We’re Back at Monday Morning in Orlando!

We had an awesome weekend. On Saturday, we took in the sights and sounds of the Lake Eola Park Fall Fiesta. So many cool vendors. Then on Sunday, we baked the bread mix we acquired at the Fiesta…. a White Chocolate Cranberry Beer Bread!

Now onto today’s issue: 👇

• The PoP Shoppe

• Wandering

• Walala

• ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

P.S. Love the newsletter? 👇

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
A Slice of Soda History: Casselberry's PoP Shoppe

Back in 1976, this fizzy phenomenon brought something special to 1101 Semoran Blvd in Casselberry. More than just a store, it was a full-fledged soda factory where folks could watch their favorite drinks bubble to life through large windows, right in front of the Semoran Skateway.

Under manager Lee Mennzes, who came down from Canada to run the show, this place was pumping out an impressive 24 flavors – including crowd favorites like "Lime Rickey," Grapefruit, and Fruit Punch.

The Casselberry location wasn't just any old shop; it was one of only 12 factory-store combos serving as regional hubs across America, supplying drinks to retail spots from Sanford to Merritt Island.

The PoP Shoppe story actually started in Canada in 1969, expanding south in 1972. Despite its initial success and public trading status up north, the brand fizzled out by 1983 as plastic bottles replaced glass and the novelty wore off.

But here's a sweet ending – in 2004, a nostalgic investor revived the brand in Ontario, where it still delights Canadian soda lovers today.

(Learn more about Casselberry's PoP Shoppe from Jason Byrne, right here.)

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Lake Eola's Swan Song Gets a Fresh Verse

Meet Lake Eola's Newest Residents.

Thanks to the generous hearts of Orlando locals David and Nicole Beyer, Lake Eola's beloved swan family just got a little bigger with the arrival of two beautiful Australian Black swans. The pair are settling into their new home in a cozy acclimation area, where park staff are helping them adjust to city life.

The timing couldn't be better for Lake Eola's feathered community, which has had a rough go lately between avian influenza and a mischievous river otter visitor. But the lake's charm persists, with its wonderful mix of Trumpeter, Black Neck, Whooper, Royal Mute, and Australian Black swans.

These newcomers join six other recent additions, all from the same trusted breeder approved by City Council in August.

🔥 Check out their release, right here, but here’s a photo I captured on Saturday below.

From Close Call to Community Call: A Lightning Survivor's Story

Meet Daniel Sharkey, an Altamonte Springs teen who laughed in the face of lightning—and lived to tell the tale. As if being his mom's "miracle baby" (she had just a 30% chance of having children) wasn't impressive enough, this remarkable young man now pours his heart into helping others at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

When he's not sorting and boxing donations, he's revolutionizing Halloween with his brilliant "Cans over Candy" drive, which raked in an incredible quarter-ton of food last year.

From helping storm victims to inspiring neighborhood food drives, Daniel's living proof that some heroes don't wear capes—they just wear really big smiles.

Fast Track to Healthcare: AdventHealth's New High School Certification Program

Great news for Central Florida high schoolers!

AdventHealth University is opening exciting new doors to healthcare careers through seven specialized certification programs. Through flexible online training that takes just six weeks to complete, students can prepare for rewarding roles – from medical billing specialist to pharmacy technician.

The timing couldn't be better, as Florida needs to fill some big healthcare gaps in the coming decade: 59,100 nursing positions and 18,000 physician roles.

As AHU's VP Lonnie Mixon points out, these certifications are creating amazing opportunities, especially in underserved communities.

The best part? Graduates can step right into well-paying healthcare positions after high school, offering a fantastic alternative to the traditional college route.

The Critical Challenge of Alzheimer's Wandering

👉 I don’t normally cover fatalities, but this is important.

A recent tragedy in Deltona underscores one of Alzheimer's disease's most perilous symptoms: wandering.

An 80-year-old woman with the condition was fatally struck by a vehicle just minutes before being reported missing. According to the Alzheimer's Association, this behavior affects 60% of patients, often triggered by social anxiety or confusion about location.

The risks are severe – a 2011 study found many wandering individuals are found deceased within 24 hours. However, modern solutions offer hope, from GPS tracking devices to comprehensive home safety measures.

Local law enforcement agencies frequently maintain registries and sometimes provide tracking devices to vulnerable residents.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ The Chapman & The Chase Lounge - Double Dose of Culinary Elegance

Opening this winter, Park Avenue's newest crown jewel is about to sparkle! The ambitious The Chapman (Insta) and its sophisticated sister venue The Chase Lounge are transforming a stunning 6,700-square-foot space. Artistry Restaurants' latest venture celebrates Florida's bounty with prime cuts, dock-fresh seafood, and artisanal pizzas kissed by stone fire. Upstairs, The Chase Lounge will beckon with carefully curated whiskeys and elevated lounge fare.

2️⃣ The Backyard - Al Fresco Food Paradise

Get ready, Ocoee! Your new favorite hangout spot is sprouting up at 2214 West Road early next year. The Backyard (Insta) reimagines the classic American gathering space with a creative twist - think backyard BBQ meets gourmet food festival. This innovative open-air food park will host six curated vendors and feature a 24-tap "open kitchen" pouring craft beers and wines. Perfect for those who love dining under the stars!

3️⃣ The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge - Big Easy Flavors Head to Sanford

The soul of New Orleans is expanding its Florida footprint! Owner Akil Yisrael brings The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge (Insta) to historic downtown Sanford (115 E 1st St) in early 2025. This 160-seat celebration of Creole cuisine will feature the same beloved menu as its Longwood location, plus a spacious banquet area perfect for everything from corporate gatherings to wedding festivities.

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Walala Hand-Pulled Noodles House

📍5062 W Colonial Dr #120, Orlando, FL 32808, or map to this location.

Walala Noodles (Insta), Orlando's hand-pulled noodle haven, has elevated their already stellar menu to new heights. While their spicy noodles remain legendary, the new pan-fried buns steal the show with perfectly crisped bottoms concealing succulent pork and soul-warming soup.

The expanded offerings - from wok-fired rice to crispy shrimp and vegetarian noodle bowls - prove this stylish eatery isn't resting on its laurels. Best part? Those famous unlimited noodle refills still reign supreme, with leftovers tasting just as divine the next day.

[Check out Walala Noodle House, right here]

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🥐 Yeast Coast Bakehouse Grand Opening 
📅 Now Open | Fridays-Sundays, 8am-2pm 
📍 1307 Edgewater Drive, Orlando

A '90s-themed bakery serving small-batch, yeast-raised treats like custard croissant buns, cinnamon rolls, and monkey bread, plus specialty coffee. From the owners of Cups and Pups Coffee.

🌿 Herbs for the Holidays: Cheese-making Class
 📅 November 6, 2024 | Time Not Specified 
📍 UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, 250 W. County Home Rd. Sanford, FL 32771

Learn the basics of cheese-making and herb gardening in this hands-on class. Take home your own rosemary plant and handmade fromage facile cheese. Adults only.

🍷 Learn to Taste Wine Like a Master Sommelier
 📅 November 7 | 12-1:30pm 
📍 Wine Bar George, 1610 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Join Master Sommelier George Miliotes for a "blind" tasting of six wines and learn about his journey through the wine world.

🛹 Tony Hawk and J. Grant Brittain Moderated Event 
📅 November 7, 2024 | 6-8pm 
📍 Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 North Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

An intimate evening with skateboarding icon Tony Hawk featuring a private Meet and Greet, photo opportunities, and engaging town hall discussion.

🎸 MisterWives With Joan & Meg Smith 
📅 November 7, 2024 | 7:30pm 
📍 The Plaza Live, 425 North Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL 32803

Join MisterWives for a night of live music with special guests Joan & Meg Smith.

💃 Can-Can Soiree 
📅 November 7, 2024 | 7:30pm 
📍 Flûtes Champagne Bar, 480 N Orlando Ave suite 133, Winter Park, FL 32789

Experience live cancan dancers with two captivating performances, followed by meet and greet opportunities.

🏃‍♂️ Downtown Orlando Field Day 
📅 November 7, 2024 | 2pm 
📍 Seneff Arts Plaza

Join teams of 4-7 for adult recess featuring relay races, "Office Olympics," and obstacle courses with prizes and bragging rights at stake.

🍽️ 23rd Annual Taste of Thornton Park 
📅 November 7, 2024 | 6:30-9:30pm 
📍 Four Rivers Fountain, Washington Street and North Hyer Avenue

Enjoy unlimited food and drinks from neighborhood businesses, live DJ, and awards ceremony at this community fundraiser supporting local initiatives.

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