IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Welcome back to Monday Morning, Orlando!

Happy Veteran’s day to all the Vets! This weekend we were back at Wafu, stuffing our faces with Biscoff Cookie soft-serve in a Taiyaki cone.

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Orlando's Library Legacy

• Purple Stars

• Mecatos

• ….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 ⏪
From Book Club to Landmark: Orlando's Library Legacy

Every great story has humble beginnings, and Orlando's beloved library system started with a passionate group of book lovers – the Sorosis Club ladies – sharing their personal collection with neighbors.

When Orlando's citizens enthusiastically voted 417 to 19 for a public library in 1920, they couldn't have imagined their next stroke of luck: a winter visitor named Captain Charles L. Albertson, a retired New York police inspector with a heart of gold and thousands of books to share. His generous gift in 1921 came with three simple wishes: build a proper home for the books, put his name on it, and let him help guide its growth.

The library blossomed beautifully over the years. 1949 brought both a charming bookmobile and the dedicated Friends of the Library group. By 1966, the library had grown into architect John M. Johansen's striking concrete masterpiece.

Community support never wavered – in the 1980s, voters happily approved $22 million for an expansion, creating the welcoming 290,000-square-foot haven we know today.

From the Sorosis Club's small collection to today's architectural landmark, the Orange County Library System remains true to its original mission: bringing people and knowledge together, one book, one program, and one visitor at a time.

(Learn more about the Orange County Library with kpeters, right here.)

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COVERING CENTRAL FLORIDA
Unlock Affordable Healthcare with Central Florida's Trusted Navigators

📅 Open Enrollment for the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace is here! Need to update and renew your health plan? Switch plans or add dental insurance? Need to get new coverage due to a recent move?

Our team of certified Healthcare Marketplace Navigators is here to make sure you and your family stay covered and healthy in 2025.

Call 877-564-5031 or visit www.coveringcfl.net today to schedule a free in-person or virtual appointment. 📞 #CoveringFlorida #CFNP

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Parachutes, Parades, and Perks: Orlando's Veterans Day Guide

As Central Florida rolls out the welcome mat for Veterans Day, an amazing array of tributes awaits our service members across the region.

The Orlando Science Center kicks things off at 1 p.m. with a touching wreath ceremony at their Red Tails Monument, plus free admission for veterans through November 19.

Over at Lake Nona Town Center, prepare to be wowed by parachutists and honor guard presentations starting at 5 p.m., while Winter Springs Town Center celebrates hometown pride with their 2024 Hometown Hero Award ceremony from 6-7 p.m.

For nature lovers, both Leu Gardens and the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens welcome veterans with free admission - with the Zoo extending BOGO tickets for up to six guests from Nov. 9-11, thanks to Orlando Health.

Looking for more savings? Publix says "thank you" with a 10% discount. Just bring your military ID or DD-214!

East End Market's Newest Gem: Hawaiian-Japanese Fusion Draws Food Lovers in Droves

Celebrated Orlando chef Sonny Nguyen has brought his magic touch to East End Market with Rion's Ocean Room for a soft opening through the middle of this month, after which they’ll have their full grand opening.

This dual-concept gem serves up fresh Hawaiian poke alongside sizzling Japanese wagyu cutlets at its Gyukatsu Rose counter. With twelve poke varieties and fun sides like plantain chips, it's open daily from noon to 6 p.m.

Just yesterday (Sunday) while I was upstairs at Wafu with the fam, an eager crowd lined up outside the new spot, with the queue stretching 30+ people long down the walkway outside.

It's the latest hit from Nguyen's Small Food Group, joining local favorites Domu, Tori Tori, and Edoboy.

Purple Stars Shine at Florida Universities for Military Support

In an inspiring show of support for military families, nine Florida universities have earned the coveted Purple Star Campus status. These schools are going the extra mile for veterans and service members, offering everything from priority registration to personalized mentoring.

At FSU, dedicated teams warmly welcome veteran students – who average 34 years old – helping them navigate benefits and campus life. UCF has taken things even further, partnering with giants like Disney and Lockheed Martin to create unique opportunities.

With more than 15,000 military-connected students across Florida's universities, these innovative programs – including the Free Seat initiative for online degrees – are making higher education more accessible than ever for our service members.

(Learn more about Purple Star Campuses with Danielle Prieur, right here.)

Winter Park Dreams Big with Updated CRA Plan

Winter Park is taking an exciting leap forward by expanding its Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), adding 142 acres along Fairbanks Avenue. The ambitious project, guided by local leaders Peter Moore and Kyle Dudgeon, aims to make the city even more livable through 2037, with potential CRA funding reaching $201 million.

The city has thoughtfully planned $144 million in improvements, including a beautiful makeover of Fairbanks Avenue worth $27.7 million.

From creating more affordable housing to fixing flooding issues and making streets safer for everyone, the CRA initiative promises to enhance Winter Park's charm while solving real community needs.

It's such a well-crafted plan that other Florida cities might just want to follow its lead.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ J & J Passion - Venezuelan Soul Rolls Local

A culinary love story unfolds this December as Justin Kelly and Jose Vivas launch J & J Passion You Can Taste (Insta), bringing Venezuelan street food to Seminole County. Their roaming kitchen will feature classics like cachapa, quesillo, and empanadas at local pop-ups and events. Follow their flavorful journey on Instagram for locations and menu updates.

2️⃣ Eola Food Hall - Lakefront Feasting Will Take Flight

A culinary wonderland is taking shape in downtown Orlando, as the 15,000-square-foot Eola Food Hall (Insta) prepares for its Fall 2025 debut. This two-story masterpiece, facing the Orlando Public Library, will house 10 vendors, a full-service restaurant, wine room/speakeasy, and cocktail bar – all framed by dramatic Lake Eola views.

3️⃣ Bakery 1908 (2nd spot) - Sweet Meets Steam Expands

Hong Kong's finest pastries find a new home as Bakery 1908 (Insta) claims the former Black Angus Steakhouse at 12399 S. Apopka-Vineland Road. Opening this December, owner John Zhao's second location expands beyond beloved baked goods to feature a full noodle bar serving ramen and pho, plus enhanced dim sum and bento offerings.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

The Farmacy

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Winter Garden

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Mecatos Bakery & Cafe

📍8 locations in and around Orlando.

Transport yourself to Colombia at Mecatos Bakery & Cafe (Drool worthy Insta), where authentic South American flavors come alive in Orlando.

This vibrant café expertly crafts traditional Colombian delights—from crispy empanadas and cloud-soft pandebono cheese bread, to perfectly seasoned arepas.

Venture beyond tradition with their loaded hot dogs and craft burgers, all while sipping premium Colombian coffee or fresh tropical juices.

With 8 locations across Orlando, Mecatos has mastered the art of bringing Colombian warmth and flavor to your neighborhood.

[Check out Mecatos Bakery & Cafe, right here]

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🍷 Casselberry Food & Wine Festival
 📅 November 11, 2024 | Evening 
📍 Lake Concord Park, Casselberry

Enjoy an evening of food & wine samples, live entertainment, local vendors, and raffles, benefiting the Casselberry community.

🎭 The Cher Show: A New Musical 
📅 November 12-17, 2024 | Various Times 
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801

Experience six decades of stardom with 35 smash hits in this Tony Award-winning musical celebration of Cher.

🫖 Tea Blending with Suni 
📅 November 12, 2024 | 7-8:30pm 
📍 Maitland Public Library

Learn the art of tea blending with Suni from AntiquiTeas Tea Room, exploring various ingredients and creating unique blends.

🎨 Meet the Artists: 2nd Annual "Itty Bitty Art" Expo 
📅 November 14, 2024 | 6-8pm 
📍 Historic Sanford Welcome Center

Experience 105 paintings, meet the artists, enjoy hors d'oeuvres, vote for your favorite, and possibly win a painting!

🎵 Finding the Magic: A Nostalgic Drink-A-Long Cabaret
 📅 November 14-16, 2024 | Various Times 
📍 The Abbey, 100 S Eola Dr, Unit 100, Orlando, FL 32801

Join Orlando's talented singers for an interactive musical journey through nostalgia, complete with adult beverages.

🎄 Wreck the Halls 
📅 November 14 - December 21, 2024 
📍 The Winter Park Playhouse, 711 North Orange Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789

A hilarious musical comedy featuring 46 characters celebrating everything crazy about Christmas.

👩‍🍳 In the Kitchen with Katie: Healthy for the Holidays 
📅 November 14, 2024 | 6-7:30pm 
📍 Center for Health & Wellbeing, 2005 Mizell Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

Learn to make healthy holiday dishes during this cooking demonstration featuring immunity-boosting recipes.

🍽️ Taste of Baldwin Park 
📅 November 14, 2024 | 5:30-9:30pm 
📍 1674 Prospect Ave, Orlando, FL 32814

Sample from over 50 vendors while enjoying live music lakeside, benefiting Caring By Sharing United.

🎬 An Evening with C. Thomas Howell 
📅 November 14, 2024 | 6pm 
📍 Enzian Theater

Special screening of The Outsiders featuring Q&A and meet & greet with C. Thomas Howell.

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal