Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando
Did ya’ll know yesterday (September 28th) marked an important moment in history? In 1928, Alexander Fleming proved that sometimes the best discoveries happen when you're too busy to clean up and first discovered the antibiotic effect of penicillin mold.
In today’s issue: 👇
- Central Florida's Most Dramatic Diva
- Senior Chef Showdown Returns
- Daniel Gabor’s Alpine Bar & Grill
- ….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 Edgewater Hotel: Central Florida's Most Dramatic Diva
Meet Winter Garden's most glamorous survivor, a three-story brick beauty that's been through more drama than a Telenovela. The Historic Edgewater Hotel has spent nearly a century perfecting the art of the comeback.
It all started in 1923 with six ambitious businessmen throwing $120,000 at their Florida dream, but the land boom went bust, leaving behind a concrete skeleton that screamed "epic fail."
Enter Jerry J. Chicone Sr., the ultimate fixer-upper enthusiast, who swooped in to complete this architectural phoenix in 1926.
When the doors opened in January 1927, guests discovered something magical: individual room phones (revolutionary!), a manually operated Otis elevator, and fire sprinklers that made it Florida's safest party pad.
But the real magic happened on Lake Apopka, then the world's bass fishing capital. Clark Gable came for the fish. Rod Serling found inspiration. The Washington Senators called it home base. Hotel staff literally climbed on the roof each morning to scout the best fishing spots, now that's service!
After closing in 1968, the building moldered for 25 years until facing demolition. Community activists formed the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation in 1994, though private investors ultimately restored the property.
Following a triumphant 2003 reopening, the Edgewater operated successfully as a bed-and-breakfast until its closure in August 2025, when it sold for a record-breaking $10.3 million.
Today, that original Otis elevator still works, carrying history between floors.
THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Sunshine, Tech, and Dreams in Orlando's Bold Race to America's Top Spot
The City Beautiful has climbed to an impressive No. 11 position in Resonance Consultancy's America's Best Cities 2025 rankings, proving this Florida dynamo is just getting started. The city has boldly declared its mission: become America's ultimate place to live by 2045.
High points were year-round sunshine, a booming tech scene, and a cultural explosion that's got everyone talking. Orlando pulled off the impossible "triple crown," dominating the nation in GDP growth, job creation, and population growth simultaneously.
This represents extraordinary recognition of the city's unstoppable momentum and thriving community. From Magic Kingdom to innovation kingdom, Orlando is rewriting what it means to be America's dream destination, building tomorrow's city today.
(Learn more about Orlando’s ranking climb with Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio, right here)
Taste, Vote, Make a Difference: Senior Chef Showdown Returns
The Senior Chef Showdown returns Wednesday, October 1st, for its third sizzling season, where talented chefs from senior living communities battle it out in the ultimate kitchen showdown.
This year's secret weapon? Squash! Whether roasted, grilled, or spiralized into creative masterpieces, these culinary wizards will blow your mind with their skills. You'll sample every delicious creation before crowning the Senior Cup champion alongside celebrity judges.
But here's the best part: every bite supports Seniors First, Inc., the nonprofit superhero fighting food insecurity and loneliness among Central Florida seniors since 1966. Through Meals on Wheels and friendship programs, they're proving that no senior gets left behind.
Come hungry, leave happy, and help change lives one amazing dish at a time!
🔥 Get more deets on this event, right here.
After Years of Failed Deals, Eatonville's Sacred Ground Gets a Second Chance
After years of dramatic disputes and a spectacularly failed $14.6 million deal, Dr. Phillips Charities has swooped in as the unlikely hero for Eatonville's historic 117-acre Hungerford property. The September 30th school board vote isn’t just about real estate, it’s about how America’s first self-governing Black municipality writes its next chapter.
This land once housed the Robert L. Hungerford Normal and Industrial School, boldly modeled after Tuskegee Institute. Now Dr. Phillips promises to work their community development magic, creating affordable housing, healthcare facilities, and educational opportunities while keeping the town's incredible heritage alive.
Although Eatonville’s mayor throws her support behind it, some residents worry about trading community control for shiny new amenities on what they consider sacred ground.
(Learn lots more about the Hungerford property deal with Laura Kinsler, right here)
Orange County's Housing Strategy and Blueprint
While families languish on endless waitlists for affordable homes, Orange County is rewriting the rules with a game-changing approach that's capturing national attention. Two Apopka communities, Brixton Landing and Wellington Park, overflow with demand as rent rates spiral upward, creating massive housing gaps everywhere.
Orange County's Affordable Housing Trust Fund is the secret weapon transforming impossible projects into reality.
With $160 million committed over ten years and voter approval for permanency, the county has catalyzed nearly 2,400 affordable units. Projects like Catchlight Crossings near Universal Orlando and Southwick Commons prove that strategic public-private partnerships work.
Industry leaders call Orange County's model unique and refreshing, a pioneering approach other communities should replicate before their housing crises reach breaking points.
❤️ Check out Orange County’s Housing for All initiative, right here!
TASTY NEWS 🧑🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going
1️⃣ JUST OPENED: Grain & Berry - College Park's Superfood Paradise Opens
After months of anticipation, Grain & Berry (Insta) has finally opened in College Park, bringing vibrant superfood bowls, fresh-fruit smoothies, and energizing juices to the neighborhood. Their Instagram-worthy creations feature açaí from Brazil, protein-packed spirulina, and tropical pitaya, each topped with fresh fruits, crunchy granola, and superfoods for the ultimate fuel-up experience.
2️⃣ JUST OPENED: Águila Coffee - A Coffee Dream Rooted in Heritage
Águila Coffee’s (Insta) Authentic Mexican flavors launched yesterday in Lake Ivanhoe. After perfecting their craft at Market on South, they've officially opened their first brick-and-mortar shop featuring beans from Chiapas, Mexico, a family horchata recipe, and personal décor, because authenticity tastes like tradition.
#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸
Let’s get creative
📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Orlando's Creative Village
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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Daniel Gabor’s Alpine Bar & Grill
📍1568 Maguire Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761. Map to this location.
This Alpine Region haven specializes in German comfort food with creative flair (Insta).
The menu features beloved Schmankerl Stubn classics, schnitzel, spaetzle, gulasch, pork tenderloin, and apple strudel, alongside innovative dishes like Ricotta Spinach Ravioli.
Drawing inspiration from German, Alpine, and broader European cuisine, the restaurant offers handcrafted drinks and warm hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere.
Weekend brunch service every Saturday and Sunday features exclusive dishes and specialty brunch cocktails, perfect for leisurely morning celebrations.
👉 Check out the menu right here 👈
Source: Daniel Gabor’s Alpine Grill
MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out
🛒 Audubon Park Community Market
📅 Monday (today), September 29th | 5-8pm
📍 Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Road
Weekly gathering featuring local growers, artisans, and musicians with fresh Florida produce, prepared meals, and live entertainment.
👉 Local Harvest
🎵 Hollywood Hits: Live Orchestra Concert
📅 Tuesday, September 30 | 2-3pm
📍 Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, Winter Park
Best in Brass quintet performs classic film melodies from The Magnificent Seven, La La Land, Superman, and The Wiz.
👉 Brass Classics
📚 OMA Book Club
📅 Tuesday, September 30 | 2-3:30pm
📍 Orlando Museum of Art
Discussion of "Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin" by Sue Prideaux, exploring the myth-busting biography of the controversial artist.
👉 Literary Discussion
🎮 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
🎭 The Wiz
📅 Tuesday, September 30th - Saturday, October 5th | Various times
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Tony Award-winning Broadway musical returns with contemporary twist on The Wizard of Oz featuring soul, gospel, rock and funk.
👉 Ease On Down
🍔 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
🛍️ KaleidoScope 360°: Ratatouille + First Wednesday Market
📅 Wednesday, October 1 | 5:30-9pm
📍 Luminary Green Park
Monthly market with 20-25 vendors followed by outdoor screening of Ratatouille with LED visuals at 7pm.
👉 Shop & Watch
📖 Orlando Story Club
📅 Wednesday, October 1 | 7pm
📍 CityArts Orlando
Live storytelling competition where audience members share 5-minute stories on a theme, with prizes for top three tellers.
👉 Share Stories
👨🍳 Cooking with Confidence: Essential Skills
📅 Wednesday, October 1st | 6-7:30pm
📍 4Roots Farm Campus – Education Building
Culinary Health Institute class teaching core cooking techniques, knife skills, and kitchen management with plant-forward meal samples for $25.
👉 Build Confidence
🎭 Fourth Annual JustCallMoe Comedy Jam
📅 Thursday, October 2 | 8pm (doors 7pm)
📍 Funny Bone Comedy Club - I-Drive
Comedy fundraiser featuring Madison Bakich, Ricky Reyes, and Sean Finnerty benefiting Yellow Brick Road Foundation; 21+ event with first 100 guests receiving a complimentary drink.
👉 Laugh for a Cause
🎭 Want to share an event? Use this link.
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
