Orlando's Getting a Visitor From Seattle

December 14, 2023

Reading time: 4.5 minutes

Good afternoon, Orlando! I think holiday festivities are likely to get rained out this weekend, but let’s stay optimistic.

In today’s Orlando Signal, Thursday (weekend fun) issue:

  • Casgevy ❤️ CRISPR

  • Seattle bakery visits Orlando

  • Asian Lantern Festival

  • + lots of weekend recs

Let’s get on with it!

- Philip

QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
A Breakthrough Treatment Offers New Hope for Sickle Cell Patients in Central Florida

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a revolutionary gene editing therapy called Casgevy to treat sickle cell disease (SCD). Casgevy, which won the Nobel Prize in 2020, has shown remarkable success in trials, freeing nearly all patients from severe pain.

This breakthrough brings life-changing hope for Florida’s SCD community battling a disease with only one known cure. Home to over 7,000 new cases per year, twice the national average, Florida desperately needs new treatments, said Dr. Asad Sheikh of Orlando Heath Cancer Institute. Central Florida sees more cases than almost anywhere in the country given its diversity.

Casgevy uses CRISPR technology to edit a gene and boost fetal hemoglobin production to alleviate symptoms. However, its $1-2 million price tag and limited administration centers mean average patients likely won’t benefit for years, Sheikh cautioned.

Still, the approval sets the stage to eventually make this therapy more accessible. Sheikh stated optimistically that Casgevy marks a huge first step toward eradicating SCD and gives Florida patients new reason to hope. Any progress brings celebration for this long under-resourced community.

Brightline Picks Up Speed Toward Tampa

Brightline executive Christine Kefauver recently updated lawmakers on expansion plans for the sleek passenger rail system, expressing enthusiasm about “tremendous progress” toward connecting Orlando to Tampa.

She touted the success of Brightline’s $6 billion Miami-to-Orlando route launched last September and pointed to the critical Sunshine Corridor project, which would link the SunRail commuter system to the Orlando International Airport. To meet anticipated demand, Brightline has ordered 30 additional passenger cars.

Legislative support is also picking up steam. Representative Karen Gonzalez Pittman has proposed $50 million for rail infrastructure along the I-4 corridor where Brightline aims to reach speeds up to 150 mph.

She tied her request to the larger Moving Forward Florida transportation initiative and said adding rail now would optimize costs and minimize disruption down the road. Pittman also noted expected federal grants of $50 million.

Some lawmakers like Representative David Smith still have concerns, particularly about the long-term financial sustainability of rail projects that lose money each year. But with ridership demand, Brightline seems on track to reach Tampa soon, bringing the region closer to a connected high-speed rail future.

Piroshky’s Coming to Town: Seattle Bakery Visits Orlando

The tantalizing aromas of Eastern Europe are wafting across the country to Orlando this January when Seattle's acclaimed Piroshky Piroshky bakery pops up for a limited engagement at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company. Since 1992, the Pike Place Market icon has been hand-crafting piroshki, their signature Russian-style stuffed buns, as well as an assortment of sweet and savory baked pies and delights.

For a few special days starting January 9th, Orlando residents can experience these melt-in-your-mouth morsels themselves straight from the source, no plane ticket required. But these creations are so lovingly made that quantities are limited. Be sure to pre-order your favorite pies by January 7th to avoid missing out.

With a $50 minimum order and quick flash-freezing to lock in freshness, you can stock up on these iconic Seattle treats from the comfort of Ivanhoe Village.

It's a rare chance to let your tastebuds travel and discover why Piroshky Piroshky has earned accolades from Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern for its scrumptious Old World recipes. This pop-up is a foodie's delight that's not to be missed!

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHT 🧐
A Dazzling Glow Transforms Central Florida Zoo: Asian Lantern Festival

The Central Florida Zoo has been immersed in a wondrous glow since November as elaborate lantern sculptures illuminate its grounds each evening. The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild brings interactive LED displays to life through January 14, 2024.

Now in its fourth year, the event has rapidly grown into one of Seminole County’s most popular holiday happenings. Zoo director Stephanie Williams says it’s an awesome display of color, light and movement that delights people of all ages. The dozens of handmade lanterns mingle with resident animals to create a magical atmosphere. Visitors may wander glowing pathways and observe colorful, larger-than-life flowers and creatures.

Beyond entertainment, proceeds from the separately-ticketed event support the zoo’s conservation initiatives and educational programs. Over 50,000 students benefit from these offerings annually. As CEO Richard Glover shares, the festival provides crucial fundraising to further their mission.

Nightly access starts at $22.99. People have through January 14th to visit this illuminated Central Florida attraction.

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Making Spirits Bright at The Heavy's Hotspot

📍1152 Harmon Ave., Winter Park. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 AM to 4 PM

👉 Get more info, right here.

A festive shopping affair awaits this weekend amid the verdant oasis of The Heavy in charming Winter Park. As the holidays hasten near, a delightful open-air market shall commence this Saturday, December 16th, beckoning all who wish to revel in the seasonal spirit.

The lively venue shall host over 20 exceptional local vendors offering their unique handcrafted wares. The alluring array of artisanal delights includes pottery, jewelry, plants, sweet treats and more to peruse or purchase as holiday gifts. A cake decorating workshop shall also delight those with a sweet tooth.

Talented musical duo Sunday Morning Revival shall perform live at 1 PM, their folksy tunes setting a jovial mood. So come support local makers, enjoy refreshing beverages and let the good times roll at this free spirited market saturated in yuletide cheer.

The only price of admission is an appetite for holiday magic - and perhaps some spare dollars to indulge in a treat or gift discovered amongst the stands brimming with hidden gems.

The Illusionists: “The Magic of the Holidays”


📍445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 Map to this location.

🕐 December 15, 2023, 8 p.m., Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips

Magic and wonder await inside the storied walls of the Walt Disney Theater this holiday season. On December 15th at 8pm, the acclaimed Illusionists troupe will transport audiences to realms of fantasy and delight with their latest spectacle - "Magic of the Holidays."

Led by the imaginative talents of Pablo Cánovas, Chris Cox, Kevin James, Hyunjoon Kim and Steve Valentine, these modern-day conjurors will dazzle the senses with feats of prestidigitation and sleight-of-hand the likes of which have seldom been seen. Audience members can expect deductions and disappearances, predictions and extractions - all shrouded in good humor and Yuletide cheer.

So gather the whole family and let the illusionists whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday. Tickets start at just $30, truly a small price to pay for an evening of enchantment that will kindle your imagination and evoke the childlike wonder of the season.

Deck the Downtown


📍Downtown Orlando

🕐 Every weekend through December 23rd.

Under the twinkling lights of the season, the City of Orlando invites you to discover the magic of the holidays downtown.

  • At the heart of the festivities lies the enchanting Lake Eola, where a radiant Wonderland Tree casts its luminous glow over the park. As dusk falls, experience a dazzling show of dancing fountains and lights choreographed to classic holiday tunes every evening at 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m., and 9:45 p.m.

  • Every weekend through December 23rd, lose yourself in the Merry Market's maze of captivating artisans showcasing their wares, from handcrafted soaps to glimmering gemstones, all set against the backdrop of the lake’s tranquil beauty.

  • And if you’ve been extra nice this year, you may even meet Jolly Saint Nick himself at the stately Eola House nearby, where “snow” drifts down, blanketing the scene in white flakes of frozen memories.

  • For an evening of inclusive and sensory-friendly fun, join in on December 17th for a magical train ride around the park, activities for every comfort level, and a chance to pause and take in the restful vibe of the season.

  • And just a snowball’s throw away lies Parramore's brilliant new Luminary Green Park, where, like something from a music box brought to life, the mesmerizing art installation "Loop" beckons you to pump its handcar and set its retro-futuristic sculptures dancing to create a visual melody of magic and light.👇

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Friday

74🌡️ 64 | ☁️ | Considerable cloudiness and breezy

Saturday

71 🌡️ 64 | 🌧️ | Breezy with periods of heavy rain and a thunderstorm; there can be flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas

Sunday

72 🌡️ 55 | 🌧️ | Mostly cloudy and windy with a couple of showers

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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