Howey-in-the-Hills Mansion

Good morning, Orlando, and happy President’s Day. Ya’ll seemed to really love our new “More Pulp” section, so we’re going to keep it rolling each Monday. Thanks for the feedback!

🛑 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, OR, just hit reply to this email and tell us.

👇 In today’s issue: 👇

• The Howey Mansion

• Orlando's Ube Queen

• Iconic green scales

• ….and much more

If you enjoy this issue, please forward it to a friend. If you’re that sexy friend, subscribe here.

Let’s dive in!

- Philip

P.S. Happy birthday to Becky Sommers. 🎉

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Whispers of the Past: The Howey Mansion

The (formerly) crumbling ruins of an abandoned 20-room Mediterranean mansion hold decades of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Tucked away in the quiet central Florida town of Howey-in-the-Hills, just outside of Orlando, this grand estate has a rich history interwoven with dreams of citrus fortunes, the ravages of financial ruin, and even whispers of covert basement speakeasies.

The story begins in the early 1920s when an ambitious man named William J. Howey first started snapping up thousands of acres of central Florida land to build his citrus empire.

He quickly brought his business savvy to the Florida sunshine from Illinois, becoming heavily involved in citrus farming and land development in Lake County. With wealth and influence accumulating rapidly, Howey sought to create an iconic luxury resort community bearing his name on a picturesque 60-acre central Florida lake.

Sparing no expense, he hired architects and landscapers to craft a stunning Mediterranean-style village, complete with lavish gardens, a golf course, grand hotel, and homes for wealthy wintering retirees hoping to bask in Florida’s beauty. The Howey-in-the-Hills community became a premier destination.

But Howey's boldest dream was his 20-room personal mansion just outside the resort, rivaling Florida's most iconic estates in extravagance.

William Howey departed in 1938. The years passed and the house exchanged hands, ultimately falling into disrepair after the 2008 financial collapse. For nearly a decade, the mansion decayed, a crumbling relic all but forgotten.

That is until a new owner arrived in 2017, captivated by the property's history and potential. After paying $630,000, Brad Cowherd invested over $1 million to painstakingly restore the Howey Mansion to its former 1920s glory.

Today, the doors are re-opened, revealing 20 meticulously renovated rooms across 7,188 square feet of Mediterranean style architecture. From the hidden basement speakeasy, to the lush citrus gardens, visitors can once again experience the estate’s enduring grandeur and discover the rich stories etched into its very walls.

With tours available, listen to the tales this mansion yearns to tell. Its secrets patiently await within the rolling hills of this quiet Florida town.

Or check out a 2-minute interior walk-through video below 👇

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Capturing Creativity: How One Teacher Unlocks His Students' Potential

John Burke's Boone High School photography class in Orlando captivates students by sparking creativity that builds confidence within his teenage artists. For over 20 years, Burke has made it his mission to nurture potential, remembering the hands-on lessons from his own school days that stoked engagement.

Burke’s classroom brims with energy as he gets to know each pupil individually, facilitating collaboration that teaches diverse perspectives. Students experiment freely with lighting and angles, proudly displaying standout assignments that visualize Burke’s lessons on real-world applications. He envisions his pupils photographing events for the yearbook or doing weekend family portraits.

Burke imparts more than photography fundamentals, seeking to unlock creative thinking skills that will aid students far beyond his class. Burke believes that by tailoring lessons to match talents and strengthen weaknesses, he can empower youth to believe in their gifts.

Years later, former students credit Burke for cultivating the confidence that allowed their visions to develop, and talents to shine. For John Burke, teaching photography is about capturing much more than a perfect picture; it’s about framing his students’ bright futures.

Ruff Road For Loyal Park Bark & Fly

After nearly 20 years of operation, Orlando's beloved Park Bark & Fly has ceased its airport shuttle service - closing a chapter for both the business and the city's travel scene.

Owner Pete Madison made the difficult decision due to rising costs, longer commute times after the airport's Terminal C expansion, and declining occupancy as rideshares like Uber and Lyft cut into parking demand since it’s often cheaper than parking for a week.

At its height, the signature dog bone decorated shuttles carried travelers from Park Bark & Fly’s lot of over 3,500 spaces to the bustling Orlando International Airport since 2004.

But operating the aging fleet had become financially impossible between insurance hikes, inflated expenses, and 15-20 extra unpaid minutes tacked onto drivers’ commutes. Though disappointed and nostalgic, Madison accepts that times have changed.

While no longer transporting airport-goers, Park Bark & Fly continues normal operation for long-term parking and storage needs. The loss of an affordable, reliable service is felt deeply, especially by staff members let go after decades of devotion.

But Orlando International's own parking expansions will prevent shortages from the over 3,500 spots no longer shuttle-accessible. Madison takes comfort that amidst bittersweet transition, Park Bark & Fly still serves a vital role.

Purple Majesty: Orlando's Ube Queen Rules Local Treats

Divina Orbase, Orlando’s self-proclaimed “ube queen,” left her career as an oncology and hospice nurse to found Beng Bread. Her fluffy Filipino-inspired baked goods, especially ube (purple yam) milk bread, earned her a regal new title. According to Orbase, her father taught her the value of community while her mother schooled her in the kitchen - influences that shaped her business.

Beng Bread operates out of Orbase’s home kitchen like a cottage industry, drawing crowds at local markets which often sell out. The signature cloud-like milk bread, crinkle cookies, and ube muffins and cookies attract a cult following.

Most fans preorder online and arrange Friday pickups to guarantee their fix.

Though she draws inspiration from local success stories, Orbase says this year’s mantra is “Grow slow, grow steady.” Should she strike it rich, she jokes she’d give away her coveted treats for free - a true queen’s ransom.

Let me just park this photo of Divina’s Ube + Pandan Swirl bread below 👇

Publix's Iconic Green Scales Soon to Disappear From New Stores

The trusty mechanical scales found in Publix grocery stores for nearly a century will soon vanish from new locations, such as the one opening in the Shoppes at Story Park on March 7th.

Dating back to Publix's first store in 1930 in Winter Haven, founder George Jenkins decided to provide free scales for customers - a rare customer service gesture at the time. According to longtime employee Dwaine Stevens, Jenkins saw the scales as a visionary treat, since most households lacked them.

Over the decades, Publix shoppers have used the scales to weigh themselves, luggage for flights, even excited children’s ever-increasing growth. But production ceased in 2015 on the Mettler Toledo scales after Publix purchased the remaining inventory.

As long as Publix technicians can maintain existing scales, they will stay in current stores. However, going forwards It's the loss of another warm Publix tradition that will weigh heavily on longtime shopper's hearts.

TRUE STORY: I remember leaving a Publix store and a lady had just stepped up onto the scale. Then some stranger, a clearly insane dude, walked up behind her and put his foot on the scale. If looks could kill. 🤣

ORLANDO DIGS: DISCOVERING THE AREAS TOP PROPERTIES 🏠
Citrus Tycoon's Storied Estate Hits Market

A grand lakefront 1936 estate tied to legendary Florida architect James Gamble Rogers II is on the market in Ocoee for $989,900.

Originally built for prominent citrus tycoon and eye doctor Lomax Gwathmey, the regal 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 3,000+ square foot property sits on the shores of Lake Apopka as a slice of Old Florida charm.

Rogers, known for iconic designs like Yale University buildings, Winter Park’s dazzling “Casa Feliz,” and even the Florida Supreme Court, brought his architectural mastery to create an enduring treasure for Gwathmey.

Though expanded over the years, the home still bears Rogers’ signature elegance and grandeur, evoking the burgeoning citrus fortunes of Central Florida’s history while offering modern amenities.

This beautifully preserved estate allows a privileged buyer to write the next chapter of its already rich legacy spanning architectural fame, citrus industry origins, and lakeside tranquility.

Curious (or nosey like me)?

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Brightside Flower Farm

📷 via @brightsideflowerfarm  |📍Oviedo

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Turci Pasta

📍2120 Edgewater Drive, Orlando FL 32804, or map to this location, right here.

Embark on a culinary journey like no other at the exquisite Turci Pasta, located in College Park. Renowned for crafting the finest handmade pasta paired with irresistible homemade sauces, Turci Pasta promises an experience that tantalizes the taste buds and captivates the senses.

Step into a realm of excellence where every dish tells a story of tradition, passion, and flavor. Whether you're seeking a romantic rendezvous or a memorable family feast, Turci Pasta's intimate and inviting atmosphere sets the stage for cherished moments.

Discover the allure of this hidden gem, hailed by many as the pinnacle of Italian gastronomy in the city.

Check out this pasta-making! 👇

turcipasta

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MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Michelin adds FIVE Orlando restaurants to its guide.

> Cécile McLorin Salvant is performing Mon, Tues, and Wed at the new Judson’s Live venue.

> Shipley Do-Nuts, an iconic Texas brand, is now open in Orlando serving 60 different kinds of do-nuts & kolaches at 2255 South Semoran Boulevard.

> The Orlando Police Department is looking for a Digital Communications Specialist (ahem, social media) to join their team. $20-$22 hourly.

> Baby African elephant named Corra makes her first debut at Animal Kingdom.

> Comedy Dark comes to Mills 50 this Thursday featuring the boldest comedians working today.

> Kai Asian Street Fare, the Winter Park ramen house (part of Michelin Guide 2023), has opened its second location at The Food Factory in Oviedo.

> Detroit-style pizza joint, SoDough Square, is opening a UCF location this week at 12226 Corporate Blvd.

> Stadium Club, a two-story. 9,000-square-foot immersive sports bar and high-tech venue, is now open at 8101 World Center Drive.

> A candle-light tribute to Coldplay comes to the Abbey Wed and Thurs.

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

66🌡️ 47 | 🌤️ | Warmer with times of clouds and sun

Tuesday

70🌡️ 48 | 🌤️ | Mostly sunny and comfortable

Wednesday

71 🌡️ 50 | ☀️ | Comfortable with plenty of sunshine

THANKS! 🙏

I appreciate your attention and interest! We’ll see you again on Thursday for the weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal