Smishing

Orlando drivers, heads up!

Welcome to the first Monday of Feb, Orlando!

This weekend I learned there’s only 8 Sears stores left in operation. One of them is at the Florida Mall which originally opened in 1986 and a little birdie tells me everything is on sale!

In today’s issue: πŸ‘‡

  • Where Chiefs Once Gathered

  • Smishing scam

  • Tamale Co.

  • ….and much more

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

πŸ”₯ Eat Your Way Through History

Orlando Signal's Ivanhoe Village Foodie Tour returns Sunday, February 16th, just in time for Valentine's weekend. Journey through six distinctive eateries over three delicious hours (3-6 p.m.) while your expert guide shares tales of this historic neighborhood.

Make your Valentine’s weekend special with this perfect adventure!

ORLANDO REWIND βͺ
Where Chiefs Once Gathered: Orlando's Historic Council Trees

In the untamed wilderness that would become Orlando, two magnificent live oaks stood witness to a pivotal chapter in Florida's history. These ancient giants watched as Seminole refugees, fleeing oppression from the north, found sanctuary in central Florida's vast expanse.

The true Council Oak commanded a hilltop east of Pine Loch Lake, rising solitary among countless pines. Under its sprawling canopy, legend has it that chiefs like Osceola and Micanopy planned their resistance against forced relocation. Meanwhile, the Gatlin Oak stood sentinel near Fort Gatlin, a crude wooden fortress built in 1838 amid three strategic lakes.

Around these trees, history unfolded through characters like Aaron Jernigan, the controversial first settler, poet William Wallace Harney, and Thomas Jefferson's grandson, Francis Wayles Eppes. Their arrival marked the beginning of profound change for the region.

Time claimed these arboreal giants differently - lightning struck the Council Oak around 1890, and settlers later used its bleached remains for fence posts. The Gatlin Oak endured longer, its eighteen-foot circumference still impressive into the 1920s. Though both trees are gone, their legacy endures as silent witnesses to the complex clash of cultures that shaped early Orlando.

(Learn a ton more about the Council Oak and see historical photos with Jason Byrne, right here)

Another explainer for the question below!

In Orlando, we are fortunate to have a metric ton of incredible food and dining options. I believe, quite frankly, Orlando is UNDER-RATED in this regard.

The downside is the overwhelm and time sink into making a choice, or recalling an incredible spot that fits what you’re feeling like (or need) either in a few days, or week/month ahead.

Buuuuut….what if you could fill in a quick form with your personal preferences around what you seek for an upcoming dining outing and someone here at Orlando Signal HQ puts together and replies with 2-3 personalized recommendations that fits the bill?πŸ‘‡

πŸ›‘ Would PERSONALIZED restaurant recommendations based on the above ☝️ be valuable to you?

Click or tap your answer below πŸ‘‡

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Heartbeat Heroes as OCPS Launched Massive hands-only CPR Initiative

In a bold move to create an army of young lifesavers, Orlando launched a county-wide hands-only CPR training initiative last Thursday.

The program, coinciding with World Heart Day, united Orlando Mayor Dyer, the Orlando Fire Chief, and the American Heart Association in an unprecedented effort to train 28,000 students and educate them on recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest.

At Boone High School, firefighters were transforming hundreds into potential heroes, teaching vital skills that could triple survival rates. The initiative builds on Mayor Dyer's Take Heart Orlando program, which has already trained 175,000 residents.

As Florida's third district to mandate hands-only CPR training, Orange County Public Schools is leading the charge against the 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually nationwide.

SunPass Text Scams Making the Rounds Again

Let's just call this a PSA: Orlando drivers, heads up! Actually, Florida drivers in general.

Those pesky text messages about urgent SunPass payments flooding your phone? Don't worry - you're not alone, and there's no need to panic.

While thousands have received these clever "smishing" scams (that's SMS phishing), SunPass wants you to know they'll never ask for rush payments by text.

Cybercrime expert Dr. Thomas Hyslip says these digital tricksters work in waves, lying low until we let our guard down.

The FBI's keeping watch too, but here's the easiest way to stay safe: just ignore those texts and reach out to SunPass directly if you're ever concerned about your account.

(Learn more about this SunPass smishing scam with Lily Belcher, right here)

Keeping Pets Healthy with No-Cost February Care Events at OCAS

Calling all pet parents!

Orange County Animal Services is spreading the love this February with an amazing gift for our furry friends - completely free microchipping and vaccinations.

Understanding that vet bills can be tough, OCAS is hosting two special drive-thru events at their Conroy Road shelter.

Bring your pups on February 5th, or your kitties on February 26th between 8 a.m. and noon. Each pet will receive state-required rabies shots, vital vaccine packages, and microchipping with national registration.

Just pull up to the covered carport at 2769 Conroy Road - it's first come, first served and OCAS's way of making sure every pet in our community stays healthy and protected.

MCO’s Digital Eyes

Given the events last week in DC, and us having a busy International airport right here in Orlando, I thought it was interesting to learn about the incredible safety technology protecting our travelers.

Orlando International Airport embraced a remarkable innovation called Virtual Ramp Control (VRC) in Terminal C. Instead of relying just on traditional control towers, controllers now have a super-smart system of cameras, sensors, and radar giving them a perfect view of every corner to spot taxing planes, and even ground service equipment.

This upgrade, which opened alongside Terminal C in September 2022, helps prevent those scary wing-clipping incidents like what happened in New York last year, too.

πŸ‘‰ You can learn more about this VRC, right here.

TASTY NEWS πŸ§‘β€πŸ³
Orlando Area Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Kitanda Espresso and Acai - Brazil's Coffee Paradise Expands

A slice of Brazil is brewing in Orlando as Seattle's beloved Kitanda Espresso and Acai Insta) plans three new locations starting March. Known for authentic Brazilian coffee, acai bowls, and fresh-baked cheese bread, the chain is expanding beyond its Pacific Northwest roots to serve Orlando's flourishing Brazilian community - nearly ten times larger than Seattle's.

2️⃣ Oak & Stone - Craft Beer Paradise Hitting Park Ave.

Craft beer haven Oak & Stone (Insta) is bringing its innovative self-serve wall of 50 draft brews and stone-fired pizzas to Winter Park's Park Avenue. The Gulf Coast favorite, with seven successful locations, will transform the former 310 Park South space into its newest culinary destination later this year.

😒 Dearly departing/ed: Ahi Sushi announced their last day of services was January 29th.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL πŸ“Έ

A beautiful love story

πŸ“· via @orlandosignal |πŸ“Good Roast at Kool Bear

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🀩
Tamale Co.

πŸ“2411 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806. Map to this location.

Tamale Co. (Insta), Orlando's beloved purveyor of authentic Mexican cuisine, has built its reputation on the artistry of handcrafted tamales.

Their signature "Most Mexican Tamales" draws devoted fans with its masterful duo of chicken and pork tamales, each crowned with vibrant house-made tomatillo salsa, Mexican crema, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Locals swear by pairing these soulful creations with an ice-cold Corona Michelada, finishing the feast with crispy churros.

And now the family-owned establishment is expanding its vision with a new College Park location, reimagined as Tamale Co. Modern Mexican Kitchen & Bar, complete with a full-service bar.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

🎭 A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical 
πŸ“… February 4-9, 2025 
πŸ“ Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

The uplifting true story of Neil Diamond's journey from Brooklyn kid to American rock icon.
πŸ‘‰ Get Tickets


🎑 Oviedo Mall Carnival 
πŸ“… February 5-8, 2025 
πŸ“ Oviedo Mall

Family midway featuring rides, games, and classic carnival treats.
πŸ‘‰ Join the Fun


🎨 Black History Month Art Exhibition Opening 
πŸ“… February 5, 2025 | 5-8pm 
πŸ“ Orlando City Hall – Terrace Gallery

Opening reception featuring African Americans and Labor themed exhibition.
πŸ‘‰ RSVP


🎭 Cabaret 
πŸ“… February 5 - March 2, 2025 
πŸ“ Orlando Shakes, 812 E Rollins St

Step into the provocative world of Berlin's Kit Kat Club in the late 1920s.
πŸ‘‰ Reserve Seats


🎸 Alice Cooper: Too Close for Comfort Tour 
πŸ“… February 6, 2025 | 8pm 
πŸ“ Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando
πŸ‘‰ Rock Out


🎀 Hank Azaria and The EZ Street Band 
πŸ“… February 6, 2025 | 8pm 
πŸ“ The Plaza Live
πŸ‘‰ Get Tix


🌡 Succulents & Spirits 
πŸ“… February 6, 2025 | 6:30-8pm 
πŸ“ Forward Slash Distillery, Winter Park

Create your own succulent arrangement while enjoying a craft cocktail.
πŸ‘‰ Register


🦸 MEGACON Orlando 2025 
πŸ“… February 6-9, 2025 
πŸ“ Orange County Convention Center
πŸ‘‰ Get Badges

THANKS!

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

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal