Welcome to Monday Morning, and almost Christmas, Orlando!
O Come, All Ye Faithful!
If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a merry one. If you celebrate Hanukkah, then Hanukkah Sameach! If you celebrate Kwanzaa, Heri za Kwanzaa!
I’m taking it easy tomorrow and taking Christmas day off completely, so I’ll condense Thursday’s issue, focusing on just fun things to do heading into the weekend! Enjoy, everyone!
In today’s issue: 👇
- Bolita and The Colonel
- Joy Rides
- Shipley Do-Nuts
- ….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 ⏪
Bolita and The Colonel: Orlando's Million-Dollar Numbers King
Before Florida's state lottery existed, a different numbers game ruled Orlando's underworld: Bolita. At its helm stood Harlan "The Colonel" Blackburn, an unassuming figure whose mild-mannered appearance masked his iron grip on Central Florida's criminal empire from the 1950s through the 1970s.
After his boss turned up dead in a Kissimmee ditch in 1953, Blackburn transformed a loose network of bootleggers into a sophisticated operation that stretched from Polk County to Citrus County.
His illegal lottery empire raked in up to $200,000 weekly, with games running openly in five-and-dimes, gas stations, and garages. Players bet fifty cents on numbered balls, dreaming of $50 or $100 payouts.
Though Blackburn never got his hands dirty, his enforcers ensured payment through calculated violence. He maintained power by bribing judges, politicians, and poorly-paid cops. The empire crumbled in the 1970s when RICO Act prosecutions led to a 22-year sentence for gambling and tax evasion. A failed hit on his lieutenant earned him more prison time.
Blackburn tried adapting to changing times by dealing drugs, but Florida's former gambling king died in a Minnesota prison hospital in 1998, serving his final 24-year sentence.
(Learn more about "The Colonel" Blackburn with Christie Zizo, right here.)
THE SQUEEZE 🍊
How Modern Prosthetics Are Giving Kids Their Spark
Ten years ago, a heartwarming request from a mom sparked a revolution in kids' bionic arms. What started as a handful of UCF engineers tinkering in their spare time has flourished into Limbitless Solutions, where dozens of bright minds now craft amazing prosthetics.
The game-changer? 3D printing made it possible to keep up with growing kids without breaking the bank. These days, the super-strong arms sport cool designs from Disney and Halo, turning what used to be a challenge into something kids can't wait to show off.
Just ask 12-year-old Eloise Bayliss, who delights in showing off her turquoise Moana-inspired arm – perfect for playing piano, scoring soccer goals, and occasionally trapping her giggling friends' hands in its surprisingly strong grip.
(Learn more about these amazing kids’ prosthetics with Joe Mario Pedersen, right here.)
Joy Rides: Orlando Commissioner's Holiday Tradition Rolls On
Orlando's beloved "Scooter Santa" tradition continued last Friday as District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan orchestrated her 23rd annual holiday giveaway at Reeves Terrace.
Alongside Orlando police, firefighters, and the jolly man himself, Sheehan distributed 130 kick scooters to pre-selected children aged 5 to 15.
The Wheels for Kids program, born in 2002 when neighborhood students lost bus service, has now provided over 2,000 bikes and scooters to local youth.
This year's wheels were donated by community partners including Baker Barrios Architects, Brassfield & Gorie, GAI Consultants Inc., Ustler Group, and Workscapes Inc.
Check out the tons of happy kids! Love seeing this.
From Eyesore to Excellence: Orlando's Building Renaissance Through Adaptive Reuse
Orlando's architectural landscape is being transformed through adaptive reuse, where old buildings find surprising second lives.
The 2013 conversion of OUC's downtown office building into the sleek Aloft Hotel exemplifies this growing trend. Throughout the city, creative renovations are breathing new life into aging structures - from Black Bean Deli's transformation of a vintage gas station to the vibrant Stasio's Italian Market & Sideward Brewing complex in the Milk District.
Developer Giovanni Fernandez and others are leading this architectural renaissance, converting outdated spaces into thriving community hubs.
The benefits extend beyond aesthetics: these projects promote sustainability, add residential density, and preserve neighborhood character while typically costing less than new construction.
As Orlando evolves, these reimagined spaces prove that innovation often begins with preservation.
(Learn more about the city’s adaptive reuse with Logan Lamphere, right here.)
The People's Pastry Chef: Briea Lowe's Journey to Make Her Edible Art Affordable
In the world of fine pastry, Briea Lowe's journey began with a magical moment at the Notter School of Pastry Arts.
Though she held a $15,000 Le Cordon Bleu scholarship, it was Ewald Notter's heartwarming chocolate flower demonstration that stole her heart. Now 33, Lowe spreads her passion through "Pastry Fundamentals" on YouTube and her business, Glaze Confections, where she insists on keeping prices low so everyone can enjoy premium pastries.
Her impressive career includes working at Albert Uster Imports, competing internationally, and starring on Food Network shows like "Halloween Wars," which she won at just 21.
Even after a falling showpiece once knocked her unconscious on "Sugar Dome," she keeps baking with joy and making artisanal treats accessible to all.
Check out Briea’s beautiful (and tasty) creations.
(Learn more about this local, talented pastry chef with Liz Ramos, right here.)
TASTY NEWS 🧑🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way
1️⃣ Saucy - Dip Into Flavor Paradise
Orlando's gets a little saucier today as KFC unveils Saucy, a bold spin-off celebrating the art of dipping at 502 S. Alafaya Trail. With 11 signature sauces, fresh-fried tenders, and over 4,000 possible flavor combinations, this tech-savvy spot offers everything from Chimichurri Ranch to Hot Honey Watermelon Refreshers.
2️⃣ Street Feast - Feast-and-Play Food Truck Park
Get ready, Kissimmee: Street Feast is transforming 5.5 acres into a vibrant food truck wonderland, opening late 2025. The ambitious project features 40 gourmet trucks, 700 covered seats, private cabanas, and endless entertainment – from arcade games to splash parks. Even a robotic bartender might join the party.
3️⃣ Gyukatsu Rose - Wagyu Gets Its Sizzle On
Culinary innovator Sonny Nguyen brings Japanese flair to East End Market with Gyukatsu Rose (Insta), soft opening January 16. This intimate 10-seat counter transforms premium wagyu into crispy, bread crumbed cutlets served alongside personal stone grills so diners can put on a final searing.
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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Shipley Do-Nuts
📍2255 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822. Map to this location.
Holiday magic is in full swing at Shipley Do-Nuts (Insta), where their latest masterpiece, the Dubai Chocolate Donut Cup, layers house-made donut holes with pistachio-filo spread and rich chocolate.
But don't overlook their perfect 🔥 kolaches – these scratch-made delights prove why Shipley's stands out. Everything here is crafted fresh each morning, from the dough to the fillings.
For a family breakfast or mid-day treat, this Orlando gem delivers sweet satisfaction worth discovering.
[Check out Shipley Do-Nuts, right here]
MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out
🎭 A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage
📅 December 23, 2024 | 10:30am
📍 Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando
Join the Peanuts gang in this musical adaptation featuring Vince Guaraldi's iconic music.
🕯️ Dickens by Candlelight
📅 December 23, 2024 | 7:30-9pm
📍 Audubon Park Covenant Church, 3219 Chelsea St., Orlando
Experience A Christmas Carol performed around you while enjoying tea and cookies.
☕ Maya Cafe Christmas Party
📅 December 24, 2024 | 9am-7pm
📍 Maya Cafe Lounge & Gallery, 1980 Howell Branch Rd, Winter Park, FL
Enjoy live music, BOGO cocktails, and appetizers at this merry celebration.
🎨Christmas Eve at Morse Museum
📅 December 24, 2024 | 9:30am-4pm
📍 Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
Enjoy free admission and live music at this beautiful museum.
🕎Chanukah on the Park
📅 December 25, 2024 | 5pm
📍 Central Park, Winter Park
Family entertainment, kids' activities, food, and grand menorah lighting.
🎭 Yule of Fools
📅 December 25-26, 2024 | 7pm
📍 SAK Comedy Lab
Experience SAK's signature holiday improv show with competing teams of professional performers.
🎨Access for All at OMA
📅 December 26, 2024 | 10am-8pm
📍 Orlando Museum of Art
Free museum admission featuring La CinOMAthéque film screening of "Wavelength."
🏠 Gingerbread House Decorating
📅 December 26, 2024 | 5-7pm
📍 JoJo's ShakeBAR, 9101 International Drive, Suite 1208, Orlando, FL 32819
Create your dream gingerbread house while enjoying festive treats.
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
