Welcome to Monday Morning, Orlando!

Ate Local: On Saturday, we took a family member out for their 82nd birthday to Pannullo's on Park Avenue. The food was great, but do not, I repeat, do not sleep on the apple pie cheesecake for desert! Lawd Mercy!

Then on Sunday, we went to Creative Village at Luminary Green Park and supported the Burrito Boys pop-up for chorizo, egg, and tater-tot breakfast burritos and coffee outside Qreate Coffee + Studio. I still remain convinced the Orlando food scene is under-rated!

In today’s issue: 👇

• Missile Alley

• A Tale of Two Wheels

• Eola Wine Company

• ….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 Glenn L. Martin Company: Creating Orlando's Missile Alley

In Thursday's trivia I asked "What 1950s aerospace company helped establish Orlando’s “Missile Alley”?" Many of you chose "Lockheed Martin," but the correct answer was "The Glenn L. Martin Company" which later merged with Lockheed to become Lockheed Martin. I thought it would make a great Rewind today, so I dug in.

Back in 1956, the Glenn L. Martin Company made a bold move that would transform Orlando forever. The Baltimore-based aerospace pioneer acquired 12 square miles of land southwest of the city, and by December 1957, they'd built something remarkable - a state-of-the-art missile production facility.

From this innovative hub emerged some of America's most sophisticated defense systems: the Pershing, Bullpup, and Hellfire missiles. The facility's rapid growth sparked the construction of vital new roadways - Interstate 4 and the Florida Turnpike - creating a network that would serve generations of Floridians.

The company's journey continued through strategic mergers, becoming Martin Marietta in 1961 and later part of Lockheed Martin in 1995. During the 1990 Gulf War, the Orlando facility proved its worth, producing crucial components for the Patriot missile defense system that protected coalition forces.

Today, this thriving facility stands as a testament to American innovation, reminding us that some of our nation's most remarkable achievements started with a single, bold decision. That's how Orlando earned its nickname "Missile Alley" - and the rest, as they say, is history.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Orlando Pedals Its Way to Silver: A Tale of Two Wheels

The wheels are turning in Orlando as the city celebrated its new Silver Bicycle Friendly Community award!

Joining nearly 100 forward-thinking communities nationwide, Orlando has pedaled its way into the League of American Bicyclists' spotlight. Mayor Buddy Dyer couldn't be more excited about transforming the "City Beautiful" into the "City Bikeable" through fun initiatives like Cycle Savvy courses and the beloved Bike to Work Day.

With smart planning and innovative programs like Complete Streets and Quick-Build improvements, Orlando is rolling forward.

As Transportation Director Tanya Wilder puts it, this silver award isn't just a victory – it's the start of an amazing cycling adventure!

Live 911 System Promises Lightning-Fast Emergency Response in Orange County

In an exciting leap forward for public safety, Orange County is bringing emergency response into the future with "Live 911," a clever new system that lets deputies hear emergency calls as they happen.

Sheriff John Mina's team is rolling out this $271,000 digital platform to help officers reach people in need faster than ever before.

Taking inspiration from Volusia County's success, where similar technology cut response times to just seconds, the system lets deputies tune into calls near their patrol area.

With Orange County handling up to 3,300 emergency calls daily, this smart approach helps deputies stay focused and alert.

The community can look forward to seeing Live 911 in action within three months.

(Learn more about Live 911 with Stephanie Rodriguez, right here)

Orlando to Tampa via vertiport?

Florida's amazing transportation leap forward is bringing a touch of The Jetsons to life!

Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue shared his vision of electric flying taxis whisking passengers between Orlando and Tampa, offering a breezy alternative to I-4 traffic jams.

Imagine hopping aboard a sleek urban vertiports for a quick cross-city flight. The dream is catching on fast - the FAA has embraced the idea with new guidelines, while state initiatives are paving the way.

Senator Gayle Harrell is even pushing for tax breaks on these futuristic aircraft. Who knew our childhood cartoon dreams would one day become our daily commute?

(Learn more about the future of Orlando travel with Jim Turner, right here)

Love, Loss, and Lasagna: A Personal Chef's Journey Home

Meet Simona La Terra, the warm-hearted Sicilian who traded spreadsheets for spatulas in Orlando.

After years in banking and a life-changing battle with cancer, this 55-year-old culinary artist found her true calling in the kitchen. Through her business, So Far So Cook, she brings the magic of her grandmother's recipes right to your dining room, crafting delightful five-course Italian feasts.

La Terra's eyes sparkle as she handpicks fresh ingredients from local markets, weaving Sicily's rich cultural heritage into every dish she creates.

For her, cooking isn't just about food – it's about sharing a slice of her beloved homeland with every meal she serves.

(Learn more about Simona La Terra with Amy Quesinberry Price, right here)

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ Pacchioni’s World Inspired Cheesesteaks - Michelin Magic Hits the Streets

Innovative flavors roll into Orlando as Daniel Pacchioni's World Inspired Cheesesteaks (Insta) partners with Michelin-starred chef Mike Collantes. The food truck, blending classic Philly tradition with global flair, debuts February 23 at Faire of The Dog in the Mills District.

😢 Dearly departing/ed: Oviedo Brewing Company announced recently they’re closing after 5 years with their last day of service on 2/28, while Park Avenue Tavern has already closed.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Spooky Orlando Morning

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Eola Wine Company

📍430 E Central Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32801. Map to this location.

Discover Eola Wine Company (Insta), a charming haven overlooking Lake Eola where wine dreams come true.

This Orlando gem pours over 50 wines by the glass and crafts unforgettable experiences. Savor their showstopping Bruschetta Flight with artisanal toppings, indulge in warm Baked Brie wrapped in puff pastry, or feast on the signature EOLA flatbread.

For a playful twist, their creative Mimosa Flight features raspberry, mango, orange, and banana variations – perfect for toasting with friends against the backdrop of shimmering waters.

👉 Check out Eola Wine Company, right here

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🧵 Valentine's Gnomes Sewing Class 
📅 February 11-12, 2025 | 10:30am-1:30pm 
📍 Orlando Public Library, Fiber Arts Studio

Create seasonal gnomes in this two-day crafting workshop.
👉 Register

🎨 2nd Thursday Art & Wine Party
📅 February 13, 2025 | 5:30-7:30pm
📍 The Gallery 32789, 515 Park Avenue, Winter Park

Celebrate new gallery installations with artists while enjoying wine and lite bites.
👉 RSVP (gratis)


🍰 Bundts & Beers - Valentines Weekend Pairing 
📅 February 13-16, 2025 
📍 À La Cart Orlando

Orlando Craft beer flight paired with Nothing Bundt Cakes' popular bundtinis.
👉 Reserve Your Pairing

🎵 Focus Series: Viva La Fiesta 
📅 February 12, 2025 | 7pm 
📍 The Plaza Live

A vibrant celebration of Latin music featuring Huapango and Sensemayá.
👉 Get Tix


🎸 G. Love & Special Sauce 
📅 February 12, 2025 | 7pm 
📍 The Social

👉 Book Now


🎭 Alan Cumming: Uncut 
📅 February 13-15, 2025 
📍 Judson's Live – Dr. Phillips Center

An intimate cabaret show exploring authenticity and outsider perspectives.
👉 Reserve Seats


🎬 Love Your Shorts Film Festival 
📅 February 13-16, 2025 
📍 Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, Sanford

International short film festival showcasing global and Florida talent.
👉 Festival Info


🎬 Popcorn Flicks in the Park: Better Off Dead 
📅 February 13, 2025 | 7pm 
📍 Central Park, Winter Park

👉 Movie Night

🎨 Polasek Nights: Art & Gardens After Hours 
📅 February 13, 2025 | 5:30-8pm 
📍 Albin Polasek Museum, Winter Park

Valentine's-themed evening in the museum's historic gardens.
👉 Join Them

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal