Welcome to Thursday Morning, Orlando!
Has anyone heard of Ebisu? I just stumbled across this and honestly had no idea it was coming. It's a Japanese "life store," which sounds vague until you realize it means they basically sell everything. Snacks, skincare, home goods, anime, blind boxes, claw arcades, the list goes on. Looks like one is opening tomorrow near the Florida Mall if you want to check it out.
Now, in today’s issue:
- Spare a Penny?
- Panda Fest
- Packing District Live!
- + lots of weekend recs
Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Subscribe here.
Let’s roll!
- Philip
P.S. Want some hawt community sourced foodie recommendations? Check out the Orlando Signal Restaurant Guide, right here.
P.P.S. Check out tons of open Orlando area jobs at the Orlando Signal Job Board, right here.
3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Saved From the Wrecking Ball, For Now
Good news for fans of old houses and bad news for anyone who loves a dramatic demolition story, the Lubbe House isn't going anywhere.
We dug deep into this 1927 lakefront gem's fascinating history on our website, but right now its future is the real headline.
When Orlando purchased the property to redesign the Lake Eola Gateway Entrance, rumors of demolition spread fast. Mayor Buddy Dyer clarified at a City Council meeting earlier this week that the city had no such plans, though cost estimates of $550,000 to demolish, $5 million to convert into a restaurant had already made the rounds.
Preservationists aren't popping champagne just yet.
The Orange Preservation Trust has filed for landmark designation. However, it’s a move Mayor Dyer opposes, citing renovation costs. A Historic Preservation Board hearing is set for March 4th.
Winter Garden's Downtown Is Having a Moment, And Not the Good Kind
In the past year, at least nine downtown Winter Garden buildings have changed hands, and the neighborhood's beloved small businesses are paying the price.
Driftwood Market, Polka Dotz, and Three Birds Café are all closing up shop after new property owners left their leases unrenewed.
Polka Dotz owner Heidi Hardman, who spent 19 years growing her business there, is understandably not thrilled.
Neither are the residents, who plan to storm, peacefully, today’s city commission meeting for answers.
The city's response thus far? It can't touch private real estate deals.
(Learn lots more about Winter Garden's disappearing local favorites with Tylisa Hampton, right here)
Orange County Wants a Penny. Will Voters Spare One?
Dig a little deeper into your pockets, Orange County, because commissioners are eyeing a one-penny-per-dollar infrastructure surtax for the 2026 ballot. That humble little cent could snowball into $757 million over 20 years.
Think of it as the 2022 transportation tax's more ambitious sibling, which voters shot down, by the way. This one covers affordable housing, land conservation, water quality, parks, and transportation.
Up to 15% could bankroll exciting economic plays like the Sunshine Corridor, a Sunrail extension finally linking the airport to the attractions corridor.
Cities within the county would pocket up to 30% too. Commissioners have until end of April to decide, with a March 2nd work session kicking things off.
(Unpack what's really on the table for Orange County voters with Sarah Winkelmann, right here)
WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Central Florida Fair
Source: Central Florida Fair
📍Central Florida Fairgrounds. 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, Florida 32808. Map to this location.
🕐 Kicking off February 26th - March 8th
Buckle up. The Central Florida Fair is back for its 114th year, and it's not slowing down.
Running February 26th through March 8th, this beloved Central Florida staple brings together thrill-seeking rides, legendary fair food, and live entertainment that gives everyone: families, couples, and kids hopped up on funnel cake a reason to show up.
After 114 years, one thing is clear. Some traditions don't just survive. They become the thing people actually look forward to all year.
👉 Check It Out
TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Panda Fest
Source: Panda Fest Orlando
📍Festival Park. 2911 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.
🕐 Friday, February 27th - Sunday, March 1st. Time vary by day.
Imagine the smokey char of Korean barbecue mingling with delicate Vietnamese pho, a wok singing somewhere nearby.
That's the reality waiting across more than 80 food vendors and trucks, serving 200+ dishes spanning China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond.
Between bites, calligraphers, sugar painters, and paper-cutting artists hold court, then K-pop dance crews, lion dances, and theatrical performances take over completely.
Come hungry. Stay curious. Bring comfortable shoes.
👉 Get more info, right here
5th Annual Strawberry Festival
Source: Amber Brooke Farms
📍Amber Brooke Farms. 36111 N CR 44A, Eustis FL 32736. Map to this location.
🕐 Kicking off February 28th & March 1st, Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m. -6 p.m.
There's a reason strawberries taste better straight from the vine, and for the fifth year running, Amber Brooke Farms is building an entire celebration around that idea.
The Annual Strawberry Festival brings together U-Pick berries (20% off), sunflowers, live music, free face painting, foam cannon shows, wine tasting, and half-price happy hour drinks from 2–3 p.m.
Wrap it all up with a farm animal petting zoo, strawberry crafts, and more activities than you can shake a stem at, and you've got the most fun you'll have in a Central Florida field this season.
👉 Get the full details
The Packing District Live!
Source: The Packing District Orlando
📍Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall. 2105 N Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32804. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday, February 28th, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Some of the best nights out don't cost a thing.
This free outdoor concert brings together Central Florida's finest. I’m talking Ramona + The Riot, Sean Holcomb, and Mr. Richard, alongside DJs spinning throughout the evening.
Grab a craft cocktail from Walter's Tavern, bite from The Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall, and settle into a night built around live music and good company.
Free parking, zero fuss, and a lineup worth showing up for.
👉 Check it out, right here
THIS WEEKENDS HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁
Multi-Day
Makaya McCraven | Fri & Sat | Downtown | More
Steph Tolev | Fri & Sat | I-Drive | More
Friday
🔥 Tapped In: House Sessions | 7 p.m. | Davenport | More
Steve Hackett | 7:30 p.m. | Milk District | More
Wax Tailor | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More
Petey | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More
Gala of Ghouls | 8 p.m. | Winter Park | More
Lynne Gibson Band | 8 p.m. | Winter Park | More
Katt Williams | 8 p.m. | UCF | More
Saturday
🔥 Art Club @ Half Barrel Beer Project | 6 p.m. | Dr. Phillips | More
🔥 Rainbow Connections Summit | 9 a.m. | Downtown | More
🔥 Bingo For A Cure | 4 p.m. | Southeast | More
Sip & Sculpt: Cinética x The Backyard | 10 a.m. | Ocoee | More
Fuoco Obbligato | 3 p.m. | Winter Park | More
Night on the Rhine | 6 p.m. | Casselberry | More
Press Start Presents: Pokémon 30th Anniversary | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More
Bobby's Oar with Porch Coffin (Solo) and David Zim + Jordan Schneider | 7 p.m. | Audubon Park | More
The Pentagram String Band, Little Foot, Yes Ma'am, and Mangy Bones in Orlando | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
An Evening With Sleeping At Last | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More
Jeff Rupert Quartet | 8 p.m. | Winter Park | More
12th Annual It's Just Yoga Health & Fitness Festival | 10 a.m. | Downtown | More
Sunday
TOF: Bravo Chamber Orchestra | 2 p.m. | Delaney Park | More
St. John Passion: J.S. Bach | 3 p.m. | Winter Park | More
Martin Moreno | 6 p.m. | I-Drive | More
Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More
Orlando City SC v Inter Miami CF | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More
The Deslondes with Special Guests Sabine McCalla | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | More
An Evening with TOTO | 8 p.m. | I-Drive | More
St. Paul and the Broken Bones | 8 p.m. | Milk District | More
🎭 Have an event to share?Submit it here.
THANKS!
🧠Interested in reaching smart readers like you? Grow with us right here.
🌟 Know a community superstar? Tell me about them, right here.
We’ll see you on Monday.
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal
