Osceola's Secrets

Good morning, Orlando. Thanks for all the feedback last Monday where I asked if curating and sharing cool jobs here each week will bring value to your reading experience. Stay tuned! I love how engaged our community is.

 In today’s issue: 👇

• The abandoned vault

• Hire Day Orlando

• The Garden Bistro

• ….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 Abandoned Vault That Knew Osceola's Secrets

In the wooded fringes of Geneva, Florida, an improbable sight defies the encroaching wilderness – a massive abandoned bank vault, a hulking relic from the bygone town of Osceola.

Established in 1916 by the Osceola Cypress Company, this industrial powerhouse once spanned 350 acres along the St. Johns River, boasting all the amenities of a modern, progressive community.

At its core stood a state-of-the-art sawmill, churning out a record-breaking 60,000 feet of milled lumber daily from the vast cypress operations around Lake Okeechobee. Osceola was more than just an economic engine; it was a vibrant community where hard-working residents found respite in weekly dances and a lively "juke joint."

So promising was Osceola's future that the 1926 Chamber of Commerce heralded it as "The principal commercial and industrial community in the county," predicting it would become Seminole County's largest town. But fate had other plans.

By 1939, operations began relocating, and in 1940, the last residents departed as buildings were dismantled.

During World War II, the land became a Navy airfield, later transforming into a drag racing track before serving as a county landfill.

Today, only the abandoned vault near 2573 E. Osceola Road remains, a silent structure guarding the faded memories of a once-thriving community. You can't help but wonder about the stories it could tell.

Check out a short video look at the Osceola Bank Vault 👇

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Language Unlocks Potential as I-Drive English Program Expands

A transformative language initiative is empowering hospitality workers along Orlando's iconic International Drive corridor.

Launched in early 2023 through a collaboration between Orange County, UCF Global, Rosen Hotels and Resorts, and the Aeras Foundation, the ESOL for Working Adults Program initially provided free English classes tailored to hospitality employees.

After remarkable initial success, the program has now expanded.

Housekeeper Ana Guerrero has already unlocked new horizons after just seven weeks, gaining fluency that eases communication at work and in daily life.

The program's achievement stems from its accessibility – classes are held onsite at resorts during paid work hours, eliminating transportation and childcare barriers. UCF Global's Jennifer Haddad credits this convenience for the high retention rates among the 192 students aged 20 to 73.

Witnessing profound life changes, Orange County is actively pursuing further expansion to other businesses, championing language education as a catalyst for professional growth in the region's vibrant tourism landscape.

Unlock Your Potential: Hire Day Orlando

Attention job seekers! On April 10th, the KIA Center (formerly Amway Center) hosts Central Florida's biggest job fair extravaganza.

Brace yourselves for a job-hunting odyssey like no other, where over 120 awesome employers convene, bearing a staggering 4,500 open positions ripe for the taking.

• FREE parking awaits, alleviating the woes of circling endlessly for a spot.

• A team of resume whisperers stands ready to polish your life's chronicle, ensuring it dazzles recruiters, for FREE.

• FREE career sessions packed with pro tips for landing the job.

• Skilled photographers capture your headshot, ensuring a lasting first impression, for FREE.

• If you’re on the job hunt, there a lot of FREE help here!

Seize this golden opportunity, for it may be the turning point that sets your career ablaze with passion and fulfillment.

The stage is set, the players assembled. Fortune favors the bold!

How Plate Above Continuously Funds Culinary Dreams

Chef Jill Holland's culinary journey took an unconventional path, embarking on her passion at age 36 after careers in retail and real estate. An in-home cooking class sparked her fire, leading her to graduate from Valencia College in 2011.

Her true calling arose when she joined Second Harvest's Culinary Training Program, progressing from part-time instructor to head chef of their catering offshoot, Plate Above Catering.

With all proceeds going back to fund the program, this venture has become a lifeline - allowing the intensive culinary training to remain completely free for underprivileged students.

Holland notes it costs around $7,000 to put one student through the program that builds up adults facing hardships like underemployment or homelessness.

Plate Above's diverse offerings, from holiday meals to grand events like weddings and corporate gatherings with customized menus, help cover these costs.

Through her work, Holland paints a tapestry of opportunity, empowering lives with the transformative power of culinary training.

Catalysts of Change: Central Florida's Nonprofit Visionaries

In Central Florida's vibrant nonprofit landscape, a constellation of changemakers is reshaping lives and communities.

Jason Eichenholz's vision, Jonathan's Landing, aims to create a comprehensive sanctuary for adults with autism, intertwining housing, entrepreneurship, and thousands of job opportunities.

Inspired by her son's dyslexia journey, Jen Knopf founded REED Charitable Foundation, empowering educators with affordable Orton-Gillingham training to tackle the literacy crisis.

Dana Nichols, the driving force behind Cannonball Kids' Cancer, disrupts pediatric oncology through pioneering grants for clinical trials and sustained research.

Margaret Guedes, founder of Kids Beating Cancer, was propelled by the loss of her 9-year-old son to leukemia, championing local access to medical care so no family endures the stress of distant travel.

United by diverse missions, yet bound by an unwavering commitment to positive change, these trailblazers exemplify the power of harnessing personal passions to create lasting impact.

Their stories weave a tapestry of hope, resilience, and the belief that community-driven solutions can transform lives.

See an expanded version of this article published by our media partner, Winter Park City Lifestyle.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Eggs Up Grill - A Neighborhood Gem Celebrating Flavor and Community

In O-Town West's vibrant heart, Eggs Up Grill unveils its third outpost at 11020 Daryl Carter Parkway this month, luring residents with a sumptuous breakfast and lunch experience. A beloved neighborhood gem in the first two Orlando location, it captivates with amazing flavor celebrations, and the laughter of reconnecting friends. Hospitality reigns supreme, dishes are lovingly handcrafted, and nourishment transcends the physical, fostering cherished moments within an inviting ambiance.

2️⃣ M'ama Napoli Italian Bakery & Deli - Naples is Landing in Winter Park

Opening at 965 S. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park this spring, promises an authentic taste of Napoli. Indulge in Neapolitan pastries like bombolone and rhum baba, savor sandwiches and pizzas, and explore a market brimming with Italian delicacies straight from the homeland. With aromas wafting from the ovens and a warm, inviting atmosphere, M'ama Napoli will transport you to the cobblestone streets of Naples.

3️⃣ BaBbi BaBbi - Korean Culinary Journey Unfolds in Central Florida

BaBbi BaBbi, an authentic Korean eatery, is set to entice foodies with two new locations. First, Winter Garden's outpost (1260 Daniels Rd) aims for a mid-April unveiling, serving Korean staples like kimbap, bulgogi, and bibimbap. Then, Lake Nona eagerly awaits its year-end debut, promising an epicurean adventure through Korea's rich culinary heritage.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Church St. pickup

📷 via @ridesunrail |📍Downtown

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
The Garden Bistro

📍712 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801, or map to this location, right here.

In Orlando's vibrant Thornton Park district, a culinary gem beckons - The Garden Bistro and Bar.

This innovative eatery tantalizes with its laidback ambiance and ingenious twists on American classics. The renovated outdoor patio invites alfresco indulgence amidst Florida's sun-kissed charm.

The menu is a masterful composition of cherished favorites and daring fusions. Crispy potatoes, the tantalizing Pickle Jar, velvety Hummus Plate, and decadent Warm Havarti & Smoked Cheddar delight. Dry Rubbed Wings, Duck Grilled Cheese, and the B.B.L.A.T. beckon with bold flavors.

Seafood enthusiasts revel in the Salmon and Citrus Salad, while the Slow Roasted Pulled Pork and Blackened Ribeye ignite the senses.

The indulgent Smokey Mac-N-Cheese crowns the experience.

Each dish harmonizes flavors, textures, and passion, inviting you to embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> NYC's Jazzy R&B Duo is returning to Orlando Tuesday night in a show called, “Soulful Sounds” at The Abbey (link)

> Join the Sunset Garden Party for a night of fun and philanthropy presented by Guys with Ties Philanthropy at Celebration Gardens Friday night. (link)

> Through April 14th, UCF celebrates the arts. Experience a diverse array of performances, exhibitions, presentations, and interactive experiences that showcase the artistic prowess of UCF's talented faculty and students (link)

> Love blueberries? Here’s a list of all the awesome U-Pick blueberry spots while they’re in season! (link)

> The Rock Orchestra, classical virtuosos in rhinestone masks enchant with hauntingly beautiful renditions of iconic rock and metal amidst a sea of candlelight this Thursday. (link)

> Starting Wednesday, catch the Tony Award winning Best Musical, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” at the Orlando Shakes. (link)

> On Wednesday, Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts partners with the historic venue Casa Feliz to present a series of concerts “Music at the Casa”! Check out, John Olearchick, an Orlando based pianist and music educator. (link)

> WPRK 91.5 FM will screen the Florida premiere of a documentary that’s all about the importance of college radio stations called “35000 Watts,” on Thursday, in Winter Park at 7pm. (link)

> On Thursday, paint a portrait of your beloved pet and check out Pet Portraits (Paint & Sip). No experience is necessary, all materials are provided. (link)

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