Impractical Jokers

Good morning, Orlando! This is the Orlando Signal, where we consolidate your zillion open browsers tabs into one snappy, readable e-mail.

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

• Orlando’s Flex Lanes

• Mid Drive Dive Experience

• Impractical Jokers

• + lots of weekend recs

🛑 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. 🐈

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On with it!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
A Flexible Solution for Central Florida's Traffic Woes

In a brilliant stroke to combat Central Florida's congestion quandary, the expressway authority is deploying "Flex Lanes" -- a system transforming left shoulders into auxiliary traffic arteries during crashes.

Overhead signaling choreographs the conversion, dynamically redirecting vehicles onto the newly liberated shoulder when incidents occlude the main lanes. Speeds will moderate to 55 mph for safety, but traffic will keep flowing as the crimson "X" abolishing shoulder access transfers overhead.

Initial implementation between International Drive and John Young Parkway launches this summer, progressively expanding to State Road 528, with Route 429 following suit within a year.

For commuters and commercial purveyors alike, the Flex Lanes presage blessed respite from gridlock torment.

Want to know what flex lanes are and how they work? Check it out.

Orlando's Vision: One Person, One Tree

In a bold move to create a more sustainable urban environment, The City of Orlando has embarked on an ambitious tree-planting campaign, "One Person, One Tree."

The city aims to increase its tree canopy from 25% to a lush 40% by 2040 by providing free trees for residents to plant on their properties or public right-of-ways.

If every resident plants a single tree, the collective impact would reduce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to taking nearly 40,000 cars off the road. This initiative empowers citizens to shape their environment while enjoying the benefits of a flourishing tree canopy, from cleaner air to cooler temperatures.

It's a tangible way for individuals to make a meaningful difference and a commitment to preserve and nurture the natural world for generations to come.

🌲 Request a free street tree, right here.

🏡 Request a free tree for your private yard, right here.

College Park's Culinary Time Machine: The Mid Drive Dive Experience

In the vibrant heart of College Park, a culinary renaissance unfolds at Mid Drive Dive, a mid-century dive bar and restaurant crafted by renowned restaurateurs Matt Hinckley, Jacob Zepf, and Brittany Zepf.

Transporting guests to a bygone era with vintage decor and meticulously crafted cocktails, this neighborhood gem offers a delectable fusion of nostalgia and innovation.

While bygone dishes like the "fatty melt" have departed, Hinckley's fancy meat burgers, such as the revelatory mushroom smashburger, have etched their names in culinary lore.

Embracing feedback has led to evolutions, with the once-vibrant ceviche losing its soul. Yet, gems like the Cobb salad and beet and orange salad remain untouched, while desserts like the pineapple-upside down cake pay homage to the past.

A delicate balance of past and present, Mid Drive Dive's (Insta) retro revival revitalizes College Park's culinary scene.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
The Orlando Rodeo

📍The Hidden Barn Ranch. 4251 Ondich Rd, Apopka, FL 32712. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, June 22nd, 4-9 p.m.

Get ready to saddle up for a rootin' tootin' good time at The Orlando Rodeo on June 22nd! The Hidden Barn ranch in Apopka, Florida is about to be the stompin' grounds for a one-of-a-kind hoedown that blends rustic charm, lively entertainment, and Southern hospitality.

Kick things off with a complimentary wine and beer reception, then get transported to a Wild West shindig with the twang of fiddles and stomp of cowboy boots. Whether you're a line dancin' pro or a city slicker, the tunes will have you kickin' up your heels.

Fuel your boot-scootin' boogie all night with Southern classics like fall-off-the-bone ribs and creamy mac 'n' cheese.

This is not just any night out – it's a chance to immerse yourself in the heart of the Wild West!

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Impractical Jokers

📍Addition Financial Arena, 12777 Gemini Blvd N. Orlando, FL 32816. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, June 21st, 7 p.m.

Brace yourselves for an evening of hilarity as Q, Murr, and Sal, the masterminds behind truTV's smash hit Impractical Jokers, unleash The DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE Tour. This side-splitting spectacle promises never-before-seen clips and hilarious behind-the-scenes tales woven into a captivating storytelling stand-up experience.

On June 21st, the Addition Financial Arena hosts this comic trifecta, guaranteeing sidesplitting shenanigans. For over a decade, Impractical Jokers has reigned as a top 5 cable comedy, reducing audiences to fits of laughter.

In 2021, Q, Murr, and Sal celebrated this show's remarkable 10-year milestone as truTV's longest-running and highest-rated original comedy series.

Venardos Circus

📍Westgate Town Center. 2898 Entry Point Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34747. Map to this location.

🕐 June 22nd through August 17th

Amidst the summer's warmth, Westgate Resorts announces an exciting partnership with Venardos Circus, offering a unique circus spectacle. This animal-free extravaganza treats audiences to an array of comedy, aerial acrobatics, juggling, hand balancing acts, and other remarkable talents showcased by skilled performers from around the world.

Venardos Circus (Insta) made its debut in 2014 at the LA County Fair. Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the show blended circus artistry with Broadway flair through a cast of 6 artists - a modest start with grand ambitions.

Over the years, Venardos Circus has grown into a re-imagining of the classic American circus for a new generation, delighting audiences and bringing the magic of live performance to communities everywhere.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in Concert

📍Walt Disney Theatre, 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, June 21st at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 22nd at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Dark Lord's malevolent forces spread like oppressive fog, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione embark to destroy Voldemort's immortal soul. Brave witches, wizards, and muggles - immerse yourselves in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ in Concert at the Dr. Phillips Center.

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra summons Alexandre Desplat's haunting, heroic melodies as jaw-dropping scenes project upon the vast screen. Thrill as the trio navigates dark forests, infiltrates the Ministry, battling supernatural and human foes.

Witness their extraordinary unity as friendships are tested against the greatest evil they've faced.

Feel your spine tingling as the darkest chapters unfurl, set to a live orchestral performance.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

For Your Friends Presents: Eidola, Royal Coda, Wolf & Bear, and Sani Bronco | 6 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $22 (more info)

The Japanese House | 7 p.m. | Downtown | $32.50-$42.50 (more info)

The Corner Gallery Improv Show! Camp Corner Gallery! | 7 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $10-$12 (more info)

Heather McDonald | 7 p.m. | Milk District | $39.50 (more info)

Tebas Land | 8 p.m. | Downtown | $25-$30 (more info)

Ace Frehley | 8 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $44.50-$97 (more info)

Orlando Pride v Utah Royals FC | 8 p.m. | Downtown | $13-$70 (more info)

Saturday:

Slide Deck - Comedians Delivering a Presentation on What's Important | 9 p.m. | Milk District | $10 (more info)

Kitten Yoga | 10:30 a.m. | Thornton Park | $10 (more info)

Orlando Celebrates International Day of Yoga 2024 | 10 a.m. & 12:45 p.m. | Free (more info)

Paws & Pints: Official Launch Party for Beyond the Leash Foundation | 11 a.m. | Ivanhoe Village | Free (more info)

The Official Pride Bar Crawl | 4 p.m. | Central | $25-$30 (more info)

Bichota Season Mercado | 5 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | Free (more info)

Bardown Breakfest 3 | Mills 50 | 5 p.m. | Mills 50 | $15 (more info)

Filipino Freedom Fest | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (more info)

Orlando City SC v Chicago Fire FC | 7:30 p.m. | $11-$229 (more info)

Blue Bamboo presents Easy Living: The Music of Paul Desmond and Jim Hall | 8 p.m. | Central | Free (more info)

Adventure[s] Presents: This Party is Killing You, The Robyn Party 2024 | 8 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $15 (more info)

Bandit and Bad Blood | 8 p.m. | Downtown | $25-$30 (more info)

Sunday:

Sketchbook Club | 9 a.m. | Milk District | Free (more info)

April Fresh Swiftie Brunch | 8 a.m. | South Eola | $35 (more info)

Porch Pop-up | 1 p.m. | Thornton Park | Free (more info)

Phoenix Rising Hafla Show! World & Belly Dance! | 3 p.m. | Audubon Park | $15-$20 (more info)

Blue Bamboo presents Ella & the Bossa Beat | 3 p.m. | Central | $35 (more info)

Deejay Young | 5 & 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | $25-$35 (more info)

For Your Friends Presents: Alesana, Limbs, Vampires Everywhere, All The Pretty Things, and Half Heard Voices | 6 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $25 (more info)

Jay Wheeler | 7 p.m. | Downtown | $36.99-$226.49 (more info)

Club Skart: Pre-Party for Bullying the Jukebox | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (more info)

Bullying the Jukebox 7: Decades | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | $10 (more info)

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal