PRESENTED BY:

Welcome to Monday Morning, Orlando!

Alright! So who cranked up the A/C on Orlando over the weekend?? Reveal yourself! 🤣 I made the mistake of heading out Saturday for a morning walk, and nearly froze my arse off. The forecast looks even worse for the coming days, other than today.

Stay warm out there, fam!

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Rise and Fall of Mayo

• Fresh Orlando Museum Exhibits

• Saigon Snow

• ….and much more

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🛑 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. Every time you vote in a poll, our cat Luna gets a little treat. 🐈

Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Rise and Fall of Mayo: A Lost Florida Town Under Maitland’s Overpass

Hidden beneath Maitland's busy overpass at US 17-92 lies a delightful piece of forgotten Florida history - the town of Mayo. It all started with Rudolph Mayo, a warm-hearted German banker who fell in love with Central Florida's rolling hills in 1874. His charming lakeside home near Lake Minnehaha soon became the heart of a vibrant frontier community.

When the South Florida Railroad arrived in 1880, Mayo's peaceful homestead blossomed into something remarkable. He partnered with two energetic entrepreneurs from Connecticut: Dr. Russell Nevins, who cleverly turned his personal ice machine into a factory churning out 24,000 pounds daily, and John Prentis, who built a thriving citrus packing operation. Their sawmill hummed with activity, processing 8,000 feet of timber daily and providing the town's streets with a distinctive sawdust paving.

In 1882, Mayo laid out his vision: 24 lots across 18 scenic acres.

The town's optimistic leaders later launched an ambitious $100,000 railroad project to link the Atlantic coast to Apopka, but managed just five miles of track before running out of steam. Like many Florida dreams, it faded by 1894. The Great Freeze of 1894-1895 wrote Mayo's final chapter, though neighboring Woodbridge lived on.

Today, Mayo Avenue and a peaceful park keep alive the memory of this pioneering community.

(Learn lots more about the town of Mayo and see historic photos with Jason Byrne, right here.)

PRESENTED BY FEVER
Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele

🔥 Step into a dreamlike evening THIS Thursday as The Abbey in downtown Orlando transforms into an enchanted sanctuary, where the acclaimed Listeso String Quartet reimagines Adele's greatest hits by candlelight.

This spellbinding concert features thirteen beloved songs, from the raw emotion of "Hello" to the triumphant "Rolling in the Deep," each carefully arranged to showcase the rich interplay of classical strings.

The historic venue's sophisticated ambiance enhances the magical atmosphere, creating an immersive experience that engages all senses.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience Adele's musical genius in a whole new light.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Sober and Sophisticated: Where to Find Elite Alcohol-Free Drinks This Month

🍸 Creative mixologists are reimagining booze-free beverages this Dry January, and some of the city's most sophisticated spots are proving that skipping alcohol doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or fun.

City Works at Disney Springs introduces the "Cucumber Cure," featuring zero-proof gin and fresh ingredients.

The Neighbors at East End Market pairs alcohol-free offerings with nightly live music, while acclaimed Japanese pub Tori Tori crafts bespoke zero-proof drinks for $10.

Michelin-recognized Otto's High Dive dazzles with seven crafted mocktails, including their signature "na groni" blend of mint, walnut, and red tea.

For Instagram-worthy moments, The Hampton Social serves shareable mocktails in oversized seashells – proving alcohol-free can still make a splash.

Safety in Motion: A Local Organization's Impact on Central Florida Streets

When Bike/Walk Central Florida expanded its Best Foot Forward program into three new counties, they didn't just double their reach – they made streets measurably safer.

The initiative sparked a 15% increase in driver yield rates at monitored crosswalks, while dozens of crossing points have received vital safety upgrades.

The team put nearly 1,400 helmets and 237 bicycles into children's hands, sparking positive change from the ground up.

Working hand-in-hand with MetroPlan Orlando, they're proving that smart planning, community education, and thoughtful engineering can help Central Florida reach its goal of zero traffic fatalities.

Check out the full 23-24 Impact Report, right here.

A Fresh Chapter for Summerlin: Orlando's Historic Avenue Gets Modern Touch

Get ready to see exciting changes along one of Orlando's beloved streets!

This January, the city and OUC are teaming up for a major makeover of Summerlin Avenue, breathing new life into its 80-year-old infrastructure.

The 1.25-mile project will bring welcome improvements from South Street to Marks Street, with Gibbs and Register construction leading the way starting January 13th. Residents can look forward to modern water mains, better fire safety, and safer pedestrian features, including updated crosswalks and signals.

While construction will move in manageable two-block segments, there will be some temporary disruptions, including a three-month closure at East Robinson Street.

Orlando Museums Usher in 2025 with Fresh Exhibits

A wave of change is sweeping through Orlando's museums as 2025 begins, with several acclaimed exhibitions closing for new installations.

The Orange County Regional History Center's award-winning "Figurehead: Music & Mayhem" chronicles Orlando's underground rock scene through February 2, while the Orlando Museum of Art's comprehensive punk exhibition "Torn Apart" showcases over 1,000 artifacts from the genre's golden age.

Notable OMA closures include Larry Hulst's iconic music photography and J. Grant Brittain's early shots of Tony Hawk.

Meanwhile, the Rollins Museum of Art debuts four new exhibitions, including "Printing the Revolution," while the Mennello Museum transitions from Michel's tonalism to "The Original Influences."

Each change offers visitors fresh perspectives on art and culture.

(Learn more about ALL exhibit openings AND closings, with Kendal Asbury, right here.)

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Tikka Bowls and Tacos - Global Flavors Merge Downtown

Downtown Orlando's gets a bold remix this January as Bhavin Patel brings Tikka Bowls and Tacos (Insta) to 255 S Orange Avenue. The fusion concept marries Indian and Mexican flavors in dishes like naan tacos and spiced burritos, with plans to expand across Florida following the downtown launch.

2️⃣ Jumpen Caribbean - Island Flavors Hit Kissimmee

Island flavors are coming to Kissimmee as first-time restaurateurs Calvia and Kenneth Edwards prepare to launch Jumpen Caribbean at 4467 W Vine Street. Opening in about two weeks, this newcomer will serve authentic dishes like peri goat, oxtail, brown stew chicken, and roti, available for both dine-in and takeout.

😢 Dearly departing/ed: Mid-Drive Dive closed in College Park after just 9 months, 310 Park South in Winter Park announced their closure after 26 years, and Playa Pizza in Windemere announced their closure after just 2 years.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Park Ave. carousel

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Winter Park

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Saigon Snow - Vietnamese Dessert Shop

📍1110 E Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

Orlando's dessert scene just got cooler with Saigon Snow (Insta), nestled inside Mills Market.

Top Chef Season 3 winner Chef Hung transforms simple shaved ice into edible art, blending Vietnamese traditions with modern flair.

Dive into clouds of ice draped with ube, pandan, and lychee, topped with fresh dragon fruit, longan, and papaya.

Don't miss their show-stopping new Pandan Waffle—warm, fragrant, and lavished with condensed milk, ice cream, and ube cream.

Then, complete your escape with their artisanal iced teas and smoothies.

[Check out Saigon Snow, right here]

DEEE-LISH - Click the PLAY button below 👇

saigon.snow

View more on Instagram

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🎬 2024 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour
📅 January 6, 2025 | 6:30pm 
📍 Enzian

Experience seven curated short films from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, including award winners.

🚶‍♀️ A Walking Tour of Historic Eatonville 
📅 January 7, 2025 | 11am-1pm 
📍 344 East Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville, FL 32751

Celebrate Zora Neale Hurston's birthday with a guided tour of Historic Eatonville.

🍹 Savor Dry January: Mocktails & Appetizers 
📅 January 8, 2025 | 5:30-7pm 
📍 Center for Health & Wellbeing, 2005 Mizell Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, 32792

Learn to craft alcohol-free mocktails and plant-powered appetizers with health experts.

🎭 FESTN4 
📅 January 8-12, 2025 
📍 Fringe ArtSpace, 54 W. Church Street, Suite 201, Orlando, Florida 32801

Experience a curated Fringe festival featuring over 20 shows in one centralized location.

🎨 Wine & Paint
📅 January 8, 2025 | 6-8pm 
📍 Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, FL 32779

Create your masterpiece with Artist Elisabeth Ferber while enjoying wine and charcuterie.

🎬 The Pursuit of Happyness 
📅 January 8, 2025 | 7pm 
📍 Luminary Green Park in Creative Village

Enjoy this inspiring film under the stars with family and friends.

🎮 Super Smash Bros Tournament 
📅 January 8, 2025 | 6pm 
📍 À La Cart SoDo, 2207 East Michigan Street, Orlando, FL

Compete to become À La Cart's 2025 Smash Battle Champion.

🎨 Sanford Seminole Art Association Reception 
📅 January 9, 2025 | 6-8pm 
📍 Maitland Library

Meet artists and explore new exhibit while enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Art available for purchase.

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Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal