The Pineapple Pioneer of Ivanhoe

Reading time: 4.5 minutes

Good morning, Orlando! Thanksgiving is coming in hot! Hope everyone is ready for Thursday’s festivities.

👉 I’ll send Thursday’s fun for the weekend newsletter on Friday morning instead so you have post-Thanksgiving recs. However, it will be abbreviated due to family commitments we have on the home-front this week.

You share, we listen. Click 👆 the poll at the bottom of this issue and tell us how we did today!

🌟 In today’s issue: 🌟

• From Pineapples, to Water Parks

• Would you trust a self-driving shuttle?

• Cemetery vs. Subdivision

• ….and much more

Let’s start the week off right!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Pineapple Pioneer of Ivanhoe

Over a century ago, George I. Russell transformed Lake Ivanhoe into the center of the U.S. pineapple industry before later converting the same land into one of Orlando’s first water parks. Russell epitomized the entrepreneurial pioneers who settled Orlando in the 1800s, drawn by the tropical climate and business prospects.

In 1885, George Russell relocated to Florida from Connecticut, drawn by the healthy climate. He arrived in Tampa, but fell in love with Orlando after visiting. A savvy businessman, he prospered downtown selling hay, feed, fertilizer and grain. Emboldened by this success, Russell acquired acreage near Lake Ivanhoe, erecting a stately homestead.

Inspired by exotic fruits like pineapples flourishing locally, Russell cultivated over 20 acres bordering Lake Concord and Lake Ivanhoe into pineapple farms known as "pineries." By importing premium Hawaiian and Puerto Rican strains and constructing greenhouses, Russell made Ivanhoe the pineapple epicenter of America by 1900.

An 1897 ad for Russell's Pineapples claimed the Ivanhoe pineries produced "the finest fruit ever put on the market," becoming so popular that plants still grown in local soil were carefully packed in crates and shipped to Washington D.C. There they were replanted in the White House Conservatory to furnish President McKinley with fresh Ivanhoe pineapples.

As pineapple trade commenced with Cuba, Florida’s industry declined. Russell adeptly pivoted from pineapples to establish one of Orlando’s first water parks on his Ivanhoe land. His foresight transformed the area long before Walt Disney introduced theme parks.

Through his agile ventures in exotic agriculture and early tourism, Russell highlighted Central Florida’s potential for both fields. His pioneering spirit and business acumen helped shape Orlando’s future.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Florida HOAs Face Insurance Spike

A crisis looms for homeowners across Central Florida as HOA insurance premiums surge following recent hurricanes.

Ivy Piche held the letter, dismayed by its contents. The new insurance rate for her Longwood townhome community - nearly $233,000 for 2024, more than double this year's amount. That's an extra $1,900 she'll owe for her share of HOA dues, funds desperately needed to repair roofs damaged after Hurricane Ian.

Ivy's neighbors are in the same boat. Come January 1st, the 70 owners in Wekiva Country Club Villas must contend with the skyrocketing premiums, hoping their community stays financially afloat.

Across Central Florida, HOAs face this crisis as insurance costs spiral upwards post-hurricanes. Premiums statewide jumped 40% or more, with few insurers offering affordable policies. "In 12 years, I haven't seen rates like this," said insurance broker Richard Kerr.

For homeowners like Ivy, the unaffordable HOA insurance strikes at their financial security. Some may have to sell their properties rather than pay the excessive dues. Those who remain find reserves drained, repairs stalled, and communities financially overwhelmed.

Until insurance rates stabilize, Central Florida HOAs face stormy seas ahead. Homeowners watch anxiously, hoping the winds of change bring clear skies sooner rather than later.

Driving Toward the Future: Orlando's Gamble on Self-Driving Shuttles

The gleaming white autonomous shuttles gliding down Orlando's streets have become an unexpected fixture over the past few months.

Part of a pilot program to explore driverless transit, these vehicles - aptly named SWAN for "Shuttling With Autonomous Navigation" - already have fans like Sam Gallaher. "It's so convenient to quickly hop on SWAN to grab lunch or meet up with friends," shares Gallaher, a car-free urbanite. Yet it hasn't been smooth sailing, as Gallaher was aboard during an early accident with a LYNX bus.

City leaders remain optimistic about SWAN's future, envisioning expanded service to busy areas like Ivanhoe Village. "We want to see how the technology handles dense downtown traffic," says Cade Braud, transportation manager. The pilot runs through next April as the technology is tested and refined. While SWAN operates autonomously, Beep staff ride along in case of malfunctions.

If SWAN takes flight elsewhere, Orlando would join the ranks of cities embracing driverless transit, like neighboring Altamonte Springs which has launched a similar program. As car-free urbanites multiply, autonomous shuttles may become a mainstream mobility solution. For now, SWAN's presence shows Orlando's transportation is migrating toward the future.

Orlando App Dishes Out Deals, Cuts Food Waste

In these trying times of rising costs, a Central Florida startup is cooking up an ingenious solution to help local eateries and eaters alike - Too Good To Go. This breakthrough app fights food waste while delivering major savings. It lets restaurants and grocers sell surplus edibles approaching their sell-by date at deep discounts, usually one-third off. We're talking everything from artisanal sandwiches to gourmet pastries that would otherwise be tossed.

Justin Rodriguez, head chef at Orlando's Kind Cleaver vegan deli, is an early adopter. He's listing creations like holiday ham and breakfast sausage. "Even selling at steep discounts helps my bottom line by offsetting losses and waste," Rodriguez said.

It's a win-win-win, say creators. Sellers recoup costs, buyers score deals, and less ends up in landfills emitting harmful gasses. A head of lettuce takes 25 years to decompose, reminds Too Good To Go spokesperson Sarah Soteroff.

Too Good To Go has rescued meals across Europe and North America. The Orlando rollout marks its debut in the South. Users sign up free while the app collects a small fee. So next time you're dining in Orlando, check Too Good To Go. You may discover your new favorite bite while reducing waste - a winning recipe.

Mall Adds Apartments as Retail Landscape Shifts

The Oviedo Mall is undergoing an ambitious transformation aimed at remaining relevant as shopping habits change. Developer Kevin Hipes has spent the last decade turning the mall into a multi-purpose destination, bringing in things like a gym, cosmetology school and medical offices.

Recently approved plans will add a 400-unit apartment complex in the parking lot of a shuttered Macy's store, meeting surging housing demand as Oviedo's population booms. Hipes says the area is ripe for density and located close to major employers. This $150 million residential development is the next phase of the mall's evolution into a holistic live-work-play space.

The Oviedo Police Department needs more space and was considering relocating to the vacant Sears building in the mall. This would provide cops much needed room while bringing more people to the mall, which Mayor Megan Sladek says makes economic sense for taxpayers. However, Hipes says he can't wait indefinitely as he has offers from other potential anchors like a hospital or tech firm.

The old mall is reinventing itself bit by bit, transforming into a town center for the future. But work remains to be done to complete Oviedo's ambitious makeover as it competes in the rapidly changing retail landscape.

Cemetery vs. Subdivision: Orlando Lawsuit Claims Luxury Homes Caused Flooding of Historic Burial Ground

The historic African-American Oakland-Tildenville Cemetery in Orlando lays flooded, its graves eroded and headstones submerged. Nearly 400 outraged descendants have joined a lawsuit against Pulte Homes, accusing the developer of diverting stormwater runoff directly into the 100-year-old burial ground.

When building its luxury Longleaf subdivision, Pulte allegedly installed a culvert to redirect rainwater into the adjacent cemetery instead of managing it properly. Shequilla Scafine describes the damage done to her family's graves, saying many of her loved ones are now "floating" underwater.

The plaintiffs claim Pulte and its site designer S&ME knew their actions would flood the cemetery but proceeded anyway. Emails suggest S&ME contacted city officials about the issue. But the company blames the cemetery's "low-lying, poor soil" rather than its own culvert.

Despite claiming commitment to the historic site, Pulte's actions have put profits over the dead. Nearly 400 voices now rise to hold it accountable, demanding a jury trial.

ORLANDO DIGS: DISCOVERING THE AREAS TOP PROPERTIES 🏠

As the autumn leaves fall in Central Florida, a historic Winter Park estate steeped in the legacy of Disney has hit the market. Perched at 1391 Richmond Road, this charming abode with Old Florida charm was once home to the late renowned artist and legendary Disney Imagineer Cicero Greathouse.

In this 4,635 square foot property with four bedrooms and six bathrooms, Greathouse's imprint remains alive through his bold abstract paintings that reveal his spirit of adventure from world travels. As a senior art director at Walt Disney Imagineering, Greathouse brought his creative flair to enchanting theme park experiences enjoyed by millions.

Designed to evoke a New York City townhouse with Florida living, the home's grand foyer featuring a spiral staircase sets the tone. Formal living and dining rooms pay homage to traditional style with a modern twist. Showcasing two garages, antique fixtures and an air-conditioned gym and office, the estate provides ample amenities.

With an asking price of $4,400,000 😱, this historic home where magic was made allows a new owner to write their own story while honoring the legacy of an artistic visionary who helped shape the wonder of Disney. Listed by Julie Bettosini of Stockworth Realty Group, the property remains a hidden gem imbued with inspiration.

Curious? See more awesome photos, here.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Orlando all lit up. 💕

📷 via @edgargurmeitte |📍Aerial Lake Eola

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
The Pinery

📍295 NE Ivanhoe Blvd, Suite A Orlando, or map to this location, right here.

⏱️ Open Mon-Sun. Golden Hour 4-7pm M-F

Since we’re talking about Ivanhoe, tucked away in Orlando's charming Ivanhoe Village lies The Pinery, a Southern-inspired eatery that has fast become a favorite date night spot.

My wife and I recently enjoyed an evening in its intimate, candle-lit dining room decked out with billowing curtains and exposed brick, making us feel as though we'd been whisked away to the low country.

We started with the baked blue crab and shrimp mac & cheese, a decadent dish overflowing with sweet crab and creamy pasta in perfect harmony. For our main course, we sampled the signature zucchini fries, which live up to their billing as Orlando's best with their crispy outer shells giving way to piping hot, melt-in-your-mouth centers.

To cap off the night, I sipped on the refreshing Florida Julep, a sweet homage to the classic cocktail made with local orange juice instead of simple syrup. With its transportive ambience, mouthwatering Lowcountry cuisine, and exceptional service, the Pinery is an Ivanhoe Village gem not to be missed.

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

81🌡️ 65 | 🌤️ | Mostly sunny and pleasant

Tuesday

81🌡️ 68 | ⛅️ | Partly sunny with a shower in places in the afternoon

Wednesday

77 🌡️ 60 | ☁️ | Cloudy with a thunderstorm in the afternoon

THANKS! 🙏

If you found something useful or interesting, please share this issue with someone you know! We’ll see you on Thursday with some fun weekend recs.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal