Relics of Orlando's Rural Routes

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Good morning, Orlando! Happy New Year! That is all. That is the message.

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

🌟 In today’s issue: 🌟

• Asphalt conquered

• 10-year-old Anderson 1, Diabetes 0

• Bacardi heiress’ Orlando Mansion

• ….and much more

Let’s roll!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Relics of Orlando's Rural Routes

In 1913, Orange County embarked on an ambitious public works project: converting dusty dirt roads into state-of-the-art brick highways. The $600,000 investment brought smoother rides that motorists rejoiced over. But bricks heyday soon faded as asphalt conquered as the preferred paving material. Today only fragments remain of those early pathways.

One relic lies west of Orlando, along a rural route once dubbed “State Road 22” or “Winter Garden Road.” The precursor to Route 438, its leisurely passage through cattle ranches and citrus groves from Oakland to Orlando could consume an entire morning - especially with 26 legendary hairpin turns twisting its meandering nine-foot corridor. The pleasant scenery came at a price though - severe accidents frequently occurred despite low speeds.

Eventually growth demanded the gentler arcs of modern highways. By 1936, Route 22 had been bypassed by Highway 50's smooth, straight shot into Orlando. As development nibbled away at its edges, the worn old road weathered on as a rural backwater, its pilfered bricks becoming keepsakes.

Then history buffs rallied to preserve a half-mile stretch still guiding the occasional traveler down “Maine Street” in the hamlet of Minorville near Ocoee. But plans to protect the battered, yet charming relic, gave way to its imminent demise through development.

Today Orlando's “City Center West Orange” rises on this land, its stylish new brick lanes subtly honoring yesterday's pathway. Though the vintage route has vanished from sight, fragments still peek through the groves, tempting nostalgic road scholars to glimpse this ghost.

(Learn more about Longwood’s Ginger Ale Spring from Jason Byrne, right here)

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
10-year-old Anderson 1, Diabetes 0

When 10-year-old Anderson Ata was diagnosed with incurable type 1 diabetes last January, it felt like a death sentence for his childhood. The daily injections and restrictions seemed daunting. Serendipitously, just weeks prior the FDA had approved Teplizumab - a first-of-its-kind drug that could potentially delay diabetic symptoms for years.

In a lucky break, Anderson’s father discovered news of the newly available treatment. AdventHealth’s Dr. Konda Reddy informed the Atas that Anderson qualified for the cutting-edge therapy - one of the first children globally to receive it post-approval. Although wary of risks, mature-beyond-his-years Anderson opted to endure two grueling weeks of Teplizumab infusions for the chance at extra symptom-free years.

Miraculously, it worked. Now, Anderson shows virtually zero symptoms thanks almost entirely to the drug. He plays sports, hangs out with friends, and enjoys eating freely - all without monitoring his glucose or injections. Anderson was the first in Central Florida to receive Teplizumab. Dr. Reddy believes it could delay his symptoms for up to 8 years thanks to the groundbreaking therapy.

Against dismal initial odds, Anderson has achieved the unthinkable - vanquishing diabetes, at least for now. His astonishing outcome offers new hope for the 1.6 million Americans suffering from type 1 diabetes. This real-life medical miracle exemplifies the life-changing power of perseverance and scientific ingenuity coming together.

Orlando Suspends Troubled Robo-Shuttle Test

When Orlando’s autonomous shuttle service from BEEP launched in August, it represented a hopeful glimpse into the future of public transit. But that vision collided abruptly with reality on August 22nd, when one of the tech-filled shuttles found itself on a collision course with a Lynx bus. Video of the accident went viral, gaining over 1 million views on TikTok.

Though no injuries occurred, the incident dealt a blow to the pilot program’s image. A second minor collision in November only heightened scrutiny of the shuttles’ safety limitations. Despite earlier fanfare and the lack of serious damage, Orlando decided to suspend service pending an internal review.

The pilot aimed to gather data to shape the city’s transportation future, but delivered an unexpected lesson instead - transitioning from vision to reality is seldom smooth.

While innovation demands persistence through setbacks, the path ahead remains uncertain for Orlando’s suspended shuttle service. As officials evaluate when and whether to resume operations, the future of autonomous transit in The City Beautiful remains on hold.

See the whoopsie below 👇

@samorlando220

Tried out the new SWAN Shuttle auntonmous shuttle in Downtown Orlando today. We crashed. #Beep

Co-ops and Batteries Bring More Solar Power to Central Florida

Though one of America's largest solar markets, Florida falls short on energy efficiency, industry analyses show. Still, Central Floridians are tapping more solar amid rising electric bills.

Orlando homeowner Chris Pratt joined a solar co-op, Solar United Neighbors (SUN), to navigate installation.

After vetting, SUN helps co-ops pick one contractor; Pratt's group chose local company 15 Lightyears. Its founder says customers often misunderstand off-grid capabilities—batteries remain ideal for supporting the grid. Now with new panels, Pratt looks to slash his $500 monthly bill by 80 percent, though they won't fully power his home overnight.

Likewise, targeting expanded solar is Orlando's municipal utility through a cutting-edge battery pilot working to stabilize the grid against disruptions and progress toward the 2050 net zero emissions goal. The manager there calls it a flagship roadmap for determining best future renewable technologies.

Between new co-ops, battery pilots and aggressive utility timelines, Central Florida appears on the solar upswing. But leaders agree education is key, so customers grasp solar commitments before installation.

Navigating Orlando's Crash Hotspots

Data show 2% of Central Florida roads account for 41% of traffic deaths, according to Metroplan Orlando. Cynthia Lambert from Metroplan stated officials aim to change this equation. Vision Zero Central Florida joined Metroplan digging into crash data, searching for trouble spots.

One notorious intersection sat atop Orlando’s high-risk list: John Young and Sand Lake, the scene of 504 smashups the past five years, 26 fatal or critical.

But the entire John Young stretch from SR 50 to Orange Center was even riskier - nearly 1,000 wrecks over five years, 38 dead or catastrophically injured. Lambert advised slower driving, stating just 5-10 mph lower can save lives.

Nearby local business owner, Jose Corzo, witnessed multiple accidents there and echoed calls for caution. Metroplan weighs design changes along hazardous roads to curb crashes plaguing the region’s riskiest routes. Officials remain optimistic statistical imbalances will improve, but until then caution looms vital in the new year and beyond.

A Door to Affordable Homeownership for Some Swings Open in Orlando

As 2024 arrives, Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County cracks open the door to affordable homeownership. On January 2nd, the nonprofit will accept 500 applications for their life-changing program providing hardworking, low-income families a path to attaining the American dream.

According to Habitat COO Jennifer Gallagher, owning a home provides stability and equity that can change lives. Yet Central Florida's housing crisis has priced out unexpected faces - firefighters, nurses, teachers.

Habitat President & CEO Catherine Steck McManus says the need grows more desperate daily, inspiring their "Face the Housing Crisis" campaign urging the community to confront the issue. With limited resources, building homes remains expensive and not all applicants will receive keys.

Selection depends on factors like income, willingness to volunteer, and credit history. Still, even non-qualifiers will receive counseling and redirection.

The application portal opens January 2nd and spots will vanish quick. For families dreaming of a place to call their own but locked out from homeownership, Habitat holds out hope in the New Year.

ORLANDO DIGS: DISCOVERING THE AREAS TOP PROPERTIES 🏠
Bacardi + Disney = $19 Million Dream Home

Nestled within Golden Oak, Walt Disney World's most exclusive neighborhood, lies an enchanting resort-style estate that radiates Disney magic at 10242 Summer Meadow Way, Orlando, FL 32836.

This is the palatial Orlando abode of Hilda Bacardi, granddaughter of the legendary rum pioneer Don Facundo Bacardi Massó. With 9,000 square feet of living space, the home brims with Bacardi heritage and Disney wonder. Seven bedroom suits plus two stunning primary suites transport you to themed worlds of Frozen, Nemo, and Star Wars.

When not bounding through the Magic Kingdom just a shuttle ride away, enjoy your own slice of paradise - a sprawling pool cabana for pampering and self-care or gather in the great room for dancing, movies, and mixology magic flowing from the built-in bar.

The keys to this Disney-esque dream estate can be yours for $19 million. Unlock a world of Bacardi legacy meets Cinderella castle right in Mickey's backyard!

Curious? See more awesome photos, here.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Swimming Swan

📷 via @aroundorlando  |📍Lake Eola

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine

📍5494 Central Florida Pkwy. Orlando, FL 32821 or map to this location, right here.

⏱️ Tue - Sun, from 11am to 10pm

Nestled in the heart of Orlando lies a diamond in the rough for seekers of culinary adventure - Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine. Despite its unassuming exterior, this cozy establishment transports diners halfway across the globe with authentic flavors that enrapture the tastebuds.

Their veggie combination platter takes one on a vegetarian voyage across Ethiopia, featuring red lentil stew swimming in aromatic berbere spices, delicate split peas dancing in lemon-kissed broth, cabbage and carrots embracing potatoes in a savory hug, collard greens lentil stew infused with the sadness and joy of the Nile, and the pièce de résistance - sweet injera bread reimagined as the perfect bed for a tomato and onion jam spiked with African xinxim.

Selam's succulent plant-based symphony plays your palate like a well-loved song. Beyond the creative spices, what strikes you the most is the art of community woven into each bite - the joy of gathering together over lovingly prepared, generously shared food.

👉 So do yourself a favor and relinquish your tastebuds to Selam's for an experience your belly won't soon forget!

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

68🌡️ 50 | ☀️ | Sunshine mixing with some clouds

Tuesday

61🌡️ 45 | ☀️ | Mostly sunny and cool

Wednesday

73 🌡️ 57 | ⛅️ | Pleasant and warmer with intervals of clouds and sunshine

THANKS! 🙏

We’ll see you again on Thursday for the weekend fun issue.

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