TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to a Post-Thanksgiving Monday Morning, Orlando!

How’s everyone after the long weekend? I’m still suffering from a slight turkey coma. It was nice to see in Thursday’s poll how we’re all in sync…..Thanksgiving side dishes were the top faves, above and beyond just turkey.

 In today’s issue: 👇

• From Runway to Rooftops

• Second Chances

• Daniel’s Cheesesteak House

• ….and much more

Did someone forward this email to you? If so, subscribe here.

🛑 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 Runway to Rooftops: When Seminole Ranch Soared

From humble beginnings as a 4,000-foot grass airstrip east of Oviedo soared onto Central Florida's aviation scene in 1965 when aviation enthusiasts Tom Tuck and Jerry Lindsey opened Flying Seminole Ranch.

Their runway and pilot training center quickly became a beloved fixture in Central Florida's skies, even catching eyes as a potential partner to Orlando's Herndon Airport before McCoy and Sanford took wing.

The 1980s ushered in gliding champions Knut and Ingrid Kjenslie, whose passion for soaring brought new energy to the ranch. When Orlando International's expansion clipped their wings, they found bluer skies in Lake County. Mike Jones stepped in during 1986 with big dreams, though his plans hit turbulence after crossing into protected Econ River wetlands, leading to the airport's closure in 1989.

At the time, the newly-annexed city of Oviedo considered rescuing the 725-acre property in 1990, eyeing a $4 million purchase largely funded by the Federal Aviation Authority.

When the city passed in 1992, residents rallied to protect the natural habitat – but by 2000, The Sanctuary neighborhood took shape, with Lawton Chiles Middle School touching down in 2005.

Today, joggers and dog-walkers trace paths where planes once taxied, while the once-bustling Flying Seminole Ranch exists only in the memories of those who watched small aircraft dot the Oviedo sky.

(Learn more about the Flying Seminole Ranch and see historic photos with Jason Byrne, right here.)

TOGETHER WITH COVERING CENTRAL FLORIDA
Expert Healthcare Navigators Help You Find Affordable Coverage in Central Florida

⏰ Don't wait until the last minute to enroll! December 15th is the enrollment deadline for coverage that starts on January 1st, 2025.

Our Navigators can guide you through options and help you choose a plan that fits your needs.

Call 877-564-5031 or visit www.coveringcfl.net for more information. 📞#CoveringFlorida #CFNP

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
A Thanksgiving of Second Chances as Pine Hills Home Opens Its Heart

A heartwarming milestone unfolded at a Pine Hills transitional housing facility on Thanksgiving as it hosted its first-ever holiday celebration for formerly incarcerated men.

Two-Fold H.E.L.P. Ministries, lovingly founded by Reverend Linda Chislom after her own experience with incarceration, had just opened two welcoming facilities where residents could spend up to a year building new life skills.

The organization warmly embraced homeless individuals and veterans too, working hand-in-hand with local groups to offer vital support services like financial literacy training and mental health resources.

Their special Thanksgiving celebration featured a cozy traditional feast with turkey, dressing, and all the fixings - bringing a wonderful sense of home and dignity to all residents.

(Learn more about Pine Hills with Lillian Hernández Caraballo, right here.)

Drive-Thru Dynasty: Dutch Bros Coffee Heads to Lake Nona

Your coffee options in Lake Nona are about to get even more exciting as Dutch Bros Coffee, the beloved Oregon drive-thru sensation, gets ready to open its doors at 10615 Narcoossee Road in 2025.

Born as a humble coffee cart in Grants Pass back in 1992, Dutch Bros has blossomed into a nationwide favorite, bringing its famously peppy service and creative drinks like the Golden Eagle Breve to eager coffee lovers.

They'll be joining our wonderful local spots - Foxtail Coffee, CFS Coffee, and Mecatos Bakery and Café - each adding their own special flavor to the scene.

While current cafes offer perfect spots to relax, Dutch Bros brings a fresh take with its fun, fast-paced drive-thru experience.

(Learn more about Dutch Bros arrival in Lake Nona with Lake Nona Social, right here.)

Rolling Toward Food Justice: Orlando's New Mobile Grocery Initiative

A game-changing initiative is bringing hope to Orlando's food deserts, as United Against Poverty rolls out a friendly fleet of refrigerated grocery trucks to serve local communities.

Starting next month, these mobile markets will meet residents right where they are in Parramore, Pine Hills, and nearby neighborhoods - no more long bus rides to the Michigan Avenue store.

Thanks to a generous $400,000 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation, four trucks will be serving the community by 2027. Each vehicle will feature caring case managers ready to help connect neighbors with medical care, jobs, and housing support.

The program welcomes families meeting income guidelines and hopes to reach more communities like Bithlo soon.

(Learn more about these discount grocery trucks with Michael Cuglietta, right here.)

Bringing Global Rhythms to Orlando's Young Musicians

Inside her vibrant Stonewyck Elementary classroom, Darlene Grande shares more than music lessons – she weaves cultural connections through melodies and movement. Growing up as a globe-trotting child of aviation professionals, and proud of her Puerto Rican roots, she brings a world of musical perspective to her students.

Watch Grande's third-graders learning to conduct, and you'll see their eyes light up as they discover the magic of symphonic music. Her students blossom from curious listeners into confident young musicians, eagerly spotting instruments and understanding complex pieces.

Inspired by her own cherished teachers, Grande nurtures each student's musical journey, planting seeds of appreciation that will bloom long after they leave her classroom.

(Learn more about this music educator with Tammie Fields, right here.)

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Turci Osteria Italiana - Restaurateur's Double Restaurant Deal

Culinary powerhouse Vinicius Turci announces two bold moves: transforming the former Midici space in Maitland City Centre into Turci Osteria Italiana (Insta) by mid-2025, while simultaneously revamping Winter Park's Braccia Ristorante. The latter, already sporting a new menu, will soon become Luca Turci Italian Restaurant.

2️⃣ Evergreen Juice Bar - Fresh Sips Hit South Eola

A fresh wave of wellness washes into South Eola as Evergreen Juice Bar (Insta) prepares to open its doors at 415 E. Central Blvd. next month. The health-focused destination promises to energize downtown Orlando with an array of fresh-made smoothies, vibrant açai bowls, and artisanal toasts.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Glass House

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona

Tag @orlandosignal to get your photo featured in the newsletter!

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Daniel’s Cheesesteak House (←oh lordy!)

📍978 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787. Map to this location.

For 25 years, Daniel's Cheesesteak House (Insta) has been crafting sandwich perfection in Winter Garden.

This family-run institution's signature Hot Ranch Cheesesteak has achieved legendary status, featuring ribbons of seasoned beef on cloud-soft rolls with their famous sauce. Their loaded spicy fries and crispy wings have also earned devoted followers.

I took the fam here on Friday, and it was superb.

While their Winter Garden location remains the flagship, cheesesteak lovers can now indulge at their express outlet in Clermont's Montrose Market, both serving the generous portions that made Daniel's a local phenomenon.

[Check out Daniel’s Cheesesteak House, right here]

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🎤 Kacey Musgraves
📅 December 2, 2024 | 7pm 
📍 KIA Center

Join Kacey Musgraves for her Orlando tour stop.

🎄 Holly Jolly Mixology
📅 December 2 & 16, 2024 | 6-8pm 
📍 JoJo's ShakeBAR, 9101 International Drive, Suite 1208, Orlando, FL 32819

Learn to craft signature Winter Wonderland Cocktails with expert bartender guidance.

💃 Derek Hough: Dance for the Holidays 
📅 December 3, 2024 | 7pm 
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801

Join Derek Hough and his cast for a spectacular holiday dance celebration.

🎅 The Historic Holiday Experience 
📅 December 3-18, 2024 
📍 Orange County Regional History Center

Interactive holiday event featuring crafts, caroling, storytelling, and private visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

🎬 Enzian Theater's Christmas Movie Series 
📅 December 4-18, 2024 
📍 Enzian Theater

Enjoy feel-good holiday films and special seasonal cocktails at Eden Bar.

🎸 Creed: Are You Ready? Tour
📅 December 5, 2024 | 7pm 
📍 KIA Center

Rock with Arms Wide Open

🎅 Becoming Santa 
📅 December 5-7, 2024 
📍 The Orlando Fringe, 54 W Church St, Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32801

A heartwarming comedy about discovering the truth behind Santa Claus.

🎭 The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show 
📅 December 5-29, 2024 
📍 Renaissance Theater, 415 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803

A comedic musical celebration of office holiday parties featuring original songs and familiar characters.

👋 Help Me Improve Orlando Signal.

THANKS!

Interested in reaching smart readers like you for your business? To become an Orlando Signal ad partner, start a conversation here.

🆕 Put on an event? Tell me about it right here.

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal