Orlando's Local Legend

October 26, 2023

Reading time: 5 minutes

Good morning, Orlando!

Halloween is just 5 days away! For those expecting trick-or-treaters, now is the time to stock up on candy before stores sell out and kids in Paw Patrol costumes are left disappointed.

You’ve been warned.

In today’s Orlando Signal:

  • Love triangle

  • Dan Carro haunts Orlando

  • Thornton Park’s block party

  • …and lots more

On with it!

- Philip

QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Orlando Veterans See Hope with Rollout of PACT Healthcare

The Orange County Convention Center was abuzz with eager veterans on Tuesday for a PACT Act enrollment event. The recently passed PACT Act unlocked $20 billion in VA healthcare funding for veterans affected by toxic exposures, with more to come.

On stage, VA Orlando Director Timothy Cooke addressed the crowd, explaining the comprehensive new benefits like specialized care and screenings for conditions linked to hazards like burn pits.

In the audience, a Gulf War veteran named James hoped for answers to his mysterious headaches and breathing issues. After the presentations, veterans met one-on-one with VA reps to file claims and schedule appointments. For many like James, it was finally a chance at treatment after years of suffering in silence.

With the PACT Act's promises becoming reality, there was an air of optimism and relief at the convention center that Tuesday. Help had arrived for veterans impacted by toxic wounds.

Creed Guitarist's Daughter Inspires New Down Syndrome Clinic in Orlando

AdventHealth Orlando has opened the Stella Tremonti Down Syndrome Clinic, the first lifespan Down syndrome program in the Southeastern US. The clinic is named after 2-year-old Stella Tremonti, daughter of Mark Tremonti, guitarist for the band Creed.

Mark and his wife Victoria were founding donors for the clinic. It provides comprehensive care for children and adults with Down syndrome, including therapies and adult primary care.

This addresses a major gap, as life expectancy for Down syndrome has increased to 60 years but adult specialty care is limited.

The clinic aims to smooth the transition to adulthood and provide ongoing care throughout life. Dr. Asef Mahmud, an adult primary care physician there, says patients previously faced a "shot in the dark" finding knowledgeable providers after childhood.

The clinic brings together experts experienced in caring for Down syndrome patients.

Rare Sawfish Ray-bies Born at Orlando Aquarium

The stork delivered a rare bundle of joy to SeaWorld Orlando's aquarium this month - three adorable baby sawfish (←see these cuties)! These critically endangered pups with their teeny saw-shaped snouts are only the second ever bred in human care outside Australia.

Their arrival marks a major victory for SeaWorld's sawfish matchmaking efforts, giving researchers important insights into caring for these unique shark-ray hybrids (I didn’t know this).

As these babies grow up, they'll help educate people about the dangers sawfish face from fishing nets and other threats that have depleted their populations.

Their birth story shows that with a little love and science, people can make a big difference for fragile ocean species.

LOCAL LEGEND 🙌
A Spooky Journey Through Orlando's Haunted History

Our story starts in the 1990s, when Terror on Church Street first opened its doors and startled Orlando. Behind the scenes was a young Dan Carro, using his acting skills to spook guests, despite his own fear of horror.

From these simple beginnings, Carro's career took an unexpected turn. He designed exhibits for Skull Kingdom, Gatorland, and more, becoming an expert in crafting chilling attractions worldwide.

Though Carro disliked typical gore and coasters, he pioneered a theatrical style combining storytelling and interaction. "The guests are the performers," he explains, "playing heroes who face the villains."

Now, as Gatorland's creative director, Carro has transformed the park into a family-friendly Halloween destination. The crown jewel is his “Swamp Ghost's Monster Museum,” where he entertains visitors with creepy tales.

Other zones feature a “Creepy Creature Carnival” and “Frightful Frontier” filled with cursed cowboys. On the “Cryptid Express” train, riders can spot legendary beasts amidst howls in the trees.

As Carro says, his attractions provide personal attention, unlike massive theme parks. Thanks to the CEO granting Carro creative freedom, this indie hotspot overflows with homemade scares.

As we end our haunted history lesson, remember to support your local haunts, where creatives like Carro keep Halloween's spirit alive with spine-tingling surprises. But be warned, you never know what could be lurking right behind you!

ORLANDO TOP 3 FUN FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
"Tosca" Love Triangle Comes to Life in Opera Orlando Production

📍Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. Map to this location.

🕐 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29

💰 $29 and up

Opera Orlando opens its new season with Puccini's classic "Tosca" at the Dr. Phillips Center's Steinmetz Hall. The passionate love story features fiery singer Tosca, the painter Cavaradossi who she loves, and the villainous police chief Scarpia who obsessively pursues Tosca.

Tosca star Eleni Calenos says Tosca's love for Cavaradossi makes her uncharacteristically insecure and vulnerable compared to her usual strong personality.

Cavaradossi actor Nathan Granner relates to the deep trust and devotion his character feels. Meanwhile, Daniel Scofield as Scarpia sees him not as a true romantic rival but an arrogant narcissist toying with the couple - though he admits Scarpia likely feels justified protecting the state.

The three leads agree the complicated, conflicted characters are what make the opera compelling. Opera Orlando's production, directed by Josh Shaw and conducted by Eiki Isomura.

Chocolate Waterfalls and Cocoa Forests: Inside the Chocolate Kingdom


📍 9901 Hawaiian Court, Orlando, FL 32819. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, October 21st, 2pm and 7:30pm.

Experience the incredible journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar at Chocolate Kingdom, a one-of-a-kind interactive chocolate factory tour.

Join a knowledgeable guide and explore the rainforest greenhouse, home to cacao trees filled with cocoa pods. Marvel at chocolate relics and artifacts in the Chocolate Museum's unique exhibits. See melted chocolate cascading down their chocolate waterfall.

The highlight of the tour is making your own custom chocolate bar in their small-batch factory using old-fashioned equipment. Get hands-on and craft a bar to your taste.

Chocolate Kingdom intertwines entertainment and education for a delicious adventure. Discover the wonders of chocolate first-hand, from tree to treat. Chocoholics of all ages will enjoy learning about and sampling chocolate in this engaging experience.

Thornton Park's 10th Annual Spooktacular Block Party

📍Check in Gate: 801 E Washington St- by Burton's Thornton Park. Map to this location.

🕐 Time: 8:00pm-2:00am

🆔 21+

Get ready for a night of Halloween fun at the 10th Annual Thornton Park Halloween Block Party on Saturday, October 28th. This adults-only (21+) event takes place on Washington Street, which will be closed off to traffic and transformed into an open-air party zone from 8pm to 2am.

Live DJs will provide haunting beats while costumed bartenders serve up chilling cocktails at outdoor bars. Expect circus-themed performers, dancers, stilt-walkers, and more.

Stay for the midnight costume contest with prizes for best individual, couples, and groups. You can also browse vendors in the night market for accessories and props.

WEEKEND FOODIE FIND. FORK YEAH! 🤩
Tornatore’s Restaurant & Italian Market

📍3818 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804

*Thanks to reader, Peter K, for turning me onto this spot.

At Tornatore's, "from scratch" is more than just a catchphrase - it's an art form passed down through generations.

Within their kitchen, a dance unfolds as pasta is rolled, ravioli folded, and mozzarella stretched by hand each day.

Customers can peek behind the scenes as raw dough transforms into delicate pasta ribbons. The authenticity draws you in and you'll suddenly feel like you're crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.

Beyond pizza, they serve soups, salads, subs, and sweets - all made-to-order using ingredients at their peak.

You can also take home their pasta by the pound (yes, please) or experience the flavors with table-side service six days a week.

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Friday

85 🌡️ 70 | 🌤️ | Partly sunny with a shower in places

Saturday

86 🌡️ 69 | 🌤️ | Sunny to partly cloudy and pleasant

Sunday

87 🌡️ 69 | 🌤️ | Mostly sunny with a shower in places; warm

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THANKS! 🙏

Many thanks for reading the Orlando Signal today. If you found something useful or interesting, please share this edition with someone you know!

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal