Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, peeps! Sorry, no donut excursions this weekend, but we did hit the Clermont Farmer’s Mahket (hi Lori) yesterday with the fam. I gotta to say, this is one of the best in greater Orlando. It’s along W. Montrose St. in Downtown Clermont and many of the local shops are open at the same time making it an awesome experience!

In today’s issue: 👇

• The Emerald Sentinel

• Speed Demons

• Chabuca

• ….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 ⏪
The Emerald Sentinel: The Enduring Charm of the Rogers Kiene Building

Have you spotted that gorgeous emerald and crimson building at East Pine Street and South Magnolia Avenue? That's the Rogers Kiene Building—a delightful piece of Orlando history that's been standing proud since 1886!

What makes this charming two-story treasure special isn't just its age, but its amazing pressed zinc metal exterior with beautiful neo-classical designs that have weathered Florida's elements for 139 years.

English businessman Gordon Rogers built it for his grocery store downstairs, while upstairs, the English Club buzzed with activity—imagine billiard balls clacking as immigrants gathered for a taste of home away from home!

This adaptable beauty has worn many hats over the years—newspaper office, hotel, restaurant—and now happily serves as the Downtown Arts District's CityArts, where six wonderful galleries and the creative Red Tape art collective welcome over 100,000 visitors each year.

As downtown Orlando grows with modern buildings, our friendly green landmark reminds us that some things just get better with age.

Next time you're roaming downtown, why not stop by and say hello to this living piece of local history?

(Learn more about this architectural masterpiece and see photos with Melanie Crownover, right here)

🔥 Bonus: Love ghost stories? GhostStoryGirl tells tells a haunted tale about this building, right here!

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Putting the Brakes on Florida's Speed Demons!

Orange County Sheriff, John Mina, is waving the caution flag at Florida's "super speeders" – lead-footed drivers zooming past 100 mph or 50 mph above limits.

With 500+ citations last year and January's numbers tripling from 2024, Mina's legislation would slap first-time offenders with $1,000 fines, six-month license timeouts, and 30-day car "vacations."

Second violations? A whopping $2,500 fine, year-long driving ban, and another impoundment. Good!

The bill, backed by Senator Jason Pizzo, would also target non-highway racers exceeding limits by 35+ mph. Orange County deputies are determined to slow these highway daredevils before more lives are lost on Florida's roadways.

(Learn more details about this Super Speeder bill with Jerry Hume, right here)

Local Teens Gain Professional Experience Through CRA Summer Initiative

Winter Park teens looking for something amazing to do this summer can join The Winter Park Community Redevelopment Agency's 2025 Summer Youth Enrichment Program for a chance to earn & learn!

This exciting opportunity connects high school students (ages 14-18) with paid internships at local non-profits, giving real-world experience while making a difference right here at home.

Teens must live in the CRA district and have a parent's okay. The can swing by the Winter Park Community Center at 721 W. New England Ave to grab an application, but eveything must be turned in by April 18 at 5 p.m.!

It's the perfect way to build a resume, help the community, and have a meaningful summer experience!

Community Voices Heard as Orlando Shelves Kaley Street Shelter Plan

Mayor Buddy Dyer announced last Monday that Orlando is taking a step back from plans for a 300-bed homeless shelter in the SoDo district after hearing community concerns. The shelter would have given new life to the vacant Orange County Work Release Center on Kaley Street, taking advantage of its ready-made facilities.

Local resident James Krawczyk, who helped organize the neighborhood response, wished the city had brought neighbors into the conversation earlier. He felt the plan focused more on relocating people than helping them with their actual needs. Neighbors worried about impacts on their community.

Despite this setback, Dyer remains hopeful that Orlando can come together to find compassionate solutions for its unhoused residents.

(Learn a lot more about this scrapped SoDo shelter plans with Lillian Hernández Caraballo, right here)

Tena's Exhibit Honors Central Florida's Cultural Richness

Step inside Orlando Museum of Art to discover the beautiful faces of Central Florida! Juan David Tena's "Portraits of FusionFest" (March 14-May 4) captures the wonderful cultural mosaic that makes our region special.

Tena, who fell in love with Orlando while working as a Colombian diplomat, photographed festival-goers in their vibrant traditional outfits during the popular Thanksgiving weekend celebration.

His heartwarming portraits honor the everyday heroes who bring their rich cultures to our community. Don't miss the free reception on March 20 with performances and a chance to meet Tena himself!

Through these stunning images, we're reminded how our differences actually bring us closer together as neighbors and friends.

(Learn more about Juan David Tena’s exhibit with Brooke Savage, right here)

🧠 Last Thursday’s trivia: Can you name the newspaper that began publication in Orlando in 1973? The answer was the Sentinel Star. In 1973, Orlando's Morning Sentinel and Reporter Star merged to create the Sentinel Star. Under Tribune Company leadership, including Charles Brumback and later "Tip" Lifvendahl, it chronicled the city's transformation until becoming the Orlando Sentinel in 1982.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

No new restaurant openings announced this week, however, the Michelin Guide just welcomed six more local restaurants to its recommended list before the big ceremony on April 17 at Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

The lucky additions? Smokemade Meats + Eats, Bar Kada, Walala Asian Noodle House, Kai Kai, Banh Mi Boy, and Gyukatsu Rose. Walala is having quite the last week, having recently won an Orlando Sentinel Foodie Award for Best Chinese!

Even newcomer Gyukatsu Rose made the cut after being open just nine weeks. These join January's picks: Sorekara, Ômo by Jônt, Coro and UniGirl. Local buzz suggests Sorekara and Ômo might soon become Orlando's first two-star recipients.

I still maintain our local food scene is highly under-rated, but not for long I think!

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day Sidewalk Art (thanks kids!)

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Chabuca

📍5928 Butler National Dr, Orlando, FL 32822. Map to this location.

At Chabuca (Insta), named for legendary Peruvian vocalist Chabuca Granda, Orlando diners discover Peru beyond Machu Picchu.

The menu—from citrus-kissed ceviche to smoky lomo saltado and crackling pollo a la brasa—tells stories of Peru's diverse culinary heritage. In their newly renovated space, strangers become family as servers share traditions behind each artisanal dish.

Whether you're dining in or using their catering services, Chabuca offers more than food—it's a journey through Peru's vibrant culture.

👉 Check out Chabuca, right here

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

☘️ St Patrick's Day at the Grand Bohemian 
📅 March 17, 2025 | 5-11:30pm 
📍 Bosendorfer Lounge, Downtown Orlando

Annual celebration featuring live music, green beer, and specialty Irish-inspired cocktail.
👉 Get Festive

🍀 St. Patrick's Day Party 
📅 March 17, 2025 | 2-11pm 
📍 Historic Bar Room, Longwood

Longwood's premier St. Patrick's Day celebration featuring specialty drinks and outdoor patio.
👉 Join the Fun

🎨 Orlando Paint Night – Flower Queen 
📅 March 19, 2025 | 6:30-9:30pm 
📍 Gravity Taproom

Guided painting session featuring a floral-themed portrait suitable for all skill levels.
👉 Reserve Your Canvas

🍫 Chocolate Tasting and Yoga Experience 
📅 March 20, 2025 | 6-7:30pm 
📍 Mennello Museum of American

Art Unique wellness event combining chocolate tasting with yoga relaxation.
👉 Find Balance

🏛️ Access for All at OMA 
📅 March 20, 2025 | 10am-8pm 
📍 Orlando Museum of Art

Monthly free admission day featuring live performances, sketching materials, and docent-led tours.
👉 Gratis Visit

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal