Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando

Or perhaps I should say, welcome to the Orlando Donut Signal: Oy vey. I’m starting to sound like a broken record here, but the donut debauchery continued on Saturday. At this juncture, I’m concerned this might be a real illness for me! This time we found ourselves in Disney Springs and rolled up on Everglazed Donuts. We brought home and feasted on thin mint, apple streusel, and oreo cookies and cream donuts. I’m still coming out of my sugar coma, but here’s the “receipts!”

🧁 Happy birthday to Jordan Treadaway!

In today’s issue: 👇

• Out of Stock

• Mayor’s City Academy

• The Town House

• ….and much more

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🛑 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. 🐈

Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Out of Stock at Orlando's Office Supply Icon

When the Orlando Sentinel announced on November 18, 1989 that George Stuart Office Supply was closing its doors, many locals felt like they were losing an old friend. The beloved 51-year-old company, a staple at Robinson and Magnolia since 1938, had sadly filed for liquidation.

Some here maybe remember when George Stuart was the go-to name for all things office-related in Central Florida. In its prime during the mid-1970s, this local treasure boasted over $10 million in yearly sales!

Stepping into George Stuart was like visiting that neighbor who had everything you might need. Need an obscure typewriter ribbon? They had it! The friendly staff operated on a simple philosophy: if they didn't stock it, you probably didn't need it.

Though they expanded to Casselberry and North Orange Blossom Trail by 1977, many customers remained loyal to the original downtown spot at 133 East Robinson Street.

More than just a store closing, Orlando lost a piece of its character—a warm reminder of days when local shops knew your name and served as the heartbeat of the community, before the big chains took over.

(Learn more George Stuart and listen to an oral history with the Stuart family with kpeters, right here)

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Meet the Makers: How the Mayor's City Academy Connects You to Local Government

Ever wondered how the city of Orlando runs? Join the Mayor's City Academy!

This fun 12-week Thursday evening program gives you a backstage pass to America's second-fastest growing city. You'll explore cool spots like Camping World Stadium, Water Conserv II, and Fire Station One.

Meet the amazing folks who keep the city humming—from garbage collectors to policy makers—and connect with neighbors who care about community just like you do.

Enjoy a free dinner each week, build your civic know-how, find ways to volunteer, and cap it all off with a special photo and certificate from Mayor Buddy Dyer himself at the end!

🔥Get more info about this awesome program, right here!

From Transit to Transition with Orlando's Bus Shelter Program

Orlando is rolling out an inspiring initiative called "The 407 Connect," Inspired by The Dignity Bus, converting buses into cozy mobile shelters for our homeless neighbors.

Recently approved by Downtown Orlando's Community Redevelopment Agency, the $350,000 plan will transform two buses into welcoming overnight havens with 20 comfortable sleeping pods each.

The Christian Service Center will become home base for these accessible shelters, which could welcome their first guests in just two months!

At $1 million yearly, the program hopes to help 407 people find housing over three years. Part of Orlando's compassionate $58 million “Accelerate Orlando” strategy, these innovative shelters just need a final thumbs-up from City Council to get rolling.

(Learn a lot more details about this bus shelter program with Lillian Hernández Caraballo, right here)

Reel Opportunity: Orange County's $5M Investment Beckons Filmmakers

Oscar-nominated producer S. Leigh Savidge is eyeing Orlando for his next film. He was in town checking if there's enough local support to bring Hollywood magic back.

Since Florida cut filmmaker incentives in 2016, our once-bustling film scene has been missing its spark. But things are looking up! Orange County approved a fabulous $5 million investment last year to woo filmmakers.

The holiday charmer "Rekindled for Christmas" recently wrapped in MetroWest, taking full advantage of our gorgeous weather.

Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero is thrilled about the jobs, business boosts, and opportunities this creates for talented graduates from UCF, Full Sail, and Valencia. Savidge believes when communities invest in film, everyone wins!

(Learn more about Orlando’s courting of filmmakers with Laverne McGee, right here)

Central Florida's Water Waltz Began Yesterday

Hey neighbors! Time to adjust those sprinklers! Starting yesterday (March 9th), our five-county region kicked off its Spring watering schedule. It's a simple plan to keep our lawns happy and our water supply healthy as temperatures climb.

• If your address ends in an odd number: Water Wednesdays and Saturdays

• Even addresses: Thursdays and Sundays

• Businesses: Tuesdays and Fridays

Skip watering during the hot hours (10am-4pm) to make every drop count! Each zone gets an hour max, and these friendly reminders apply until November 2nd.

With our region using a whopping 626 million gallons daily, these gentle guidelines help everyone share our precious water resources!

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ Sushi Saint - Michelin-Starred Magic Comes to ICON Park

Chef Michael Collantes is bringing Sushi Saint's (Insta) handroll artistry to ICON Park this spring. The 3,000-square-foot space will feature the acclaimed temaki bar, full sushi lounge, and intimate omakase experience that earned Michelin recognition. Expect signature dishes plus exclusive creations at this exciting second location.

2️⃣ Pom Pom's Sandwiches - Sandwich Icon Resurfacing in Sanford

Beloved sandwich maven Pom Moongauklang is reviving Pom Pom's (Insta) at Sanford's Henry's Depot this April after closing her 20-year Milk District location. She'll serve classics like the Fu Manchu while simultaneously launching Pomisaan pop-ups and planning a new concept for her original space.

😢 Dearly Departed/ing: Brick and Fire Pizza has announced their closure.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Ducks just hanging out & eatin’

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona

Tag @orlandosignal to get your photo featured in the newsletter!

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
The Town House Restaurant

📍139 N Central Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765. Map to this location.

Since the 1955, this family-owned gem has served as Oviedo's culinary cornerstone. The Town House (Insta) philosophy remains beautifully simple: exceptional food at honest prices, where guests can truly unwind.

Their four-time Foodie Award-winning breakfast alone justifies an early rise, while their commitment to freshness means every ingredient tells a story.

Professional expertise meets homestyle comfort in dishes that don't just satisfy—they create memories. It's where Oviedo "Meets to Eat."

👉 Check out The Town House Restaurant, right here

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🍲 The Heart-Healthy Kitchen
📅 March 11, 2025 | 5:30-7pm 
📍 Center for Health & Wellbeing, Winter Park

Mediterranean cooking demonstration and olive oil tasting with nutrition and culinary experts.
👉 Register Now

🎨 Sanford Seminole Artist Reception 
📅 March 12, 2025 | 6-7:30pm 
📍 Casselberry Library, Oxford Road

Meet 25 local artists and browse their available artwork while enjoying hors d'oeuvres.
👉 Art Event

🐱 Cocktails & Cats 
📅 March 12, 2025 | 5-6:30pm 
📍 The Kitty Beautiful, Downtown Orlando

Complimentary champagne and light bites with feline friends, featuring a special announcement.
👉 RSVP

🎨 2nd Thursday Art & Wine Party 
📅 March 13, 2025 | 5:30-6:30pm 
📍 The Gallery 32789, Winter Park

Monthly gathering featuring original artwork, wine and lite bites.
👉 Awesome Event

🌕 Full Moon Yoga At The Moon Mercado 
📅 March 13, 2025 | 6:30-7:30pm 
📍 The Veranda at Thornton Park

Outdoor Yin Yoga session featuring meditation and moon salutations.
👉 Find Your Center

🍝 Sip, Savor, & Stroll 
📅 March 13, 2025 | 5-8pm 
📍 Enzo's Hideaway, Maria & Enzo's, and The Edison

Dining experience with curated food and drink pairings at three venues.
👉 Attend

🥃 Tequila Pairing Dinner featuring Don Julio 
📅 March 13, 2025 | 6:30pm 
📍 Kavas Tacos + Tequila

Curated dining experience pairing dishes with premium tequilas.
👉 Book Dinner

🎬 Popcorn Flicks in the Park: Harriet the Spy 
📅 March 13, 2025 | 7pm 
📍 Central Park, Winter Park

Free outdoor screening of the 1996 family film.
👉 Movie Night

🍀 Lucky Charm Bar 
📅 March 13, 2025 | 6-8pm 
📍 JoJo's ShakeBAR Orlando

Dinner event featuring entrée and charm bracelet crafting with Groovy Monarch.
👉 Get Tix

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal