Orlando Devours Competition

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In today’s Orlando Signal:

• Orlando's OG theme park

• We WON #1 Foodie City

• Lovebugs lovin’ less

• ….and more

Let’s do this!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
When Gators, Not Mice, Ruled Orlando

Last week we mentioned Jawlene living at Gatorland, so let’s have a deeper look.

Long before the Mouse ruled Orlando's tourist scene, a different kind of animal attraction captivated visitors to Central Florida. Gatorland, a 110-acre theme park dedicated to alligators and crocodiles, opened its jaws to the public in 1949, making it the very first amusement park in the Orlando area.

Founded by Owen Godwin on swampy land just south of the city, Gatorland gave tourists a taste of Florida's untamed wilderness and a chance to get up close and personal with its apex predators.

Godwin's initial motivation was profit from alligator wrestling shows and selling alligator products, but the park quickly evolved into a more complete zoo experience. By the 1960s, Gatorland had experiences, shows, exhibits, and educational offerings devoted to the ecology, biology and conservation of crocodilians.

For over two decades, Gatorland remained Orlando's premier theme park attraction. That changed in 1971 when Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom threw open its gates. The imaginative world of Disney captured tourists' hearts and usurped Gatorland's popularity. Sea World and Epcot followed in the succeeding years, cementing Orlando's status as a theme park mecca.

Remarkably, Gatorland survived the stiff competition. Thanks to its special niche and loyal fan base, the park has continued operating for over 70 years. Now expanded to 150 acres, Gatorland introduces over 500K visitors annually to the wonders of alligators.

Its continued success serves as a reminder that Orlando's roots as a tourist destination lie not with fantasy castles and mouse ears, but with the wild swamps and toothy grins of its native alligators.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Leaders Celebrate Affordable Housing Conversion of Crown Motel in Kissimmee

Leaders gathered to celebrate an affordable housing project underway by the Hope Partnership to convert Kissimmee's small Crown Motel into Thrive Studios, featuring 30 studio apartments with kitchenettes and on-site laundry, aiming to prevent homelessness in Central Florida where it has increased 67% in 5 years.

U.S. Rep. Darren Soto announced $1.75 million in federal funding for the project and voiced excitement over providing dignified, affordable housing along the 192 corridor for struggling working families. The project joins other Osceola County affordable housing initiatives like Buen Vecino and Haven on Vine as part of an effort to address housing needs. Though a timeline is still underway, the motel conversion is expected to finish in 2024.

Orlando's Delicious Dining Scene Devours Title Of #1 Foodie City

Orlando is now the nation's capital of delicious eats! The city's bodacious buffets of cuisines and foodie attractions have earned Orlando the crown as America's Best Foodie City for 2023, according to a mouthwatering new study by WalletHub.

👉 Orlando stuffed the competition by scoring a smorgasbord of points for its jam-packed restaurant scene, affordability of top-rated eateries, and per capita density of tempting temptations like craft breweries, specialty food shops, ice cream parlors, and coffee spots. With its treasure trove of global flavors and budget-friendly prices, Orlando proved itself a recipe for affordable foodie fun.

Other Florida cities, Miami and Tampa, trailed closely behind, showing the Sunshine State is a tasty haven for foodies. While known for superstar attractions, it’s clear Orlando now takes the cake as a food-lovers fantasyland. So grab a reservation somewhere, because Orlando is officially the hottest spot for an epicurean extravaganza!

Lovebug Numbers Dropping - Floridians Less Bugged Than Before

Lovebugs, those amorously sticking duos smashing across Florida windshields, are losing their population and pizzazz. According to University of Florida bug expert Dr. Norman Leppla, the insects have declined substantially from their once massive highway-clogging swarms during spring and fall.

Leppla suspects weather fluctuations could be causing developmental issues, or perhaps pathogens or predators have deemed Florida a no-love zone. While bees and other natives would be mourned, Leppla says most Floridians won't miss these migratory pests from the Yucatán if they disappear, though we'd be left without car-scrubbing, splatter-filled memories.

Tourism Tax Divvied, But City of Orlando's Pleas Persist

The Orange County Commission approved pledging nearly $800 million in future tourism tax revenues for various projects, but denied funding requests from the city of Orlando. The board voted 5-2 to allocate $560 million to expand the Convention Center again, plus unanimously approved $88 million to enhance UCF's football stadium.

Additional funds went towards local arts groups and cultural affairs. However, commissioners postponed decisions on Orlando's requests for its arena, stadium, and performing arts center, wanting more questions answered and risk assessment. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer had appealed for the venues, stating events provide economic benefits, but failed to sway the commission for now.

Before approving projects, the county comptroller delivered concerning news - August tourism tax revenue dropped 5.6% compared to last year, marking the fifth straight monthly decline following a long streak of record highs.

With tourism growth uncertain amid evolving global travel, the comptroller advised measured spending of the tax revenue generated from hotel stays and short-term rentals. More clashes over tourist tax funds likely loom as various interests vie for slices of the lucrative pie.

Sips & Bites With Heart: Orlando Eateries Support Breast Cancer Cause

October's pink ribbons serve more than mere decoration - they spotlight an essential cause, prompting action and aid for those facing breast cancer's challenges. Community events like races, walks and 5Ks raise critical research funds while providing education and support. But individuals can also make an impact through small, delicious acts.

🍽️ Local bakeries and bars have conjured creative offerings where proceeds provide direct assistance:

• The Salty Donut's eye-catching Whipped Strawberry Donut gives 25% of sales to support nonprofit The Breasties.

• For cocktail lovers, Park Avenue Tavern in Hannibal Square mixes vivid libations featuring Gin Lane 1751, donating 50% of profits to research through The Pink Agenda.

• Nearby, The Wilson Seafood & Cocktails also serves Gin Lane's colorful concoctions and makes additional donations for every purchase.

• Even Kissimmee gets in the mix with The Wharf's playful Ta-Ta Tini, raising money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

• And The Hampton Social offers a refreshing "Fighter" cocktail where $1 from each benefits the American Cancer Society. Those wearing race sashes even get a complimentary glass of rosé.

So amid fall's autumn hues, Orlando's food and drink scenes add a dash of pink philanthropy, turning small sips and bites into acts of compassion.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Lake Eola Taproom

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Eola

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FOODIE FIND = FORK YEAH! 🤩
Fluffy Fluffy Dessert Cafe

2008 E Colonial Dr, Orlando

Orlando continues attracting epicurean firsts, the latest being Fuwa Fuwa Pancakes. This Japanese soufflé pancake purveyor chose Orlando for its inaugural U.S. location under the name Fluffy Fluffy Dessert Cafe, joining the city's list of brag-worthy restaurant openings.

During soft opening, the limited menu provided a taste of Fuwa Fuwa's fluffy expertise through Strawberry and Tiramisu pancakes. Each towering $14 confection lived up to the chain's hype with pillowy layers and decadent fillings.

Though based in Toronto, Fuwa Fuwa deemed Orlando perfect for pioneering American expansion, adding to the city's culinary clout. As global dining concepts increasingly launch stateside in the City Beautiful first, Orlandoans can pride themselves on enjoying the thrills, and fills, of being trendsetting tastemakers.

Fluffy Fluffy's soft opening may be limited, but soon loyal fans won't have to travel north to savor these soufflé sensations. Orlando continues staking its claim as a world-class food destination.

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

83 🌡️ 66 | ☀️ | Pleasant with plenty of sunshine

Tuesday

85 🌡️ 71 | 🌥️ | Partly sunny and pleasant

Wednesday

85 🌡️ 71 | 🌧️ | Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers in the afternoon

THANKS! 🙏

Many thanks for reading the Orlando Signal today. If you found something useful or interesting, please share this edition with someone you know! We’re back on Thursday to send you off strong 💪 into the weekend with lots to do.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal