Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando

Happy last day of March! Well, maybe it’s not so happy since the Toll Relief Program expires today as the program ran through March, 2025. No more 50% credit back to your SunPass account for tolls paid. Caca!

🎂 Happy belated birthday to Diana J (3/29)

In today’s issue: 👇

• Nuclear Neighbors

• Sorry, HAL

• BinBông

• ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Nuclear Neighbors: The Secret Community Shelter Beneath Mount Dora

Tucked beneath Mount Dora's picturesque streets lies a remarkable piece of history—a spacious 5,000-square-foot fallout shelter that few locals ever knew existed.

It all began with Harry Hart's 1959 novel "Alas, Babylon," which inspired a forward-thinking group led by William Baker and Dr. James Hall to create their very own survival haven, affectionately nicknamed the "Mount Dora Catacombs."

For just $2,000 per family (totaling $60,000), these neighbors designed a cozy underground community where 25 families—about 100 people with complementary skills—could weather the storm of nuclear fallout together for up to six months.

Their thoughtful design included family rooms, shared spaces, medical facilities, and all the necessities for post-apocalyptic living. Despite six months of construction, the project remained remarkably secretive. The property owner claimed to be building tennis courts to deflect curiosity.

Thanks to News 6's detective work through old property records, this hidden gem was finally located. An urban adventurer who explored the shelter found a charming time capsule now transformed by nature—warm, damp, and home to countless crickets. Though rusted bunk beds and a weathered refrigerator are all that remain, they stand as whimsical reminders of this extraordinary community effort born from Cold War imagination.

(Learn a ton more about this shelter + photos with Anthony Talcott, right here)

🔥 Ya’ll gotta check out this 5-minute video tour of this shelter.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊

Fresh Hope on Hold: Food Bank Navigates Funding Gap

A sudden freeze in federal funding has created quite a challenge for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

The organization lost over a million pounds of fresh food—chicken, turkey, eggs and more—that would have arrived on 28 trucks to help neighbors across seven counties.

While this $11 million setback couldn't come at a tougher time with rising food and housing costs, the dedicated team at Second Harvest isn't giving up.

They're working creatively to fill the gap that would have provided 900,000 meals by ramping up community food drives, seeking emergency donations from local businesses, and partnering with regional farmers for direct produce donations.

The food bank remains hopeful that with community support, they'll continue their vital mission of ensuring no Central Florida family goes hungry during these challenging times.

Sorry, HAL: Florida Demands Human Touch for Insurance Denials

Florida senators are putting their foot down on robot (AI) rejections, unanimously backing a bill requiring human eyes on insurance claim denials.

Senator Bradley's legislation (SB 794) demands flesh-and-blood professionals review policies before saying "no" to customers—no matter how clever the algorithms get.

This human-first approach mirrors moves across the country as lawmakers wrestle with AI's growing influence. California already jumped on the bandwagon amid lawsuits over algorithm-happy insurers. The Florida Medical Association is cheering from the sidelines while Bradley smooths ruffled feathers in the insurance industry.

The message is clear: AI can help, but humans make the final call. Two more committee hurdles remain before reaching the full Senate.

(Learn more about this pushback on AI-driven insurance denials with Jim Saunders, right here)

From Church Vision to Permanent Mission: IDignity Breaks New Ground

IDignity broke ground last Wednesday on their very first home at 1115 S. Division Ave. after 16 amazing years helping 33,000 Orange County residents get their essential IDs.

Michael Dippy and his team know how life-changing proper identification can be—opening doors to jobs, housing, and healthcare that many of us take for granted. This wonderful organization, started by five caring Orlando churches, is tackling a problem affecting nearly 117,000 local residents.

Their warm, welcoming new building opens next year, ensuring IDignity can continue their incredible work helping neighbors reconnect with society and avoid homelessness for generations to come!

(Learn more about IDignity with Stephanie Rodriguez, right here)

Back in the Driver's Seat: Orange County's Operation Green Light

Good news for Orange County's driving-challenged! "Operation Green Light" zooms into the Courthouse Traffic Division April 4th-8th, offering a rare chance to dodge the dreaded 25% collection surcharge on overdue tickets and fines.

From 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, license-less locals can cruise in, settle up, and potentially get back behind the wheel legally. Yes, reinstatement fees still apply and payment plans are available with a down payment—but that's a small speed bump on your road to redemption!

Thousands trapped in ticket limbo now have their escape route. Details? Just dial 407-836-2316. Ready, set, drive!

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ Ace Cafe - Racing Into Sanford

London's legendary motor-culture hub Ace Cafe (Insta) roars into Central Florida this summer. This 12,000-square-foot venue will feature 150 seats, live rock music, car meetups, and British-American fusion dining—all capturing the iconic brand's 86-year legacy.

2️⃣ Pig Floyds - Finally Firing Up In WP

This innovative BBQ joint finally lands on Lee Road this May after three years of construction. Taking over Bubbalou's historic 35-year spot, Pig Floyd's (Insta) brings its signature fusion menu—butter chicken tacos to oak-smoked ribs—plus a convenient drive-thru for on-the-go barbecue lovers.

3️⃣ Cupid’s Hot Dogs - Tasty Franks Find Home

California's beloved Cupid's Hot Dogs (Insta) finds new love in Longwood this April, rekindling the flame after its successful 2022 Orlando debut. The iconic brand, sizzling since 1946, promises to steal Longwood hearts with its legendary franks.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Rumor has it these woods are filled with Chupacabras

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Laureate Park

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩

BinBông

📍1200 E Colonial, Orlando, Florida 32803. Map to this location.

At Bin Bông (Insta), Vietnamese-inspired treats transform into unforgettable experiences. Their treasure trove features jiggly puddings, salted egg cream coffee that elevates morning rituals, and brown sugar boba cascading through silky pudding.

Visitors savor the mango sago's tropical embrace, matcha tiramisu's delicate layers, or sink their teeth into pistachio ice cream brioche sandwiches. Beyond mere desserts, they craft moments of joy.

At Bin Bông, every spoonful tells a story customers return to experience again and again.

👉 Check out BinBông, right here

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

📄 Next Step Screenplay Series: "The Business" 
📅 March 31, 2025 | 7-10pm 
📍 Bynx Orlando, 420 E. Church Street

Staged reading of an original comedy about a wrestling pro's career pursuit, followed by Q&A with screenwriter Wayne Cothron.
👉 Get Tix

💃 An Evening of Dance 
📅 April 1, 2025 | 7:30pm 
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Dynamic performance featuring 15-18 dances including original works by UCF faculty
👉 Book Now

🎭 UCFest Comedy Knight Feat. Ms. Pat 
📅 April 2, 2025 | 8pm 
📍 Addition Financial Arena, UCF

Emmy-nominated comedian Ms. Pat brings her raw humor and storytelling to UCF
👉 Don't Miss It

🎭 Fred Armisen: Comedy for Musicians 
📅 April 3, 2025 | 7pm & 9:30pm 
📍 The Abbey, Downtown Orlando

Comedy show by SNL alum Fred Armisen blending music and humor.
👉 Reserve Seats

🎨 Spring is in the Air Art Exhibition 
📅 April 3, 2025 | 6-8pm 
📍 Quantum Leap Winery

Opening reception for a colorful group art exhibition celebrating renewal and creativity
👉 Meet the Artists

🍸 Babes vs Lads 
📅 April 3, 2025 
📍 Permanent Vacation, Maitland

Cocktail competition featuring two teams creating specialty drinks available as full cocktails or flights.
👉 Join the Battle

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