Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando

So most of last week we spent an extended Father’s Day weekend gallivanting through Downtown Chicago for the first time. Every city has problems. Hell, Orlando has problems, but putting aside any apocalyptic stories the news likes to put forth, Chicago is an incredible city….maybe less so in Jan and Feb, however.

The soaring architecture. The food. The history. The public transit. The energy. I left utterly intoxicated by one simple fact: humans just like us dreamt up and labored all of that into existence, brick by brick.

So what does this have to do with Orlando and this newsletter? Everything. I arrived home with fire in my belly, thinking I can do more. I will do more. And ya’ll will be the direct beneficiaries. Thanks for being a valued reader.

In today’s issue: 👇

• GROW

• Internal Migration Magnet

• Uncle Tony’s

• ….and much more

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🛑 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. 🐈

Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Where Orlando's Youth Had Their Own Kingdom Before Disney

Long before Mickey Mouse arrived in Central Florida, Orlando's teenagers claimed their own special territory. In 1958, the Orlando Youth Center opened on Lake Formosa Drive, becoming the beating heart of teenage life in pre-Disney Orlando.

City leaders recognized their growing youth population needed more than schools and playgrounds, they needed a space that was truly their own. The municipality invested in a chameleon-like facility that could transform to meet any need. One evening might showcase aspiring thespians, while the next featured community meetings or dances that drew teenagers from across the city.

For decades, the center pulsed with young energy. Dance recitals, theatrical performances, and recreational activities filled the flexible space, nurturing generations through Orlando's cultural evolution.

The story took an elegant turn in the 2010s when Orlando Ballet, Inc. secured a lease through 2064, recognizing what locals had known for decades—this was where art naturally flourished.

The original 1958 structure has since been replaced by Harriett's Orlando Ballet Centre, in 2019, a state-of-the-art facility that honors the site's legacy while ensuring this Lake Formosa Drive landmark continues nurturing young talent for generations to come.

🔥 Check out these old-school photos taken by yearbook photographer Tim Orwick.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊

The Ultimate Career Pivot: Ashley Dykes Goes from PTA President to Nonprofit Powerhouse

Ashley Dykes of Altamonte Springs has discovered the perfect intersection of her diverse talents, and it's transforming Central Florida children's lives.

As Program Director for GROW Healthy Kids, Dykes oversees initiatives that address critical community gaps: providing shoes to children who can't afford them, supplying recess equipment to under-resourced schools, and partnering with local law enforcement to distribute basketballs that build bridges between police and youth.

Dykes’ unique journey began as a facilities lead at a design firm, evolved through group exercise instructor, PTA, and Maitland Little League presidencies. This combination of high energy, organizational expertise, and business acumen positioned her perfectly for nonprofit leadership. 

Her and her coworkers at GROW’s impact ripples throughout the region. Children gaining confidence in new shoes, teachers no longer funding playground equipment from stretched salaries, and deputies connecting with kids through basketball rather than enforcement.

With her infectious energy and natural kid-whispering abilities, Dykes proves changing the world can actually be a blast.

🛑 Check out GROW Healthy Kids, right here!

👉 Want to tell me about a Community Superstar? Then, click here.

Orlando Becomes Florida's Ultimate Internal Migration Magnet

New moveBuddha research crowns Orlando as Florida's reigning champion for residents shuffling within the Sunshine State, with the Miami-to-Orlando route becoming the state's hottest migration highway.

The secret sauce? Orlando delivers a knockout punch with housing costs 42% cheaper than Miami's wallet-crushing prices, sweetened by shiny new high-speed rail connections.

Meanwhile, Kissimmee, Ocala, and The Villages are quietly winning the population lottery with impressive net gains, while poor Hialeah gets left holding the "least desirable" title.

In the broader picture, New Hampshire apparently can't stop shipping its residents to Florida, while outbound Floridians increasingly eye North Carolina for their great escape.

Gone are the pandemic's wild migration stampedes. Today's movers are pickier, more strategic, and decidedly less frenzied about their relocation choices.

🔥 Check out more in-depth, interesting migration findings, right here.

Orlando's Coolest Shopping Playground Takes Shape

Lake Nona is cooking up something spectacular, a 405,000-square-foot outdoor shopping paradise that's set to shake up Central Florida's retail scene when Lake Nona West opens Spring 2026.

This retail wonderland sprawls across 54 acres along Lake Nona Boulevard near Boggy Creek Road, already attracting heavy-hitters like anchor Target, Nordstrom Rack, Barnes & Noble, Homesense, and Total Wine & More, filling up 300,000 square feet faster than expected.

The real showstopper? Cañonita, Vegas's beloved Mexican hotspot from The Venetian Resort, is bringing its Mexico City magic to Florida.

Beyond the shopping thrills, Lake Nona West will dazzle with tree-lined walkways, eye-catching art installations, and 20 lightning-fast Mercedes-Benz EV charging stations that'll juice up your ride in just 20 minutes. Talk about retail therapy meets eco-friendly convenience!

(Learn more about this upcoming Lake Nona shopping playground with Angelica Medina, right here)

The Digital Colosseum: Orlando's Esports Ascension

The thunderous roar echoing through Rosen Shingle Creek Resort wasn't from traditional sports, 6,000 passionate fans erupted as digital warriors battled on glowing screens during the Community Effort Orlando fighting game championship.

What began as 300 gaming enthusiasts fifteen years ago had evolved into a sprawling 200,000-square-foot digital arena showcasing Orlando's meteoric rise as America's esports capital.

Competitors clutched controllers like samurai gripping swords, while South Korean champion Shin Moon-sup claimed the $7,000 prize amid deafening cheers.

With world-class venues, robust internet infrastructure, and events like the Call of Duty World League Championship, Orlando has systematically established itself as the beating heart of competitive gaming's rise.

(Learn a lot more about Orlando’s esports ascension with Joe Mario Pedersen, right here)

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ Super Potatoes - Puerto Rican Spuds Hit Orlando

Super Potatoes (Insta) is bringing Puerto Rican soul food magic to E. Michigan St in Orlando this July. This beloved Tampa spot is expanding with loaded spuds like their legendary Tripleta Baked Potato, plus sweet yams filled with island flavors and traditional desserts like quesitos and flan. Pure comfort, one potato at a time.

2️⃣ Okonomi - Customizable Sushi Counter Coming Soon

This summer, Mills Market welcomes Okonomi (Insta), an innovative sushi concept featuring rare seafood selections at an intimate 10-seat counter. Unlike traditional omakase, "Okonomi" ("as you like it") lets diners craft personalized sushi experiences piece-by-piece.

😔 Dearly Departed/ing: Sadly, the College Park Diner, ‘Orlando’s Oldest Diner,’ announced their closure with an “Out of Business! Toodles” sign on the window after receiving health code violations.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Quack Quack

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩

Uncle Tony’s Backyard BBQ

📍6807 South Orange Avenue Ste. 110, Orlando, FL 32809. See location info, right here.

Uncle Tony’s Backyard BBQ (Insta) brings treasured Arkansas family recipes to life through authentic barbecue artistry.

Tony’s meats transform through patient smoking techniques, absorbing carefully crafted dry rubs perfected over decades. Combined with signature house-made sauces and beloved sides prepared in intimate batches, every meal becomes an unforgettable celebration.

From holiday turkey to gourmet brisket burgers, they've earned recognition among Orlando's Top 5 on Yelp through time-honored, handcrafted excellence that defines true barbecue tradition.

👉 Check out their MENU, right here 👈

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🏕️ 5th Annual Camp Ivanhoe
 📅 Monday, June 23 - Sunday, June 29, 2025 
📍 Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.

Week-long summer camp experience for adults featuring nightly events, themed beer releases, trivia, movie nights, and exclusive merch.
👉 Camp Out

🎭 Forgotten Broadway 
📅 Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | 7pm 
📍 Judson's Live

Unscripted improv comedy featuring Orlando performers creating "forgotten" Broadway showtunes and storylines from audience suggestions.
👉 Unpredictable Fun

🎮 Game & Hobby Night at The Burrow 
📅 Tuesdays | 5-8pm 
📍 The Burrow Cafe & Play, Mills area

Weekly gathering for games, crafts, reading, and relaxation with drink specials available. 👉 Play Together

🎭 Shucked 
📅 Tuesday, June 24 - Sunday, June 29, 2025 | Various times 
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Tony Award-winning musical comedy about a quirky rural town where corn is king and unlikely heroes save the day.
👉 Get Corny

🍔 Tasty Takeover in The Milk District 
📅 Tuesdays | 6:30-10pm 
📍 The Milk District – E. Robinson St

Orlando's premier weekly food truck block party featuring diverse culinary offerings behind the shops and bars.
👉 Dine Alfresco

🍹 Cocktail & a Story: Rum Edition 
📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 6pm & 8pm 
📍 Sushi Pop Oviedo

Guided rum journey through five regions with paired bar bites led by bar manager Dylan Cook.
👉 Limited Seating

🦕 Prehistoric Sip & Stroll 
📅 Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 5:30-8pm 
📍 Oviedo Mall

Dino-themed mall adventure featuring complimentary tastings, Jurassic photo ops, and costume encouragement; 21+.
👉 Roar Into Fun

🌿 Late Night Thursdays 
📅 Thursdays | 5-8pm 
📍 Leu Gardens

Extended evening hours featuring the Origami in the Garden exhibit with picnicking and drinks allowed.
👉 Evening Stroll

THANKS!

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal