Welcome to Thursday Morning, Orlando!

Good morning to everyone except that dang swan last week who plopped down on 408 and jammed traffic!

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

• Empowering Neurodiverse Talent

• The Green Fling

• Downtown Orlando Architectural Walking Tour

• + a lots of weekend recs

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Let’s do this!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Unlocking Career Doors: Virtual Support Group Empowers Neurodiverse Talent

Did you know that while celebrities with neurodivergent disabilities like Jennifer Aniston and Bill Gates shine in their careers, a whopping 80% of adults with autism struggle to find work? Neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or Tourette's—often have incredible talents!

The good news: Forum and Lisa Maile Seminars (of Maitland) friendly new program "Power Interviewing & Winning Body Language for Neurodiverse Success" is here to help!

Starting March 25th, this 12-session virtual group will share those unwritten interview rules that trip up even the most talented candidates with 10-16 members. Just ask Dr. Kelly Castino, who went from receptionist to school psychologist using these techniques!

Those looking to turn their unique brain into a superpower can get more info on joining the group right here (limited to 16 total participants). Tell someone you know!

Seeds of Generosity: How Doc Phillips Transformed Central Florida

Ever wonder how one citrus pioneer's legacy still shapes an entire region? Dr. Phillips Charities teamed up with Oxenfree to bring "Doc" Phillips' amazing story to life, projecting vibrant historical footage across Orlando landmarks!

The film celebrates how this 19th century visionary's generous spirit continues to flourish throughout Central Florida.

Over 2,000 people gathered at Doc's 150th birthday bash at the Dr. Phillips Center to experience this journey through time, connecting memorable locations from the Orlando Science Center to the Showcase of Citrus.

It's a heartwarming reminder of how Doc's passion for community continues to inspire and transform Central Florida—150 years and counting!

🔥 Check out this 10-minute mini documentary, right here.

Clipping for Confidence: Neighborhood Heroes Team Up for Kids

A wonderful partnership between Moore Payne Law and Makk's Barber Parlor is bringing smiles to College Park kids with free monthly haircuts!

Foster mom Andrea Elmellouki couldn't be happier watching her three boys enjoy quality cuts at the first-ever event. Attorney Geoff Moore, the friendly face behind this wonderful idea, believes there's nothing better than boosting kids' confidence.

Barber Robert Cisneros loves sharing the amazing feeling of a fresh cut with youngsters like Carter, who walked out beaming with his new high skin fade.

With community support, Moore hopes to spread this feel-good initiative to more local businesses soon!

(Learn more about this amazing community outreach program with Sasha Teman, right here)

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Florida Coffee Culture Birthday Bash 2025

📍The Neighbors @ East End Market. 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, Florida 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, March 15th, 1 p.m.

Join the caffeine celebration at East End Market on March 15th! Florida Coffee Culture's birthday extravaganza features Panther Coffee's cupping session (1PM), New General Cafe's home barista throwdown (2:30PM), an exclusive pop-up (4:30PM), and the main event—a 64+ person latte art championship with a 500 buck grand prize and Costa Rica trip (7PM)!

Enjoy coffee-themed cocktails from The Neighbors plus treats from Burrito Boys, Cafecito Mio, and Bang Bang Bakehouse.

Don't miss this coffee community spectacular!

[Check It Out]

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Sunset Walk Spring Break Fair

📍Promenade at Sunset Walk. 3251 Margaritaville Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747. Map to this location.

🕐 Kicking off Friday, March 14th, 5 p.m.

Discover your backyard paradise this spring break at the Promenade at Sunset Walk!

Soar on the Ferris Wheel, brave The Zipper and The Claw, or delight in the Fun House and Umbrella Kids Rides. With 30+ restaurants and shops to explore, your adventure doesn't end when the carnival closes.

As twilight falls, live music fills the Promenade Plaza Stage nightly at 6 PM, creating the perfect soundtrack for your magical staycation.

[Get more info, right here]

The Green Fling

📍Tactical Brewing. 4882 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, March 16th, 12 p.m.

New Broad Street transforms into festival heaven at The Green Fling! Orlando Parking Lot Party delivers elite food trucks while live music fills the air.

Discover local vendors and exclusive beer releases throughout this vibrant street party. The highlight? A green water balloon tournament with Brenda from Bithlo's unforgettable commentary. Gather your squad—25 bucks registers five players for wet and wild dodgeball action.

When the street closes to traffic and opens for celebration, you won't want to miss the story everyone will be talking about.

[Check it out, right here]

Downtown Orlando Architectural Walking Tour

📍Meeting at the Deeply Cafe & Bottle Shop. 111 N Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, March 15th, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Discover downtown Orlando's hidden soul with architectural virtuoso Arlenne Gil (AIA, NOMA, NCARB).

Beyond theme parks lies a cityscape where historic gems meet modern marvels. Arlenne's expert storytelling transforms ordinary streets into a living timeline of Orlando's evolution from railroad boomtown to vibrant metropolis.

Uncover secret courtyards, local legends, and architectural treasures even locals miss. Perfect for history buffs, design enthusiasts, or curious wanderers seeking the authentic heartbeat of The City Beautiful.

[Get the Full Details]

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Multi-day:

UCF Knights Softball vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Women's Softball | Fri, Sat, Sun | UCF | More

Kissimmee Home and Garden Show | Sat & Sun | Kissimmee | More

Friday:

Ex Animo Creations Wine Glass Painting | 6 p.m. | Lake Nona | More

The Naughty Nightcap Burlesque Show @TheFalconBar | 10 p.m. | Downtown | More

Worm Night | 6 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | More

80s Night with Rockit Fly | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More

SaxKixAve | 7 & 9 p.m. | Downtown | More

Peter Bence | 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | More

Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars  | 8 p.m. Downtown | More

Hudson Westbrook | 8 p.m. | I-Drive | More

Acraze | 10 p.m. | Downtown | More

Saturday:

🔥Paint for a Cause | 11 a.m. | Winter Park | More

St. Patrick's Day Weekend at Boxi Park | 1 p.m. | Lake Nona | More

Oviedo Patrick's Day Festival 2025 | 4 p.m. | Oviedo | More

Pups in the Park | 8:30 a.m. | Clermont | More

35th Anniversary Classic Car Show & Cruise | 11 a.m. | Old Town | More

Beekeeping for Beginners | 1:30 p.m. | Audubon Park | More

Shamrock Shakedown: St. Paddy’s Day Block Party! | 4 p.m. | Sanford | More

Orchid Repotting Clinic and Sale | 10 a.m. | Winter Park | More

Pints 4 Paws | 11 a.m. | Dr. Phillips | More

Fame Orlando | 1 p.m. | I-Drive | More

Sunday:

Spring Pops in Winter Park | 6 p.m. | Winter Park | More

Pet Fair at Conway Community Market | Conway | 10 a.m. | More

"Stage & Screen" CFSOF Annual Benefit Concert for Orlando Youth Alliance | 1:30 p.m. | Downtown | More

The Ukulaliens Spring Uke Jam | 2 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

VoxO | 2:30 p.m. | Wadeview Park | More

A&H Book Club: March 2025 Meeting | 3 p.m. | Maitland | More

Orlando City B vs. Atlanta United 2 | 7 p.m. | Kissimmee | More

Chad Tepper, Lexnour | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

THANKS!

🧠 Interested in reaching smart readers like you? Grow with us right here.

We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal