Orlando’s Gothic Revival jewel

Good morning, Orlando! Anyone else here use and love Warby Parker? Awesome store and people.

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👇 In today’s issue: 👇

• Orlando’s Gothic Revival jewel

• Missing chickens

• Dr. Phillips' Millionaire's Row house

• ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
A Cathedral's Enduring Legacy in Downtown Orlando

A Gothic Revival jewel rises from the bustling corner of Jefferson and Magnolia in downtown Orlando – the Cathedral Church of Saint Luke. For over 100 years, its enduring structure has graced the city.

The cathedral’s legacy began in 1867 when Francis Eppes, grandson of Thomas Jefferson, introduced Episcopal services to Orlando. For years, the small but devoted flock gathered in parishioners’ homes until purchasing the coveted corner property in 1882 where they erected a modest building. Despite enlargements, the structure proved inadequate.

In 1922, the congregation set sights on a grander Gothic vision – the present Cathedral Church, designed by the esteemed Washington National Cathedral architects. Workers laid the cornerstone in 1925, but the Depression stalled its completion for six decades, the unfinished church standing as a humbling emblem of dreams deferred yet never abandoned.

Finally in 1986, the Cathedral Church of Saint Luke was finished per the original plans as an architectural showpiece. Today it anchors downtown, serving its thriving congregation for 150 years since Eppes first brought Episcopal faith to Orlando.

This soaring cathedral monumentalizes the perseverance and devotion that built and still sustains the community. While the city evolved almost unrecognizably, this hallowed corner remains a bridge to Orlando’s pioneering generation of faithful visionaries.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
A Sweet Way to Fight Childhood Cancer

When Kelly Seidl, owner of Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, gazed out the window of her popular Orlando parlor, she smiled watching laughing children devour icy treats. But Kelly’s cheer hid a deeper concern—the fight against pediatric cancer at Arnold Palmer Hospital down the road.

Kelly had supported the cancer center before, donating one day’s proceeds each February 18 for National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. This year, she dreamed bigger—rallying her shops and loyal customers to support courageous kids battling cancer all February.

On February 1st, Kelly announced a month-long fundraiser (Feb 1st-29th) for Arnold Palmer Hospital’s pediatric cancer programs. All Kelly’s and Foxtail locations pledged 50% of proceeds from 9AM-2PM on Breakfast Day (Feb 18th). Kelly also placed donation jars and fliers prominently so caring customers could easily give $1-$10 to the cause all month.

To keep giving spirits bright, customer-favorites like Blueberry Pancake and Bourbon Bacon ice cream stayed on the menu. According to Kelly, through this partnership and Central Floridians’ incredible generosity, they could make a real difference for local children fighting cancer.

As lively crowds filled her shops, Kelly knew ice cream was no mere treat here - it was Orlando coming together to lift up its most vulnerable. And that warmed Kelly’s heart the sweetest.

Silicon Sunshine: Florida's Semiconductor Dreams

A high-tech transformation is underway in Central Florida that could reshape the region's identity from a tourism hub into a silicon powerhouse. Local leaders have set their sights on turning NeoCity, a 500-acre stretch of land in Osceola County, into America’s next great semiconductor manufacturing hub.

A coalition called BRIDG recently secured a $15 million National Science Foundation grant to aid this vision, with potentially $160 million more over the next decade. Orlando Economic Partnership President Tim Giuliani stated the funds mark a milestone on the road to establishing Florida as a leader in high-tech manufacturing.

BRIDG’s plans call for workforce training programs focused on semiconductors, with the goal of transforming low-wage Central Florida jobs into well-paying tech roles. The ambition aligns with the Biden administration’s push to wrest semiconductor production back from overseas, having earmarked billions in governmental funding.

With aerospace giants flocking to the region and research talent nearby, Giuliani touts Central Florida's ecosystem. Over $500 million has already flowed to the project, and construction of production facilities can now proceed. If ambitions become reality, Giuliani states Central Florida could evolve into an innovation hub rivaling Silicon Valley.

Nonsmoker Stumps Doctors with Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Winter Garden’s Jacquee Wahler stunned doctors when the healthy, active 49-year-old non-smoker was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016. Cases like Wahler’s defy norms, says Dr. Mark Socinski of AdventHealth's Cancer Institute, especially since she lacked the standard risk factors.

While smoking strongly links to lung cancer, approximately 13% of diagnoses, including Wahler’s, occur in nonsmokers.

Research now suggests these individuals frequently possess a EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutation that accelerate cellular growth, potentially triggering tumors. Although women more commonly harbor these abnormalities, reasons remain unclear.

Following surgery to remove a small lesion spotted during a work trip, Wahler vowed to share her optimism and positive prognosis with her young children. Despite post-op complications that necessitated a second procedure, skillful medical hands averted disaster.

Now cancer-free over six years later, Wahler advocates proactive health maintenance regardless of age.

Dr. Socinski hopes better screening guidelines, informed by research into lung cancer’s intricacies, will reveal at-risk profiles beyond the typical smoker demographic. Insights can’t emerge soon enough as baffling cases like Wahler’s continue defying the norm.

An Oviedo Mystery: Case of the Missing Chickens

Oviedo’s free-roaming chickens have long brought smiles and sporadic droppings while frequenting local businesses. But recently, without warning, the fowl vanished from the Oviedo Shopping Center.

When Ace Hardware manager Kevin Cecile arrived one morning, he wondered where they went. New signs warned against feeding or abandoning animals.

The chickens’ sudden disappearance from their usual shopping center haunt shocked devoted locals like Mayor Megan Sladek. As she noted, images of the birds feature prominently on Oviedo’s iconic welcome sign, representing the town’s identity.

Though the shopping center owner had reportedly arranged for their discreet yet humane removal due to liability and cleanliness issues, Mayor Sladek admitted the abrupt vanishing act took tenants and shoppers by complete surprise as they noticed the chickens had inexplicably gone.

Cecile was less concerned about the cleanup than losing the chickens’ colorful presence. Though absent from the shopping center, fans can still spot them around town.

As Mayor Sladek optimistically mused, the enduring spirit of those feathered mascots reminds Oviedo that though the clucks may change, the community’s unique charm endures.

Risky Pipe Dreams: Community Gambles Big on Sewer Savings

When Sweetwater West residents in Orange County agreed to fund $6,000 per household to convert their septic systems into connecting to municipal sewers, they hoped to avoid pricier septic upgrades down the line AND stop chemicals like nitrogen and phosphorus from being flushed into Wekiwa Springs from thousands of septic systems across multiple counties.

But two years into the unfinished construction process, their once-idyllic neighborhood now resembles a disaster zone of cracked pavement and trenched lawns.

With supply delays and ballooning neighborhood conversion costs, the county’s vision of long-term savings through septic-to-sewer conversions is colliding with a drawn-out reality filled with frustrations for residents. Sweetwater gambled their community’s aesthetics against a decade of payments toward anticipated savings.

As utilities official Andres Salcedo surveys the damage thus far, he admits their attempted “showroom” for sewer savings has fallen far short. Neighbors agree with Lisa Lochridge’s question over whether anyone would still pay half a million dollars for one of these battered homes.

The estimated cheaper costs and stopping septic pollution led many to support the conversion. But as ten more years of high payments loom ahead, the savings no longer seem guaranteed.

ORLANDO DIGS: DISCOVERING THE AREAS TOP PROPERTIES 🏠
A Sustainable Sanctuary Hits the Market in Dr. Phillips' Millionaire's Row

A newly listed $7.5 million sustainable sanctuary 8990 Darlene Drive in Dr. Phillips' exclusive Millionaire's Row has hit the market, combining eco-friendly living with resort-style amenities on 3.39 lakeside acres.

Built in 2022 after the previous house was torn down, the one-of-a-kind estate from architect JWB and builder McClosky Homes seamlessly integrates 7,776 square feet of living space with the outdoors. Features include six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, towering ceilings, glass walls dissolving into infinity views, an infinity pool and spa, gym, outdoor kitchen and dining, and a separate guest apartment.

Refined details like Spanish ironwork abound in the light-filled interiors, centered on the magnificent great room oriented toward the lake.

With direct backyard access to the Butler Chain of Lakes, new owners can enjoy resplendent sunrises over the water along with Disney World and Epcot firework shows visible from the pool.

Curious (or nosey like me)?

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Lazy Moon Pizza wall art

📷 via @lazymoonpizza  |📍Mills50

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Chiffon Culture Bakery

📍3122 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803, or map to this location, right here.

A delectable sensation has come to Audubon Park - Chiffon Culture, the beloved Asian-inspired patisserie, just soft opened its new location across from East End Market.

Nestled into the former Sugar Dough premises, Chiffon brings a taste of its Winter Springs origins to Orlando. Already, crowds gather to sink their teeth into the shop's famed croissant cubes, pastel croissant wheels bursting with decadent fillings, and the viral Korean hot dogs. Yet the menu promises more sweet and savory discoveries - mochi donuts, cakes, tarts, and other confections.

Indulge in the chocolate croissant cube with its rich filling, the surprisingly light cheese explosion wheel, and the Nutella chocolate bun. This locally-owned gem infuses artistry and heart into its offerings. I urge you to stop by, grab one of their signature pastries, and welcome this sweet addition to the neighborhood.

YES, PLEASE 👇

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

68🌡️ 51 | 🌧️ | Mainly cloudy with a couple of showers

Tuesday

65🌡️ 48 | 🌧️ | A passing shower or two in the morning; otherwise, mostly cloudy and wind

Wednesday

70 🌡️ 46 | ☀️ | Nice with plenty of sunshine

THANKS! 🙏

I appreciate your attention! We’ll see you again on Thursday for the weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal