Welcome to Thursday Morning, Orlando!

Happy pre-Valentine’s Day (It’s tomorrow, fellas!). The Orlando Signal - Ivanhoe Village Foodie Tour sold out last week, so I’d like to wish those ticket holders an awesome tour coming up on Sunday. I have no doubt it will be an amazing combo of history + eating and drinking. Enjoy!

🎉 Happy birthday to Elaine Kliner, coming up on Sunday!

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

• Like Father, Like Daughter

• Indie Folkfest

• Shelf Help

• + a lots of weekend recs

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Let’s roll!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Like Father, Like Daughter: Greater Orlando’s Premier Police Dog Hospital

Meet the Greater Orlando animal hospital that's been patching up police K-9s for over 40 years. Dr. Dan Hill's Underhill Animal Hospital started with midnight emergency calls and grew into a trusted haven serving three counties and 23 departments.

His dedication even led him to join K-9 teams on patrol to better understand his patients' needs. The hospital pioneered a special round-the-clock entrance just for law enforcement partners.

Now, as Dr. Hill looks toward retirement, his daughter Dr. Heidi Hill and their talented veterinary team continue this loving tradition of caring for these brave canine heroes.

(Learn more about Underhill Animal Hospital with Erik von Ancken, right here)

Orlando Puts $500K on the Track to Transform Regional Transit

Central Florida's transit dream is gaining momentum as Orlando City Council enthusiastically voted to commit $500,000 towards a study for an exciting SunRail expansion.

The envisioned "Sunshine Corridor" would weave together Orlando International Airport, Universal Studios, the convention center, and Disney Springs, opening up new possibilities for locals and visitors alike.

Mayor Buddy Dyer sees this as key to tackling the region's growing traffic challenges. The comprehensive $6 million study will map out the future of this $4.4 billion project.

Seminole County has already jumped on board with matching funds, Orange County is eager to join, while Osceola and Volusia Counties are still considering their roles. The state transportation department stands ready with $2 million in support.

🔥 Check out the Sunshine Corridor project and planned added route, right here.

Nourishing Communities: Two Local Charities Make Big Moves

A heartwarming wave of progress swept through Central Florida last week as two caring nonprofits unveiled exciting upgrades to help feed their neighbors in need.

In Orlando, Seniors First brightened the lives of over 900 elderly residents with a wonderful new $186,000 refrigeration-freezer system, bringing fresh produce right to their doorsteps through Meals on Wheels.

Out in Melbourne, the generous team at Second Harvest Food Bank opened the doors to their incredible new $5 million distribution center. At 23,000 square feet, this amazing facility will help them serve even more of the 300,000 daily meals they provide across seven counties.

(Learn more about these two non-profits fighting hunger with Joe Byrnes, right here)

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Osceola County Fair

📍Osceola Heritage Park. 1911 Kissimmee Valley Ln, Kissimmee, FL 34744. Map to this location.

🕐 Kicking off Friday, February 14th, 5:00 p.m.

Step into Florida's cultural heartbeat at the Osceola County Fair, an over 75-year Kissimmee tradition lighting up Osceola Heritage Park February 14-23.

Beyond classic carnival rides and irresistible fair treats, witness spectacular livestock shows, racing pigs, and aerial stunts.

Don't miss the nail-biting Demolition Derby, traditional whip-cracking contest, and the renowned Silver Spurs Rodeo.

[Check It Out]

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Indie Folkfest - 2025

📍Mennello Museum of American Art. 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, February 15th, 12:00 p.m.

The Mennello Museum of American Art's 10th Annual Indie-Folkfest returns this Saturday, transforming Orlando into a haven of melody and art.

Groove to local favorites like The OakHill Drifters, Beth McKee's Funky Time Band, and Beemo, while savoring delights from The Guesthouse and The Gnarly Cuban.

With Emcee Blue Star hosting, yard games from Triangle Lawn Games, and endless family fun, this free community celebration promises an unforgettable day where music, art, and local spirit collide.

[Get more info, right here]

Sanford’s 11th Annual Mardi Gras Street Party

📍202 S Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, February 15th, 4:00 p.m.

Get ready for a taste of New Orleans in historic Sanford!

The 11th Annual Mardi Gras Street Party and Sashay Parade is transforming our brick-lined streets into a carnival wonderland.

Join the Second Line Brigade as they lead an eclectic procession of vintage cars, decorated bikes, and bedazzled golf carts down Sanford Avenue.

Whether you're marching, rolling, or just soaking in the jazz-filled atmosphere, come be part of this most colorful tradition. Don your beads and let the good times roll!

[Join the Krewe Life, right here]

David Nihill: Shelf Help Tour (18+)

📍Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, February 14th, 7:00 p.m.

From Dublin's streets to global stages, David Nihill turned wanderlust into comedy gold, crafting stories from twelve countries he's called home and seventy he's explored.

The San Francisco Comedy Competition champion (joining alumni like Robin Williams and Ellen DeGeneres) has captured over 500 million views online and amassed 2 million followers.

His specials "Documented" and "Cultural Appreciation" showcase his signature style: turning cultural confusion into laughter. Even the LA Times praised his Netflix is a Joke Festival show as "one of the festival's funniest."

[Get Details]

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Multi-day:

The Orlando Home & Garden Show | Fri 12 p.m., Sat 10 a.m., Sun 11 a.m | I-Drive | More

Valentine Weekend at Boxi Park | Fri, Sat, Sun | Lake Nona | More

UCF Knights Baseball vs. Siena College Saints | Fri 6:30 p.m. Sat 6:30 p.m. and Sun 1 p.m. | UCF | More

Kym Whitley | Fri 6 & 9 p.m. and Sat 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. | I-Drive | More

Friday:

DC The Don – Rebirth North American Tour | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More

Black Crown Studios Art Opening | 6 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Mills Gallery Presents: Puccini for Lovers! A night with the Queen of Opera | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

The Backfires in Orlando | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Valentine's Day: Sleepless in Seattle | 7 p.m. | Maitland | More

A Night of Love with Gerald Law and The Clutch | 7:30 p.m. | Wadeview Park | More

Gilberto Santa Rosa | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More

Romanza: Classics of Love | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More

Saturday:

Alton Brown Live | 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | More

Science Night Live | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More

8th Annual Head for the Cure 5K | 9 a.m. | Baldwin Park | More

Not One More Rally for Recovery Orlando | 9 a.m. | Downtown | More

Little Creatives & Me at A&H | 10 a.m. | Maitland | More

Inspired: The Art & Science of Creativity | 10 a.m. | Maitland | More

Galentine's Brunch Party | 11 a.m. | Lake Nona | More

LOL’s Improv Comedy Show & Jam | 4 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

Handel - La resurrezione, HWV 47 | 7:30 p.m. | Winter Park | More

Sunday:

Milk Mart Lazy Lover's Market | 12 p.m. | Hampton Park | More

Monster Mart | 1 p.m. | Downtown | More

Young Naturalist Explorers: Wetlands! | 9:30 a.m. | Winter Park | More

Central Florida Dragon Parade 2025 | 11 a.m. | Mills 50 | More

A Year With Jane Austen: Sense and Sensibility (1995) | 11 a.m. | Maitland | More

The King’s Singers | 3 p.m. | Winter Park | More

Guest Artist Recital: Pamela Shuler, clarinet and Sidney Shuler, trumpet | 3 p.m. | UCF | More

Fat and Funny | 6:30 p.m. | I-Drive | More

THANKS!

🧠 Interested in reaching smart readers like you? Grow with us right here.

We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal