Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando

Two quick items to kick us off:

• Happy 407 (4/07) Day!

• Alligator mating season has begun.

There you have it. That’s today’s intro. Now ENJOY YOUR WEEK!

In today’s issue: 👇

• The Final Act

• Arts Explosion

• Ma Lu Bian Bian

• ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

PRESENTED BY:
Orlando Signal Brews & Bites "Barley Row" Tour

Discover Orlando's hidden craft beer paradise in Ivanhoe Village's legendary "Barley Row" on Saturday, April 26th (2-5 p.m.)!

Join fellow Orlando Signal readers for an exclusive journey through four distinctive stops, featuring craft beer tastings paired with delectable local bites.

Go beyond mere tasting – possibly having a glimpse into the creative process behind these beloved local brews, while connecting with like-minded Orlando Signal enthusiasts.

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Final Act: Altamonte's Forgotten Theater and Its Surprising Encore

Who would guess that this modest house was once Altamonte's hottest ticket? In 1920, millionaire congressman Charles Delmere Haines built "The Jasmine" as his personal showplace, nestled among his orange groves.

By 1921, locals flocked to this gem with its sloped floors, plush VIP boxes, and cherub-adorned stage. As the globe lights dimmed, audiences thrilled to an eclectic lineup—from the haunting melodies of "Blind Caruso" to Douglas Fairbanks swashbuckling across the silver screen!

Haines later dreamed of transforming the site into a journalists' paradise, gifting the theater plus 75 acres and a cool $100,000. But after his 1929 death, the press retreat fizzled faster than yesterday's headlines.

Fast-forward through years of neglect: Chester Fosgate was ready to bulldoze the landmark until Robert and Grace Bradford swooped in like preservation superheroes in 1940. They brilliantly repurposed the theater—imagine sleeping in what was once center stage!

Grace went on to rescue fourteen historic treasures before her 1989 death.

Today, despite another close call with the wrecking ball in 1992, The Jasmine stands as a private home—its vintage ceiling beams and architectural flourishes still whispering tales of Altamonte's glittering past.

(Learn a ton more about Jasmine Theater and see great historic photos with Jason Byrne, right here)

THE SQUEEZE 🍊

Orlando's Urban Heartbeat: The $2 Billion Downtown Revival

The Downtown Orlando 2024 Annual Report is out, and it's packed with excitement! The city is buzzing with $2.03 billion in development, transforming the cityscape one crane at a time! Five major projects are rising up, bringing 1,573 new homes and enough retail space to satisfy even the most dedicated shoppers.

The DTO Action Plan is cooking up some exciting changes—imagine sipping coffee under "The Canopy," a cool urban oasis beneath I-4, or strolling two-way streets that actually make sense!

Business is booming too, with $6.39 million dished out to attract heavy-hitters like Travel + Leisure Co. while keeping local spots thriving.

With 500 free events energizing the city and the dazzling Downtown for the Holidays attracting 1.6 million December visitors, downtown has never been more vibrant—and with population growth sprinting at 3.09% annually, this urban revival shows no signs of slowing down!

🔥 Get the FULL illuminating report, right here.

Arts explosion: UCF's Creative Minds Transform the City for Two Weeks

From now (actually started April 1st) through April 13th, UCF's creative dynamos take over downtown Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center, turning it into the coolest cultural hotspot in town! This isn't your grandfather's arts show—it's where tech-savvy students blend innovation with imagination.

Watch as tomorrow's artistic trailblazers showcase mind-bending installations, electrifying performances, and exhibitions that'll make your Instagram followers jealous. Students apply their design skills, performance techniques, and technological expertise to create meaningful connections with diverse audiences.

💥 All this creative firepower comes with student-friendly prices and something for everyone.

Experience firsthand how UCF cultivates tomorrow's creative leaders while strengthening community bonds today—one performance at a time.

☀️ Check out all these scheduled events!

Unlocking Opportunity as Florida Bill Turns Prison Education into Professional Credentials

Lawmakers from both parties are pushing forward a bill that would help inmates turn their prison education into professional careers.

Senator Keith Truenow's Senate Bill 472 would let incarcerated folks count their classroom hours toward licensing requirements in fields like cosmetology, electrical work, and HVAC. The prison system already offers 92 career courses across 37 trades, and if passed, the program would be up and running by July 1.

The only hiccup? They need more teachers! The Department of Corrections is offering $1,000 bonuses to attract educators to their 50 facilities.

This promising reform could be a game-changer for returning citizens looking to rebuild their lives.

(Learn more about this plan to create productive second chances with Danielle Prieur, right here)

The Human Side of Medical AI: Orlando Health's Digital Scribe Lets Doctors Be Doctors

In a piece last Monday about AI employed to handle insurance claim denials, I included a poll and asked if y'all thought this was ok. Understandably, 75% of you voted "hell no!" but I think many will agree there are ways AI can have a positive impact.

Take Orlando Health's new Dax Copilot app, which is making doctor visits more personal and efficient. Dr. Todd Sontag used to juggle typing notes while trying to connect with patients—now this clever AI assistant listens in and handles the paperwork.

Dr. Sontag can focus on what matters: getting to know patients as whole people, not just medical cases. Patients like Jeremy Goldberg love having their records ready before they even reach their cars.

Best of all, Dr. Sontag heads home up to an hour earlier each day, giving him precious time for family dinners and cheering at his kids' lacrosse games.

It's healthcare with a human touch, powered by smart technology.

(Learn more about how Orlando Health is using Dax Copilot with Jaclyn Harold, right here)

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ Pure Green - Energizing Orlando This Summer

Pure Green's (Insta) vibrant smoothies, acai bowls, and cold-pressed juices are coming to 12976 Sunstone Ave #102. Opening late summer, this nutrient-packed oasis marks the first of multiple planned locations for Orlando's wellness scene.

2️⃣ Curio Orlando - Bayou Flavor Hitting Downtown

New Orleans flavor is coming downtown with Curio Orlando (Insta). The creative team behind local hotspots The Society, 1-Up Orlando. and Cocktails and Screams are crafting a comfort-focused diner with hearty breakfast offerings. This Big Easy-inspired spot targets a fall opening.

3️⃣ Back 40 Wine Co - Vineyard Dreams Bloom in Clermont

Back 40 Wine Co (Insta) is coming soon to boost downtown Clermont. This European-inspired haven with Southern flair will feature charcuterie, salads, and caviar alongside select wines. The cozy spot seats 50 inside, 60 on patios, and will serve dinner daily plus weekend brunch.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Nesting Swan at Lake Eola

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Eola

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩

Ma Lu Bian Bian SKEWER Hot Pot

📍5062 W Colonial Dr #110, Orlando, Florida 32808. Map to this location.

Love hot pot? Then discover Ma Lu Bian Bian Hot Pot (Insta)—Florida's only skewer hot pot experience!

This Orlando gem invites you to curate your own culinary adventure with skewers (35¢ each) of fresh veggies, seafood, and succulent meats, plus noodles. Choose mild, spicy, or half & half broth ($3.99) to transform your selections into a bubbling feast. Complete your experience at the sauce bar ($2.99), where you can craft the perfect dipping companion.

Beyond skewers, enjoy specialty teas and prepared dishes in this interactive dining paradise.

👉 Check out Ma Lu Bian Bian, right here

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🎵 Spring Choral Concert 
📅 April 8, 2025 | 7:30pm 
📍 Valencia College East Campus

Free concert featuring sacred and secular works by Valencia Singers and Broadway selections from Contemporary Ensemble.
👉 Gratis Event

🥗 Garden to Table 
📅 April 10, 2025 | 5:30-8:30pm 
📍 Edible Education Experience

Women's gathering featuring yoga, garden harvesting, and Japanese-inspired cooking experience.
👉 Register Now

🍷 Comedy & Wine 
📅 April 10, 2025 | 7-9pm 
📍 Quantum Leap Winery

Evening of comedy featuring Orlando veterans paired with wine and cider.
👉 Book Tix

🎭 Peter Pan: The Musical! 
📅 April 10-12, 2025 | 7-9:30pm 
📍 Freedom High School Performing Arts Center

Experience the beloved story with breathtaking aerial performances and timeless songs like "I'm Flying" and "Neverland."
👉 Get Tickets (Cheap!)

🎵 Bach Chamber Singers Concert 
📅 April 10, 2025 | 7:30pm 
📍 Bach Festival Society of Winter Park

Special performance featuring alumni recital and chamber singers showcasing the organization's future vision.
👉 Reserve Seats

🎨 2nd Thursday Art & Wine Party 
📅 April 10, 2025 | 5:30-6:30pm 
📍 The 32789 Gallery, Winter Park

Meet featured artist Linda Amundsen and other gallery artists while enjoying wine and lite bites.
👉 RSVP

🎸 Dock & Dine: Anchoring Support for 4Roots Farm 
📅 April 10, 2025 | 6:30-10pm (5:30pm for VIP) 
📍 The Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall

Gratis Yacht Rock concert with Yachty By Nature, featuring food vendors and VIP experiences benefiting 4Roots Farm.
👉 Set Sail

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