Jernigan, Jawlene, and 10 Changemakers.

Reading time: 4.5 minutes

Good morning, Orlando! Welcome to the Orlando Signal’s inaugural edition. We don’t like stuffy, corporate news that makes us want to run out into traffic. We’re doing things differently around here. We hope you’ll notice.

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In today’s Orlando Signal:

• Orlando's Frontier Days as Jernigan

• Our neighbors making impact

• Jawlene, not by Dolly Parton

Let’s roll!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Aaron's Acres: How a Lone Farmer Put Orlando on the Map

Before the glitzy theme parks and luxury resorts, Orlando was a sleepy frontier outpost known by a different name entirely. The origins of Florida's tourism capital can be traced back to 1842, when Aaron Jernigan, a hardy pioneer farmer, ventured south from Georgia in search of new land to grow oranges.

He found the perfect spot for a homestead and citrus grove along a chain of shimmering lakes drawn by abundant water and fertile soil. Jernigan staked his claim and became the first permanent white settler in the area. A community sprang up around his successful farm, and the settlers naturally referred to it as "Jernigan" after their founder.

For two decades in Florida's territorial days, the rural village was known to locals simply as Jernigan. There wasn't much there - just a dozen or so families, simple log homes, stands of wild orange trees, and quiet sandy trails meandering through the low pines and palmetto scrub.

When a proper town was platted in 1856, its founders chose to name it Orlando. As the town grew into a city, then a sprawling metro area, its pioneer origins as Jernigan faded into obscurity.

Today, Aaron Jernigan's name graces just a tiny, sleepy residential lane in a forgotten corner of the vast city that rose from his frontier homestead. Yet the legacy of Orlando's first settler lives on, for without his ambition and grit over 180 years ago, the City Beautiful may never have existed for millions to enjoy today.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
The Heartbeat of Orlando: 10 Changemakers Making Waves

Amidst the constant barrage of troubling headlines, there remains an army of unsung heroes working daily to uplift our community. For the 9th year, the Orlando Sentinel shined a light on 10 of these inspiring individuals.

Though typically flying under the radar, these exemplary figures impact lives in vital ways. Hailing from diverse backgrounds - nonprofits, law enforcement, healthcare, education, and more - they share a passion for empowering others.

Let’s showcase 2 notable choices:

• Ron and Lin Wilensky, co-founders Dave’s House

  Mental illness and developmental disabilities remain woefully misunderstood and underserved, though the struggles faced are well known. For many families, even securing basic needs like housing proves an uphill battle. But Dave and Dafna Wilensky are bringing meaningful change through their nonprofit, Dave's House, named for Dafna's late brother who lived with schizophrenia.
  
  The organization has developed 9 multi-resident homes valued over $5 million to support those overlooked by society. Now they are building an entire residential community for more than 2 dozen individuals, addressing a complex problem through hands-on service. Their selfless efforts garnered Central Floridian of the Year honors before, but their work carries on, bringing dignity and compassion to those too often left behind. See what Dave’s House is all about right here.
  

• Carolyn Moor, President, Founder of Modern Widows Club

  The pain of losing a spouse leaves many widows unable to imagine moving forward alone. But Joan Moor transformed her own grief into a source of healing and empowerment for others. After struggling to find support following the death of her husband, Moor founded a club providing community, activities, and resources to help widowed women rebuild their lives.
  
  As one nominator noted, Moor took her hard-won wisdom and created the very opportunity for connection she had sought in vain. Now she selflessly guides women through one of life's most difficult transitions, acting as a pillar of strength for those learning to carry on and rediscover purpose without their life partner. Learn more about the Modern Widows Club.

Jawleeeene, Jawleeeene, Jawleeeene, Jaaaaawleeeeeeeeeene

Move over Jolene, there's a new gator queen in town - meet Jawlene, the scrappy young alligator charming fans at Orlando's Gatorland with her triumphant spirit and half-snout sass. Rescued after surviving a years-old boat collision that snatched her jaw, this go-getter chomped two mice solo to celebrate her new home, a testament to her moxie.

Though currently isolated while recovering, employees have big plans for this darling diva, including a potential prosthetic jaw fitting worthy of her superstar namesake. But for now, Jawlene's living her best life as Gatorland's comeback kid, an inspiration to gators and humans alike with her indomitable will to thrive against all odds. Yeehaw, Dolly would be proud!

The Solar Showdown: Orlando Braces for a Cosmic Clash of Moon vs. Sun

Grab your solar glasses - an epic celestial showdown is headed our way as the moon takes a bite out of the sun in a "ring of fire" eclipse on Oct. 14! This partial eclipse will see the moon's shadow creep over 65% of the sun, briefly darkening noontime skies and dropping temps as our star battles its cosmic contender.

At the peak battle at 1:26pm, a ring of sun will blaze around the moon's silhouette in a dazzling celestial clash - but don't look directly! Use protective glasses to catch the action safely as these heavyweight cosmic fighters rumble overhead, ending at 3:02pm. A thrilling celestial bout beneath Orlando's skies! Get your approved eclipse viewing glasses here.

SunRail and Brightline Join Tracks for Orlando's Transit Revolution

A multibillion dollar railway renaissance is rumbling down the tracks, promising to connect SunRail, Brightline, Orlando International Airport, and the bustling I-Drive attractions in an integrated transit extravaganza, “The Sunshine Corridor". This bold expansion would link tourists and residents via rail, reducing road congestion and energizing commerce, as local leaders engineer a transportation revolution. But funding obstacles loom large over the golden vision.

While Orange County and Orlando eagerly await the golden age of train travel, some officials down the line pump the brakes over potential costs. Yet proponents remain full steam ahead, touting increased access and economic growth if the ambitious project succeeds.

The Sunshine Express is gathering momentum to transform travel in Central Florida. Though challenges remain, the railway renaissance chugs closer to a more connected, convenient future for all.

Four-Legged Heroes Show Grace Under Fire in Oviedo Emergency Prep

Oviedo's unflappable future first responders in furry yellow suits kept calm amidst simulated chaos Saturday, as twenty golden retriever trainees with New Horizons Service Dogs underwent final exams in grace under fire - remaining cool as cucumbers amidst blaring sirens and roaring engines, never wavering from their mission to one day serve people with disabilities.

By maintaining composure in the manufactured emergency, these pawesome pups proved their readiness to support future partners as life-changing service dogs, providing crucial aid amidst whatever real-life crises arise after two to three years of preparation. Congrats to Oviedo's class of floppy-eared heroes for acing their test and proving they've got the hearts, smarts, and training to leap into action wherever emergencies strike!

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Tom Fruin's Glass House

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona

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FOODIE FIND = FORK YEAH! 🤩
Buttermilk Bakery

1198 Orange Ave. Winter Park
Wed-Fri: 8a-2p, Sat & Sun: 9a-2p
Closed Mon & Tue

Nestled amongst Winter Park’s bustling streets lies a petite paradise pumping out mouthwatering morsels that sell faster than you can say “I’ll take two!”

Buttermilk Bakery's miniature size belies the mammoth joy within, from flaky croissants kissed with ham and Gruyère to donuts as sublime as a sonnet. This wee wonder's reputation ripples wide, attracting palates seeking handcrafted delicacies without equal.

Each visit brings new delights: rich blueberry pop tarts, lemon poppyseed muffins with playful tartness, brie bursting from crispy tomato tarts. And oh, those croissants - tender, buttery, cradling turkey bacon and cheese like a feather bed.

Take out or outdoor seating offer joyful dining, but do place mobile orders early to avoid disappointment! With flavors eliciting raptures, it’s little wonder Buttermilk sells out in a flash.

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

87 🌡️ 70 | ☀️ | Mostly sunny with a shower in places in the morning, then becoming less humid

Tuesday

88 🌡️ 73 | ☀️ | Partly sunny and nice

Wednesday

86 🌡️ 73 | 🌥️ | Sun and some clouds with a thunderstorm in spots in the afternoon

THANKS! 🙏

Many thanks for reading the Orlando Signal today. If you found something useful or interesting, please share this edition with someone you know! We’re back on Thursday to send you off strong 💪 into the weekend with lots to do.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal