Orlando's Iron Taproot

Good morning, Orlando! We’re serving up your local news hot off the grill, with picture-perfect char marks.

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Orlando's Iron Taproot

• Blue Bamboo out-maneuvers Rollins

• Earthy Picks

• ….and much more

🛑 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. 🐈 😻

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Iron Taproot: Birth of Central Florida's Railways

From the sandy expanse of Central Florida, a narrow-gauge railroad took shape in the late 19th century, stretching 23 miles to connect the growing towns of Sanford and Orlando. The vision of E.W. Henck and Dr. C.C. Haskell, this iron pathway was constructed in under a year through diligent effort.

On October 1, 1880, the inaugural train rolled into Orlando station, sparking joyous celebration as crowds from Sanford eagerly boarded the cars ferried upriver.

Riders clung tightly to the side of those early trains, yet remarkably, no one was injured. In Orlando's streets, wafts of barbecue smoke intermingled with the booming blasts of Sanford's mini cannon, fired in a festive salute.

Regular service commenced on November 12, with a daily northbound train departing at 7:00 AM and returning southbound at 4:00 PM after stopping in Belair, Longwood, Maitland, and budding communities along the way. Disconnected from major rail lines, its sole purpose was to facilitate travel within the vast bounds of Orange County.

Nearly 150 years later, that pioneering railroad's spirit carries on through SunRail, its modern path tracing those original iron roots – a lasting artery pulsing with the region's relentless growth and progress.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Orlando's Most Legendary: Lee & Rick's and Bull & Bear

Eschewing the allure of Instagram-worthy spots, Southern Living magazine has honored two Orlando institutions on its prestigious "most legendary" eateries list, celebrating establishments deeply rooted in cultural significance.

Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar, an iconic seafood haven standing for over 70 years, transports patrons to a coastal paradise with its 80-foot oyster bar and freshly caught bounty, now helmed by the founders' son.

Bull & Bear at the Waldorf-Astoria Orlando redefines steakhouse classics with an elevated ambiance, personalized dining experiences, and theatrical table-side service, culminating in the unveiling of its renowned Lemon dessert – a delicate candied lemon confection filled with lemon curd, sorbet, and cream.

As Orlando continues to evolve as a dynamic culinary destination, these legendary eateries stand as beacons of tradition, reminding us that true culinary greatness goes beyond trends and resides in the timeless pursuit of authentic flavors and cherished experiences.

Power to the Elderly: Seniors First Innovative Hurricane Prep

Seniors First is bolstering hurricane preparedness in Central Florida by equipping 300 isolated elderly residents with portable power stations.

These $650-$800 Jackery and Anker “suitcase” units, state-funded, can power eight devices simultaneously, including critical medical equipment like oxygen machines.

Katherine Brown of Seniors First emphasizes their ability to maintain power long enough for emergency services to respond.

The initiative prioritizes vulnerable seniors with little support, ensuring they stay connected during disasters. It's part of a comprehensive hurricane readiness strategy, which includes providing shelf-stable food supplies for extended power outages.

The effort addresses the unique challenges faced by seniors living alone during hurricanes, complementing resources offered by AARP and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to enhance overall disaster resilience among the elderly population.

No More Passport Purgatory for Orlando Procrastinators

In a move hailed as a savior for travel procrastinators, Orlando is set to receive one of just six new dedicated passport agencies nationwide. U.S.

Representative Maxwell Frost announced the long-awaited victory, ending the need for Central Floridians to trek over 200 miles to Miami – currently the state's sole passport processing outpost able to handle emergencies.

The new local office promises same-day documents for crises and last-minute realizations, a vast improvement over the current 6-8 week limbo at basic "passport counters."

While an exact location is still pending over the next year, Frost lauded the hard-won approval as an immense boon typically taking areas decades to secure due to stringent federal funding requirements.

Curtain Rises on Former Library: Blue Bamboo's Unexpected Victory

In a dramatic twist, Winter Park's former library is set for an artistic rebirth. After a nail-biting four-hour debate, the City Commission voted 4-1 to hand the keys to Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts.

Founder Chris Cortez and board chairman Jeff Flowers orchestrated a surprising victory, outmaneuvering local giant Rollins College with a vision of a vibrant performing arts incubator.

The plan transforms the dormant building into housing Blue Bamboo, including partners Central Florida Vocal Arts, Performing Arts Matters, and Winter Park Chamber Music Academy.

From performance spaces to recording studios, the proposal promises to inject new life into Winter Park's arts scene.

Following a period of nomadic existence, Blue Bamboo now secures a 40-year lease. It's a bold new chapter for both the building and the city's cultural landscape.

Medical Mercy Delayed: Orange County Grapples with Debt Details

Orange County's ambitious $4.5 million plan to wipe out a staggering $424 million in medical debt for over 150,000 residents has hit a snag. While commissioners support the initiative, they've pumped the brakes due to concerns about the debt identification process.

The proposed partnership with Medical Debt Resolutions, Inc. aims to collaborate with healthcare giants Orlando Health and AdventHealth to buy and cancel debts up to seven years old. However, a key worry is that debts already sold to collection agencies might slip through the cracks.

Commissioner Mayra Uribe emphasized the critical need for hospitals to reclaim sold debt for the program to truly make an impact. Seeking clarity, the commission has called for a pow-wow with MDR.

This bold initiative, mirroring similar efforts nationwide, targets low-income residents drowning in medical debt that exceeds 5% of their household income.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Perla’s Pizza - Pizzeria Revival Spices Up Fairbanks Avenue

Chef Michael Collantes revives Perla's Pizza (Insta) at 959 W. Fairbanks Ave. this fall, near his other ventures Soseki and Bar Kada. The former Winter Park Collective space will house this reimagined concept, featuring pizzas and a new cocktail program. Perla's returns three years after closing its Virginia Drive location, now Ziggie's Pizza.

2️⃣ UniGirl - Shiba-Inspired Onigiri Haven Debuts Soon

This summer, Mills Market located at 1110 E Colonial Drive welcomes UniGirl (Insta), a playful Japanese eatery by restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung. Brainchild of ZARU's Chef William Shen, inspired by his Shiba Inu Uni, it will serve fresh onigiri with fillings like ume shiso and Hokkaido sea urchin. The konbini-style spot also offers Japanese snacks and drinks.

3️⃣ Quantum Leap Winery - Lakeside Sips

Quantum Leap Winery (Insta) is relocating from Mills 50 after their building was sold, and re-opening at The Cottage on Lake Fairview at 4410 Edgewater Drive. The winery will share the lakeside venue's name while preparing for onsite production. Across from The Acre Orlando, the new location plans a public opening on Friday, July 12.

4️⃣ Portillo's - A Taste of the Windy City Blows into Waterford Lakes

Portillo's (Insta), the Chicago-based fast-casual chain, is bringing its seventh Florida location to Waterford Lakes. Opening by year-end, it'll feature diner-style dining, outdoor patio, and double-lane drive-thru. Near UCF, it's the third Central Florida spot, serving Chicago favorites like hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and char-grilled burgers.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Earthy Picks

📍420 E Church St #114, Orlando, Florida 32801, or map to this location, right here.

In Orlando's South Eola district, Earthy Picks (Insta) is redefining vegan cuisine. Founded by Colombian-born Tatiana Henao, this café evolved from a popular market pop-up to a bustling eatery.

Henao's menu blends global flavors, offering innovative dishes like the "Na'cho Cheezy Fiesta" with plant-based "raw meat" and the "Toonah Sensation Wrap," a clever fish-free creation. The "Fill Me Up" smoothie and "Colombian Limonada" showcase Henao's flair for refreshing beverages.

While the New Age Burrito is the top seller, the "Chicks in a Curry Bowl" exemplifies the café's fusion of Indian and Latin American influences.

With options ranging from hearty mains to the açai tropical cup for dessert, Earthy Picks proves that plant-based eating can be both nutritious and indulgent.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Tonight (Monday), catch Next Step Screenplay Series: “Polk Fiction.” Join the actors for a live, staged reading of an original feature-length screenplay, followed by a Q&A with the screenwriter. (More info)

> Starting Tuesday through Sunday, don’t miss the world’s most popular musical. Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (More info)

> On Wednesday, check out Every Orlando Story Club at City Arts Orlando. Every event has a theme. Anyone with a story that fits with that theme can enter by putting their name in the story hat. Ten names are drawn at random. Each storyteller is given 5 minutes to impress the audience, and the top 3 tellers take home prizes. (More info)

> On Friday, catch the Slippery When Wet: Bon Jovi Tribute at the House of Blues (More info)

> This Friday, the Publix ice cream truck will have a variety of delicious flavors, including limited-edition options. Come cool off, enjoy a refreshing treat on them, and join in on the fun and games at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Gaston Edwards Park (1236 N. Orange Ave.) (More info)

> Also on Friday, join the Summer Soirée Open House at The Balcony. This special event is tailored for couples—whether engaged, dating, or returning to where their marital journey began. Delight in a selection of fine appetizers, sip on effervescent champagne, and enjoy captivating entertainment. (More info)

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Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal