Welcome to the First Monday Morning of March, Orlando!

Ate (hyper) Local: As in, my kitchen. We love exploring on the weekend, trying new foods, then coming back here and sharing what and where we ate. But this weekend Mrs. Orlando Signal threw down in the kitchen. She masterfully made a Brown Butter Apple Fritter Focaccia ❤🤗😍….and it was divine. I got you, so here’s the recipe she followed AND short video of the recipe creator putting it all together.

🎂 Happy belated birthday to reader, Hannah Fio (yesterday)!

In today’s issue: 👇

• Vanished Treasures

• Cracking the Crisis

• Norman’s

• ….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 ⏪
Vanished Treasures: The Lost Architectural Icons of Orlando

Those of you who’ve lived here long enough may remember when Orlando's streetscape looked quite different. Nine beloved landmarks have disappeared over the years, leaving behind only cherished memories.

The charming Woolworth-McCrory Building, where locals enjoyed those famous cherry Cokes, said goodbye in 2003 after over 100 years of downtown history. The distinctive Round Building vanished in 2015, though you can still spot a piece of it in Heritage Square!

The gorgeous Spanish Revival Orange Court Hotel with its ahead-of-its-time heated pool disappeared in 1990, while the historic San Juan Hotel (dating back to 1885!) was lost in 1980 despite our best efforts to save it. The Parliament House Resort, home to 45 years as an LGBTQ+ landmark, closed in 2020 with demolition following soon after.

Ronnie's Restaurant, a favorite Jewish deli that fed an incredible 21 million customers, shocked everyone when it closed in 1995. Tinker Field's classic wooden grandstands, the Eddie Graham Sports Complex (where Led Zeppelin once rocked!), and the original 1923 Albertson Public Library have all made way for progress - though they'll forever hold special places in Orlando's heart.

While these treasured landmarks may be physically gone, their legacies continue through stories passed down, preserved photographs, and the rich tapestry of Orlando's evolving history.

Next time you're downtown, take a moment to imagine these lost gems and appreciate how they helped shape the vibrant city we know and love today.

(Learn more and check out photos of all these structures with Bungalower, right here)

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Art & Heart Unite as Mayor Dyer Launched Creative Hunger-Fighting Initiative

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners beamed with pride last Thursday while welcoming talented local artists to "Art Pollination" – their fantastic $1 million Bloomberg Philanthropies project tackling food challenges through creativity!

With one in seven neighbors facing hunger struggles, this couldn't come at a better time! Dyer shared how these wonderful partnerships between nonprofit and arts communities are making real magic happen.

Soon, these gifted artists will brighten the Urban Trail, community centers, and downtown spots with meaningful installations.

The fun announcement featured HEBNI Nutrition's friendly team cooking up delicious, healthy treats to showcase their work connecting families with fresh foods!

👉 Learn more about Art Pollination, right here.

Local Treasure, New Shine: Lake Eola's $60 Million Upgrade

Orlando's cherished Lake Eola Park is getting an exciting $60 million facelift – the first major refresh since 1988!

While tourists enjoy the theme parks, locals treasure this peaceful downtown haven for relaxing strolls and people-watching.

The wonderful project, backed by the city's Community Redevelopment Agency, will bring much-needed shade to the amphitheater, a new home for the swan boats, spruced-up bathrooms, roomier walkways, and a modern water system. Parks Director Lisa Early lovingly calls it "our home base."

Don't worry about missing out during construction – the work will happen in stages, and favorite spots like Relax Grill will welcome visitors throughout the transformation!

(Learn a lot more about Lake Eola’s big refresh with Brandon Spencer, right here)

Heartbeat of Orlando as Public Transit Pioneers Life-Saving Technology

Downtown Orlando's fleet of fifteen LYNX LYMMO buses now carry life-saving AEDs, thanks to an inspiring partnership between the American Heart Association, AdventHealth, and city officials. This initiative kicked off last month for Heart Month makes Orlando a national pioneer in public transit safety.

AHA's Jimmy Clarity highlights how these defibrillators can save nine out of ten people when used quickly during cardiac emergencies. With 1,900 daily riders and user-friendly devices anyone can operate, the impact could be tremendous!

Dr. Guerrero from AdventHealth celebrates how we're creating more potential heroes throughout the community. LYNX is even training staff in CPR, turning Orlando's familiar blue buses into a caring network ready to protect hearts all across downtown!

👉 Check out this AED on LYNX demo, right here.

Cracking the Crisis: Local Heroes Keep Egg Prices Sunny Side Up

The USDA's billion-dollar plan to combat bird flu comes as egg prices are projected to surge over 40% this year.

In Apopka, Jason and Kathryn Erney's backyard operation—JaKat's Eggcellent Harvest—can't keep up with demand, selling dozens at $5 with purchase limits to ensure availability.

Meanwhile, restaurants feel the strain. Eggs Up Grill's JP Louis faces thousands in weekly egg costs but refuses to raise menu prices, maintaining affordability for locals, despite financial pressure.

As major chains like Denny's and Waffle House pass costs to consumers, small producers and customer-focused establishments represent America's scrambled new reality for this breakfast staple while the nation awaits relief.

(Learn more about this local egg crisis with Stephanie Rodriguez, right here)

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going

1️⃣ The Original Rainbow Cone - Chicago Icon Sweeps into Orlando

The Original Rainbow Cone (Insta), Chicago's century-old ice cream legend, debuts at Waterford Lakes on March 7. Their signature five-layer creation—chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet—arrives with flair as the first 99 guests receive free cones at 461 North Alafaya Trail.

2️⃣ Another Broken Egg Cafe - Southern Sunrise Brunch Haven

Another Broken Egg Cafe (Insta) cracks into Clermont early Q3. Currently in architectural planning, this Southern-inspired haven will serve sophisticated comfort with gourmet omelets, decadent pancakes, and specialty cocktails from its full bar—transforming morning meals into celebrations worth savoring.

3️⃣ Philly Pretzel Factory - Twisted Treasure Heads South

Pennsylvania's iconic Philly Pretzel Factory (Insta) plans its Orlando debut later this year—its first Florida location. Spearheaded by former PepsiCo president Derek Lewis, the shop will bring authentic Philadelphia soft pretzels, stuffed pretzel dogs, mini cheesesteak-filled twists, and pepperoni melts to eager local dough enthusiasts.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Reader, Steven Madow’s, impromptu bird photo session

📷 via @stevenmadow |📍Leu Gardens

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

FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Norman’s

📍7924 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819. Map to this location.

At Norman’s (Insta), the "founding father of New World cuisine," Chef Norman Van Aken, crafts dishes that brilliantly fuse Latin zest, Asian precision, and American creativity.

Explore their impressive 300-wine collection while savoring standouts like Diver Scallops with corn crema, sumptuous Braised Pork Belly, or indulgent Lobster Mac + Cheese. Don't miss signature cocktails like the mezcal-forward Amores Perros.

It's no wonder Orlando Magazine readers named it "BEST Restaurant" in their 2024 Dining Awards.

👉 Check out Norman’s, right here

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🎭 MJ: The Musical 
📅 March 4-16, 2025 
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Tony Award-winning musical exploring Michael Jackson's creative genius during the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
👉 Book Now

🎭 Swamp Sistas Mardi Gras Mambo 
📅 March 4, 2025 | 6pm 
📍 Will's Pub

Fat Tuesday celebration featuring live music, DJ, parade, carnival games, and Louisiana cuisine.
👉 Get Tix

🌸 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 
📅 March 5 - June 2, 2025 
📍 EPCOT

Springtime celebration featuring character topiaries, garden displays, and fresh culinary offerings.
👉 Festival Details

🕯️ Candle Pour Class 
📅 March 6, 2025 | 7-9pm 
📍 Forward Slash Distillery, Winter Park

Create custom scented candles while enjoying craft cocktails in a cozy setting.
👉 Reserve Your Spot

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal