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“Winter” All Year
In a state famous for its endless summer, a peculiar trend stands out on Florida's map...
PRESENTED BY:
Welcome to Monday Morning, Orlando!
Drank Local: This weekend I came across a Reddit thread where someone asked what the best coffee in Orlando was. Lots of votes came through for a spot I hadn’t heard of yet. Since I’m an insanely curious person, I did what I do best. I sent a text message to Mrs. Orlando Signal upstairs (don’t judge!)…”we’re going out for coffee!”
Well, I may have found coffee Shangri-La. Haan Coffee, a Korean-American spot near Mills 50 on E Colonial, is 100% ELITE. If you can go soon, order the HOLIDAY COOKIE LATTE.
In today’s issue: 👇
“Winter” All Year
Snack Time Hero
240 Rose Cafe
….and much more
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Let’s dive in!
- Philip
ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
“Winter” All Year: The Story Behind Florida's Cold-Weather Names
In a state famous for its endless summer, a peculiar trend stands out on Florida's map: cities bearing the name of a season many residents barely experience. From Winter Park to Winter Haven, these sunshine-soaked communities carry an unexpected cold-weather theme that reveals a fascinating tale of marketing, migration, and the American Dream.
The naming tradition began in the 19th century when Northern entrepreneurs discovered Florida's potential as a winter paradise. Winter Park, originally Lakeview in 1858 and briefly Osceola in 1870, got its current name from developers Loring Chase and Oliver Chapman, who marketed it as a haven for wealthy Northerners fleeing harsh winters.
Winter Garden earned its name through agricultural innovation - the idea that crops could flourish during months when Northern soil lay frozen.
The most intriguing name belongs to Frostproof, which emerged from the devastating Great Freeze of 1894-1895. After temperatures plunged into the teens and decimated Florida's citrus industry, this resilient community rebranded itself based on its groves' remarkable survival, promising potential landowners their citrus would thrive.
Today, these winter-themed names stand as remnants of Florida's ambitious past, when Northern dreams met Southern opportunity.
(Learn more about these “Winter” named cities with Crystal Moyer, right here)
PRESENTED BY FEVER
Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More

Step into an enchanted evening where neo-soul meets classical elegance at The Abbey in downtown Orlando.
Under the warm glow of countless candles, the acclaimed Classern String Quartet transforms beloved anthems into mesmerizing classical arrangements.
From Prince's earth-shattering "Purple Rain" to SZA's soulful "Good Days," experience your favorite artists reimagined through strings.
This carefully curated set-list features neo-soul royalty including Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo, Childish Gambino, and Frank Ocean, alongside modern masters like Miguel, H.E.R., and Solange.
Don't miss this extraordinary fusion of candlelight and soul in an intimate, acoustic setting.
🛑 Would a monthly real estate market update for homeowners and renters by a local expert be valuable information for you?Click or tap your answer below 👇 |
THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Park Free, Play More: Downtown Orlando's Gift to Visitors
Great news for downtown Orlando visitors!
The beloved Park DTO program is sticking around through December 31, 2025, keeping parking free and easy through the ParkMobile app.
Even better - you can now grab up to 12 free parking codes per account, good for 2 hours of free parking, giving you more chances to explore everything downtown has to offer.
The timing couldn't be better, with nearly 40 new businesses having just joined our vibrant city center. Whether you're craving amazing food, unique shopping, or unforgettable entertainment, downtown Orlando welcomes you - minus the parking hassle!
👉 Learn more about the Park DTO program, right here.
Page Turner as Maitland Library's 20,000-Square-Foot Future Takes Shape
Maitland's beloved but bursting-at-the-seams library is finally getting its dream home! Last Wednesday, city council members unanimously greenlit plans for a sleek two-story, 20,000-square-foot facility in Quinn Strong Park.
It's a far cry from the library's humble beginnings in 1896, when Clara Dommerich's donation of 360 books found shelter in a teacher's living room.
After gathering wishlist items from residents throughout 2023, HBM Architecture designed a head-turning mid-century modern building that will showcase the library's impressive 96,000-item collection (including 29,000 digital offerings) right next to the Art & History Museums of Maitland.
Look for construction to kick off in early 2026.
Manatee Meet-Up as Florida's Gentle Giants Find Their Winter Spa - LIVE
Looking for some heartwarming winter entertainment? Florida's adorable manatees are heading to their favorite warm-water hangout at Blue Spring State Park, where the toasty 72-degree waters feel just right when temperatures drop.
Thanks to underwater cameras at ManaTV, you can watch these gentle giants glide gracefully through crystal-clear springs from your own cozy spot at home.
Keep an eye out for sweet mama Ester and her tiny calf! While swimmers step aside to give these endangered creatures their space, dedicated researchers Wayne Hartley and Cora Berchem keep daily tabs on more than 20 adoptable manatees who call these springs home.
🔥 Check out these LIVE Manatee webcams.
The Snack Lady: Central Florida's School Day Superhero
Who knew a mom's trip to her car could become Central Florida's sweetest mission?
When Courtney Talisse discovered some of her son's classmates had empty desks at snack time, she cooked up "Snacks for Students" - starting with a hopeful Amazon wish list that exploded into something amazing.
Now she's zipping between more than 20 elementary schools in Seminole and Orange counties, her car packed to the roof with treats. At Eastbrook Elementary in Winter Park, teacher Stephanie Torres watches the daily miracle unfold - shared snacks turn into shared smiles and newfound confidence.
For Talisse, every delivery is pure magic, feeding both tummies and dreams.
(Learn more about Courtney Talisse and her mission, with Destiny Wiggins, right here)
TASTY NEWS 🧑🍳
Orlando Area Eateries On Their Way
1️⃣ Croissant Gourmet - French Flair Hits Winter Park
Winter Park's dining scene is getting a French upgrade as Croissant Gourmet (Facebook) prepares to open. Beyond their famous pastries, the new location will feature expanded grab-and-go options and evening charcuterie with beer and wine. Opening in weeks, this seven-day café promises to blend Parisian charm with Orlando living.
2️⃣ Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks - Philly Sizzles in Orlando
Atlanta's celebrated Big Dave's Cheesesteaks (Facebook) is bringing its Philadelphia-inspired magic to the Orlando area. Founded by Derrick Hayes in 2014, the brand is launching locations in South Downtown Orlando and Oviedo by early Q2 this year. A PepsiCo veteran, Derrick Lewis, leads the charge, kickstarting an ambitious 10-unit expansion plan.
😢 Dearly departing/ed: Sadly, Broken Strings Brewery on W. Church St. announced they’ve closed after 10 year’s last week, and Braccia Ristorante announced their permanent closure as well.
#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Haan Coffee
📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Mills 50
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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
240 Rose Cafe
📍240 N Pennsylvania Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. Map to this location.
Step into Winter Park's most charming brunch destination, 240 Rose Cafe (Insta), where pink walls frame an unforgettable dining experience.
Their loaded French toast and legendary potato casserole have earned a devoted following, while the smoked salmon toast and signature rose latte showcase culinary creativity at its finest.
Whether you're craving their spicy omelette or perfectly crafted avocado toast, this hidden gem delivers breakfast excellence with every visit.
From fresh pancakes to artisanal coffee, each dish transforms morning dining into a celebration.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out
🎭 MAMMA MIA!
📅 January 14-26, 2025
📍 Dr. Phillips Center
Experience ABBA's timeless hits in this beloved musical about love, friendship, and identity on a Greek island.
👉 Get Details Here
🎻 Music at Howey Mansion
📅 January 15, 2025 | 7-8:30pm
📍 Howey Mansion, 1001 Citrus Ave., Howey-In-The Hills, FL 34737
Intimate salon concert featuring The Florida Orchestra musicians led by cellist Victor Minke Huls.
👉 Grab Tickets
🎨 Access for All at OMA
📅 January 16, 2025 | 10am-8pm
📍 Orlando Museum of Art
Free admission day featuring live mural painting, performances, and docent-led tours.
👉 Get More Info Here
🎨 Pet Portraits Paint & Sip
📅 January 16, 2025 | 5:30pm
📍 Autumn & Ro
Create a portrait of your pet in this beginner-friendly painting session.
👉 Check It Out
🎵 Bootleg TV: Documenting Live Music
📅 January 16, 2025 | 6:30-8:30pm
📍 Orange County Regional History Center
Explore Orlando's music scene through archival footage with show creator Dave Segal.
👉 Get Details Here
🎬 Motion Picture Paradise
📅 January 16, 2025 | 6:30-8:30pm
📍 21 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Book presentation and signing about Florida's film industry with UCF professor David Morton.
👉 Get More Info
🎭 Comedy Dark
📅 January 16, 2025 | 8pm
📍 Grape and the Grain Wine Bar, Mills 50
Outdoor comedy show featuring touring and local professionals.
👉 Learn More
🎭 Put on events? Submit your event here.
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