Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando
Looks like based on last Thursday’s poll, the majority of ya’ll planned to spend Labor Day weekend exploring. I knew you were my people. 😀 Two 👍.
Have a great Monday!
🎉 Happy birthday to Jarrett Cathcart!
In today’s issue: 👇
- Haunted Party Palace
- Yucky to Lucky
- Shokupan Bakehouse
- ….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 ⏪
Orlando's Haunted Party Palace: 100 Years Strong
Welcome to Orlando's most spectacular party venue with the wildest origin story!
The Beacham Theatre didn't start with glamour, it literally rose from the ashes of the old Orange County jail, where prisoners met their doom at the gallows since 1873.
Enter Braxton Beacham Sr., a Georgia farm boy turned entertainment mogul extraordinaire. Born in Dublin, Georgia in 1864, this ambitious dreamer went from selling dry goods to ruling Orlando as mayor (1906-1907) while amassing a fortune: 150,000 acres of timber and 500 acres of citrus groves. When locals whispered about building on "cursed" jail grounds, Beacham laughed all the way to the bank with his $200,000 investment.
December 9th, 1921....showtime! The theatre burst onto the scene with The Wonderful Thing starring Norma Talmadge, instantly putting Orlando on the entertainment map.
Soon, legendary performers were flocking to this magical venue: John Philip Sousa's stirring marches, the dazzling Ziegfeld Follies, and the hilarious W.C. Fields (who literally signed his autograph on a dressing room wall!).
Through civil rights battles led by Reverend Nelson Pinder, The Sound of Music's epic 14-month run (1965-1966), and its transformation into the legendary Aahz nightclub that launched Orlando's electronic dance scene, the Beacham has partied through every era.
Today's "The Beacham" keeps the celebration alive, proving some parties never end!
THE SQUEEZE 🍊
School Zone Speed Demons’ Meet Their Match Soon
The days might be numbered for Orange County school zones, where cars zoom past like they're auditioning for Fast & Furious, completely ignoring flashing lights.
Last week, commissioners voted on high-tech cameras already making speedy drivers think twice in nearby areas. The plan installs speed detection cameras at 12 schools, catching lead-footed drivers cruising more than 10 mph over the limit during school hours.
Think digital hall monitors that never blink, never take coffee breaks, and excel at sending $100 "gotcha!" tickets after Sheriff's Office approval. Target schools include Dr. Phillips Elementary and Hunters Creek Elementary.
This isn't just installing fancy cameras, it's already transforming school zones in nearby areas from wild-west speedways into safe havens where kids cross without playing real-life Frogger.
(Learn a lot more about this ticket cam initiative with Stephanie Rodriguez, right here)
Orange County's Infrastructure Gets a Reality Check
Max Wallace's colorful maps delivered some eye-opening news last week as Orange County commissioners discovered their infrastructure might be in for a splash by 2070. The Drummond Carpenter study revealed that 57% of critical systems could find themselves playing underwater hide-and-seek with rising floods.
The biggest “drama queens?” Stormwater ponds, which make up 40% of critical infrastructure and face an 84% vulnerable to extreme flooding. District 3 takes the spotlight with aging infrastructure, where tiny retention ponds now juggle far more neighborhoods than they bargained for decades ago.
Silver lining: parks and conservation areas are expected to flood too, but that's actually the plan. They're designed to act like giant sponges, soaking up floodwaters to protect surrounding communities.
Next up: county staff will use this data to guide discussions on improving stormwater infrastructure and preparing for tomorrow's storms.
(Learn a lot more about Orange County’s flood study with Molly Duerig, right here)
From Yucky to Lucky: How Orange County Homes Are Saving Wekiwa Springs
Orange County is staging the ultimate makeover for the Wekiva River, and it's happening right beneath their feet!
Nearly 600 of 2,000 Apopka homes have ditched their old septic tanks for shiny new sewer connections in this $140 million aquatic rescue operation.
Sure, families are shelling out $6,000-$7,500 over ten years on their property taxes and put up with temporarily apocalyptic-looking yards, but it beats having a river that resembles green slime.
The project mastermind has seen enough sickly green waters and floating fish to fuel nightmares, while converted homeowners are trading septic worries for monthly sewer bills, and calling it totally worth it.
This epic seven-phase makeover rolls on through 2028.
(Learn tons more about this septic-to-sewer conversion with Keith Landry, right here)
Community Rallies for Beloved Crossing Guard's Car Crisis
Meet Kathie McDaniel, the 70-year-old crossing guard who's basically achieved rock star status at Water Spring Elementary in Orange County's Horizon West!
This sunshine-in-human-form doesn't just wave kids across the street, she compliments their trendy water bottles, cheers them on before tests, and brings her own broom to sweep up sidewalk debris.
When car troubles threatened to sideline their beloved guardian, parent Steve Zawada launched a secret GoFundMe mission.
So what happened? Over 140 community members rallied together, raising over $5,500 toward a $6,500 goal faster than you can say "school zone!"
The former Disney World magic-maker, earning $17.31 hourly while supporting family, treats every student like her own kid. Pure magic!
(Learn more about Kathie McDaniel and this community generosity with Zoey Thomas, right here)
PRESENTED BY: KALUOHS
Image credit: David Lawrence
Central Florida artist KALUOHS (Sarah Shoulak) has spent a decade transforming spaces with bold public art and private commissions, including that iconic Milk District electrical box!
👉 After overcoming personal battles with grief and addiction, she now channels hard-won wisdom into playful, transformative designs while championing mental health awareness.
🔥 Ready to bring your creative idea to life? Discover Sarah’s full portfolio and art consulting services, right here.
TASTY NEWS 🧑🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going
1️⃣ OPENING NEXT YEAR: Hyperbolic Brewing - Craft Beer Destination Opens 2026
Award-winning brewer Maxwell Furth is brewing something extraordinary for Orlando's Ivanhoe Village. Hyperbolic Brewing Company (Insta), featuring traditionally decocted European lagers, fruited sours, premium barrel-aged ales, and a sprawling 1,000-square-foot covered outdoor seating area, opening mid-2026.
2️⃣ NOW OPEN: Saiko Coffee - Pickleball Meets Premium Pourover
Saiko Coffee (Insta) transforms Orlando Racket Sports into a caffeinated court, serving scratch-made Asian-inspired brews alongside 12 pickleball courts. The cult-favorite mango sticky matcha latte and fresh açaí bowls fuel both pre-game energy and post-match celebrations at this unique sports-meets-specialty-coffee destination.
3️⃣ SOFT-OPEN: Papparella Trattoria - Authentic Craft Meets Wood Fire
Four decades of culinary mastery arrives at Papparella Trattoria (Insta) on Sand Lake Vista Drive. Since 1984, this isn't just pizza, it's 72-hour fermented dough meeting wood-fired perfection, handcrafted pastas dancing with artisanal breads. Every bite tells the story of a kitchen that refuses to rush greatness.
#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸
This Beaut is a Wagyu Sichuan Mazemen @ Domu
📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Audubon Park
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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Shokupan Bakehouse
📍12140 Collegiate Way Ste 105 Orlando, FL 32817. Map to this location.
Shokupan Bakehouse (Insta), the charming sister concept to Chiffon Culture Bakery Cafe, emerges as an unexpected gem worth discovering.
This delightful establishment transcends typical bakery offerings with artisanal pastries and thoughtfully curated sandwiches.
The minimalist design maximizes limited seating, while attentive staff deliver generously packed sandwiches featuring perfectly toasted milk bread and balanced flavors.
The signature partially connected bottom crust prevents ingredient spillage, a brilliant design touch. From Lychee Green Tea to decadent Chocolate Croissants, every detail reflects thoughtful execution.
👉 Check out Shokupan Bakehouse, right here 👈
Source: Shokupan Bakehouse. Bacon Shokupan Sandwich 👆
MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out
🍻 Happy Hour + Art @TheFalconBar
📅 Mondays | 6:30-10pm
📍 The Falcon Bar & Gallery, 819 E Washington Street
Local creative hangout featuring happy hour libations and rotating local art exhibitions in Orlando's favorite artist spot.
👉 Creative Vibes
🎮 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
🌱 How to Grow Microgreens, In-Person Class
📅 Tuesday, September 2 | 10-11:30am
📍 UF/IFAS Extension Orange County
Learn microgreen basics, growth habits, and edible uses with hands-on pot-making to take home, taught by Extension Agent Calvin Gardner.
👉 Grow at Home
✏️ Speed Friending - Writers' Night
📅 Tuesday, September 2nd | 7-9pm
📍 Bynx Orlando
Creative gathering for writers to share ideas, enjoy coffee, and collaborate on literary projects in a supportive environment.
👉 Write 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
🛍️ Luminary Market
📅 First Wednesday monthly | 5:30-9pm
📍 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
💃 House Of Bey: A Beyoncé Birthday Celebration
📅 Thursday, September 4 | 9pm
📍 The Beacham
Dance party celebrating Queen Bey's discography from Lemonade to Renaissance and everything in between.
👉 Formation
🧘 LNPC's Community Yoga Class
📅 Thursday, September 4 | 12-1pm
📍 Wave Hotel – Sculpture Garden, Lake Nona
Weekly yoga session offered by Lake Nona Performance Club during the dog days of summer.
👉 Find Your Flow
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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
