Welcome to Monday Morning, Orlando!

Did you know there are 7 OTHER states that have a city Orlando? This includes Arkansas, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, and West Virginia.

In today’s issue: 👇

• Fort Christmas's Living History

• Saving Breakfast

• Chez Les Copains

• ….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 ⏪
Time Travel in Orange County: Fort Christmas's Living History

Looking to touch a piece of Florida history? Nestled in Orange County, Fort Christmas Historical Park, where history whispers through pine trees and yesterday feels just within reach. The park's centerpiece—a meticulously crafted replica built during America's 1976 bicentennial—recreates the frontier outpost erected by 2,000 soldiers on Christmas Day, 1837.

The fort's story intertwines with the Second Seminole War, where fewer than 3,000 Seminole warriors remarkably held their ground against 30,000 U.S. troops following President Andrew Jackson's Indian Removal Act. Though the original fort stood only briefly, its legacy endures.

Today, this 175-acre park showcases more than a dozen authentic structures spanning the 1870s through 1930s. From humble Florida cabins to a charming schoolhouse, each building tells its own tale of pioneer life.

Visitors exploring the grounds (open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., except, ironically, on Christmas Eve and Day) discover period-correct furnishings and demonstrations of forgotten arts like textile crafting and syrup making.

Modern amenities—sports courts, playgrounds, and pavilions—complement the historical treasures, making Fort Christmas a unique bridge between past and present, where Florida's complex story continues to captivate.

(Learn lots more about Fort Christmas with Patrick Connolly, right here)

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Cracking the Egg Crisis as Central Florida Farmers Work to Save Breakfast

Searching for fresh eggs? Look no further than your local Central Florida farms!

While big suppliers wrestle with bird flu and rising costs, our neighborhood farmers are happily filling the gap. Local heroes like Happy Feet Hatchery in Eustis are working around the clock to keep breakfast tables stocked, even during the winter slow season. And Princess Flock Farm in Kissimmee has welcomed 1,000 new chicks.

You can find these farm-fresh treasures, priced between $5 and $10 per dozen, at wonderful local spots like Farmacy and 4Roots in Orange County, Wild Hare Natural Market in Longwood, and The Harvest Market in Clermont.

🔥 Click here to get a full list, by county, for farm fresh eggs!

A Movie House with Heart: Enzian Theater Turns 40

Tucked away in Maitland, the beloved Enzian Theater has been bringing movie magic to Orlando since 1985, when silent film star Lillian Gish graced its opening night.

This charming single-screen theater, lovingly founded by the Tiedtke family and nurtured by Programming Director Matthew Curtis, delights audiences with an amazing 400-500 films each year.

From launching "The Blair Witch Project" to keeping spirits high through streaming wars and a pandemic, this plucky nonprofit has never lost its sparkle.

More than just movies, the Enzian is where friendships bloom and memories are made. After 40 wonderful years, it remains Orlando's favorite place to share in the joy of cinema.

(Learn a lot more about Enzian’s history with Matthew Moyer and Camila Escobar, right here)

Safety in Steps: Central Florida's Fresh Approach to Crosswalk Protection

A hopeful new safety initiative is sweeping across seven Central Florida counties, aiming to protect pedestrians and save young lives.

Through Operation Best Foot Forward, watchful officers in plain clothes are helping educate drivers about the importance of yielding at crosswalks, especially near schools.

While Florida's current ranking of third in child pedestrian deaths is concerning, there's encouraging news: driver awareness is already improving, with an 11% increase in stopping at 23 key crosswalks.

Running through February 25, the program combines gentle reminders with necessary enforcement.

(Learn more about Operation Best Foot Forward with Kendal Asbury, right here)

From Screens to Sisterhood: A Lake Nona Mom's Mission to Connect

A beautiful new community is blooming at Lake Nona's Novel Nona apartments, where Gena Gray's "Mommy Needs a Break" is bringing online friendships into the real world.

Like many Central Florida moms, Gray knows the challenge of building a new life far from family and old friends in bustling Orlando. Their first meetup buzzed with energy as moms bonded over fun icebreakers and shared stories, finding comfort in their shared experiences.

For Gray, who lost her beloved daughter Princess, creating this warm community space means everything. Now, these newfound friends will gather monthly for mental health chats and family fun - because every mom deserves a caring circle of support.

(Learn more about Mommy Needs a Break with Paul Giorgio, right here)

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ Joe’s Holy Smoke BBQ - Smoke Signals in Orlando

The legendary Joe's Holy Smoke BBQ (Insta) is making its mouthwatering comeback to Orlando this Saturday (Feb 22nd) at 1515 Lee Rd. Get ready for their famous Million Dollar Ribs, Overloaded Mad Potato, and a feast of smoked delights from pulled pork to shrimp-loaded spuds.

2️⃣ Rews Playroom - Cocktail Haven Stirs Up Mills 50

Mills 50's nightlife scene is getting a sophisticated shake-up with Rews Playroom, a craft cocktail sanctuary crafting its nest at 1322 N. Mills Avenue with opening to be determined. The former Monogram Merchant building will blend Louisiana spirit with global flair.

3️⃣ Playa Bowls - Paradise in a Bowl

Paradise meets Dr. Phillips as Playa Bowls (Insta) rides its first wave into Orlando on March 2nd at 7512 Dr Phillips Blvd. Bringing this beach-inspired haven to life, complete with 12 seats and bar seating, they’ll serve up vibrant acai, pitaya, and coconut bowls in a laid-back atmosphere. 🚨Dang, look at this thing (Bae Bowl 2.0)!

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Sunny Downtown

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Luminary Green Park

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Chez Les Copains

📍1412 Alden Rd., 2nd Floor. Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

Acclaimed chefs Michael Collantes and Danilo Tangalin bring French flair to Orlando's Ivanhoe Village with their intimate new brasserie (Insta).

Perched on City Food Hall's second floor, this full-service gem blends traditional French cuisine with modern innovation. During their soft opening, expect limited seating and no liquor service yet.

Covered parking available at The Yard's garage, with free street parking on Alden Road and Orange Avenue.

Reservations recommended for this casual-elegant dining experience where everyone's welcome.

👉 Check out Chez Les Copains, right here

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🎵 NITTI At Celine Orlando 
📅 February 20, 2025 | 10pm 
📍 Celine Orlando, 22 South Magnolia Avenue

👉 Party On

🎸 Chase Padgett: How to Play Guitar (Poorly) 
📅 February 20-23, 2025 
📍 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando

Multi-talented performer brings his unique blend of comedy, music, and storytelling.
👉 Book Now

🎨 Winter Park Arts Weekend 2025 
📅 February 20-23, 2025 
📍 150 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park

Four days of cultural celebrations featuring performances and events throughout the city.
👉 Explore Events

🎵 Lineage + Legacy: Scott Joplin's Treemonisha 
📅 February 20, 2025 | 6:30-8:30pm 
📍 Orange County History Center

Educational program exploring Orlando's cultural history through opera.
👉 Learn More

🍷 Taste of Altamonte Food & Wine Experience 
📅 February 20, 2025 | 5-9pm 
📍 Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs

Sample from 25 top Orlando restaurants alongside wines, craft beer, and cocktails.
👉 Taste More

🎭 Roarin' Twenties Sip & Shop 
📅 February 20, 2025 | 5:30-8:30pm 
📍 Oviedo Mall

A glamorous evening of vintage-inspired shopping and entertainment.
👉 Join the Party

🤓 Nerd Nite Orlando 
📅 February 20, 2025 | 7pm 
📍 Stardust Video & Coffee

Evening of entertaining educational presentations and trivia.
👉 Get Smart

🩰 Orlando Ballet's Peter Pan
 📅 February 20-23, 2025 | 2pm & 7:30pm 
📍 Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center

A high-flying adventure through Neverland filled with heart, humor, and wonder.
👉 Get Tickets

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal