Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando
This weekend some neighbors started putting out Halloween decorations. Have I been unobservant in past years and this is the usual time-frame for such decorations, or does this feel too early??? Let me know in today’s poll at the bottom of the newsletter!
In today’s issue: 👇
- The Little Memorial That Could
- Orlando Goes K-Food Crazy
- Dixie Cream Café
- ….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
P.S. 🍲 Want some hawt community sourced foodie recommendations? Check out the Orlando Signal Restaurant Guide, right here.
ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Little Memorial That Could: Moss Park's Big Story
What started as a heartfelt memorial has become one of Orange County's ultimate outdoor playgrounds.
In 1928, Mary and Marcellus J. Moss donated 51 acres between Lake Hart and Lake Mary Jane in memory of their daughter Frances, a touching gesture that would grow into something absolutely amazing.
This land has quite the backstory: before families roasted marshmallows here, it was home to Florida's wild turpentine industry, where workers tapped towering longleaf pines for precious sap.
The real magic happened in 1975 when Harry and Susan Diamond sold a whopping 1,500 acres to Orange County. Suddenly, this little memorial exploded into a massive preserve that makes Central Park look tiny…it’s almost 2X the size! Park Supervisor Cliff Jarrel (1974-1993) worked his magic, adding boat ramps, tennis courts, and ball fields.
Today's spectacular 1,550-acre wonderland boasts 54 camping spots, awesome hiking trails, and incredible wildlife watching opportunities. With sandhill cranes to gopher tortoises, this place is absolutely teeming with Florida's coolest creatures.
From a simple memorial to conservation superstar, now that's what we call a happy ending.
THE SQUEEZE 🍊
H Mart's Debut (finally) as Orlando Goes K-Food Crazy
After four years of teasing our taste buds, H Mart is finally throwing open its doors in Orlando this Thursday at 10 a.m., and it's going to be epic!
This 100,000+ square foot wonderland on W. Colonial Drive isn't just grocery shopping; it's a full-blown Korean cultural experience.
Get ready to devour Instagram-famous Korean corn dogs from Oh K-Dog, sizzling BBQ from Myung Ga, and slurp authentic noodles from U Chun. Plus, you can snag K-beauty treasures at Aritaum, hunt for quirky finds at Artbox, and test your skills at Japanese claw machines.
This opening marks a historic moment for Central Florida's foodie lovers, expanding the bridge between authentic Asian culture and Orlando's diverse community.
⁉️ Ya’ll heard of H Mart? If not, be enlightened!
Bumps, Humps, and Happy Neighborhoods: Orange County's Traffic Calming Crusade
Orange County is giving speeding cars a serious timeout, one cleverly placed speed bump at a time. Where lead-footed drivers once treated neighborhoods like personal racetracks, a delightfully rebellious transformation is unfolding.
Traffic calming requests have skyrocketed from 142 in 2023 to record-smashing numbers this year, proving residents have discovered their superpower: making noise about safety.
The street-taming toolkit is wonderfully creative: speed cushions that humble speedsters by 20-25 percent, mini roundabouts that turn chaos into choreographed traffic ballet, and raised crosswalks that literally put pedestrians on a pedestal.
At just $5,000-$35,000 per intervention, these pocket-sized solutions pack a life-saving punch.
🔥 Check out the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program, in which these improvements fall.
Why Seniors Are Laughing Their Way to Better Brain Health
The sound of bouncing rubber balls fills a second-floor room at Stetson University, punctuated by something delightfully unexpected: contagious bursts of laughter echoing through discussions about cognitive health.
At DeLand's Brain Fitness Academy, spirited seniors in their 70s and 80s are proving that fighting Alzheimer's doesn't have to be grim.
This summer's U.S. POINTER study revealed that structured group interventions can remarkably slow cognitive aging by one to two years compared to going solo.
The lively three-hour sessions blend brain games, bouncing exercises, and social fun with impressive results. Participants rave about the abundant giggles and judgment-free atmosphere, enthusiastically exercising their minds like fitness enthusiasts. Student interns spark joyful intergenerational connections that feel wonderfully familial.
This upbeat, strength-focused approach celebrates what participants can do, building vibrant community while potentially gifting precious extra years of mental sharpness.
👉 Check out the Brain Fitness Academy at Stetson, right here.
(Learn lots more about the U.S. POINTER study and its implementation with Joe Byrnes, right here)
Finding Home Through Harmony as Central Florida's Arts Community Celebrates 15 Years of Connection
When Sarah McLennan moved from Texas to Orlando, her violin became her roadmap to belonging. She joined Central Florida Community Arts' Symphony Orchestra, 400 musicians strong and the largest ensemble of its kind nationwide.
As CFCArts celebrates its 15th anniversary, the numbers tell a remarkable story: 271 new members joined this fall, representing 37% Community Choir growth. Members now travel from 11 Florida counties plus two states to participate. Impressive.
Executive Director Justin Muchoney notes that each rehearsal helps people connect and recognize Central Florida as a vibrant home.
This anniversary year prepares for 29 productions (see shows) with performers aged 4 to 90, proving community isn't just a place, it's the people you make music with.
🎭 Check out CFCArts, right here.
TASTY NEWS 🧑🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going
1️⃣ COMING SOON: JAM Hot Chicken - Bringing the Heat to Winter Garden
JAM Hot Chicken (Insta) is expanding to Winter Garden's Plant Street Market mid-October. The Winter Park favorite will bring their signature hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, loaded fries, and popular 6th Man Wrap to the cozy location, plus new Plant Street exclusives are planned for the opening.
2️⃣ COMING SOON: PopUp Bagels - Cult Bagel Phenomenon Arriving
PopUp Bagels (Insta), Yelp's crowned NYC number one bagel shop, is conquering Winter Park soon. This Connecticut-born sensation serves bagels whole, never sliced, with rotating schmears for their signature Grip, Rip, and Dip® experience. A Brooklyn BagelFest's two-time "Best Bagel" winner brings authentic New York rebellion to Central Florida.
#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸
“Easy Like Sunday Morning”
📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona
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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Dixie Cream Café
📍434 Main St, Windermere, FL 34786. Map to this location.
Since 2010, Dixie Cream Café (Insta) has been serving up breakfast bliss in Windermere's groovy 1950s saw-tooth building.
This Main Street hotspot screams "no cans, no mixes, no joke!" while whipping up scratch-made magic that'll make you weak in the knees.
Their Bananas Foster French Toast with fresh brioche? Pure heaven! The chorizo omelet with jalapeño-avocado crema? One bite and you'll do a happy dance.
Under swanky chandeliers where Applewood bacon sizzles and everyone's your bestie!
👉 Check out the menu right here 👈
Source: Dixie Cream Cafe. Chorizo Omelet 👆
MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out
🎭 5th Latin Festival of Performing Arts (FLAE)
📅 Monday, September 22nd - Sunday, September 28th
📍 Art & History Museums - Maitland
Week-long celebration of international performing arts with premieres from Venezuela, Brazil, France, Spain, Cuba, and NYC, featuring AI-powered live translation.
👉 Global Arts
🎮 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
🎵 Hey, Nothing
📅 Tuesday, September 23rd | 7:30pm
📍 The Abbey
Live performance featuring Hey, Nothing with special guest Bea Porges.
👉 Get Tickets
🍔 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
🍞 Sourdough Bread & Craft Brews Class
📅 Wednesday, September 24th | 5:30-7:30pm
📍 4Roots Farm Campus
Hands-on workshop blending breadmaking with fermentation science, featuring Goose & Co. Sourdough and Ivanhoe Brewing Co. with starter to take home.
👉 Rise & Brew
🎭 Last Wednesday Laughs
📅 Wednesday, September 24 | 8-10pm
📍 Gravity Taproom, North Downtown Orlando
Monthly stand-up comedy showcase featuring talented comedians for the perfect mid-week pick-me-up and laughs with friends.
👉 Comedy Night
🎭 Pretty Vee Presents: Why Am I Like This?
📅 Thursday, September 25th
📍 The Plaza Live
Wild 'n Out regular and entrepreneur brings her comedy tour featuring her distinctive humor and philanthropic message.
👉 Comedy Night
🧘 Ignite Your Flow Yoga: Autumn Equinox
📅 Thursday, September 25th | 7-8:30pm
📍 Thornton Park, 712 E Washington St
Healing yoga session welcoming fall and embracing the magic of the autumn equinox transition.
👉 Flow Into Fall
🩰 Orlando Ballet Presents Uncorked
📅 Thursday, September 25th | 7-10pm
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Exclusive behind-the-scenes experience watching Orlando Ballet dancers and artistic leadership create a mesmerizing ballet work.
👉 Creative Process
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THANKS!
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🌟 Know a community superstar? Tell me about them, right here.
Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal
