Ready, Set, Orange

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Good morning, Orlando! Are ya’ll ready for a long Labor Day weekend?

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

• Ready, Set, Orange

• Soaring Ambitions

• Secret comedy show

• + tons of weekend recs

🛑 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. 🐈

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On with it!

- Philip

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FEVER
Candlelight Concert: The Best of Hans Zimmer

Experience cinematic magic as "Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer" transforms Orlando's Azalea Lodge into a realm of musical wonder this Friday (Tomorrow), or Friday Sept. 20th.

The Listeso String Quartet will breathe life into Zimmer's iconic scores, from the mind-bending "Inception" to the swashbuckling "Pirates of the Caribbean." Nestled in Mead Gardens' 47-acre oasis, this enchanting venue offers a perfect blend of nature and artistry.

🔥 As twilight falls and candles flicker, embark on a journey through Zimmer's most beloved compositions. Soar with Wonder Woman, battle alongside Gladiators, and traverse the cosmos with "Interstellar."

Don't miss this extraordinary fusion of sight and sound—secure your tickets now.

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Blueprint for Affordability: Orange County's 'Ready, Set, Orange' Initiative

Orange County's "Ready, Set, Orange" initiative is revolutionizing affordable housing. This visionary program offers eight pre-designed floor plans for ADUs and compact homes, ranging from 531 to 1,483 square feet.

Chief Planner Carter Gresham emphasizes the initiative's power to empower citizens and transform homeownership dreams. By investing in these designs, the county removes financial hurdles for residents. Industry leader Wes Robbins hails it as a win-win for housing attainability.

Despite ongoing challenges with building costs, the program represents hope in an often inaccessible market.

"Ready, Set, Orange" isn't just about housing—it's a bold statement of community-driven innovation, building change one floor plan at a time.

Doorways to Dignity With Orlando's $1.22M Plan for Senior Independence

In an important initiative, Orlando's Center for Independent Living (CIL) has clinched a $1.22 million grant from HUD's Older Adults Home Modification Program.

This windfall, the largest of three nationwide awards totaling $3.7 million, aims to revolutionize aging-in-place for low-income seniors. CIL's Executive Director Liz Howe, triumphant after a three-year pursuit, envisions transformative home modifications like widened doorways and strategically placed grab bars.

These changes promise to dramatically reduce fall risks and enhance independence for 195 Central Florida households.

Dr. Taneka Blue, the program's government representative, highlights the initiative's competitive nature and far-reaching impact.

As HUD seeks further congressional funding, this grant stands as a beacon of hope for dignified aging.

Soaring Ambitions: Orlando International Airport's $3.7 Billion Re-styling

Orlando International Airport is soaring into a new era with a jaw-dropping $3.7 billion (total) upgrade.

Instead of demolishing the aging terminals A and B, airport executives have opted for a $1.7 billion rejuvenation as calculated by the Orlando Sentinel.

The plan? Transform these workhorses into sleek, modern marvels while preserving their crucial role in handling 80% of the airport's traffic. Travelers can expect gleaming terrazzo floors, tech-savvy seating, and a constellation of new shops and eateries.

But it's not all glitz - a $652 million baggage system upgrade and $253 million shuttle train facelift ensure smooth operations behind the scenes.

With an additional $2 billion overhaul of rental car operations, Orlando's gateway is spreading its wings, ready to dazzle the 58 million annual visitors and cement its status as America's seventh busiest airport.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
The Psychedelic Furs

📍Hard Rock Live. 6050 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, August 31st, 8 p.m.

As summer's curtain falls, the Psychedelic Furs are set to electrify Orlando's Hard Rock Live, with the Black Lips in tow.

This new wave odyssey, spanning generations, promises a setlist dripping with nostalgia and fresh cuts from their 2020 album "Made of Rain." From "Pretty in Pink" to "Love My Way," the Furs will weave a tapestry of sound that bridges the gap between teenage dreamers and seasoned rockers.

As bassist Tim Butler notes, their audience is as diverse as their discography. Following their Orlando show, they'll carry their sonic storm to Tampa Bay, marking summer's end with a post-punk flourish.

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Don’t Tell Comedy - Secret Show in Mills 50

📍Secret Show in Mills 50. Details sent the day of the show.

🕐 Saturday, August 31st, 8 p.m.

Embark on a comedic adventure with Destination: Chuckles, where mystery meets amusement!

They tease you with the neighborhood, but the exact location? That's their 8 AM show-day surprise.

Prepare for a lineup of 4-7 incognito comics, each a potential rising star or hidden gem. They've ditched wallet-draining drink minimums, focusing instead on curating unforgettable experiences.

From local legends to touring talents, our global comedy cocktail promises laughs without limits. Join the community of thrill-seeking chuckle-chasers and dive into the unknown.

With DTC, every show is an expedition into hilarity!

Jimmy Buffett Day at Margaritaville Resort Orlando

📍Margaritaville Resort Orlando. 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34747. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, August 30th, 5-7 p.m.

Dive into paradise at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, where Jimmy Buffett's spirit of joy and generosity lives on.

The Day of Service celebrates his legacy, benefiting Give Kids the World Village. Be among the first 500 to savor complimentary margaritas and mini cheeseburgers. Groove to live tunes, indulge in "Spa-Tacular" massages, and try your luck at winning exclusive prizes.

From family fun to Island H20 Water Park thrills, there's something for everyone. Grab limited-edition merchandise supporting Singing for a Change.

Join in making waves of kindness, one tropical moment at a time!

Kennedy Under the Stars - Orlando Adjacent

📍Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. 1 Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, August 31st, 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Discover an out-of-this-world experience this Labor Day weekend near Orlando! For 3.5 exciting hours, the Kennedy Space Center transforms into a vibrant hub of space-themed entertainment.

Enjoy a techno DJ's energetic beats or revisit the past with 80s and 90s visuals in the Rocket Garden. Try your hand at glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, relax in colorfully lit lounges, and admire innovative chalk art by local artists.

The highlight? Chat with space veterans Chris Ferguson and Nicole Stott. It's more than just an Orlando-area event – it's a unique cosmic adventure!

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Friday:

🔥 “Nobody Works on Friday” - Jimmy Buffett Day | 2-10 p.m. | Rock Pit Brewing (more info)

Pylon Reenactment Society, The Pauses | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 (more info)

Prop Swap at The Nook! | 6 p.m. | Milk District (more info)

Jordan Foley & The Wheelhouse | 7 & 9 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

Kurtis Conner | 7 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

Eugene Snowden - Birthday Bash | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 (more info)

Aaron Lewis | 8 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

What Do You Want from Us?! | 8:30 p.m. | Mills 50 (more info)

Fatima Hajji, Carlos Mendoza | 9 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal (more info)

Bassrush Presents Bear Grillz: The Underland Tour | 10 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

Saturday:

Touch a Truck  | 9 a.m. | Kissimmee (more info)

Central Florida Face-Off | 9 a.m. | I-Drive/Universal (more info)

Cannons: Heartbeat Highway Tour | 6 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

Buckethead | 7 p.m. | Milk District (more info)

Maurice "Mobetta" Brown | 7 & 9 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

Varanger, Withering Earth, Othalan, Somnent, and Pontifex | 7 p.m. | Winter Park Area (more info)

Galactic Empire | 8 p.m. | South Eola (more info)

Summer Fest 2024 | 8 p.m. | UCF (more info)

UCF Knights Mens Soccer vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Men's Soccer | 7 p.m. | UCF (more info)

2024 Orlando Urban Film Festival | 7 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

Orlando City SC v Nashville SC | 7:30 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

DJ BMF presents Michael vs Janet | 9 p.m. | Mills 50 (more info)

Sunday:

Goblin Market: Discount Art Mart | 1 p.m. | Audubon Park (more info)

Florida’s Funniest Comedian Contest | 5 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal (more info)

The Allan Vaché Swingtet | 5 & 7:30 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

Simply Clean Expo | 6 p.m. | Mills 50 (more info)

Orlando Pride vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC | 6 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

Orlando City B vs. Huntsville City FC | 7 p.m. | Kissimmee (more info)

UCF Knights Womens Soccer vs. Georgia Bulldogs Women's Soccer | 6 p.m. | UCF (more info)

Pub Choir "Fringe Benefits" Tour in Orlando | 7 p.m. | South Eola (more info)

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal