New District, Fee Shuffle, and Cultural Core

October 19, 2023

Reading time: 5 minutes

Good morning, Orlando!

🛑 Thursday issues is all about fun or interesting ideas to do for the weekend ahead, while Monday issues is about news stories and history. However, I’ve received feedback from some of ya’ll that you’d like to see some news sprinkled into Thursday issues as well.

So…..

👉 I’m adding a section to this issue that includes a shorter news section called “QUICK NEWS BITS” below.

Do you like this Thursday format with a few news bits sprinkled in? Vote 💕, 😔, or 💥 at the bottom of this issue and leave a comment after.

In today’s Orlando Signal:

  • Loch Haven

  • No welts

  • Giggling schnitz

  • …and more

On with it!

- Philip

QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Orlando Levels Up on Fun

Downtown Orlando, get ready for a shakeup. The Orlando Magic are cooking up a $500 million sports and entertainment district with big name developers JMA Ventures and Machete Group. The multi-tower complex across from the Amway Center will pack a punch, blending a hotel, apartments, offices, retail and a 3,500 seat performance venue. It's a slimmed down take from the towering 2020 proposal, but still delivers a heavy dose of adrenaline to Orlando's urban core.

For the Magic, it solidifies downtown roots after relocating from Maitland. For the city, it's a magnet for drawing crowds. With construction starting in 2024, the clock is ticking until the first sledgehammer swings on this ambitious project. Downtown Orlando is about to step into a whole new arena.The developers finally released a rendering of their vision, shared below.

Downtown Orlando Sports and Entertainment District Rendering (UPROAR PR)

Duke Strategizes to Lighten Ida's Financial Toll

Bummer news, Florida folks - after Hurricane Idalia rolled through and roughed up the power lines, Duke Energy has to tack $91.9 million in repair costs onto your bills next year. Suboptimal! But don't stress, they've cooked up a plan to make it hurt a little less.

They'll spread out the fees from earlier hurricane hassles over all of 2024. Instead of slammin' you in just a few months, and with lower fuel prices, your monthly amount should still drop overall. So even with Idalia's damages, your bill might not be bad as you'd think! Storms are never a party, but Duke's hoping this financial shuffle will keep things calm while crews fix up the grid.

Good Times for the Golden Years

This Saturday, the Orlando Sentinel's Prime Expo will host a free day of medical advice, expert wisdom, live music, and food and drink demos to help mature adults plan their golden years, proving it's never too late to rock out and party down. Attendees can get schooled on healthcare options, vacation safely, avoid scams, and manage retirement right before watching Sentinel foodie Amy Drew Thompson and chef Alex Diaz whip up magic in the kitchen.

And for those who prefer beer over beef, Ivanhoe Park Brewing will provide craft brew samples to keep the good times flowing.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Loch Haven: A Cultural Oasis in the Heart of Orlando

Over 50 years since its inception, Loch Haven Cultural Park continues to be a vital anchor for arts and culture in Orlando. Just minutes from downtown, it remains an oasis where creators and appreciators flock to get their fix of artistic expression. Whether you're an art aficionado or looking to dabble in culture, a visit to these hallowed grounds is a must.

Nestled amongst towering oak trees and lush greenery lies Loch Haven Cultural Park, a hidden gem and core part of Orlando's creative scene for over 50 years. In the 1960s, visionary citizens led by entrepreneur Dick Pope Sr. rallied support to create the dedicated space originally known as Loch Haven Art Center. The land was donated by the City of Orlando for cultural and educational purposes.

When Loch Haven first opened in 1969, it housed just the Loch Haven Art Museum (now the Orlando Museum of Art). Over decades, the park grew to house an eclectic mix of museums, theaters, galleries, studios, and gardens.

Today, visitors can explore the diverse creative offerings spread out over the grounds. See provocative exhibits at the Orlando Museum of Art, avant-garde theater at Orlando Shakespeare Theater, folk art at Mennello Museum of American Art, and ballet at the intimate Orlando Ballet theater.

For many locals, the highlight is the Orlando Fringe Festival in May, when Loch Haven Park hosts hundreds of outrageous indie comedy, musical, and theatrical performances during the 2-week extravaganza.

While the venues spotlight established and emerging artists, the lush gardens offer a peaceful respite with majestic live oaks, curving pathways, and tranquil lakes. Over 50 years since its inception, Loch Haven Cultural Park remains a vital anchor for arts and culture in Orlando.

ORLANDO TOP 3 FUN FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Adrenaline Rush Minus the Welts

1251 S Co Rd 13, Orlando, FL 3283
Saturday and Sundays, 10am - 5:00pm

At Outdoor Xtreme Paintball, gear up for the zany new combat craze called Gellyball. This revolutionary sport turns paintball upside down with colorful, squishy gel ammo that harmlessly bounces off you. In standard paintball, players pelt each other with painful dye capsules to eliminate opponents. But with Gellyball, the water-based gel balls splat against you without harm.

These bouncy rounds allow rapid fire fun for all ages, since kids can join the action without fear, and adults get the paintball rush without pain. With vibrant splatter patterns replacing paint splotches, you'll look like a tie-dyed warrior afterwards - badges of honor without the bruises.

Orlando Shakes
Saturday, October 21st, 2pm and 7:30pm.

The year was 1940. While Hollywood glittered, shadows of racism and discrimination remained. Talented actress Hattie McDaniel found success with a role in Gone With the Wind, yet still faced immense obstacles as the first Black artist nominated for an Academy Award. Despite her doubts, this was a night for the history books. With the encouragement of determined bartender Arthur and insightful maid Dottie, Hattie walked into that room and made history as the first Black Oscar winner, paving the way for generations of artists to come.

On a night where so much tried to stop her, Hattie let nothing sway her from rising up. Her remarkable story of fighting for recognition and equality reminds us to keep pursuing our dreams, no matter the odds. Ladarrion Williams brings Hattie’s inspirational journey to life at the Orlando Shakes theater, motivating us all to reach for our greatest dreams.

Get your tickets, right here.

Learn a Hot New Hobby: Rug Tufting Now in Orlando

Orlando has a brand new creative workshop - Rugged Perspective, the city's premier rug tufting studio! In just 3-4 hours, you can make your own professional-grade, one-of-a-kind rug to impress even Picasso.

Grab friends for a BYOB night of fun as you tuft and dance across Rugged Perspective's spacious new digs. Thanks to on-site backing services, you'll sashay out with a completed rug ready to show off. With tufting trending online lately, now's the time to master this hot hobby and channel your inner DIY to create a custom floor covering as unique as you are! Rugged Perspective helps bring your artistry into everyone's view, so don't hide your talents under a rug!

Map to this location, right here.

WEEKEND FOODIE FIND. FORK YEAH! 🤩
Schnitz & Giggles

Get ready for a bratwurst blowout, Orlando! Schnitz & Giggles, the city's punnily named German food truck roaming Orlando. Co-owner Matthias Wagner, a German expat, is bringing the spirit of Munich to Central Florida with schnitzel, currywurst, and sides that'll have you yodeling with joy.

This month, track down Schnitz & Giggles at German fests across town for a true taste of the homeland. Sink your teeth into crispy pork cutlets or juicy brats straight from Deutschland. Wash it down with a stein of bier, polka your heart out, and get ready to wake up wearing lederhosen you don't remember buying!

Friday, Oct. 20 location: Oktoberfest Altamonte Springs, Cranes Roost Park, 6-9 p.m., 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs

Saturday, Oct. 21 location: Oktoberfest, All day long, Sunset Palms Hotel and Condo, 44199 US-27 North in Davenport

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Friday

82 🌡️ 67 | 🌤️ | Increasing cloudiness

Saturday

81 🌡️ 63 | ☀️ | Plenty of sunshine; a beautiful start to the weekend

Sunday

84 🌡️ 64 | ⛅️ | Partly sunny and pleasant

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THANKS! 🙏

Many thanks for reading the Orlando Signal today. If you found something useful or interesting, please share this edition with someone you know!

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal