Welcome back to Thursday Morning, Orlando!

I just had the most delightful trip down memory lane! I spent time this week visiting Atlanta, my old stomping grounds from 14 years ago.

There's something magical about revisiting a place that holds so many memories - every familiar sight, sound, and taste brought back wonderful moments from my past. While Atlanta's food scene is notable (and boy, did I indulge!), I have to say, Orlando has really stolen my heart in the culinary department. But that's just my take! 😊

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

• A recycling dilemma

• Jingle Eve

• Water Lantern Festival

• + lots of weekend recs

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On with it!

- Philip

P.S. Love the newsletter? Orlando Signal is powered by java, and cat-treats!👇

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Community Spirit vs. Costs: Winter Garden's Recycling Dilemma

A pivotal decision looms in Winter Garden as the community discusses the future of its beloved recycling program.

Despite good intentions, only 7% of collected materials complete their recycling journey, with challenges arising from mixed or contaminated items. The program's annual cost of $1 million, including $256,000 in overtime for dedicated city workers, has prompted a thoughtful review of options.

While project manager Nicole Smith reports a 22% drop in recyclable loads over recent years, many environmentally conscious residents remain passionate about keeping the program alive, even if it means paying more.

The city commissioners will weigh these perspectives when they make their final decision on December 12.

(Learn more about this recycling dilemma with Sasha Teman, right here)

Holiday Rush: Orlando Airport Ready to Welcome Millions

As families pack their bags for the holidays, Orlando International Airport is preparing to welcome 1.9 million travelers with open arms – despite facing some unique challenges.

Last year's holiday season saw the hub wrestling with Mother Nature, as Florida's famous lightning storms led to over 4,100 flight adjustments during peak travel times.

The sunshine state's weather keeps airport teams on their toes, with Orlando and three other Florida airports seeing more schedule changes than most U.S. destinations. But airport leaders are taking it in stride, with ground crews, security teams, and staff energized and ready to help millions of guests create magical holiday memories.

(Learn more about this MCO’s holiday rush with James Wilkins, right here)

After Tragedy, Florida Communities Band Together to Protect Vulnerable Children

After two heartbreaking losses in recent months, Central Florida communities are coming together to protect children with autism from water-related dangers. The tragic deaths of 4-year-old Waylon Childs in Ormond Beach and 5-year-old Arturo Javier Angarita in Osceola County have inspired a wave of caring initiatives.

Orange County is teaming up with the Gunner Martin Foundation to install free door alarms, while Seminole County landed $200,000 to help families with swim lessons and safety gear.

Sumter County's Safe Program includes the innovative D.R.E.A.M system, and Osceola County (plus Orange) offers Project Lifesaver transmitters. St. Cloud is even covering swimming lessons, ensuring every child has a chance to learn water safety.

These community-driven programs show just how much Central Florida cares about keeping its most vulnerable children safe, turning tragedy into hope for countless families.

(Learn more about how local counties are protecting autistic children with Brianna Ellis, right here)

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Jingle Eve

📍Gaston Edward's Park. 1236 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, November 23rd, 4:30-9 p.m.

🎄 Jingle Eve: Orlando's unrivaled holiday spectacular for over 20 dazzling years! 🎉 

Immerse yourself in yuletide magic spanning Orange Avenue, Virginia Drive, and Gaston Edwards Park. Delight in live music, artisanal crafts, food trucks, and family fun at the Children's Holiday Village. Adults, enjoy beer gardens and the exclusive "12 Wines of Christmas" walk.

As fireworks illuminate Lake Ivanhoe, let Jingle Eve ignite your heart with joy. Free admission (wine walk excluded). Join for an unforgettable celebration! 🎆

[Get more info, right here]

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Water Lantern Festival

📍Lakefront Park. 1104 Lakeshore Blvd. St Cloud, FL 34769. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, November 22nd, 4-8 p.m.

🔥 Check out the video above. This event looks cool as hell.

Experience the magic of the Water Lantern Festival (Insta), where cherished memories are made. Create your own floating lantern, fill it with heartfelt messages, and set it adrift on a shimmering sea of hope.

Join friends, family, and new acquaintances in an atmosphere of joy and unity as you Light The Water together.

Be captivated by the breathtaking sight of countless glowing lanterns, casting an enchanting reflection that will stay with you forever.

[Get more info & tix, right here]

48th Annual Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival

📍Longwood Historic District. 162 W Church Ave, Longwood, FL 32750. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, Nov 23rd, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday, Nov 24th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Discover extraordinary creations from over 200 artists at the 48th annual Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival (FB).

Find unique gifts, exquisite jewelry, and festive décor while savoring delectable food, refreshing drinks, and lively music.

With free admission and ample parking at Orlando Health, it's no wonder this event was ranked in Sunshine Artists' Top 100 Craft Festivals for 2023.

Experience the magic of this unforgettable celebration of creativity and community, just in time for the holiday shopping season.

[Get more info, right here]

Orlando Brunch Fest

📍The Grove Park. 2002 Packing District Way, Orlando, FL 32804. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, Nov 23rd, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Indulge in a world of flavors at Orlando Brunchfest!

Savor bottomless mimosas, local brunch specialties, and $5 food truck samples. Enjoy live DJ beats, win cash prizes and theme park passes, and support WeddingWish.org.

Discover diverse menus, sponsored drink specials, and capture memories with professional photographers. Hourly cash cube challenges add extra thrills.

This 21+ event welcomes you rain or shine. Raise your glass to an epic brunch experience like no other!

[Get more info, right here]

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Multi-day:

A Christmas Nutcracker Tale | Fri 7 p.m. & Sat 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. | Downtown | More

Shuler King | Fri, Sat, Sun 5-8:30 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | More

FINAL FANTASY VII: REBIRTH Orchestra World Tour | Fri & Sat 8 p.m. | Downtown | More

Friday:

UCF Art Knight! | 6 p.m. | UCF | More

Wine Stroll | 6:30 p.m. | Clermont | More

Florida Blue Battle of the Bands | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More

Assid Trip: A Mind-Altering Burlesque Show | 7 p.m. | South Eola | More

The Fantastical Mundane Selections from The Grasset-Linares Collection | 11 a.m. | Winter Park Area | More

I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting | 6 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | More

UCF Knights Womens Basketball vs. Siu-Edwardsville Cougars Womens Basketball | 7 p.m. | UCF | More

Hungover and Monsoon with The HVNZ and Sky Navy | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Ben Folds | 7 p.m. | Milk District | More

Gimme Gimme Disco | 9 p.m. | South Eola | More

Saturday:

Quack Attack on Poverty 5K | 8 a.m. | Baldwin Park | More

Orlando Brunchfest: Friendsgiving Edition | 11 a.m. | College Park | More

32nd Annual Brouhaha Film and Video Showcase: Brouhaha Program #1 | 11 a.m. & 1:45 p.m. | Winter Park Area | More

Tilian | 7:30 p.m. | South Eola | More

Vir Das | 7 p.m. | Milk District | More

Dom's 50th Bday Bash | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Crux | 8:30 p.m. | Thornton Park | More

Sunday:

UCF Knights Womens Basketball vs. Florida A&M Rattlers Womens Basketball | 1 p.m. | UCF | More

MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinals - Orlando City SC v Atlanta Utd | 3:30 p.m. | Downtown | More

Southern Fried Sunday Thankful Music Feast | 4 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Ryan Devlin | 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | More

Wasp | 6 p.m. | Milk District | More

THANKS!

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal