Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando
Some days you wake up with nothing pithy to start the newsletter off with. Today is one of those days! I ❤️ you all, so enjoy this dang newsletter edition!
In today’s issue: 👇
- Dixie Flyer
- Husky Haven
- Divilma
- ….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 ⏪
The Night Rollins Students Stole History
Imagine the morning of November 14, 1925, at the swanky Altamonte Hotel. Staff were prepping for the December 1st opening during Florida's roaring twenties boom when they discovered something absolutely bonkers. Their most famous landmark had vanished into thin air!
The Dixie Flyer, a beloved horse-drawn streetcar that had charmingly welcomed guests for over four decades, was mysteriously missing from its half-mile track. This wasn't just any runaway trolley, it was as essential to the Altamonte experience as monorails are to Disney World.
Built in 1883 by Boston investors, the magnificent hotel sprawled across 1,200 acres between Lakes Orienta and Adelaide, welcoming wealthy "snowbirds" arriving at Snowville Station via the South Florida Railroad. Named after the original horse, Dixie, this charming streetcar had been guests' first magical impression since the hotel's founding.
Enter the culprits: a merry band of Rollins College students who pulled off Central Florida's most spectacular prank.
These rascals, undoubtedly fueled by bootleg courage despite Prohibition, somehow hoisted the entire streetcar off its rails and hauled it seven miles to Winter Park, plunking it outside the women's dormitory.
But wait, there's more! Not content with relocation, these party animals completely demolished the historic trolley. The poor Dixie Flyer was declared beyond salvation, ending four decades of faithful service in one epic night of collegiate chaos.
🔥 Check out the old Dixie Flyer, right here.
(Learn a ton more about this wild prank with Jason Byrne, right here)
THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Altamonte's Angel of Second Chances: Countless Tails Wagging
In Altamonte Springs, Francia Vogini orchestrates one of the most heartwarming rescue operations you may have never heard of. As leader of Husky Haven of Florida (check out these faces!), she's turning tragic endings into happily-ever-afters for misunderstood four-legged friends.
Francia and her team rescue huskies and other snow dogs from high-kill shelters and hoarding situations, placing them in foster homes where they learn how to "dog" again.
Every pup receives complete medical care, and all the time needed to heal. The numbers are staggering: Husky Haven rescues over 200 dogs annually, with rescue tags now numbering well into the 2000s.
What started as volunteer work became Francia's calling ten years ago when she took over the nonprofit. Today, she balances this massive responsibility with a full-time job and family, a true labor of love.
Shelters across Florida know they have a lifeline when a husky arrives. Families who adopt often return as volunteers, creating ripple effects of compassion.
Francia's next goal? A dedicated boarding facility where healing huskies can play together while awaiting their "furever" homes.
🔥 Check out Francia’s wonderful Org, right here.
👉 Want to tell me about a Community Superstar? Then, click here.
Orange County Schools Hit Academic Home Run with Second Straight 'A' Grade
Orange County Public Schools is throwing quite the celebration after snagging its second consecutive "A" grade from the Florida Department of Education. Talk about hitting their stride!
Superintendent Dr. Maria F. Vazquez beamed with pride over the collective dedication of the OCPS team, highlighting how their commitment to science-based reading instruction and smart data decisions has sent literacy and graduation rates through the roof.
The 2024-25 numbers are nothing short of spectacular: 96 traditional schools earned coveted "A" ratings, jumping from 88 the year before. A whopping 76 percent of traditional schools now sport "A" or "B" grades, up from 69 percent.
The cherry on top? Zero traditional schools landed in the dreaded "D" or "F" territory—proving that excellence really is contagious across this thriving district.
Orange County's Wildlife Refuge Returns with a Roar
After half a decade behind the scenes, the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge has burst back into the spotlight following an exciting $5.6 million makeover funded by Orange County. Mayor Jerry Demings, alongside Commissioners Maribel Gomez Cordero and Christine Moore, celebrated the spectacular reopening at Monday's festive ceremony.
This amazing sanctuary started humbly in 1989 behind a Bithlo car repair shop, where founder Carmen Shaw lovingly cared for animals in her mobile home before the operation naturally spilled into the yard.
The bustling facility now houses approximately 30 delightful permanent residents, including Koko the charismatic emu and Luna, a partially blind but spirited Eastern screech owl, while successfully rehabilitating roughly 3,500 animals annually.
👉 Check out the Refuge and learn how to visit, right here.
(Learn a lot more about Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge’s re-opening with Molly Duerig, right here)
Orlando Homeowners Score Free Roof Fixes Before Hurricane Season
As hurricane season kicks into high gear across Central Florida, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando and Osceola County is rolling out the red carpet with a game-changing offer: free home inspections and roof repairs for qualifying community members.
The program delivers no-cost wind mitigation, four-point inspections, and repairs, with participants pocketing an average of $900 annually in insurance savings.
Jenny Babcock, director of marketing and communications, highlights how the program welcomes everyone in the community, not just previous Habitat clients. Applications are flying in from residents who meet income criteria and live within the coverage area.
The initiative tackles urgent storm prep needs while delivering sweet financial relief through slashed insurance costs.
Housing truly serves as the cornerstone of community progress, with safe shelter boosting residents' health and happiness throughout Orlando.
(Learn a lot more about this roof inspection program with Jordan Mead, right here)
TASTY NEWS 🧑🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going
Whoa, this section is 🦗 this edition!
#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸
There’s mega Tiffany glass at the Morse Musem
Tiffany lamps @ Morse Museum
📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Winter Park
Tag @orlandosignal to get your photo featured in the newsletter!
FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Divilma Cinnamon Rolls
📍At Farmers’ Markets all over greater Orlando.
Two words on this one: LAWD MERCY. Get ready to lick the screen.
Divilma's (Insta) journey began at Central Florida farmers markets with a cherished family recipe and golden spirals of cinnamon-swirled perfection.
Each handcrafted roll emerges as glistening artwork, tender dough wrapped around ribbons of cinnamon sugar, offering unexpected flavor combinations that captivated customers.
The aroma draws crowds who devour their creations faster than they can bake them.
From that humble market table, overwhelming community support transformed Divilma into a beloved local name, with every cinnamon roll still carrying the love and craftsmanship of those magical early days.
👉 Check out where they’re popping up, right here 👈
Image Courtesy of Divilma Cinnamon Rolls
MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out
🇮🇹 Summer in Sicily
📅 Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 | 7-10pm
📍 Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Mediterranean culinary journey featuring Sicilian-inspired dishes and Italian wine pairings in an elegant setting.
👉 Taste Sicily
🎮 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 – E. Robinson St
Orlando's premier weekly food truck block party featuring diverse culinary offerings behind the shops and bars.
👉 Dine Alfresco
🌭 7th Annual Wieners & Wine
📅 Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 | 5:30-9pm
📍 DOMU at East End Market
National Hot Dog Day celebration with unlimited drinks, Venezuelan street dogs, DJ Coast, and local vendors.
👉 Celebrate Hot Dogs
🏛️ Third Thursday at the Museum
📅 Thursday, July 17th, 2025 | 5-9pm
📍 Orange County Regional History Center
Extended hours with author Rick Kilby examining Orlando's Church Street block evolution as part of Orlando's 150th anniversary.
👉 Explore History
🦖 ROAR: Evolution Burlesque Show
📅 Thursday, July 17th, 2025 | 6:30-8:45pm
📍 The Abbey
Prehistoric-themed burlesque performance featuring unexpected and jaw-dropping entertainment with dino-mite thrills.
👉 Go Wild
🎭 Sketch Comedy X Sak Comedy Lab
📅 Thursday, July 17th, 2025 | 7pm
📍 SAK Comedy Lab
Award-winning sketches from past Fringe festivals performances.
👉 Laugh Together
🌿 Late Night Thursdays
📅 Thursdays | 5-8pm
📍 Leu Gardens
Extended evening hours featuring the Origami in the Garden exhibit with picnicking and drinks allowed.
👉 Evening Stroll
🍫 Summer Flix: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
📅 Thursday, July 17th, 2025 | 7pm
📍 Garden Theatre on Plant, Winter Garden
Budget-friendly summer movie series featuring the classic film with $5 tickets and affordable concessions.
👉 Movie Magic
👨🍳 Orlando Chef's Table
📅 Thursday, July 17th, 2025 | 6:30pm
📍 Paddlefish, Lake Buena Vista
Five-course collaboration dinner featuring MICHELIN-recognized chefs creating an ultimate culinary experience.
👉 Fine Dining
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Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal
