An evening with Poe and Lake Nona's Bronze Beast

November 09, 2023

Reading time: 5 minutes

Good afternoon, Orlando! Shout out to the Orlando PD for containing a cow that escaped its enclosure and hung out on the sidewalk in Lake Nona last weekend. AND a happy (early) Veterans Day to all the Orlando area vets.

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

  • Lake Nona’s bronze beast

  • Evening with Poe

  • Salute to service

  • …and lots of weekend recs

On with it!

- Philip

P.S. 🎂 Happy birthday to Elizabeth P. Wilson!

QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Orlando (and Florida overall) Gas Prices Take a Pre-Holiday Plunge

Florida drivers are catching a break at the gas pump. The average price per gallon has dropped to $3.17 statewide - the lowest level since December 2022. Experts predict prices should stay low through the holidays, barring any unexpected oil or supply issues.

While some metro areas like West Palm Beach, Naples and Tallahassee still see averages above $3.25, other regions are enjoying even lower prices.

In metro markets like Pensacola, Crestview-Fort Walton Beach and Orlando, averages have fallen below $3.07. In fact, over 20% of stations statewide now offer regular gasoline under $3 per gallon. So enjoy the savings while they last, Florida motorists!

Right Place, Right Time: Retired Firefighter Rescues Biker From Lake Jessup

An experienced former firefighter with Seminole County leapt into lifesaving mode on Friday when he assisted in the rescue of a motorcyclist ejected into Lake Jesup after a crash on a crossing bridge.

Terry Myers, immediately launched his boat to assist in the rescue efforts. Myers managed to pull the injured motorcyclist who was clinging to a floatation device to safety within minutes of the dramatic accident.

Despite being shaken and complaining of foot pain, the conscious motorcyclist is expected to make a full recovery thanks to Myers' quick response and seamless coordination with authorities on the scene. Myers humbly stated he was grateful to have been in the right place at the right time to utilize his training and experience to save a life.

Testing the Bike Lane Waters

The City of Orlando implemented a temporary bike lane on Corrine Drive earlier this year to promote cycling for a special event. The pop-up lane was well-received, so transportation officials decided to install a semi-permanent protected bike path using plastic bollards and paint along the north parking lane. This pilot project will remain for at least six months while the city evaluates traffic data and community feedback.

The goal is to quickly provide a safer cycling route along Corrine while planning long-term street improvements. Future plans call for pedestrian upgrades like wider sidewalks, new mid-block crossings, and traffic calming measures to slow vehicles. The city previously added a signalized crossing near East End Market, reflecting a commitment to multimodal complete streets.

The temporary bike lane allows the city to respond to community needs as it develops more permanent cycling infrastructure along the corridor. The pilot project will help guide future complete streets efforts to transform Corrine into a safer, more accessible street for all users.

Residents can offer feedback, right here.

ORLANDO HIDDEN GEM 💎
The Bronze Beast of Bowling Green, and Lake Nona?

The imposing bronze sculpture known as Charging Bull has become a recognizable symbol of Wall Street and the financial district of Lower Manhattan. Weighing over 7,000 pounds and standing 11 feet tall, this muscular bull bursting forward in movement represents the power and resilience of the American people.

The artist behind the sculpture is Italian-American Arturo Di Modica, born in Sicily in 1941. Though largely self-taught, Di Modica was inspired by the Renaissance sculptures of Florence in his youth. The acclaimed English sculptor Henry Moore saw promise in the young Di Modica and nicknamed him the "modern Michelangelo."

Di Modica created Charging Bull in the winter of 1989 following the devastating stock market crash of October 1987. Determined to uplift American spirits, he spent two years welding the bronze beast entirely by hand in his SoHo studio.

Under the cover of night on December 15, 1989, Di Modica and some friends deposited the sculpture beneath a giant Christmas tree in front of the New York Stock Exchange as a Christmas gift to New Yorkers.

The guerrilla installation captured the public's admiration, but the sculpture was impounded by the city. After a public outcry, Charging Bull was permanently installed in its current location in Bowling Green Park, where it quickly became a popular icon. Di Modica passed away in February 2021 at the age of 80, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

So, what does this all have to do with Lake Nona?

In addition to New York, authorized reproductions of the bull stand in locations worldwide, including Albany, The Bahamas, Windermere, Florida, and in Lake Nona in the sculpture garden at the Wave Hotel, as a symbol of strength. Charging Bull continues to represent resilience, power, and optimism.

Charging Bull found at the Wave Hotel sculpture garden in Lake Nona

TOP 3 FUN ORLANDO RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
An Evening With Poe's Peculiar Past

📍54 W Church St, Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 November 10th through 19th

👉 Get more info, and your tickets, right here.

Join the Coldharts on a thrillingly dark trek into Edgar Allan Poe's peculiar life this November 10th through 19th at the Orlando Fringe ArtSpace. Through three musical comedies, watch Poe's gothic genius unfold during three formative stages.

First, see a young Poe fumble through mischief and visions of gloom in his ill-fated university days with "Eddie Poe" starting at 7pm.

Then at 8:30pm, enter Poe's peculiar childhood in "Edgar Allan" as the icon discovers his early fascination with the macabre.

Finally at 10pm, witness 17-year-old Poe's ominous military days in "Edgar Perry", enthralled by darkness on the battlefield.

While "Edgar Allan" contains just enough chills for ages 7 and up, the twisted tales of "Eddie Poe" and "Edgar Perry" are best suited for those aged 13 and older. Attend one hair-raising performance with general admission tickets starting at $15. Or get an "Evening of Poe" two-show ticket for $22 and double the dark delight.

Salute to Service: Honoring Vets in Central Florida

This November 11th marks Veterans Day, a time to honor the brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. Across Central Florida, various events and special deals will recognize veterans for their service and sacrifice.

On the morning of the 11th, the City of Orlando hosts its 24th annual Veterans Day Parade through downtown beginning at 11am. Following the parade, a celebration commences at Lake Eola Park. Check orlando.gov for information.

The patriotic performing arts group at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando will hold its annual “Veterans Salute” show on November 10th. With the theme “Embracing Freedom,” the free event features music, dance, and live performances at 11am and 6:30pm. Guests can enjoy a complimentary lunch or dinner before the shows. More information at lhps.org/veterans-salute.

On the morning of Veterans Day at 11am, Orlando Science Center will host a wreath ceremony honoring veterans outside the Red Tails Monument. Veterans can then enjoy free admission at the science center through November 19th. More details at osc.org.

The City of Sanford invites the community to Veterans Memorial Park for a ceremony led by keynote speaker and retired Marine Colonel David Smith. The event starts at 10am to salute veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard. Visit sanfordfl.gov for more.

Clermont starts the day with a patriotic parade through downtown at 9am, followed by a program at Waterfront Park. Marine Corps. Sgt. Maj. Collin Cotterell will give the keynote speech. Find out more at clermontfl.gov.

Lake Nona Town Center will hold an evening of festivities including a stage show, parachute demonstration, bagpipe performance, and more starting at 5pm. The free event celebrates veterans who call Central Florida home. Visit lakenona.com for details.

The City of Winter Springs will also hold a Veterans Day tribute that evening at 6pm, including a presentation of colors and the awarding of the 2023 Hometown Hero Award. Visit winterspringsfl.org for details.

This Veterans Day, communities across Central Florida have found meaningful ways to honor veterans past and present. From parades to special events, residents can show support and gratitude for our nation’s heroes this November 11th.

Paddle Orlando's Urban Oasis with Epic Paddle Adventures


📍1600 North Orange Avenue, Orlando

🕐 Mon - Sun 9am ~ 8pm

Paddle beautiful Lake Ivanhoe or venture just outside Orlando to admire wildlife at Blue Spring and Silver Springs on beginner-friendly kayaking and paddle-boarding tours with Epic Paddle Adventures.

Friendly guides will assist families and first-timers in navigating the gator-free urban oasis of Lake Ivanhoe and crystal clear springs. Pups are welcome! As the sun sets, witness the mystical blue glow of bioluminescence under your board during an evening paddle on the Indian River Lagoon.

Combine horseback riding and paddling for an epic Blue Spring adventure. After an day of adventure, recharge with a fresh meal in the hip Ivanhoe Village, home to great shops and dining in this hidden Orlando gem.

Rent boards and kayaks to explore Lake Ivanhoe's natural splendor at your own pace and spot native wildlife.

WEEKEND FOODIE FIND. FORK YEAH! 🤩
Table Indian Cuisine

📍5847 Grand National Drive, Orlando, FL. Map to this location, right here.

The aromas of exotic spices and savory dishes have drawn me into Tabla Indian Cuisine again and again over the years.

With multiple locations scattered throughout Orlando (Winter Park, Lake Nona, Oviedo), I'm never far from their authentic Indian fare crafted from generational recipes. Exploring their extensive menu has become a quest to discover new favorite curries, stews and sides to add to my regular orders.

The vegetable samosas are a crisp and flavorful appetizer, with a minty raita for dipping. I can make a meal from the street-style aloo tikki chaat, fried potato patties drenched in spiced chickpea curry.

The fragrant biryani rice studded with tender lamb and the classic chicken tikka masala never disappoint. And every meal needs garlic naan for scooping up those last bites of sauce. Tabla satisfies my cravings for excellent Indian cuisine, both traditional and innovative.

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Friday

89 🌡️ 68 | 🌤️ | Mostly sunny and very warm with the temperature approaching the record of 90 set in 1895

Saturday

86 🌡️ 70 | ⛅️ | Times of sun and clouds

Sunday

84 🌡️ 66 | 🌧️ | Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers in the afternoon

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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 Signalsday