Welcome to Monday Morning, Orlando!

Alright. I’m up early as H-E-double-hockey-sticks. I appreciate everyone participating in our giveaway survey!

We had 267 respondents, and I doubled entries for the first 30 who got in early. Also, thanks for the tons of feedback and lovely suggestions.

Here’s the 4 winners chosen randomly going home with a $50 gift certificate to an exceptional Orlando area restaurant:

• Noelle Warner

• D Sickel 1963

• Miravtanna

• Cathy Cervenka

💚 Congratulations! I’ll reach out to each of you shortly and arrange your prize!

Now onto today’s issue: 👇

• “The Senator”

• The Tiffany Chapel

• Picasso Moments

• ….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 ⏪
Simply, “The Senator”

Before its tragic end in 2012, Florida's mightiest sentinel stood watch over Seminole County for three and a half millennia. "The Senator," named for the state legislator who donated its parkland in 1927, wasn't just the world's largest bald cypress—it was a living link to antiquity, its life predating even the birth of Christ.

Rising 120 feet skyward—higher than three stacked school buses—this natural colossus served as a beacon for Native Americans and later became a beloved tourist attraction. Despite losing its crown to a 1925 hurricane that reduced it from its original 165-foot height, The Senator remained an awe-inspiring sight until that fateful January morning when Sara Barnes entered Big Tree Park.

In an act that would haunt the community, Barnes lit a fire inside the hollow tree for illumination, inadvertently spelling doom for the ancient giant. Though firefighters battled the blaze with thousand-foot hoses, the tree burned from within.

Today, The Senator's legacy lives on through its clone, "The Phoenix," planted near the park entrance in 2013, while its 2,000-year-old sister tree "Lady Liberty" still stands tall at 90 feet, a living reminder of Florida's lost guardian.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Local Governments Push Back on Florida's Live Local Act

Central Florida's housing landscape shifted last Monday as Orlando, Oviedo, and Deltona joined neighboring Seminole and Osceola counties in stepping away from the state's Live Local Act.

The 2023 housing initiative offers developers generous tax exemptions of up to 75% for creating affordable housing units, though local leaders express concerns about its effectiveness and financial impact on communities.

Oviedo Council Member Natalie Teuchert shared worries that the program primarily benefits luxury apartment developers rather than addressing affordable housing needs. While cities would need to make up for lost tax revenue, developers maintain the ability to set rents at up to 90% of market rates.

Orange County weighs its decision tomorrow, October 29th.

A $10,000 Gamble: The Tiffany Chapel's Silver Anniversary

A masterpiece of American art celebrates its silver anniversary at Winter Park's Morse Museum, where the Tiffany Chapel has dazzled visitors for 25 years now.

The chapel's journey reads like a dramatic novel – from its 1893 Chicago World's Fair debut to near destruction in Manhattan's Cathedral of St. John the Divine, rescue by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself, and a devastating fire at his Laurelton Hall estate.

Morse Founders’ and Visionaries, Hugh and Jeannette McKean salvaged the remains for $10,000, launching a decades-long restoration.

Now, marking its milestone, the chapel welcomes back an 800-pound mosaic companion piece from 1893, on loan from The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass in Queens, New York, reuniting two spectacular pieces of American artistic heritage.

Historic Deal to Reshape Region's Future

In a win for regional cooperation, Orlando and Orange County have reached a sweeping agreement that shelves the city's plans to annex 52,454 acres from Deseret Ranch.

The friendly compromise includes Orange County's blessing for Orlando's Sunbridge development, backed by a hefty $626 million investment in tourist development funds to spruce up the Kia Center and Camping World Stadium.

Local leaders are also tackling homelessness together, with plans to transform the Work Release Center on Kaley Street through a dollar-a-year lease.

Environmental advocates are celebrating the protection of vital lowlands, while both governments prepare to finalize the 10-year partnership agreement.

Orlando Police Department Makes Digital Leap with Community-First App

The Orlando Police Department has unveiled a mobile application designed to revolutionize community safety and engagement.

The new platform, championed by Chief Eric Smith, consolidates critical police services into an intuitive digital hub serving Orlando's 300,000 residents. Through real-time incident alerts and neighborhood crime tracking, the app keeps citizens instantly informed of local safety concerns.

Users can access everything from community event calendars and Citizen Academy schedules to crime prevention resources and career opportunities. The platform also streamlines public records requests, eliminating traditional bureaucratic hurdles.

Available now on both major app stores, this digital initiative represents Orlando's commitment to modernizing public safety through technological innovation.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Halls on 5th - Historic Feed Store Becomes Culinary Hub

Alright, Apopka! The charming 100-year-old Hall's Feed Store is becoming something special - "Halls on 5th” (Insta) the town's first food hall this winter. The beloved team behind Propagate Social House is transforming 15 E. Fifth St. into a vibrant space with craft cocktails, cozy private dining, and al fresco seating. Leading the culinary magic: chefs Ryan Stewart and Ashley Martinez of Thriving Hospitality.

2️⃣ Smoke Masters BBQ Food Truck - Smoke & Spice Unite at New Food Truck

Texas meets Latin flavors in mid-November as Smoke Masters BBQ rolls into Clermont. Owners George and Crina Buche will dish out slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and creative fare like breakfast burritos and chicken and waffles at Lowe's (16905 Cagan Crossings Blvd). Catch them weekdays at Lowes, with weekend pop-ups planned.

3️⃣ Moso Nori - Hand-Rolled Heaven Hits Winter Park

Sushi master Henry Moso's newest venture, Moso Nori (Insta), debuts in Winter Park (1100 S Orlando Ave) with a public soft opening in roughly a month. Expect artisanal hand-rolled sushi paired with sake, wine, and beer daily from 11:30 am to 10 pm. A second location hits Sand Lake Road in Doctor Phillips about six months.

👎 Dearly departed: Sadly, Thorton Park’s Jack & Honey has closed after just one year in business.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

A “spritz,” as my grandmother would say.

📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Eola

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Picasso Moments Bakery, Cafe, & Boba Tea

📍8231 S John Young Pkwy, Orlando, Florida 32819, or map to this location.

Tucked away on S. John Pkwy, Picasso Moments (Insta) elevates the humble bakery-café into an artisanal wonderland.

This cozy haven crafts preservative-free delights daily, anchored by their revolutionary Ice Cream Bread – a pillowy cake-bread fusion that defies culinary boundaries.

From cloud-soft pork buns to vibrant ube creations and cheese foam-crowned Thai tea, every item showcases masterful execution.

Need a custom cake? Their artisans require just 72 hours to work their magic. Whether you're working solo or catching up with friends, this charming spot turns moments into memories.

[Check out Picasso Moments, right here]

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

📜 Next Step Screenplay Series: "Jerro! - Zorro's Younger Brother" 
📅 October 28, 2024 | 7:00PM - 10:00PM
📍 Bynx Orlando, 420 E. Church Street, #118, Orlando, FL 32801

A live, staged reading of an original comedy screenplay about Zorro's younger brother, followed by a Q&A with screenwriter David A. McElroy.

🎵 Maverick City Music With Tasha Cobbs Leonard & JWLKRS 
📅 October 30, 2024 | 7pm 
📍 KIA Center

Join the groundbreaking collective Maverick City Music, founded from diverse writing camps, as they perform with Tasha Cobbs Leonard & JWLKRS.

🩰 National Ballet of Ukraine 
📅 October 29-30, 2024 | Various Times 
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801

For the first time, American audiences can experience this world-class ballet company directly from Kyiv, featuring immersive 3D technology and celebrating Ukraine's rich cultural heritage.

💀 Días de los Muertos Halloween Party 
📅 October 31, 2024 
📍 KAVAS Tacos + Tequila, 9101 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Celebrate the First Annual Halloween Party while indulging in flavors that pay tribute to loved ones in a vibrant atmosphere.

🎭 Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical
📅 October 31 - November 9, 2024 | Various Times 
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801

A hilarious "upside down" take on the hit Netflix series, featuring adventure, thrills, pubescent angst, heavy synth, and dancing monsters in all its campy 1980s glory.

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal