Maxey-Crooms Legacy

Good morning, Orlando! I’m adding a new section to Monday’s newsletter called, “MORE PULP.” I’ve heard from readers they’d like things to check out during the week, not just on the weekend, so this is that. I’ll include 6-10 links mentioning new restaurant openings, events, and activities in this section every Monday. Let me know if you like it!

🛑 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, OR, just hit reply to this email and tell us.

👇 In today’s issue: 👇

• Resurrecting the Maxey-Crooms legacy

• Somebody feed Phil

• Super rich

• ….and much more

If you enjoy this issue, please forward it to a friend. If you’re that sexy friend, subscribe here.

Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Bringing Parramore’s Maxey-Crooms House Back to Life

The historic Maxey-Crooms House, built in 1924 by renowned contractor James Murrell, stands as a monument to Orlando's once-bustling early 20th century Black community.

Rev. H.K. Hill, seeking to build a parsonage for Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, invited Murrell to take on the project. Murrell's impressive winding staircase in that parsonage led to additional commissions, including homes that would go on to host luminaries like Mary McLeod Bethune.

The house was a crowning achievement for original owners Woodford James Maxey and Mamie Crooms Maxey, both prominent Orlando citizens. Born into slavery, Mamie's father settled in Orlando after the Civil War. Her brother founded Crooms Academy, the first local high school for Black students counting the likes of Zora Neale Hurston as alumni.

Woodford moved from Louisiana in 1904 and became one of Orlando’s first three mail carriers, a respected job he held for 30 years. He also invested widely in local real estate, including a property sold to Orlando’s 26th mayor, William Beardall.

The House was once the cornerstone of the Parramore neighborhood. But as times changed, Parramore declined, leaving this proud symbol of success abandoned.

Some, like Mamie’s brother’s grandson, Ezra Washington Cooper, whose family history intertwines with the Maxeys, want the House preserved for its heritage.

Thanks to local leaders, the City of Orlando earmarked $3 million in funds to restore the House to its 1920s glory, but turned into offices. The exterior will be fully renovated and the interior restored to attract a tenant who can revive this hidden gem as a community anchor, carrying on the Maxey and Crooms legacy.

Still gracing its original location, the last of Parramore’s two-story bungalows stands resolute, a symbol of how high the neighborhood once climbed.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
The Smells and Sounds of Orlando Come to Life in "Somebody Feed Phil" (← not me)

Like a moth to a flame, Netflix's traveling foodie Phil Rosenthal is drawn to the tantalizing scents and sizzling sounds of Orlando's Culinary treasures in the new season of "Somebody Feed Phil," premiering March 1st.

Rosenthal worked up an appetite uncovering hidden gems among the city's lesser-known eateries, partaking in the area's rich cultural traditions, and getting a true taste of The City Beautiful.

Viewers can catch Rosenthal breaking bread with local food luminaries like Orlando Sentinel's Amy Drew Thompson and Ricky Ly of Tasty Chomps. And in surprising travel trailer encounters, Rosenthal discovers the ultimate Orlando experience is best delivered through its robust and eclectic food scene.

The trailer spotlights chef Yamuel Bigio of Puerto Rican-inspired Crocante as he puts final touches on his award-winning porchetta.

We may not know all the savory stops Rosenthal makes in Orlando, but we do know he takes eager bites that bring the sights, sounds, and soul of the city to life. So get those bibs ready, Orlando foodies.

You're invited to Phil's table March 1st! Check the trailer below 👇

Ninjas Bring Fun and Flavor to Orlando Eatery

Husband and wife team Robert and Teresa Ly have built a restaurant empire in Orlando since opening their first Sus Hi Eatstation location in 2011 near UCF where Teresa was a student.

What started as a single shop has turned into 9 (soon 10) establishments across Orlando, staffed by a band of 200 quirky "ninjas" handpicked to reflect the couple's values of fun and community.

The Lys have created a dining experience centered around humor and camaraderie, from zany employee aliases to customized sushi rolls, burritos, and bowls.

The pandemic challenged Sus Hi like every restaurant, but innovation and adaptation kept good times rolling according to Robert - ninjas aren't known for giving up easily.

As the Lys launch new menu items, they continue showing fellow restaurateurs how to successfully blend business with fun. Laughter makes the best sauce, says Teresa. Their empire proves hard work and a sense of humor can overcome nearly 100+ hour workweeks.

FUN FACT: 8 years ago the Lys’ posted a super entertaining wedding music video shot in one take that went viral, racking up 3.3 Million views. It’s a hoot. 👇

Shelter Fire Leaves Orlando Homeless Shelter in Ashes

A fire ravaged Orlando’s Coalition for the Homeless men’s shelter, displacing its 237 residents and destroying 20% of the region’s homeless shelter capacity.

Residents fled with only the clothes on their backs as flames engulfed their refuge. The shelter provided community, meals, and hope for its inhabitants like John, who lost everything except his work bus pass. He shivered in a blanket, his future uncertain.

The shelter's kitchen, which served over 400 daily meals to local homeless, also perished. Without it, the area’s most vulnerable now face displacement and hunger. Emergency crews raced to find housing, but even area churches combined cannot rival the lost beds.

Martha Are, of the Homeless Services Network, stated that this tragedy highlights the homelessness crisis our community faces. She further stated that our shelters are full; losing this vital resource will be devastating.

The fire’s cause is uncertain, but its impact is clear. In affluent Orlando, one shelter fire has left hundreds unhoused. The Coalition seeks donations, but money alone cannot solve this complex crisis.

Creative solutions are needed or many more may soon lack refuge like John, fading into darkness in search of a new sanctuary he hopes will not be his last.

Programming note: since putting this piece together, I’ve learned both Second Harvest Food Bank and Shiloh Baptist Church in Orlando stepped up to lend a helping hand. 👏

Keeping Kids on the Straight and Narrow

Officials in Orange and Osceola counties are enhancing their juvenile civil citation program to intervene early when youth commit minor offenses. The goal is to keep nonviolent young offenders out of jail by allowing them to complete alternative sanctions rather than face arrest.

State Attorney Andrew Bain stresses that the updated program now handles more types of misdemeanors so officials can curb bad behavior before kids get trapped in the system. Bain is also hiring a full-time coordinator to promote the program among school resource officers and encourage issuing citations over arrests.

Advocates like Josh Laberee of nonprofit The VERB Kind welcome the rehabilitation-focused approach as an "incredible opportunity" for first-time offenders. Sheriff's offices in both counties support the program expansion as a way to deter crime while giving young people a second chance.

With earlier intervention and alternatives to detention, officials hope fewer juveniles escalate into violence. More can instead get back on the right path if the system shows them mercy rather than condemnation.

ORLANDO DIGS: DISCOVERING THE AREAS TOP PROPERTIES 🏠
Bespoke Indulgence on Lake Butler Sound Still For Sale

Escape to lakeside luxury at 11301 Bridge House Road. This art deco palazzo spanning over 17,000 square feet straddles the shores of Lake Butler Sound in Windermere, its frameless glass walls dissolving barriers between nature's tranquility and indoor refinement.

Golden marble floors, his and hers dressing rooms, and a floating glass elevator greet you in the master suite, an oasis fit for royalty. Custom chandeliers bathe coffered ceilings in a warm glow, while a living room fireplace lined with Swarovski crystals sparks atmospheric flair.

Outside, an infinity edge pool and sun deck lined with Italian travertine stone promise cool seclusion from Orlando's swelter.

For $11,995,000, this architectural showpiece can be yours, promising a resort lifestyle without leaving home.

Curious (or nosey like me)?

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Sea creature sculptures

📷 via @orlandosignal  |📍Lake Nona

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Superica

📍415 S. Orlando Ave, STE. 211, Winter Park, FL 32789, or map to this location, right here.

Native Texan Ford Fry pays homage to the Lone Star State with Superica - his ode to authentic Tex-Mex inspired by the low-key cantinas of Austin and West Texas.

The popular brand's sole Florida outpost in Winter Park dialed up the glitz with cattle horns, glam lighting and a larger-than-life taxidermy display that would make any hunter proud. When asked the meaning behind the name, a server cheekily responded "super rich" - an apt description after taking in the vibrant colors and textures.

Just like a Texas bluesman's fiery guitar licks, the food brings serious heat and big flavors. Crowd-pleasers like the sizzling fajitas, messy queso fundidos and massive beef short ribs demand to be shared.

But solo diners can still indulge in one of Superica's flawless double-tortilla tacos overflowing with smoky meats, buttery shrimp or crispy pork belly with luscious guava glaze.

With 11 locations throughout the Southeast so far, Fry continues spreading the authentic Tex-Mex gospel wherever Superica pops up next.

Just be prepared to eat “super rich.”

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Tommy Bahama opens their first restaurant in Winter Park Village

> Black Bean Deli will open a third Orlando-area location, in Winter Garden.

> R&B violinist, Omari Dillard, is playing live at The Vanguard on Valentine’s Day.

> Burning With Desire: A Valentine's Candle-Making Class in Windermere

> Orlando’s first Kyuramen location opens their doors near UCF. Looks stunning!

> Happening in Judson’s Live, Jane Monheit performs on Valentine’s Day.

> Evan Dando (of The Lemonheads) Solo, on Valentine’s Day.

> Jeff’s Bagel Run is opening it’s 3rd location on Thursday at 1351 Alafaya Trail, Suite 1013, with 5 more planned.

> Orange County Animal Services hosts “speed dating” event on Valentine’s day with dogs that are ready for adoption!

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

84🌡️ 59 | 🌤️ | Mostly sunny and very warm with a shower in the area; breezy in the afternoon

Tuesday

71🌡️ 49 | 🌤️ | Breezy and cooler with periods of clouds and sunshine, becoming less humid in the afternoon

Wednesday

75 🌡️ 53 | 🌤️ | Mostly sunny and nice

THANKS! 🙏

I appreciate your attention! We’ll see you again on Thursday for the weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal