The Grand Dame of Orlando

Reading time: 3.5 minutes

Good morning, Orlando! My name is Philip, and I’m a potato chip addict.

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🌟 In today’s issue: 🌟

• The Rise and Fall of The Grand Theatre

• Rabbit rebellion

• The Dough Show

• ….and much more

Let’s roll!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Grand Dame of Orlando

As Orlando's first opera house glows against the twilight in 1884, the audience stirs in anticipation of the night’s performance. Though this sandy downtown block now houses sleek high-rises, it once hosted theaters satiating Orlando’s entertainment appetite.

When Colonel T.J. Watkins envisioned Orlando’s next landmark in 1912, he constructed not only the Grand Hotel on Central and Pine’s Nashville Block, but also the Grand Theatre next door.

The Grand opens as a glimmering silent film house, with musicians accentuating the drama on screen. Soon the theater establishes itself as an innovative frontrunner, integrating one of Orlando’s first “photoplayers” to mimic orchestra sounds.

As times change, so does the Grand – welcoming African American patrons in 1915, transitioning to talkies, and even enjoying its own brush with cinematic fame.

When Orlando’s first feature film “Romance in Orlando” debuts in 1914, it foreshadows the city’s future fame for film production. Though Disney and Universal Studios now define that identity, Orlando’s movie industry undoubtedly started at the Grand.

Equally at home with silent stars of the past and 1939’s Gone with the Wind (which spells sellout crowds for months straight), age eventually takes its toll.

In 1954, the Grand enjoys new life with technological updates rebranding it the Astor Theatre, but demolition still looms by the early 1960s. Though only memories remain where narrators once relayed the drama on screen, the Grand’s spirit persists.

For over 40 years, through war and peace, technicolor and talkies, this old dame held a coveted place in Orlandoans’ hearts. Her curtains may have closed, but for those who gazed adoringly as the reels spun, the applause carries on.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Unlocking Potential: Tackling Florida's Student Absentee Epidemic

Florida ranks third nationally in student absences, with over 20% missing 3+ weeks last year—representing lost potential as kids fall behind. Jamie Merrill, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, sees the crisis first-hand. Her goal is creating engaging spaces where students want to be, but they can't benefit fully if not attending school.

The Club is tackling root causes—building relationships and motivation, not assigning blame. Many students lose classroom confidence from poor performance; others face obligations causing absence.

By supporting academics, partnering with parents, and empowering kids, Merrill aims to understand what environments make them thrive. Tapping their happiness sparks more motivation to learn.

It's no quick fix; the latest data shows steep work ahead. But the Club confronts the crisis with compassion. Unlocking every child’s potential is their mission, step by step. Progress echoes in laughter and growth, though classrooms remain too silent. Merrill works to rewrite the story of Florida’s missing students—making sure no child loses their chance to find the keys.

Childcare Cost Reprieve

Drop off time at Orange County Kindercare Learning Center is met with a packed parking lot of busy parents hustling their children inside. Five-year-old Justice Boykin clings to her mother Juanita's leg, not quite ready to part for the day. Juanita manages an encouraging smile, masking her swirling financial worries - will she have gas money this week after paying the nearly $600 monthly childcare bill?

Juanita is one of thousands of parents burdened by skyrocketing childcare costs in Orange County. But thanks to a new $14.3 million contract providing childcare vouchers through 2026, there is light for families like the Boykins.

Dr. Scott Fritz, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, explains the contract will maintain assistance for 350 of the neediest children from working families earning 200-300% of federal poverty wages - nurses, teachers, retail employees working tirelessly to provide for their young.

For Juanita, the reprieve means finally relaxing knowing exuberant Justice has a safe place to be while she focuses forward. No more impossible choices between keeping Justice cared for or keeping food on the table.

As Juanita sweeps up Justice for story-time, mother and daughter skip off hand-in-hand, smiling as brightly as their future now secured.

Florida Neighborhoods Plagued by Rabbit Rebellion

Swarms of unwanted pet rabbits are invading yards and terrorizing communities across Florida, their numbers multiplying rapidly as they establish rogue colonies.

Desperate residents have turned to lawmakers like State Representative Katherine Waldron for help containing the crisis. Though home insurance takes priority, the rabbit rebellion has grown dire enough to demand action through legislation like House Bill 701.

The bill aims to curb impulse buying and abandonment of pet rabbits through bans on springtime sales and requirements like microchipping. However, groups like Orlando Rabbit Care and Adoption doubt these measures will be enough when owners continue dumping domestic rabbits into the wild. Volunteers describe grueling round-up efforts as shelters refuse the abundant rabbits.

Despite fielding hundreds of monthly rescue calls, most of Florida's dozen rabbit rescues are overloaded with bouncing charges, leaving neighborhoods vulnerable to the stealthy invaders. Lawmaker education provides hope, but without responsible ownership, the furry fugitives will continue massing for their turf war.

Public Spaces, Private Struggles

Altamonte Springs found itself grappling with a societal issue this week - how to compassionately address homelessness in public spaces. The crisis emerged when a homeless man took shelter on a sidewalk, setting up a makeshift campsite.

The city prides itself on offering shelters and hotel rooms for the displaced. However, those services proved insufficient for the man struggling with personal issues. As a result, his unauthorized campsite continued to grow, and disturbances were reported.

In an attempt to address both compassion and public safety concerns, the city passed an ordinance that allows for the removal of individuals from public spaces when necessary, but it requires that alternative housing options be made available. City Manager, Frank Martz stated that homelessness requires more than separate city shelters.

The story spotlights challenges around homelessness - mental health, substance abuse and affordable housing. Solutions are complex. While leading with compassion, Altamonte Springs must maintain safe public spaces.

There are no winners here. The city will continue offering housing before displacements. The homeless strive to regain stability against tall odds. Public spaces exist for all to share.

With understanding, we can build community, not divisions. Progress starts with an open hand, not a closed fist. All deserve the dignity of a place to call home.

There are no words other than, “Dang!” 🥴

When Flagler County resident Paul Kerouac stopped for a routine coffee break at a Winter Park Dunkin’ location on January 6th, 2022, he never expected the traumatic events that would unfold. Upon entering the restroom, a toilet unexpectedly exploded, covering Kerouac and the facilities with dangerous waste.

Shellshocked, Kerouac emerged seeking help from staff, only to be informed that exploding toilets had happened there previously – a shocking revelation. He left the premises burdened with emotional distress from the experience.

Kerouac continues undergoing treatment and counseling, facing financial burden.

Through the lawsuit, Kerouac seeks accountability, support in his healing process, and positive change. Area businesses must take measures in maintaining safe, dignified facilities for patrons. Open communication and proactive solutions could prevent similar harm.

ORLANDO DIGS: DISCOVERING THE AREAS TOP PROPERTIES 🏠
Regal Windermere Waterfront Palace

Nestled along Lake Down's glistening shores rests Central Florida's most “splendorous” estate, at $30 million. Behind majestic iron gates at 9508 Windy Ridge Road awakens a sprawling 30,000 square-foot, 7-bedroom lakeside palace with 16 exquisite baths. Each room intricately designed.

From the soaring foyer, a private elevator transports guests through Santos Mahogany halls past a library lounge and full wet bar to relaxation terraces displaying Walt Disney's magical fireworks as your evening amusement. The grounds entice with elaborate gardens, a junior Olympic pool, and a 50-car gallery.

Here along Windermere's prestigious Butler Chain of Lakes, regality patiently awaits.

Curious? See more awesome photos, here.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Starbucks Green

📷 via @orlandosignal  |📍Lake Nona Town Center

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
The Dough Show

📍12140 Collegiate Way # 175, Orlando, 32817 or map to this location, right here.

⏱️ Mon - Sunday, 11am-10pm

Embark on a culinary odyssey at The Dough Show, where Egyptian Pizza pie takes center stage, blending flavors from Syria, Egypt, and Turkey. From inventive pizzas to delectable meat platters, enticing dessert pies, and refreshing juices, this UCF gem promises a unique dining experience.

The hummus and lentil soup alone make the journey worthwhile, showcasing the fusion of exquisite tastes.

Ehab and Karin, the visionary duo behind The Dough Show, graciously guide patrons through their flavor-packed menu. Their friendly assistance ensures each selection is a revelation, while the fresh and vibrant juices add an extra layer of delight.

This culinary haven is where innovation meets hospitality, creating an unforgettable experience.

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

72🌡️ 63 | 🌧️ | Considerable cloudiness with a couple of showers

Tuesday

79🌡️ 56 | 🌧️ | Cloudy and windy; periods of rain and a thunderstorm in the afternoon

Wednesday

67 🌡️ 47 | 🌤️ | Mostly sunny and not as warm with lower humidity

THANKS! 🙏

We’ll see you again on Thursday for the weekend fun issue.

If you found something useful or interesting, please share this issue with someone you know! We’ll see you on Thursday with some fun weekend recs.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal