main Office: 100 Eslinger Way, Sanford, 32773

• East Region (Oviedo, Geneva, Casselberry, Winter Springs area): 1225 E. Broadway St., Oviedo, 32765

• South Region (Altamonte Springs): 120 W. Pineview St., Altamonte Springs, 32714

• North Region (Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford area): 805 Primera Blvd., Lake Mary, 32746

From Pinterest to Platter: Orlando's Charcuterie Queen

In Lake Nona, Mercedes George is redefining charcuterie with Garnished by George.

During maternity leave with her first child, Mercedes discovered her true calling, transforming a chance Pinterest discovery into a thriving business.

Despite early challenges as someone new to the industry, Mercedes' commitment to quality and creativity sets her apart in Orlando's food scene. With doorstep delivery all over Orlando, and impeccably crafted boards, she's garnered a loyal following.

“I think being able to participate in Orlando food events and being recognized as a legitimate business have been really rewarding for me.” Mercedes proudly states.

Grateful for Orlando's support, Mercedes navigates market and social media trends, while dreaming of a brick-and-mortar shop in her future. Her passion proves that, with community backing, dreams can be garnished to perfection.

“While anyone can make a cheeseboard, creating an experience takes artistry.” says Mercedes.

Garnished by George isn't just serving food; it's delivering slices of Mercedes' vision to Orlando by pairing entrepreneurship with culinary creativity, one elegant board at a time.

👉 Check out Garnished By George’s drool-worthy Insta, right here!

The University Club's Journey to Eola View

Orlando's century-old University Club has undergone a dramatic transformation.

Founded in 1926, this exclusive institution sold its original downtown home in 2015, relocating to a gifted 33,000-square-foot clubhouse in 2019. Despite modern amenities, the club faced challenges and closed in 2023.

Now, under Maya Valdivia's vision, the space has been reborn as "Eola View," a versatile events venue boasting stunning lake views and a champagne bar.

The lower floors are set to become "Eola Food Hall," promising a culinary adventure. Even the former women's salon will find new life as a speakeasy.

This metamorphosis from private club to public destination reflects Orlando's ability to honor its past while embracing a vibrant future.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Zen Dumpling - Dumplings and Boba Coming to Waterford

Zen Dumpling (Insta), Jacksonville's beloved eatery known for soup dumplings, fluffy pan-fried bao, and boba tea, is expanding to Orlando. This fall, it will open at 423 N. Alafaya Trail in Waterford Lakes, taking over the former Moe's Southwest Grill space. Food enthusiasts can soon experience this unique culinary sensation locally.

2️⃣ Burger Jawn - Gourmet Burgers Hit Orlando's Streets Soon

Burger Jawn (Insta), the Orlando pop-up sensation, is rolling out a food truck this August. Co-owners Michael Dibattista, Brandon Mohess, and Jose Tejo Badilla are bringing their unique burgers to the streets. Featuring innovative toppings like marmalade and Asian soy butter, Dibattista aims to wow diners with high-quality, melt-in-your-mouth patties.

3️⃣ Sixty Vines - Wine Country Flavors Hitting Dr. Phillips

Sixty Vines (Insta), the NorCal-inspired restaurant, is set to open its second Orlando location on August 20th. Taking over Roy's former spot in Plaza Venezia, Dr. Phillips, it will offer a diverse menu featuring pizzas, pastas, charcuterie boards, and health-conscious mains. This new opening brings a taste of wine country to the local dining scene.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

The Strand

📷 via @strandorlando |📍Mills 50

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
@ The Diner

📍5072 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, or map to this location, right here.

@ The Diner (Insta) is redefining comfort food. Their newest spot near Disney on Apopka Vineland stands out among chains, offering innovative dishes that dazzle the palate.

Signature Boston cream pancakes layer fluffy stacks with Nutella and custard, while their avocado toast surprises with zesty house-made guacamole.

Nostalgia meets indulgence in Fruity Pebbles pancakes, and the waffle taco brilliantly fuses sweet and savory. Don't miss the heavenly Nutella banana stuffed French toast.

With multiple locations across Orlando, this locally owned gem serves up an adventure.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Today (Monday), check out Next Step Screenplay Series: "Planet Orson" by Jared Egol at Bynx Orlando. Enjoy a staged reading of an original feature-length screenplay, followed by a Q&A with the screenwriter. (More info)

> Check out 3 Natives soft opening tomorrow (Tuesday) from 9am-5pm at 3150 S. Orange Ave Suite 103 for freshly served acai bowls, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, wraps, salads, breakfast & more! (More info)

> On Wednesday, catch the A&H Conversations: The Art of Seeing Beyond the Frame where they invite lifetime learners like you to discuss fascinating topics anchored in Central Florida history, arts, and culture. (More info)

> Also, on Wednesday, celebrate the growth, diversity and character that makes the Milk District one of Orlando's favorite neighborhoods with State of the Milk 2024! (More info)

> Starting Thursday, at the Winter Park Playhouse, check out 8-Track: The Sounds of the '70's. Put on your leisure suits, halter tops, and platform shoes and get ready to boogie down with groundbreaking music of the 70s. (More info)

> Also, on Thursday, Date Night at the Night Market is in Downtown Avalon Park with live jazz (6pm), movie night (8pm), art workshop, and unique vendors await. (More info)

> Anytime this week, Pocha 93, from the folks behind Shin Jung Korean BBQ in Mills 50, has opened at 7379 W. Colonial Drive. The restaurant and lounge specializes in pojang-macha ("pocha"), unfussy Korean market/street food and cocktails (More info)

> Also, anytime this week, Mills 50 coffee house Haan Coffee has opened a second location inside Garden Tiger at 1900 Alden Road. (More info)

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal