Gary's Duck Inn

Good morning, Orlando. Thanks to all who replied on Thursday to my unscientific poll about crunchy vs. chewy cookies. I’m sad to report I’m no closer to a resolution. The community here voted a PERFECT 50/50 split between the two. Wild.

Interruption…..HI, I’m Luna the family cat, aka Luny, aka Da Boss! I just kicked Philip out of his chair and I’m taking over today’s newsletter. Please see below for an important message from me. 👇

👇 In today’s issue: 👇

• Gary’s Duck Inn

• Supernova

• Diving into Parlor

• ….and much more

If you enjoy this issue, please forward it to a friend. If you’re that sexy friend, subscribe here.

Let’s dive in!

- Luna

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Faded Glory of Gary's Duck Inn

Like an aging beauty queen, the postcard scene of plump fried shrimp hovering above Gary's Duck Inn clings to its past glory days. For nearly 50 years, Gary's was an Orlando legend, a shining star along Orange Blossom Trail.

Back when Gary Starling opened the 15-seat eatery in 1945, Orange Blossom Trail was a lively tourist route lined with citrus groves instead of strip malls. Weary travelers found a welcoming pit stop at Gary’s to unwind over mounds of crispy shrimp.

As rumors of the heavenly shrimp spread, Gary’s fame grew, with each renovation accommodating more eager diners. Eventually, the restaurant employed 90 people while retaining its loyal local customers. Gary’s also served the likes of Dolly Parton and Bob Hope when they came through town.

By 1963, the runaway success of Gary's caught the attention of investors Bill Darden and Charlie Woodsby, who purchased the restaurant. They also took inspiration for their new chain, Red Lobster. Yet Gary’s remained an anchor along the fading bloom of Orange Blossom Trail for decades more.

The fortunes slowly eroded as highways and theme parks lured travelers elsewhere. Still, Gary’s welcomed guests even as seedy motels moved into the neighborhood. But in 1994, the last golden shrimp was served. Later the building disappeared, replaced by a characterless 7-Eleven and Dollar General—the final indignity erasing Gary’s tangible traces.

Though its remnants are long gone, for many Orlando locals, Gary’s remains etched fondly in memories of first dates, anniversary meals, and decades of family dinners. For one era, this modest little inn captured lighting in a bottle, its flavors simmering into a legacy that continues today across Red Lobster menus.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Local Group Funds Lab to Pioneer Pediatric Cell Therapy

AdventHealth unveiled its groundbreaking Cellular Therapy Facility Lab on Wednesday, largely funded by Winter Park’s Kids Beating Cancer’s $1.2 million donation. This facility will pioneer immune cell therapy to help Central Florida children battle cancer close to home.

Through a process called CAR T-cell therapy, specialists can re-engineer patients’ T-cells to eliminate cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

AdventHealth’s on-site lab engineers customized cancer treatments in just 3-4 weeks rather than the typical 6-8 weeks when samples are shipped externally. The facility undertakes the full therapeutic process from start to finish.

Kids Beating Cancer president Margaret Guedes knows firsthand the hardship of seeking pediatric cancer treatment far from home. When her own son battled leukemia, their only option required a 3,000 mile trip and 100 agonizing days separated from family.

Guedes aims to fund pioneering research so no local parents face the same choices. Childhood cancers receive only 4% of research funding.

Facility specialists predict experimental trials employing the cutting-edge equipment could begin next year. The promising treatments may ultimately help pediatric patients nationwide. There is tremendous excitement and hope for what the future now holds.

The Mothership Has Landed: Inside That Funky Orange Building on I-4

Cruising down Interstate 4 near Orlando, one can't miss the flashy, futuristic building nicknamed "Supernova" - a seven-story, orange-and-black structure shaped like an aircraft hangar.

This eye-catching edifice is the new flagship data center and headquarters for local tech company HostDime, which offers cloud data storage. According to CEO Manny Vivar, constructing their iconic new building has been an epic undertaking - ballooning from a $40 million to $58 million project amid pandemic delays.

But Supernova nears completion this June. The 100,000 square foot interior will store client data on lower levels while upper floors become a new tech campus for employees. Vivar envisions workers utilizing the half-court, game lounge and rooftop terrace with panoramic views.

Most importantly, Supernova will be Orlando's first major data hub - finally allowing local businesses to store cloud assets locally. As Vivar notes, Supernova brings data storage localization to Orlando through their own public cloud.

More than just a data center, this strange structure will soon help power the region's tech future.

Splash Back: Eatonville’s Pool Rebuild & Reopening Just in Time

Speaking of Eatonville 👆, we go from high-tech, to low-tech

The once bustling Eatonville community pool sat empty for years, leaving residents like fifth-generation descendant Ruthri Critton longing for the days when lifelong memories were made under the summer sun.

That's finally changing thanks to construction crews restoring this dilapidated, yet cherished gathering spot to its former glory.

According to Critton, the pool holds an abundance of value, not just as a place for kids to cool off but also to build friendships and community.

When even the Town Council couldn't find a company to rebuild it, Donald Garden, chief operating officer of All Seasons Pools, stepped up to take on the estimated $400,000 project free of charge, seeing it as an opportunity to help the whole Eatonville community.

After demolishing the existing pool in January, tile work and deck construction are bringing the spot back to life in time for summer. Critton eagerly awaits lazy pool days with her own kids, passing on the nostalgic summer fun she enjoyed there years ago. She says wherever the floaties are is where her family will be this summer.

Thanks to All Seasons Pools, the sounds of splashing and play will soon echo from Eatonville’s refreshed community treasure once more as school lets out in May, just in time for those timeless summer pleasures.

A Yellow Haze Descends on Florida Cars

Morning commuters in Orlando recently found cars coated in fine yellow powder, like a crime scene. But the culprit is nature's annual nuisance: pollen season. Blame the towering oak trees that bestow much of Orlando’s green canopy, but also release billions of pollen particles when spring arrives.

These pollen specs swirl through the air, sticking to windshields, doors and picnic tables in yellowish films.

This year the onslaught of pollen came late, delayed by a damp, cool winter. Now the oaks pump it out at prodigious rates. Allergy suffers beware! Pollen counts are off the charts, causing watery eyes, sneezing fits and misery for many.

Sales of allergy medications are spiking as people stock up on relief. Allergist Dr. Stan Weezit says to stay inside during early morning pollen peak times, keep home and car windows shut, wear a mask when gardening and shower after outdoor activities.

So spring in Orlando is a mixed bag — beautiful weather but intense pollen. At least the yellow powder provides a colorful, if allergy-inducing, spectacle for a few weeks each year.

ORLANDO DIGS: DISCOVERING THE AREAS TOP PROPERTIES 🏠
Step Back in Time to Orlando's Roaring '20s at Tobacco Magnate's Majestic Mediterranean Estate

Under sunny Central Florida skies rises a majestic Mediterranean estate with a century of stories within her walls. Built in 1927 for tobacco tycoon W.N. Reynolds, this historic home at 808 Seville Place has seen the surrounding city transform around her for nearly 100 years.

As a relative of R.J. Reynolds, the tobacco magnate who turned Camel cigarettes into a household name, W.N. Reynolds spared no expense on his Florida residence. Gracious archways hint at the grandeur within the home's 5,276 square feet, where soaring ceilings, gorgeous woodwork, and a marble-flanked gas fireplace await.

Outside, vibrant gardens envelop the home, likely the site of glamorous gatherings decades ago. Now a sparkling pool offers respite from the Florida sun.

Listed for $2.2 million, the home's rich history ensures her legacy will continue for decades to come. For the right buyer, owning a piece of Orlando's history awaits.

Curious (or nosey like me)?👇

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Orlando Luna taking over today’s newsletter

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Parlor Doughnuts - Let’s Go Deeper

📍2912 Edgewater Drive in College Park, or map to this location, right here.

In last Monday’s MORE PULP section, I mentioned Parlor Doughnuts is now serving up its signature layered doughnuts and homey atmosphere in College Park. But after digging a little deeper, I realized they have a fascinating story worth telling.

Founder Darrick Hayden first discovered his passion for artisanal doughnuts while touring with his son Noah’s band. During years crisscrossing America, Darrick sought out the best local tastes in every town.

In 2015, Darrick and Noah translated their shared interests into Evansville’s, IN first Proper Coffee café. Its success inspired their next venture – bringing old-world charm to the modern doughnut shop.

Parlor Doughnuts, which opened in 2019 in Evansville, Darrick’s Indiana hometown, pays homage to 19th century parlors – the finest room reserved for welcoming guests.

Beyond inventive flavors, Parlor strives to provide warmth and community. Their signature Layered Doughnuts with ribboned fillings merit a trip alone. While catering to contemporary preferences like gluten-free and keto, Parlor maintains the delight of traditional favorites. Nearly overnight success confirmed local enthusiasm.

As Parlor expands in Orlando, every outpost promises the hospitality of eras past. Their welcoming spaces feel as distinctive as the century-old ideal behind their founding.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Orlando’s Avalon Park food hall is set to bring in a new eatery to the ‘eatertainment’ venue, Pepe’s Cantina Express.

> Honey House Vintage opens brick-and-mortar location in Thornton Park.

> The City of Orlando is installing murals at select intersections downtown.

> Tacos Padrisimo is now open in Winter Garden located at 1025 S. Dillard St.

> I Flow Hard Yoga Studio is opening tomorrow at 2219 E Colonial Drive, combine inner strength with high-intensity exercise.

> Combining razor-sharp British wit with a stunning ability to know exactly what you are thinking, Peter Antoniou’s shows are interactive and unforgettable. See his mind-reading comedy live this Thursday at the Funny Bone.

> Join the Spring Wine & Dine event at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market on Wednesday at 6:30pm for unlimited tastings and live music.

> See The Temptations and The Four Tops is happening on Thursday at Dr. Phillips Center - Walt Disney Theater.

> Herb Gardening is happening on Thursday at Center for Health and Wellbeing.

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

76🌡️ 55 | ⛅️ | Partly sunny and pleasant

Tuesday

80🌡️ 61 | ⛅️ | Sun through high clouds

Wednesday

77 🌡️ 64 | ☁️ | Cloudy

Dang, I just took things back over from Luna. What a crazy cat. Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal