Hoyle Pounds

PRESENTED BY

Welcome to Monday Morning, Orlando!

I trust most of you did ok through Hurricane Milton? Hopefully, we’re all back to normal by now. I spruced up the “More Pulp” section towards the end of the newsletter. Let me know how you like it.

Also, since crossing the 9,000 subscriber mark recently, I got to wondering how long ya’ll have lived in or around Orlando. Today’s poll further down asks just that. Please tap/click and let me know!

 In today’s issue: 👇

• A Rubber Revolution

• Smart rooms, happy hearts

• The Escobar Kitchen

• ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Rubber Revolution: Hoyle Pounds' Legacy

Pounds Motor Company, founded by Hoyle Pounds in 1914, revolutionized Florida's agricultural landscape from its base in Winter Garden. Born in Ocoee in 1893, Pounds transformed from a small-town mechanic to "Mr. Tractor," leaving an indelible mark on American farming.

His crowning achievement came in 1928 with the invention of rubber tractor tires, dramatically improving efficiency in citrus groves. Pounds continuously innovated, creating various agricultural equipment and even collaborating on the first Snappin' Turtle lawn mower decks. His influence extended beyond farming; he served as Volunteer Fire Chief for 41 years and established Pounds Industrial Gas Company.

The company's iconic 1926 building at 162 West Plant Street witnessed 82 years of progress. As decades passed, the business diversified, with Pounds Industrial Gas fueling the region from the 1940s to 1980s. New tractors arriving on flatbed rail cars became a symbol of progress.

Through four generations of family ownership, Pounds Motor Company mirrored central Florida's evolution from early citrus farming to modern agriculture, shaping the region for generations to come.

PRESENTED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
Sensory Sunday: Eerie Eola

Dive into Lake Eola's murky mysteries! On Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 12-4 PM, explore ghostly tales and sinkhole secrets at their sensory-friendly event.

In partnership with the Autism Society of Greater Orlando, the History Center offers lowered audio, minimal flashing lights, and quiet spaces.

Excavate spooky artifacts in themed sensory bins, craft cryptids at the magnet station, and unlock Spook Hill's gravity-defying illusions. Each activity doubles as a candy station – so wear costumes and bring treat bags!

Free for ASGO members. Join for a spine-tingling journey through Orlando's most enigmatic landmark, where history's mysteries come alive for all to enjoy.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Floodwaters and Fortitude: The Annual Ordeal Off Buck Road

In Hurricane Milton's aftermath, an East Orlando neighborhood near Riverdale and Buck Roads flooded once again. Mailboxes peek above water, with homes surrounded by 3-4 feet of floodwater.

Orange County responders conducted rescues as deputies guard the inundated entrance. For locals, it's a familiar scene that repeats after each hurricane. Residents have grown accustomed to rebuilding post-flood, a cycle that plays out annually.

A longtime inhabitant, sees their predicament as a low priority in municipal planning.

As Milton's waters recede, this temporarily submerged community exemplifies the persistent impact of seasonal hurricanes.

Ruffled Feathers and Rising Waters as Lake Eola's Swans Weathered the Storm

As Hurricane Milton approached Orlando, the fate of Lake Eola's iconic swans hung in the balance. City officials adopted a hands-off approach, asserting that these resilient birds naturally adapted to environmental changes.

This strategy mirrored Lakeland's "Swan City" philosophy, where avian inhabitants had weathered storms unassisted for decades. Orlando's recent $19,500 investment in six new swans underscored the birds' significance.

While the city prepared by lowering lake levels, the swans were left to their own devices.

As Milton loomed, bringing 80 mph winds and flood risks, Lake Eola's feathered residents stood as an example of nature's adaptability, offering a unique perspective on survival amid chaos.

Smart Rooms, Happy Hearts: Nemours' AI Adventure in Pediatric Care

Imagine walking into a children's hospital room that's smarter than your smartphone! That's exactly what's happening at Nemours Children's Health, thanks to their exciting team-up with care.ai.

They're bringing AI magic to about 370 hospital rooms, starting with their Wilmington and Orlando locations.

These clever rooms will use care.ai's smart sensors (self-aware environments) to help doctors and nurses work more efficiently, giving them extra time for hugs and high-fives with their young patients.

The AI even helps connect kids with faraway family members right from their bedsides, too.

With 65 rooms already decked out and 200 more on the way by end of 2024, Nemours is turning hospital stays into high-tech adventures that put smiles on little faces.

Canopy of Community with Tree Time

On October 17th, Winter Park's Mead Botanical Garden transforms into an arboreal wonderland for "Tree Time."

This free event, from 5:15 PM to 7:30 PM, blends education with environmental advocacy. Participants embark on guided tours showcasing 28 Florida-friendly tree species, sipping Yaupon Tea and wine.

At 6:30 PM, a panel featuring Mayor Sheila Deciccio, arborist Josh Nye, and botanist Catherine Bowman, moderated by Dr. Leslie Poole, tackles urban forestry challenges.

Sponsored by Mead Botanical Garden Inc. and Winter Park Land Trust, "Tree Time" plants seeds of change, empowering residents to green up their landscapes and fostering a community-wide commitment to environmental stewardship.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Steel Chef's Market - Innovation “Stacks” Up in Orlando

Micah Bass's Steel Chef's Market is destined for International Drive. This multi-level marvel, crafted from shipping containers, will house 14 diverse vendors and a captivating exhibition kitchen. Opening next year at 7200 International Drive, it promises a culinary adventure that's equal parts sustainable architecture and epicurean artistry.

2️⃣ Jabal Coffee House - Mountain-High Flavors

OK, coffee lovers! This November, Jabal Coffee House (Insta) brings Yemen's finest to 8553 S. John Young Parkway. "Jabal" (Arabic for mountain) offers handpicked, sun-dried beans from Yemen's peaks. Expect aromas and flavors of dried fruit, warm spices, and a hint of chocolate. A true adventure in taste from mountaintop to cup!

3️⃣ Mandola’s Italian Kitchen - Maitland's Taste of Italy

Damian Mandola, Carrabba's co-founder, brings his culinary legacy to Maitland on October 21st. Mandola's Italian Kitchen (Insta), his 10th location, opens at 601 Maitland Blvd, promising authentic, scratch-made dishes. This expansion marks Mandola's growing Florida presence, offering a slice of Italian tradition daily from 11am to 9pm. Buon appetito, Maitland!

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

My trip past the Pound Building

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Winter Garden

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
The Escobar Kitchen

📍420 E Church St #108, Orlando, FL 32801, or map to this location.

On Church St., Lewis Escobar is crafting a sushi sensation with Puerto Rican flair.

From World Center Marriott veteran to pandemic-inspired chef, Escobar's journey led him to blend Asian precision with Boricua boldness.

What began as a six-table home eatery has blossomed into The Escobar Kitchen (Insta), now expanding to downtown Orlando. The star? The Escobar Roll, a fusion masterpiece honoring his father.

With family as his backbone—his daughter's encouragement propelling him forward—Escobar's dream has become a flavorful reality.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🧘‍♀️ Yoga with Deborah
📅 October 14, 2024 | 6:30-7:30pm
📍 Maitland Public Library, 501 S Maitland Ave, Maitland, Florida 32751

Join Deborah in the meeting room for a FREE Yoga class. Bring your own mat and water bottle.
[Stretch into Serenity]


🍹 The Art of Cocktails Class
📅 October 15, 2024 | 6:30pm
📍 Kavas Tacos + Tequila, 9101 International Drive, Ste 1198, Orlando, FL 32819

Close out Hispanic Heritage Month with a cocktail class! Learn to make two fall-inspired cocktails, plus you'll take home the recipes and enjoy family-style appetizers!
[Shake Up Your Skills]

🍷 Winter Park Wine & Dine: Fall Edition
📅 October 16, 2024 | 6:30-9:30pm
📍 Winter Park Farmers' Market, 200 West New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789

Prepare yourself to be "Wine'd and Dine'd!" with exceptional offerings like Caymus, Veuve Clicquot, Full Service Cocktails, and more! Dress your finest and bring your finest.
[Savor The Season]

🎭 Spotlight Cabaret Series: Laura Hodos
📅 October 16-17, 2024 | 7:30pm
📍 The Winter Park Playhouse, 711 North Orange Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789

Laura Hodos returns to The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series, debuting an original solo cabaret. Join Laura for an exciting evening of story and song.
[Experience the Spotlight]

🎬 Retro Reels: Labyrinth
📅 October 17, 2024 | 5-7pm
📍 Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801

Celebrate Halloween early at Third Thursday! Enjoy a magical evening as they screen the beloved 1986 movie classic Labyrinth, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.
[Enter the Labyrinth]

🎸 JIJI Guitar: Chamber Concertos
📅 October 17, 2024 | 7:30pm
📍 Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, 1000 Holt Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789

International guitar sensation JIJI, accompanied by a small string ensemble, promises to delight and enlighten her audience with masterful musicianship and informative commentary.
[Strum Through Time]


💀 15th Annual Dia de los Muertos & Monster Party
📅 October 17, 2024 | 6 – 11pm
📍 CityArts, Downtown Orlando

This unique art exhibition at CityArts will be paired with an outdoor experience featuring food, drinks, entertainment and spooky art vendors.
[Celebrate Life and Art]

🍽️ "Empty Plates:" How the Hunger Relief Crisis Impacts Our Community
📅 October 17, 2024 | 6-7:30pm
📍 Center for Health & Wellbeing, 2005 Mizell Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

An evening of thought-provoking conversation and actionable ideas for helping our friends and neighbors, featuring a one-on-one conversation hosted by award-winning broadcaster Amy Sweezey.
[Fill Plates & Feed The Community]

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