Seminole Warriors

Good morning, Orlando! Well, friends. I have good news and bad news. Today is tax day. The good news is you have another OS issue to help you escape the bad news.

 In today’s issue: 👇

• Sanford’s haunted history

• "Beast of the East"

• Sri Lankan fusion

• ….and much more

🛑 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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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Lost Soldiers of Sanford's Haunted History

The quaint city of Sanford harbors a haunting secret - an unknown number of U.S. soldiers killed in the brutal Second Seminole War lie in an unmarked grave, lost to history.

In the 1830s, a military outpost called Fort Mellon occupied what is now downtown Sanford. It became a key battleground on February 8, 1837 during the Battle of Camp Monroe, when Seminole warriors attacked, killing the fort's namesake, Captain Charles Mellon.

Mellon was hastily buried near the battle site. In the ensuing months, around 20-26 other soldiers who perished at Fort Mellon were interred in a crude cemetery inside the fort's western wall. After the war ended, most remains were relocated to St. Augustine National Cemetery. But the original graveyard's precise location was forgotten.

Local historian, Bennett Lloyd, from the Museum of Seminole County History believes the abandoned burial plot rests beneath the modern-day Mayfair Inn hotel property, in a section that saw intense combat during the 1837 battle. Eerily, the hotel has been plagued by reports of paranormal activity for decades.

From its origins as the settlement of Mellonville to incorporation as Sanford in 1877, this core of the city carries lingering tales of frontier tragedy.

An unknown number of military casualties still lie buried, forsaken beneath Sanford's streets and businesses - haunting reminders of the area's bloodstained heritage.

Check out this 2-minute video to see Bennet Lloyd explain 👇

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Orlando's "Beast of the East" Mural Honors Local Heroes

Orlando's Dover Shores community is now home to a striking new mural that pays tribute to the city's courageous firefighters and EMTs. Titled "Meanwhile at Fire Station 11," this vibrant artwork adorns the newly constructed Fire Station 11, immortalizing the everyday heroes who risk their lives to protect others.

The husband-and-wife artist team of Ricardo and Emily Ramirez poured 100 hours into crafting the masterpiece, which depicts dramatic scenes of firefighters in action against a backdrop of beloved local landmarks.

The meticulous creation process involved projecting each image to ensure precision. The Ramirez’s expressed immense pride in having their work so warmly embraced by the community despite being non-locals.

City leaders have hailed the $70,000 mural as a powerful example of how public art can uplift and inspire, dubbing it the "Beast of the East."

Central Florida Pioneers Electrified Highway for Wireless Vehicle Charging

Pioneering an electrified future for transportation, the Central Florida Expressway Authority is constructing the cutting-edge State Road 516 - the world's first highway designed from inception with built-in wireless charging for electric vehicles.

This ambitious $550 million project in south Lake and west Orange counties aims to usher in sustainable mobility by integrating state-of-the-art technology seamlessly into roadway infrastructure.

Norwegian firm, Enrx's, Sergio Perez confirms it's a world premiere, embedding coils to emit electromagnetic fields that will charge EV batteries on the go.

Beyond wireless charging, eco-conscious elements include solar panels generating nearly 1 megawatt of power, native landscaping minimizing resource usage, a wildlife underpass facilitating animal migration, and an adjoining recreational trail.

Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks highlights SR 516's role in alleviating traffic while spurring economic growth by better connecting residential areas with job centers.

The expressway authority's engineering chief Glenn Pressimone emphasizes their core focus on shaping mobility's future through trailblazing pilots that establish integration standards nationwide.

Greening the City Beautiful: Orlando's $1M Tree Canopy Quest

Bolstering its arboreal aspirations, Orlando has secured a $1 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service, fueling its quest to expand the city's tree canopy by 40% by 2040. This financial windfall will propel tree-planting initiatives, cultivate green jobs, and fortify disadvantaged communities against natural disasters.

A 2022 study by the city’s Families, Parks, and Recreation Department exposed a stark disparity in tree coverage between low-income and affluent neighborhoods.

The city swiftly launched the Tree Equity Initiative, partnering with local groups to plant hundreds of trees in underserved areas like Carver Shores and Richmond Heights.

Buoyed by this success, Orlando now scales up the program, extending its verdant embrace to more neighborhoods. Simultaneously, the grant subsidizes tree care for underprivileged families, shielding their homes from storm damage while ensuring equitable access to the myriad benefits of a robust urban canopy.

As saplings take root, Orlando's vision of an environmentally just and resilient City Beautiful blossoms, one tree at a time, weaving a tapestry of sustainability and inclusive growth.

Check out this cool interactive map showing Orlando’s Tree Equity Score. 👇

Downtown Orlando to Transform into a Vibrant Arts Mecca

In a visionary move, United Arts of Central Florida has secured a $1,189,000 contract from the Downtown Development Board/CRA to orchestrate an immersive arts experience throughout downtown Orlando.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to transform the urban core into a pulsating artistic canvas. Jennifer Evins is swiftly assembling a team to manage the program's dynamic rollout, with early activations slated within 90 days.

The plan envisions artistic expressions gracing public spaces, sidewalks, storefronts, and buildings. United Arts' extensive regional reach made it the ideal choice to spearhead this endeavor, integrating with existing organizations like the Downtown Arts District.

Over 850 meticulously curated experiences will captivate visitors throughout the year, from spontaneous street performances to immersive installations beckoning audiences into the evening hours.

At least 25% of the funded offerings will showcase women and minority artists, ensuring a tapestry of diverse narratives.

Downtown Orlando is poised for a profound transformation, emerging as a vibrant arts mecca redefining its cultural landscape.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Signature Bakehouse - Crafting Edible Stories, One Slice at a Time

In Horizon West, Will Lenhart's Signature Bakehouse blossomed from a humble pie giveaway into a beloved bakery. Relocating to Ocoee's West Oaks Mall, in a serendipitous twist, the space once housed Auntie Anne's, another farmers' market success story. With plans to open this month, Lenhart aims to weave his Pennsylvania roots with Central Florida's flavors, offering artisanal pies and building community relationships through his culinary storytelling.

2️⃣ Chuck Lager America's Tavern - Culinary Tales from Abroad

Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani transports diners on a globetrotting flavor adventure with his new Chuck Lager America's Tavern, opened last week at 8151 International Drive. Drawing inspiration from the mythical wanderer Chuck Lager, the tavern fuses international cuisines into immersive dishes that unlock the exotic tales and culinary discoveries of distant lands. Prepare to embark on an edible odyssey that awakens your appetite for worldly flavors.

3️⃣ Wave Asian Bistro & Sushi - Shattering Sushi Norms, One Ingenious Bite

Brace yourselves, Maitland! Wave Asian Bistro & Sushi, that daring Mount Dora hotspot, is unleashing a culinary storm with its second outpost inside Maitland Social (360 E. Horatio Ave.) in about 3 weeks. The 1,373-square-foot space with 500-square-foot patio promises ingenious sushi doughnuts, burritos, pizzas and burgers -- flavor fusions shattering conventions. Get ready for this sushi revolution's next tidal wave of artistry.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Hank the Doodle’s going for a stroll

📷 via @hankethedood1e  |📍Rosalind and Central Ave.

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Banana Leaf - Sri Lankan Fusion

📍2504 S Alafaya Trail, Unit 360, Orlando, FL 32828, or map to this location, right here.

East Orlando harbors a hidden jewel, Banana Leaf, that transports diners to the exotic shores of Sri Lanka – the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean."

This verdant island, formerly Ceylon under British rule, stands as a crossroads absorbing flavors from Dutch, Portuguese, English, Arab, Malay, and Indian cultures over centuries.

Banana Leaf's cuisine encapsulates this melting pot of traditions. Immerse your senses in their Biryani – fragrant basmati rice intertwined with spices, cashew curry, tangy pineapple curry, fiery seeni sambol, and a perfectly fried egg.

Each bite unveils Sri Lanka's storied history, woven by generations across the centuries. Embark on a flavorful odyssey through this island's captivating culinary heritage at Banana Leaf.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> Elevated Mexican restaurant Ceiba is now open on the Conrad Orlando rooftop at 1500 Eastbeach Wy. (link)

> Trash2Trends is not your typical fashion show. It's a celebration of upcycling and repurposing, where designers transform discarded materials into stunning fashion pieces. Catch the show Wednesday at 5pm at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. (link)

> Open House x Oh Hey Cafe, your daily cafe and neighborhood social hall has soft-opened. The new concept is located at 1325 Lee Road (link)

> On Wednesday at 6pm at the Orlando Museum of Art, come explore the exciting world of collage! During this session, you will discover how to create a visual narrative in collage through color, technique, and imagery juxtaposition. Bring your imagination and curiosity! (link)

> Sizzlin Green recently opened in Winter Garden. The eatery is redefining the notion of quick-service restaurants by pairing organic, locally-sourced produce with premium, freshly-grilled proteins. (link)

> On Thursday at 7pm catch Jesse McCartney’s All’s Well Tour at the House of Blues Orlando. (link)

> On Friday at 4:30 p.m., take a short’ish trip to Mt. Dora and wander through Great Scott Farms 6 acre sunflower trail to discover local wines and photo stops around every corner. During their Win Your Way Out event, Indulge in their decadent charcuterie boards, have a glass of wine by the fire pit, and make s'mores. (link)

> Blue Amphora, a baklava shop by Selin Akkaya, who comes from Istanbul, has opened at the Shoppes of Goldenrod at 1461 N. Goldenrod Road. Akkaya makes kunefe, borek, panini and cakes as well as a variety of baklava. Turkish coffees, teas and smoothies are also offered. (link)

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