Orlando's Forgotten Heart

Good morning, Orlando! Somehow I didn’t know this, but this weekend we’ve landed on the absolute best Donuts in Orlando, full stop. Our family stuffed our faces with butterbeer, coquito, and guava & cheese donuts from The Salty.

🎂 Happy early birthday to Caroline Field (Wednesday)

 In today’s issue: 👇

• The Stetson-DeLand Legacy

• Artistic power couple

• The Aardvark

• ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
From Persimmon Hollow to Gilded Grandeur: The Stetson-DeLand Legacy

In DeLand, the Stetson Mansion stands as a testament to American ingenuity and Gilded Age opulence. The town itself, founded by Henry DeLand in 1876, was envisioned as the "Athens of Florida," a hub of culture and education. It was DeLand who, in 1885, invited his friend John B. Stetson, famed creator of the iconic cowboy hat, to visit the area then known as Persimmon Hollow.

Captivated by DeLand's vision, Stetson built his 10,000-square-foot marvel in 1886. The 18-room mansion boasted cutting-edge amenities like Edison electricity and indoor plumbing, alongside luxurious touches including Tiffany glass, 16 unique parquet floor patterns, and Italian marble fireplaces.

More than a winter retreat, the mansion became the town's social and economic hub. Stetson's influence extended beyond its walls, financing local development and, crucially, rescuing the struggling DeLand Academy. This institution, initially founded by Henry DeLand, would later become Stetson University, cementing both men's legacies in the region.

The property hosted luminaries like Rockefeller and Edison, shaping Florida's early tourism and establishing the state's snowbird culture. Today, this National Register landmark balances preservation with modernity.

Though still a private residence, the Stetson Mansion opens for seasonal tours, offering glimpses into a pivotal era of American history and the enduring legacy of two visionary entrepreneurs who shaped DeLand's destiny.

See an expanded version of this article with our partner, Orange County Regional History Center, by Kara Kovalev, Registrar.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
A Digital Dawn Breaks Over Bithlo

In rural Bithlo, Florida, a digital transformation is quietly unfolding. Tim McKinney of Transformation Village witnesses daily gatherings in his parking lot— not for work, but for WiFi. Now, an ambitious project spearheaded by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings aims to change this.

Leveraging federal funds, the county partners with Charter Communications to bring high-speed internet to 1,100 homes. For residents like Henry Zifferblatt, who currently endures signal-chasing odysseys, this change is long-awaited.

The initiative extends beyond Bithlo, reaching south Apopka and southern Orange County. Despite initial hesitation, officials remain optimistic about adoption.

Complementing this, the Aeras Foundation has distributed over 700 refurbished devices, opening a world of digital opportunities to a community long isolated from the information age.

Race for Space: Orlando's 2024 Housing Sprint

Orlando's rental scene is poised for a seismic shift, with 10,732 new apartment units set to materialize by 2024's end.

This urban evolution, sprawling across Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, and neighboring areas, promises to redefine the fiercely competitive housing market. RentCafé's report reveals a city where eleven eager renters vie for each vacant unit, creating a high-stakes game of split-second choices.

Yet, Zillow's forecast suggests potential relief, with increased inventory possibly tempering the blazing-hot market.

As construction clamor fills the air and cranes punctuate the horizon, prospective tenants must keep their finances polished and paperwork immaculate.

Transforming Orlando's Forgotten Heart

Orlando's once-vibrant Church Street Station lies dormant, a silent testament to urban evolution. The city's Downtown Development Board has unveiled an ambitious plan to resurrect this slumbering giant, sparking both excitement and debate.

The city envisions transforming the district into a pedestrian paradise, reminiscent of its glory days. A city representative likened the revitalization to performing surgery on a comatose patient, emphasizing the minimal risk to existing businesses.

As the vital artery connecting cultural landmarks, Church Street's renewal is strategically crucial. This urban resurrection aims to rewrite the narrative of Orlando's hidden jewel, with the city's eyes fixed on its unfolding story.

👉 Check out these awesome renderings, right here.

Brushstrokes of Love: Orlando's Artistic Power Couple

"A Bright Light From the Embers" at Maitland Art Center illuminates the extraordinary journey of Qurentia "Que" Throm and Cicero Greathouse.

This artistic power couple ignited Orlando's creative scene for decades. Their story unfolds through vibrant artworks, personal artifacts, and echoing wind chimes.

Que's pieces pulse with inner light, while Cicero's abstract canvases shimmer in purples and oranges. Their influence extended from Valencia College to Disney's Animal Kingdom, and across borders to San Miguel de Allende.

Barbara Tiffany's portrait captures their essence—Que's luminous eyes and Cicero's impish intensity. Their legacy, a testament to lived artistry, continues to inspire new generations.

"A Bright Light From the Embers: A Story of Love, Art, and Place" runs through September 29th and tickets are just 6 bucks.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Candee Lee's Soul House - Soul Food Sizzles in Kissimmee

Chef Tony Tone, former Disney chef, is bringing soul food to Kissimmee this October with Candee Lee's Soul House (Insta). Named after his mother, this black-owned fast-casual restaurant at 8085 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy offers build-your-own plates featuring fresh, organic ingredients. With limited seating, it focuses on takeout and delivery. Service industry workers receive a 10% discount.

2️⃣ DZÔ! BBQ - Southeast Asian Sizzle Replaces Mongolian Grill

The Mongolorian's closure at 2217 E. Colonial Drive paves way for DZÔ! BBQ, a Southeast Asian barbecue concept by Hoi Nguyen. Opening late September or early October, DZÔ! promises shareable plates featuring skewered meats, Vietnamese-style ribs, and Laotian sausage. The name, a Vietnamese toast, hints at a robust drink menu. Nguyen, also behind Side Chik and Chi-Kin, aims for a flavorful, fun experience.

3️⃣ Moso Nori - Acclaimed Chef Rolls Out Temaki Bar

Four-time James Beard nominee Henry Moso is set to open Moso Nori (Insta), a handroll bar, this October. The 2,456-square-foot space, designed by GDP, features a 30-plus seat island bar. Chefs will craft temaki using premium Japanese nori with fillings ranging from dry-aged fish to foie gras, priced $5-$12. Sake, beer, wine, and sake cocktails will complement the menu.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Wavelength at Dr. Phillips

📷 via @creativecityproject |📍Downtown

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
The Aardvark

📍2610 S Ferncreek Ave, Orlando, FL 32806, or map to this location, right here.

In Orlando's SoDo District, The Aardvark (Insta) has evolved from a corner store into a coastal-inspired culinary gem.

Owner Emmie Olivecrona's gastropub surprises patrons with its abundance of fresh seafood and house-made delights. Beyond its mouthwatering fare, The Aardvark boasts an impressive drink selection: a global wine list, 22 rotating taps, and over 200 bottled beers.

Weekend brunchers revel in unlimited $15 mimosas, while weekday happy hours offer $5 wines and $7 bites.

From the Fish Monger's Special to crispy Brussels sprouts, The Aardvark proves that extraordinary experiences often hide in unassuming packages, redefining convenience as culinary excellence.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Tonight (Monday) at Bynx Orlando: Next Step Screenplay Series presents "I Just Work Here" by Wes Cambron. This Clerks-inspired comedy follows a high school graduate's first job and artistic pursuits. Enjoy a staged reading and writer Q&A. (more)

> On Tuesday, check out Meat Bingo at Hollerbach's German Restaurant at 6pm. Meet Max the Ambassador Bald Eagle at 6:00 PM before bingo begins! The first of six bingo games starts around 6:30 PM. Each bingo game winner takes home meat from Hollerbach's German Market. Also, bring cash for their 50/50 raffle. (win meat)

> Starting tomorrow (Tuesday) through Dec 1st, see Albin Polasek Museum presents Emma Sears Marsh and Joy Postle's paintings Discover pioneering women artists' depictions of Central Florida's wildlife. Enjoy lectures, workshops, and tours. (info)

> On Tuesday, join Crosby Wellness Center yoga instructor Becca Schmidt for Outdoor Yoga Series: Yoga for Happiness in beautiful Ward Park for an hour of endorphin-boosting outdoor yoga. Explore a style of yoga called Lila Yoga, which emphasizes joy, play and optimism. (stretch out)

> On Thursday, check out Mozart's Requiem and More at The Azalea Lodge at Mead Gardens under the gentle glow of candlelight. (get tix)

> Also on Thursday, the Foundation Presents Lovesong: The Cure Tribute at The Social. (tix)

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