Get Tanked With Dad

Good morning, Orlando! Happy early Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Whether you have a father, are a father, or married to a father, this issue has some FUN things to do with dad!

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

• Epic paddling in Ivanhoe Village

• Getting tanked with dad

• A blues brunch

• + 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

P.S. Happy early birthday (Sunday) to Robin Rountree 🎉

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
CRISPR vs. Citrus Greening: Florida's Make-or-Break Battle

The deadly, incurable citrus greening disease spread has decimated Florida's iconic citrus industry by an invasive psyllid insect.

Fourth-generation farmer Steve Crump watched production at his Vo-LaSalle Farms plummet 80% over 15 years. Desperate efforts like building screened enclosures offered fleeting reprieves before hurricanes undid the defenses.

But in Central Florida, scientists fight back, pioneering gene editing techniques like CRISPR. At UF's Citrus Research Center, Professor Nian Wang aims to remove the genes making trees susceptible while avoiding unintended damage. Over 120 CRISPR-edited trees were planted this March, their performance a pivotal test.

For multi-generation growers, it's a battle to save not just a crop, but a way of life. Yet Wang is hopeful the solution is getting closer.

The Paddle Trail Blazed by Passion in Ivanhoe Village

Within Orlando's Ivanhoe Village, Jennifer Wright and her partner Richard forged an extraordinary venture from their shared love of the water.

She, a former yoga instructor and Uber driver; he, a former algebra teacher, despite lacking tourism experience and capital, they fearlessly launched what later became Epic Paddle Adventures, offering paddleboard and kayak tours on Orlando's breathtaking waterways for adventure-seekers near and far.

From humble beginnings with just six paddleboards and six single kayaks, the visionary duo conceived innovative offerings like Paddle with Pups and the mesmerizing Neon Night Glow Tours. Their strategic relocation at the time to the area's aquatic heart, Ivanhoe Village, ushered in a new era of recreation.

With an unwavering commitment to exceptional service, garnering over 2,000 reviews while consistently maintaining a 5-star rating, creating unforgettable memories became their hallmark. "I want every guest to leave with a new favorite activity and best friend," says Jennifer. Ever-adaptive, they expanded with clear kayaks, meeting evolving demands with agility.

At the core of Jennifer's passion lies a profound desire to share Lake Ivanhoe's hidden wonders and aquatic history, preserving its storied heritage as a "true gem" within Orlando's dynamic landscape.

As their "Break Out Year" of 2024 unfolds, Jennifer and Richard remain steadfast that Orlando provides unparalleled support for turning dreams into reality through sheer perseverance and hard work.

Pssst. Perhaps an outstanding Father’s Day adventure?

Orlando's Renewable Rift: City Champion Confronts Utility Over Solar Incentive Slash

A fiery clash is unfolding between Orlando's municipal utility and firebrand city commissioner, Patty Sheehan, over rooftop solar incentives.

The Orlando Utility Commission seeks to slash credits for excess solar power from 11 cents to 4 cents per kilowatt-hour. Sheehan calls this "legalized robbery" that punishes households who invested in sustainable energy.

OUC argues current net metering forces non-solar customers to unfairly subsidize infrastructure costs as solar adoption grows.

But Sheehan and activists counter rooftop solar lessens the need for new power plants, and utilities ignore homeowners' upfront investment costs.

With Orlando branding itself an eco-leader, the high-stakes battle over dismantling net metering incentives cuts to the city's core civic identity. This simmering showdown will determine solar's future.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT - FATHER’S DAY EDITION 🔦
Get Tanked With Dad

tankamericafl

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📍Tank America. 6605 Muskogee Street, Orlando, FL 32807. Map to this location.

🕐 This weekend, June 15th or 16th, 10:00 a.m.

For an unforgettable Father's Day experience, gear up for an adventurous journey on their 3/4 mile tank course. Take the driver's seat of a 17-ton FV 433 Abbot tank and navigate its formidable presence through hairpin turns, steep hills, and obstacles in your path.

Before hitting the course, you'll receive a briefing from our knowledgeable staff at headquarters, ensuring you're well-prepared to command this powerful vehicle. This unique Father's Day activity allows you to not just drive a tank, but conquer an exciting challenge together through teamwork and skill.

Forge a bond over the thrill of this one-of-a-kind experience. It's the perfect wild adventure to share with dad or get the kids involved in an adrenaline-filled day outdoors.

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Hooray for Hollywood!

📍STEINMETZ HALL, 445 South Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, June 16th, 3 p.m.

The nation's largest community choir, a thunderous harmony of nearly 300 voices, celebrates Hollywood's most iconic melodies. Imagine a 50-piece symphony igniting the stage with beloved classics like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Singin' in the Rain."

Soloists, actors, and dancers will render hearts breathless with powerhouse numbers like "I've Had The Time of My Life" and "My Heart Will Go On."

Cherished movie musicals take center stage, transporting you to the timeless worlds of "My Fair Lady," "West Side Story," and "Mamma Mia."

Don your finest attire, walk the red carpet, and let the magic of cinema and music sweep you away on this dazzling journey to the Hollywood Hills and beyond.

Classically Summer at Bok Tower Gardens: Brass

📍Visitor Center Theater – Bok Tower. 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, June 15th, 8-11:30 p.m.

In the symphony of summer's splendor, the Orlando Philharmonic Brass takes center stage, poised to usher in the sizzling season with an extraordinary musical celebration.

These virtuosic musicians have meticulously curated captivating programs, transporting audiences to a realm where melodies dance and brassy tones ignite the air.

Nestled within Bok Tower Gardens', the Visitor Center Theater hosts this auditory extravaganza.

Delightful and mesmerizing, these programs promise to infuse your summer with the power of music.

Marius Tesch and Strings: Chopin’s Piano Concerto

📍Timucua Arts Foundation, 2000, S Summerlin Ave, Orlando, FL 32806. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, June 15th, 7:30 p.m.

Frédéric Chopin's piano concerto movements were born in the intimate setting of his family's Warsaw apartment. Experience these timeless compositions as the celebrated composer first unveiled them – not in a vast concert hall, but in Timucua's exquisite small space.

With a piano and strings ensemble, allow Chopin's genius to unfurl before you, each nuanced phrase and flourish resonating as intended. Step into a bygone era where musical performances were personal affairs savored in close quarters.

Special pricing available for members, students, teachers, frontline workers, veterans, and seniors.

Bring a bottle to share, enhancing the communal spirit and let Chopin's sublime artistry transport you through the centuries.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

Everything Weird: A Unique Collection by Mangled Hand | 6 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (more info)

The Corner Gallery Presents: Bits! Improv Comedy Show | 7:30 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $10 (more info)

Film and Sketch Night: But I'm a Cheerleader! | 7:30 p.m. | Audubon Park | $10-$14 (more info)

Las Nubes | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | $13-$17 (more info)

Striptasia I A Classical Burlesque | 8 p.m. | Casselberry | $20-$35 (more info)

Classic Albums Live: Prince "Purple Rain" | 8 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $18-$234 (more info)

Candlelight Spring: The Best of The Beatles | 9 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $57.50-$72.50 (more info)

Austin Millz | 9 p.m. | Downtown | $20 (more info)

Saturday:

Orlando Science Center: Make Fest | Sat & Sun 11 a.m. | Mills 50 | $20.99-$27.99 (more info)

Gods & Monsters 9th Anniversary Celebration | 11 a.m. | I-Drive/Universal | Free (more info)

Science On Screen X: "The Man With The X-Ray Eyes" | 11 a.m. | Winter Park Area | $11 (more info)

Book Signing Event: Sydney Wilder and Kate Moseman | 11:30 a.m. | UCF | Free (more info)

Teen Driver and Car Truck Show | 3 p.m. | Free-$20 (more info)

Kindred Pear Exchange Night Market | 6 p.m. | Thornton Park | Free (more info)

GIORGI and Tier Blue with Carrabelle | 7 p.m. | Audubon Park | $10 (more info)

Orlando City SC v LAFC | 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | $13-$229 (more info)

Blink 180-deux with Special Guests Sky Navy | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | $10-$15 (more info)

Bluey’s Big Play | Sat & Sun 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. | Downtown | $25-$120 (more info)

Sunday:

Father's Day featuring Happy Gilmore | 12 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $11 (more info)

Pop Up Gallery | 12 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | Free (more info)

Juneteenth: Connecting the Dots | 3 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Free (more info)

Foundation Presents: Ocean Alley | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $30-$40 (more info)

Xana | 8 p.m. | South Eola | $20 (more info)

Hide, Harpy, Mirrored Fatality, Putrid Fauve | 8 p.m. | Audubon Park | $13 (more info)

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal