Orange County "Los Musquitos"

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Good morning, Orlando! I’m still unpacking boxes after our move. 👎

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🌟 In today’s issue: 🌟

• Los Musquitos

• Razing the Bar

• Free museum admission?

• ….and more

Let’s kick this off!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Mosquito Misery: Orange County's Pest-Filled Past

In the early 1800s, mosquitoes were the scourge of Orange County.

Massive swarms of the buzzing pests infested the area's swamps and wetlands, tormenting early pioneers and settlers. So prolific were the mosquito populations that the region became known as "Los Musquitos", Spanish for "the mosquitoes."

The epicenter of the mosquito misery was centered around what is present-day Orange County. The constant biting and incessant drone of mosquito swarms made life unbearable for residents. As more settlers moved into the area in the 1830s and 1840s, the mosquitoes made their presence intolerably known.

Finally, in 1845, the residents had enough. They decided to take back their home by officially changing the county's name. Wanting to distance themselves from the mosquito association, they chose the name Orange County in October 1845 to reflect the region's burgeoning citrus industry. Groves of orange and other citrus trees had sprung up around the area, replacing swamps.

The once pesky landscape gave way to fragrant citrus blossoms and promised economic prosperity through fruit produce.

While mosquitoes still populate the region, Orange County no longer belongs to them. Thanks to persistent pioneers and citrus trees, the region transformed into a place known for optimism and opportunity rather than misery and mosquito bites. Over time, the origins of its unflattering former name were largely forgotten (replaced by lovebugs? haha).

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Orlando Teacher Focuses on Abilities, Not Disabilities

Shawnes Caneus has dedicated her career to educating middle and high school students with special needs at UCP Transitional Learning Academy in Orlando. Though Caneus was inspired to pursue teaching after interning with exceptional education teachers in high school, she felt compelled to stay in the field upon seeing firsthand how these students can thrive with proper support.

When observed on October 31, 2023, Caneus was instructing her class on crafting argumentative essays. She explained that the assignment would hone skills like public speaking and critical analysis. While some focus on her students' disabilities, Caneus highlights their abilities.

She also coaches social skills, as many have built lasting friendships after initially struggling to connect. Though demanding at times, Caneus finds motivation in her students' progress, both big and small.

Orlando Museum Rolls Out Red Carpet with Free Admission Days

The Orlando Museum of Art gleefully announced this week its new partnership with the Art Bridges Foundation to provide free admission to locals through the foundation's "Access for All" initiative.

Starting in January 2024, the museum will open its doors every third Thursday of the month from 10am to 8pm for a full day of complimentary access. Dubbed "Access for All Third Thursdays," these free days will feature live entertainment, refreshments, and educational activities to engage visitors.

Additionally, the museum shared plans to collaborate with public transportation services to offer rides to the museum on these special days. The goal is to make art experiences available to all in the Orlando community, especially first-time attendees.

The inaugural free day will take place on January 18, 2024. As always, parking at the museum will be free of charge for all visitors.

From Eyesore to Oasis: Orlando Revamps Infamous Motel into Affordable Housing

The once-notorious Ambassador Motel on West Colonial Drive is getting a gleaming makeover into affordable housing, much to the delight of city leaders and future residents alike. On Tuesday, Mayor Buddy Dyer led an entourage of city officials through the construction site, now christened Palm Garden Apartments.

The $15 million project is a joint effort between the city and developer One Stop Housing to transform the blighted property into 150 affordable housing units. Crews are hard at work on the ambitious two-phase redevelopment, with the first apartments set to open their doors this February.

Monthly rents will start at just $750 for a studio, a bargain in Orlando's red-hot housing market. Over 100 of the units will be priced for those earning 60% or less of the area's median income, which currently stands at $85,700.

In addition, 15 specially subsidized units coordinated by the Homeless Services Network will offer rents as low as $461. This will provide a lifeline to some of Orlando's most vulnerable residents.

Razing the Bar - Record-Setting Home Demolition in Winter Park

The grand 25,500 square foot Mediterranean mansion belonging to the late Joan and Charles Clayton in Winter Park has been demolished by the owners. While the palatial estate on North Park Avenue was impressive in its day, the home had become outdated and in need of major renovations.

Rather than investing the substantial sums required to modernize the aging house, the family opted to raze the home and sell the 1.94 acre property instead. Earlier this month, according to Growth Spotter, the vacant lakefront lot sold for $6.85 million, falling short of the original $10.8 million asking price but still breaking records for a residential parcel in Winter Park according to listing agent Brian Mitnik.

The lavish Clayton home was initially purchased in 1978 for $180K and expanded over the years to include 8 bedrooms, 9 full and 5 half bathrooms, 3 kitchens, and garages for 7 vehicles. While many lovely architectural details were incorporated, restoring the house to its former glory would have been an enormous and costly undertaking.

The buyers were Mark and Chloe Daley, though no construction plans are filed yet for the prime location along the scenic Winter Park Chain of Lakes. One can only imagine what the Daleys may envision for this unique lot, now a blank canvas awaiting their vision. With its idyllic setting, the property's potential is limited only by their dreams and creativity.

Riders Rejoice: Lynx Begins Work on Pine Hills Transfer Center

The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, known locally as Lynx, held a groundbreaking ceremony last Monday afternoon for the new Pine Hills Transfer Center in Orlando. Once completed, the facility will provide a more convenient option for riders to transfer buses compared to traveling downtown.

The project has been long in development, and thanks to combined efforts, Lynx secured $15 million in federal infrastructure funding to make it happen.

The center will have eight bus bays, a canopy reminiscent of the main Lynx station, integration with the bike trail, reconstruction of a road, and a potential administrative building. Other features will include security cameras, passenger information and sustainability elements.

Friedman said the transit agency and community members are excited about the project.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Stretchin’ Out

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Eola

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Jeff’s Bagel Run

📍College Park: 4339 Edgewater Dr. Orlando or map to this location, right here.

Daily: 7am-2pm

Do worthy bagels exist in Florida? Yes!👇

You'll want to set that alarm early when Jeff's Bagel Run is serving up the best bagels in Orlando. In a state not known for authentic New York-style bagels, this local spot has perfected the art of boiled and baked goodness.

Their bagels are so flavorful that I found myself tearing into one plain, no schmear needed. The asiago and everything bagel was a standout with its nutty, oniony punch - a must-try for any first-timer.

Bagels are available singly for $2, or by the half dozen for $10 and dozen for $17. It's a steal compared to buying breakfast out every day.

After living in NJ for 2 years back in the day, I can safely say Jeff's bagels are as close to NJ/NYC quality as you'll find in Florida. Don't miss out on these cheap eats with big flavor.

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

82 🌡️ 69 | ☁️ | Rather cloudy

Tuesday

83🌡️ 63 | 🌦️ | Partly sunny with a couple of showers

Wednesday

80 🌡️ 61 | ☀️ | Plenty of sunshine

THANKS! 🙏

If you found something useful or interesting, please share this edition with someone you know! We’ll see you on Thursday with some fun weekend recs.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal