Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando
Another hot as hell weekend in Orlando is in the can. I did what any reasonable person would do in our situation. I took the fam for ice cream. But not any ice cream. We went to Sampaguita, a Filipino inspired ice cream shop in Mills 50. Can you say Keso Guava Cheesecake and Ube Latte ice cream? 🍦
In today’s issue: 👇
- Ultimate Natural Playground
- Four-Legged Fairy Godmother
- Black Magic Pizza
- ….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
THE SQUEEZE 🍊
From Rescue to Recovery: How Linda Coletta Became Clermont's Four-Legged Fairy Godmother
In Clermont's rolling hills, Linda Coletta has pulled off quite the career pivot. After 22 years of running a traditional dog rescue, complete with a gorgeous sanctuary featuring play yards, kennels, and all the amenities a pup could want, Linda had a lightbulb moment as retirement loomed.
Why not tackle the heartbreaking dilemma plaguing pet parents everywhere: choosing between their life savings account and their furry family member's life?
Enter Houndhaven 2.0. When dogs need pricey surgeries for cancer, neurological issues, or other serious conditions, Linda swoops in like a four-legged fairy godmother. Her website features medical funds cleverly named after dogs whose stories stole her heart.
The real genius? An annual online fundraiser where dog parents can actually bid to name these funds after their own precious pooches. Talk about leaving a legacy while helping unknown tail-waggers in need!
In a world where vet bills can rival car payments, Linda's giving pet families something priceless: the chance to say "money's no object" when it comes to saving their best friend.
🐶 Check out Houndhaven, right here
👉 Want to tell me about a Community Superstar? Then, click here.
Greater Orlando’s First All-Halal Food Hall Plans Unveiled
Alright, foodies!
Greater Orlando’s first all-halal food hall is coming to Disney Springs' backyard, and it's going to be epic. A local entrepreneur is cooking up something special with their proposed 5,600-square-foot "Lake Buena Vista Food Hall" (temporary name) that promises to shake-up the region's dining scene.
This mouth-watering destination on S. Apopka Vineland Road will showcase halal cuisine's incredible diversity.
Think beyond the basics. We're talking Indo-Chinese fusion, East African BBQ, Nashville-style chicken, Thai curries, and even vegan delights!
With multiple vendors, al fresco dining, and convenient parking, this 1.4-acre foodie playground promises to be the perfect pit stop for local food explorers craving authentic global flavors.
(Learn a lot more about this new food hall concept coming with Tyler Williams, right here)
Central Florida Cops Go Undercover to Catch Crosswalk Culprits Before School Starts
With school bells set to ring in less than two weeks, Central Florida police are getting creative with pedestrian safety. Nine counties are running the Best Foot Forward operation through Aug. 8, featuring plainclothes officers playing pedestrian decoy at crosswalks. Drivers who zoom past without stopping get hit with $164 tickets and three license points….ouch!
Program manager Vince Dyer reminds drivers that yielding to pedestrians isn't a suggestion as students gear up to walk, bike, and roll back to class.
The timing couldn't be more crucial: child pedestrian deaths have jumped 11% since 2013, especially among teens.
This enforcement blitz combines education and street improvements to train drivers that crosswalks mean business, protecting the army of backpack-wearing students about to flood Central Florida's sidewalks.
🚓 Check out the Best Foot Forward coverage map, right here.
(Learn more about this important operation to protect schoolchildren with Mark Lehman, right here)
When Love Becomes Labor: How One Florida Program is Rescuing Exhausted Caregivers
In Florida, where retirees flock in droves, 53 million Americans shoulder caregiving duties for aging or disabled relatives, creating a quiet crisis.
The Senior Resource Alliance's Relief Program offers an ingenious solution: 20 carefully vetted volunteers who've delivered over 4,000 hours of life-changing respite to Central Florida families this past year.
These volunteers provide four-hour companionship sessions, allowing exhausted caregivers to run errands, work, or simply breathe. The program extends beyond simple supervision, weaving together daycare options, support groups, and counseling services.
Backed by the Brevard Alzheimer's Foundation, Relief serves Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties, proving sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest impact for families drowning in caregiving responsibilities.
(Learn more about this caregiving relief program with Kendal Asbury, right here)
TASTY NEWS 🧑🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going
1️⃣ Corner Chophouse - Steakhouse Stakes Claim in Winter Park
Charleston's acclaimed Indigo Road Hospitality Group is transforming Winter Park's Hannibal Square corner into Corner Chophouse (Insta). This sophisticated yet approachable steakhouse will feature dry-aged steaks, local seafood, and martini-forward cocktails in a renovated space with warm copper accents. Opening late summer 2025.
2️⃣ Acai Express - Superfood Spot Takes Shape
Acai Express (Insta) is shaking things up in Lake Nona. Construction crews are finishing touches, with doors likely opening before year-end. This health-focused spot perfectly matches the neighborhood's active lifestyle, serving fast, fresh fuel without sacrificing flavor.
#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸
My friends, this beauty is a fresh fruit croissant tart from Buttermilk Bakery
📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Winter Park
Tag @orlandosignal to get your photo featured in the newsletter!
FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Black Magic Pizza
📍121 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.
Tucked into Whiskey Lou's Lounge corner, Black Magic Pizza (Insta) conjures extraordinary New-Neapolitan masterpieces with rebellious flair.
Their walk-up window serves creatively named pies like "Cheezus," "White Iverson," and "Coheed & Calabria," pepperoni, sausage, mozzarella, mushrooms, and Calabrian chilis over red sauce.
At $17-$19, these small-batch artisanal creations offer genuine value. Operating until midnight weekends, they frequently sell out. Smart diners pre-order.
Perfectly positioned between Sideward Brewing and Whiskey Lou's for seamless pizza-and-pint experiences.
👉 Check out the menu, right here 👈
Image courtesy of Black Magic Pizza. I spy with my little eye, POUTINE! 👆
MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out
✏️ Sunset Sketch Soirée
📅 Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 | 5-8pm
📍 Wekiva Island, Longwood
Creative evening at The Beach Club featuring sketching, food, and drinks with supplies provided by Sketchbook Club Orlando.
👉 Draw Together
🎮 Game & Hobby Night at The Burrow
📅 Tuesdays | 5-8pm
📍 The Burrow Cafe & Play, Mills area
Weekly gathering for games, crafts, reading, and relaxation with drink specials available. 👉 Play Together
🍔 Tasty Takeover in The Milk District
📅 Tuesdays | 6:30-10pm
📍 The Milk District – 2424 E Robinson St
Orlando's premier weekly food truck block party featuring diverse culinary offerings behind the shops and bars.
👉 Dine Alfresco
🏭 Second Harvest Food for Thought Tour
📅 Wednesday, August 6th | 11:30am-12:30pm
📍 Second Harvest Food Bank, 411 Mercy Dr
One-hour warehouse tour and information session exploring hunger relief efforts and volunteer opportunities in Central Florida.
👉 Take Action
🍫 Wine & Chocolates
📅 Wednesday, August 6th | 6:30-8:30pm
📍 Winter Park Community Center
Gourmet pairing event with Chocolatier David Withee hosted by Women For WineSense Central Florida chapter.
👉 Sweet Indulgence
🛍️ Luminary Market
📅 Wednesday, August 6th
📍 Luminary Green Park in Creative Village
Monthly market featuring 20-25 local vendors followed by KaleidoScope 360° outdoor movie series at 7pm under the stars.
👉 Shop & Watch
🎵 17th Annual Lunchtime Concert
📅 Thursday, August 7th, 2025 | 12-1pm
📍 Landmark Center One Atrium
Steve Ferrell performs to raise awareness and funds for Second Harvest Food Bank, where $10 provides 40 meals.
👉 Music for Meals
🎭 Jerry's Girls
📅 Thursday, August 7th-31st, 2025 | 2pm or 7:30pm
📍 Orlando Shakes
Broadway musical revue celebrating Jerry Herman's music from Hello Dolly!, Mame, La Cage Aux Folles and more.
👉 Broadway Magic
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
