Orlando's Hottest

So picture this: It's 1883, and a dressmaking shop in Orlando is ablaze...

May 12, 2025

Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando

I hope all the momz had a wonderful Mother’s Day yesterday. We took Mrs. Orlando Signal to one of her favorite bakeries (Bakery 1908) for some lovely pastries and a friggin iced cotton candy latte (← oy!). Some might consider this “milk-shake” status, but it’s hella good.

In today’s issue: 👇

  • Orlando's Hottest

  • Creative Chaos Countdown

  • Hash House A Go Go

  • ….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 ⏪
Orlando's Hottest History: When Bucket Brigades Became a 600-Person Powerhouse

In last Monday’s issue, I shared a story about the Orlando Fire Department was having their 140th birthday celebration. I thought it might be fun to dig into their history a bit.

So picture this: It's 1883, and a dressmaking shop in Orlando is ablaze. There's no 911, just William C. Sherman, a Boston firefighter, rallying neighbors with buckets and a painter's ladder to form Orlando's first volunteer fire squad.

By 1885, these volunteers officially became the "Orlando Hook and Ladder Company No. 1," with John Weeks as the first fire chief. The department went pro in 1923, trading volunteer status for full-time careers.

From that bucket brigade beginning, today's Orlando Fire Department has exploded into a 600+ strong force across 17 stations, serving 277,000 residents and millions of tourists. They've moved from bell towers (yes, that 30-foot tower from 1896 was the original emergency alert) to drone operations and 800MHz radio systems.

The department's evolution mirrors Orlando's transformation: from a frontier town to a major metropolis. They've earned an ISO Class 1 rating (top 1% nationally), launched specialized units, and in 2024, broke ground on a state-of-the-art Fire Station 6.

Not bad for a department that started with a painter's ladder and some really big buckets, right?

THE SQUEEZE 🍊

Dream Weavers: Building Beds, Building Dreams!

While most of us hit snooze buttons, Orlando's sleep superheroes are busy sawing and sanding! Sleep in Heavenly Peace's mission? Simple: kick floor-sleeping to the curb for good.

A whopping 3% of kids nationwide lack proper beds, a stat that jolted William Carleton into founding the local chapter. When nursing assistant Brittanni McNeal's six kiddos were stuck with makeshift sleeping spots (hello, living room recliners!), these bed-building wizards swooped in with bunk beds that became instant kid-magnets.

Now McNeal jokes she can't pry her children from their new personal kingdoms! With 900 Orlando kids still dreaming of beds and 325+ chapters nationwide, these lumber-loving volunteers keep hammering away, one pillow paradise at a time.

(Learn more about Sleep in Heavenly Peace with Orion Boone & Jordan Evans, right here)

Dollars and Sense: Orange County's Financial Game-Changer

When single mom Khenitha Reeves moved to Orange County in 2020, she could stretch a dollar like a champion gymnast, but saving? Not so much.

That changed when she discovered Orange County's Financial Empowerment Center, Florida's pioneering government program offering free financial coaching in English and Spanish.

This dream team partnership between Orange County, Habitat for Humanity, and the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund helps residents master budgeting, saving, and credit improvement at various community hubs.

The nationwide program has already helped vanquish over $276 million in debt while building a treasure chest of nearly $54 million in savings.

For Reeves, conquering small financial goals became her stepping stones to confidence and stability.

Pedal Past Art: Orlando's Rotating Trail Gallery

Who says a biking commute has to be boring?

Pat Greene's latest project transforms an ordinary bike path into a rolling art gallery called the Corridor Project Bike Art Trail. After 25 years curating exhibitions, this Corridor Project founder planted eight funky mini-billboards along Anderson Street, Crystal Lake Drive, and Maguire Boulevard.

Co-curator Erica Greear and designers David Cookson and Javier Guillan helped create these 6-foot cedar-framed displays featuring works by local artists Chris Robb, Stefan M, Matt Duke, Gisela Romero, Emily Martinez, Justin Luper, Leah Sandler, and Boy Kong.

The best part? Fresh art rotates quarterly, keeping cyclists entertained on their journey between Greenwood Cemetery, the Milk District, and Orlando Executive Airport. Greene's philosophy: spread art everywhere, not just in galleries.

Artists have until June 1 to submit works for the next round, with a $10 fee and $500 prize for winners.

(Learn more about this bike art trail with Patrick Connolly, right here)

Creative Chaos Countdown as Orlando Fringe Festival Returns With Expanded Lineup

America's longest-running International Fringe Theatre Festival hits Orlando May 13-26, unleashing 100+ shows with its cheeky "Let Your Fringe Flag Fly" theme. Artists from five countries and 20+ states will dazzle audiences, and pocket 100% of ticket sales!

This year's festival hub at Loch Haven Park connects venues at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando Family Stage, and Orlando Garden Club, plus quirky BYOVs like Ten10 Brewing Co.

Not just performances! Dive into free Kids Fringe weekends, browse Visual Fringe art, or hang on the lawn with live music, food trucks, bingo games, and yes – even adoptable pets looking for their theatrical forever homes.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ Picanha's Restaurante Brasileiro - Brazilian Buffet Magic is Coming

Authentic Brazilian barbecue and traditional favorites await at Picanha's Restaurante Brasileiro (Insta), launching this month! Their genius pay-by-weight buffet system brings São Paulo vibes straight to your plate. With 120 indoor seats, beer, wine, and seven-days-a-week lunch and dinner service, your taste buds are in for an adventure!

😢 Dearly departed/departing: thankfully this section is 🦗🦗🦗 again this week.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Ducklings!

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona

Tag @orlandosignal to get your photo featured in the newsletter!

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩

Hash House A Go Go

📍Locations on I-Drive and Winter Garden. See location info, right here.

At Hash House A Go Go (Insta), Midwest comfort food meets theatrical presentation in a culinary playground that's been wowing Orlando for two decades.

Dive into their mini strawberry cheesecake pancakes or attack the legendary Sage Fried Chicken Hash. Don't miss the BBQ chicken Mac & Cheese or fiery jalapeño jack burger!

For extra fun, catch their monthly themed DJ Brunches. This isn't just dining—it's an Instagram-worthy adventure where farm-fresh ingredients become edible art with portions as generous as the atmosphere is warm.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🎭 Legen-dairy Laughs – A Comedy Showcase 
📅 Monday, May 12, 2025 | 7pm 
📍 Bull & Bush Pub (Milk District)

Stand-up comedy night featuring five distinct comedians as part of the Spilt Milk series in The Milk District.
👉 No Cover Charge

🍔 Tasty Takeover in The Milk District 
📅 Tuesdays | 6:30-10pm 
📍 The Milk District – E. Robinson St

Orlando's premier weekly food truck block party featuring diverse culinary offerings behind the shops and bars.
👉 Dine Alfresco

🎭 Orlando Fringe Festival 
📅 May 13-26, 2025 | Times vary 
📍 Loch Haven Park and various Orlando venues

America's longest-running Fringe festival showcasing uncensored performances with 100% of ticket sales returning to artists.
👉 Experience the Fringe

🍹 The Great Curious Cocktail Party 
📅 May 14, 2025 | 6-9pm 
📍 North Quarter Orlando

Alcohol-free social gathering hosted by the Sober Betties of Orlando featuring Curious Elixirs non-alcoholic cocktails.
👉 Join the Movement

🧵 Pottery Night 
📅 May 15, 2025 | 6:30-8pm 
📍 Castle Hotel, 8602 Universal Blvd

Monthly 2-hour workshop where participants learn wheel-throwing techniques and create their own glazed piece.
👉 Get Creative

🎨 Third Thursday Orlando 
📅 May 15, 2025 | 4:30-9pm 
📍 CityArts Orlando, 39 S Magnolia Ave

Monthly celebration featuring art activations, live performances, history exhibitions, and cultural events in downtown Orlando.
👉 Free Experience

🎵 Shema Koleinu: Jewish Masterworks
 📅 May 15, 2025 | 7:30pm 
📍 O.R. Davis Auditorium at Edgewater High School

Orlando Sings presents choral works including Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms" and Zaimont's compositions for women's voices.
👉 Hear the Music

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