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Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando

Hope you all had a great 4th. And those with pets, I hope they made it through da’ booms ok! Here’s what Luna thought. 👇

In today’s issue: 👇

• Heartbroken Poet

• CECO

• Bad As's

• ….and much more

Did someone forward this email to you? If so, subscribe here.

🛑 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 ⏪
Selling Sunshine: How a Heartbroken Poet Became Central Florida's First Promoter

In 1869, heartbroken poet Will Wallace Harney stumbled into Central Florida's swampy wilderness after his wife Mary died seeking tuberculosis relief. Instead of high-tailing it back north, this Indiana wordsmith decided to stay and accidentally became Florida's first marketing wizard.

From his eye-catching turreted castle (literally named "Pine Castle"), Harney unleashed America's sneakiest tourism campaign. Writing for the Cincinnati Commercial and New York Times, he penned irresistible dispatches about 70-degree February days and get-rich-quick citrus schemes that had shivering Northerners packing their bags.

These weren't just travel fluff pieces, they were masterfully crafted sales pitches disguised as news. Harney walked the walk too, planting commercial groves, sweet-talking railroad barons, and later founding his own newspaper, The Bittersweet. He basically played one-man chamber of commerce before such things existed.

His literary charm offensive worked spectacularly: Orange County's population dramatically increased between 1870-1880, then doubled again by 1885. When Harney died in 1912, he'd literally written a region into existence.

Armed with nothing but a typewriter and shameless Florida boosterism, this transplanted poet proved that good storytelling could move mountains, or at least entire populations.

(Learn a ton more about Will Wallace Harney with William S. Morgan V., right here)

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DR. DREAM REMODEL
Greater Orlando Bathroom Makeovers.
Expertly Crafted. Beautifully Yours.

Picture stepping into your ideal bathroom every morning, a space that reflects your style, matches your changing lifestyle, and adds genuine value to your home.

Orlando area craft-workers turn that vision into reality through seamless remodeling experiences.

• Every project size and budget accommodated

• Complete shower-to-tub and tub-to-shower conversions

• Intelligent storage and accessible design features

• Boost property value while creating your personal sanctuary

Whether you're dreaming of an expansive walk-in shower or luxurious primary bathroom retreat, or need to transform your existing tub or shower, expert remodelers combine artistic vision with meticulous craftsmanship.

🔥 Take a peek at the myriad of options.

👉 Also, complete project management includes design, permits, installation, and cleanup, all at competitive pricing.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊

Winter Park's Unsung Champion: Shattering Limits One Person at a Time

In Winter Park, Dr. Krisztina Weiszhaupt is quietly working magic, transforming how children with motor disabilities discover their potential. Despite leading one of Central Florida's most impactful organizations, she flies under the radar in a way that speaks to her humble dedication rather than lack of recognition.

As the Executive Director behind the Conductive Education Center of Orlando (CECO), Weiszhaupt leads something pretty remarkable: the only program of its kind in Florida, and the largest in the entire United States.

This Hungarian-rooted method called Conductive Education helps children and adults with cerebral palsy and motor disabilities build independence through an integrated learning approach that combines movement, learning, and daily life skills.

CECO's stellar reputation draws families from across America and around the world for their Summer Program.

Weiszhaupt and her team champion overlooked families who face unique community challenges, creating an empowering environment that's building a more inclusive Orlando, one amazing breakthrough at a time.

In a world that tends to overlook quiet heroes, she's living proof the most profound impact happens through daily dedication to shattering limitations.

🔥 Check out CECO, right here!

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

Flashback Orlando: A 150-Year Photo Journey

Orlando's birthday bash continues with "The Changing Face of Orlando: A Sesquicentennial Celebration," opening reception this Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Orlando City Hall's Terrace Gallery.

This visual throwback showcase, brought to you by T.G. Lee Dairy and backed by the Orange County Regional History Center, features an exciting matchup: twelve nostalgic snapshots meet their stunning present-day counterparts, crafted by skilled local photographers John Baker, Peterson Guerrier, Jim Hobart, Steven Madow, Walter Phuego, and Kayla Smith.

Together, they showcase Orlando's incredible transformation across all six city districts: then and now, side by side.

Open through August 31, 2025 at 400 South Orange Avenue, with free admission for the public.

Toll Truth: How Your Highway Payments Are Building the Future of Central Florida

Central Florida drivers watching their toll bills climb can finally discover where those dollars flow to, and it's actually pretty exciting. A massive $4.2 billion construction spree is reshaping regional travel, funded entirely by tolls (no tax dollars harmed in the making).

The star attraction? The 516 connector, a $546 million game-changer linking Highway 27 in Lake County to SR-429 in Orange County. Say goodbye to the torturous twists of Schofield Road and hello to smooth sailing toward downtown Orlando and the airport by late 2027.

The Central Florida Expressway Authority keeps it simple: drivers fund what they use. Their five-year wishlist spans five counties, featuring futuristic wrong-way detection systems, fresh pavement, and the mind-bending ASPIRE program that could charge electric cars while you're cruising down the highway.

(Learn more about where your toll dollars are spent with Emily McLeod, right here)

Orlando's Housing Market Flips the Script with Record Inventory

Orlando's housing market is cooking up quite the surprise as inventory surges to levels not seen since the Great Recession. With 13,957 homes available in May 2025, the highest since January 2011, with buyers are suddenly spoiled for choice with a whopping 35.7% more options than last year's 10,282 homes.

Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, says the Orlando housing market is gaining momentum with more homes available. His friendly warning to sellers is that it's a signal to stay competitive—pricing and presentation matter more than ever.

Despite mortgage rates climbing to 6.78%, the median home price held its ground at $390,000. With 2,551 transactions, it's officially the most buyer-friendly market Orlando has seen in over a decade.

🔥 Check out the full report, right here.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ BaBbi BaBbi - Korean Flavors Arriving in Lake Nona

Lake Nona's long wait ends as BaBbi BaBbi Korean Kitchen (Insta) brings its sizzling stone bowls and Instagram-worthy Korean corn dogs to Moss Park Rd., late this year. This marks the area's first Korean restaurant, finally delivering the beloved Dr. Phillips and Winter Garden favorite's authentic flavors without the cross-town trek.

2️⃣ Saikō Coffee - Mixology Meets Specialty Coffee

Josue Villacis, former head of mixology at two-Michelin star Sorekara, is brewing up something extraordinary. The culinary virtuoso opens Saikō (Insta) this month, a coffee bar where specialty brews meet cocktail precision. Expect inventive creations like miso brûlée lattes and kinako red bean concoctions at Orlando Racket Sports.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

A sight (and taste) of beauty @ Smoke & Donuts

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Milk District

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩

Bad As's Sandwiches

📍207 N Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32803. See location info, right here.

Chef John Collazo's culinary rebellion began as a 2015 food truck before conquering Orlando's Milk District.

Bad As's Sandwiches (Insta) now serves up to 120 creative combinations, with The Ninja's explosive braised pork belly and The Django's ribeye masterpiece leading the charge.

House-made sauces like Bad Ass Aioli elevate every bite, while generous portions and reasonable prices cement its reputation as Orlando's ultimate sandwich destination.

👉 Check out their MENU, right here 👈

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🎨 Summer FUN Art Exhibit
📅 Monday, July 7th - Friday, August 29th, 2025 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
📍 Historic Sanford Welcome Center

Showcase of 25 Central Florida artists celebrating summer themes; artist reception Thursday, July 10, 6-8pm.
👉 View Art

🐐 Goat Cuddle Hour
📅 Monday, July 7, 2025 | 5:30-6:30pm
📍 Alaska Farms & Co

Start your week with pure joy cuddling with friendly goats in the mini pasture at this family-friendly farm experience.
👉 Positive Hooves

☕ Arte y Café Con la Curadora
📅 Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 | 6-7 p.m.
📍 Rollins Museum of Art

Spanish-language exhibition tour of the Bloomsbury Group with Curator Gisela Carbonell, coffee and pastries included.
👉 Tour en Español

🎭 Hannah McGinley Lemasters: The Gold Standard
📅 Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 | 7 p.m.
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Broadway meets jazz as Hannah performs beloved classics and personal songs with a dynamic jazz trio.
👉 Jazz & Broadway

🌈 90's Gurls Night
📅 Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 | 6-8 p.m.
📍 JoJo's shakeBAR

Nostalgic throwback evening featuring friendship bracelet making, '90s music, bingo, and specialty drinks.
👉 Throw It Back

🎭 The Sunset Limited
📅 Wednesday, July 9th, 2025
📍 Theater On The Edge

Gripping two-character drama exploring faith versus doubt through a conversation between strangers in a Harlem apartment.
👉 Thought-Provoking

🍷 Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
📅 Thursday, July 10th, 2025 | 6:30-9:30pm
📍 Check-in at Bynx Orlando

Dog-friendly evening exploring 20+ local businesses with tastings, art vendors, live music, and night market at TPD Circle.
👉 Sip & Stroll

🎭 Comedy Dark
📅 Thursday, July 10th, 2025 | 8 p.m.
📍 Grape and the Grain Wine Bar, Mills 50

Outdoor comedy showcase featuring professional comedians performing their most outrageous material.
👉 Get Wild

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