TableTalk Take-a-ways

March 14, 2024

Good morning, Orlando! I appreciate all whoā€™ve taken our reader survey already. It closes Sunday at 11:59pm. Iā€™m excited to randomly draw 3 winners to win a $50 gift card to a cool Orlando restaurant. Iā€™ll get up early on Monday and announce the winners at the top of Mondayā€™s newsletter! Donā€™t miss it!

In todayā€™s Orlando Signal, Thursday (weekend fun) issue:

  • TableTalk take-a-ways

  • Kellyā€™s is growing

  • Water balloon battle royale.

  • + lots of weekend recs

šŸ›‘ Donā€™t forget to click (or tap) the poll at the bottom of this issue so we know if weā€™re on the right track, OR, just hit reply to this email and tell us.

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On with it!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ā²ļø
Unity, Collaboration, and Progress: Central Florida's TableTalk Take-a-ways

Important: this piece is completely apolitical, otherwise, I wouldnā€™t share the info since I donā€™t cover politics. I cover community optimism.

Background: On October 19, 2023, Central Floridians participated in a unique ā€œTableTalkā€ event spearheaded by the Central Florida Foundation, which has become a catalyst for meaningful conversations and solutions-based discussions that shed light on the current state of the region.

Last Friday, I attended a TableTalk Town Hall, hosted at the WMFE studios, where the findings from the 4th annual TableTalk 2023 initiative were presented.

The survey findings paint a picture of a community filled with hope and optimism, with 76% of participants expressing a brighter outlook for the future. This sentiment stems from a shared sense of unity, common goals, and a growing awareness of the issues at hand. Despite obstacles such as limited collaboration, and resource constraints, Central Floridians demonstrated a strong desire to collaborate and adapt to the inevitable changes that lie ahead.

The areas of concern identified by the survey respondents, including economic stability, healthcare, and education, mirror the findings of the Central Florida Community Landscape report. TableTalk has once again demonstrated the power of civic engagement and the importance of fostering open dialogue within our communities as Central Florida continues to grow and evolve.

I left this event feeling very inspired and hopeful about our city.

I encourage you to Click HERE to see the Letter to Leaders summarizing everything and results of the community survey.

Click HERE for the Polis Instituteā€™s data dashboard.

Passing the Torch: Mother and Daughter Nurses Pay Compassion Forward

Elena Esquen divided her time between teaching and waitressing, struggling to find her passion. Then her daughter Amanda was paralyzed by Guillain-BarrƩ syndrome at age 11.

Inspired by attentive nurses during Amanda's hospitalization, Amanda told Esquen she would become a nurse herself. After graduating nursing school, Amanda encouraged Esquen, then 52, to enroll in Seminole State Collegeā€™s nursing program.

Seminole State partnered with Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital on a dedicated education unit allowing nursing students hands-on training and mentoring from working nurses.

Esquen has thrived in this innovative program, pairing with a nurse mentor during clinical rotations. She loves learning from patient charts and stories before caring for them herself.

The dedicated education unit sharpens critical thinking and care skills, readying students like Esquen to transition confidently into practice. Though a nursing novice, her life experience as a teacher, server and mother has informed her studies.

Soon Esquen will graduate, joining her daughter as Seminole Stateā€™s newest nurses. Amanda found inspiration in compassionate nursing care, now they pay that gift forward.

The Sweet Taste of Success: Local Ice Cream Shop Eyes Ambitious Expansion

Kelly's Ice Cream is quickly outgrowing its hometown roots. Founded by Kelly Seidl out of her own kitchen, the Altamonte Springs-based brand has seen tremendous success over the past few years.

Now, Seidl has ambitious plans to open 17 new counters and 2 additional scoop shops in 2024, spanning locations from Jacksonville to Pompano Beach.

She also plans to debut a new 8,750 square foot corporate headquarters and production facility in Altamonte Springs, which will give visitors a first-hand look behind the scenes from cow to cone.

Seidl admits her early days selling homemade ice cream at local farmer's markets out of a truck seem a world away from the rapid expansion Kelly's is seeing today.

But she says she'll never abandon the original shop on Corrine Drive that's been "home base" from the beginning. Looking even further ahead, Seidl has an even bolder vision: to one day own a Central Florida dairy farm that supplies the milk for Kelly's in-house ice cream production.

With support from her family and an all-female leadership team, Seidl is confident she can turn her ice cream dreams into reality. She says anyone can achieve anything they set their mind to.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT šŸ”¦
Electrify Expo Orlando


šŸ“South Concourse Lot at the Orange County Convention Center. Map to this location.

šŸ• Saturday, March 16th & Sunday March 17th

Buckle up for the ride of your life at Electrify Expo - North America's 1 million square foot electric joyride playground! Founded to accelerate EV adoption through thrilling test drive experiences, Electrify Expo has rallied the worldā€™s top automakers from Tesla to Volkswagen.

Feel the G-force slaloming through cones in a Porsche Taycan, try mountain bike trails on a Specialized eMTB, or introduce your mini-mes to EVs in the kids zone. Glide through the festival zone to discover the latest innovations electrifying cars, bikes, RVs and boats.

When you need a break, chill with food trucks and live music as friendships spark around a shared passion for the electric future. With expert staff shotgunning your voyage of discovery, you'll be buzzing with inspiration. So join the e-mobility movement at North America's #1 EV experience. The ride of a lifetime awaits at Electrify Expo!

šŸ“Tactical Brewing Co. 4882 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814. Map to this location.

šŸ• Sunday, March 17th, 12pm-5pm

As the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick has a legacy of spreading joy and bringing people together. This March 17th, Tactical Brewing Co. plans to carry on that festive tradition with "The Green Fling" - a street party celebrating all things Irish from noon to 5 pm.

The streets will come alive with the tantalizing smells of Orlando's best food trucks and the rousing sounds of live musicians.

Revelers can browse local vendors as they sip Tactical's specially-crafted beer releases. And presiding playfully over it all will be Brenda from Bithlo, a local legend who has agreed to emcee the day's wackiest event: a dodgeball tournament with water balloons tinted emerald green.

Teams of five are invited to register for the water balloon battle royale for just $25. The victors will earn medals, merch, and a prize package of Tactical beers worth over $600 - spoils sweet enough to make St. Patrick proud.

Don your green garb, grab some friends, and come ready for shenanigans! However the green water flies that day, The Green Fling is sure to be a party people will remember.


šŸ“Winter Parkā€™s Central Park. Map to this location.

šŸ• Friday March 15th through Sunday March 17th

For 65 years, the iconic Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival has drawn over 250,000 art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a stunning outdoor gallery. As the 3-day event kicks off Friday March 15th, visitors flock to secure spots along Park Avenue, soon to transform into an art mecca.

That night, island rhythms fill the air as Jimmy Buffett tribute band Gary Roland and The Landsharks perform in Central Park, setting the creative tone.

When Saturday dawns, over 225 jury-selected artists unveil eye-catching creations in a variety of mediums, each vying for Best of Show honors. Locals and tourists wander wide-eyed through this living gallery, emerging with unique prizes - a moment captured, a memory made.

Though the festival is temporary, its magic persists in the community. More than purchases, guests leave with satisfied smiles, new friends, and inspiration sparked for next year.

For Winter Park, art transcends canvases into the heart of the experience.

The Magic & Comedy of Eric Eaton

šŸ“The Funny Bone Comedy Club, 9101 International Dr Suite 2310 Orlando, FL 32819. Map to this location.

šŸ• March 17, 7:00 PM

Lauded as a master illusionist, Eric Eaton brings his unique brand of comedy magic to the stage. Known for mesmerizing audiences on Masters of Illusion,

Eric has been decorated with a Merlin Award, the highest honor in magic, for his ingenious tricks and witty sense of humor.

Blending charisma, crowd work, and mystifying feats, Eric's live show promises a night of non-stop entertainment. He actively involves the audience in astonishing acts of illusion, all while cracking jokes and exchanging quips.

From sleight-of-hand to grand illusions, Eric celebrates the thrilling tradition of magic in his own charismatic style.

Hailed for selling out theaters across the country, Eric's comedy magic provides an experience full of laughter, suspense, and wonder. His show offers a joyous escape into a realm of playfulness and astonishment that audiences won't soon forget.

So join the acclaimed Eric Eaton for an evening of Magic and mayhem!

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS šŸŽ­ šŸ„ 

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

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Weā€™ll see you on Monday with the 3 random winners from our reader survey! Good luck, everyone!

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal