Good morning, Orlando! I appreciate all who’ve taken our reader survey already. It closes Sunday at 11:59pm. I’m excited to randomly draw 3 winners to win a $50 gift card to a cool Orlando restaurant. I’ll get up early on Monday and announce the winners at the top of Monday’s newsletter! Don’t miss it!
In today’s Orlando Signal, Thursday (weekend fun) issue:
- TableTalk take-a-ways
- Kelly’s is growing
- Water balloon battle royale.
- + lots of weekend recs
If you enjoy this issue, please forward it to a friend. If you’re that sexy friend, subscribe here.
On with it!
- Philip
3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Unity, Collaboration, and Progress: Central Florida's TableTalk Take-a-ways
Important: this piece is completely apolitical, otherwise, I wouldn’t share the info since I don’t cover politics. I cover community optimism.
Background: On October 19, 2023, Central Floridians participated in a unique “TableTalk” event spearheaded by the Central Florida Foundation, which has become a catalyst for meaningful conversations and solutions-based discussions that shed light on the current state of the region.
Last Friday, I attended a TableTalk Town Hall, hosted at the WMFE studios, where the findings from the 4th annual TableTalk 2023 initiative were presented.
The survey findings paint a picture of a community filled with hope and optimism, with 76% of participants expressing a brighter outlook for the future. This sentiment stems from a shared sense of unity, common goals, and a growing awareness of the issues at hand. Despite obstacles such as limited collaboration, and resource constraints, Central Floridians demonstrated a strong desire to collaborate and adapt to the inevitable changes that lie ahead.
The areas of concern identified by the survey respondents, including economic stability, healthcare, and education, mirror the findings of the Central Florida Community Landscape report. TableTalk has once again demonstrated the power of civic engagement and the importance of fostering open dialogue within our communities as Central Florida continues to grow and evolve.
I left this event feeling very inspired and hopeful about our city.
I encourage you to Click HERE to see the Letter to Leaders summarizing everything and results of the community survey.
Click HERE for the Polis Institute’s data dashboard.
Passing the Torch: Mother and Daughter Nurses Pay Compassion Forward
Elena Esquen divided her time between teaching and waitressing, struggling to find her passion. Then her daughter Amanda was paralyzed by Guillain-Barré syndrome at age 11.
Inspired by attentive nurses during Amanda's hospitalization, Amanda told Esquen she would become a nurse herself. After graduating nursing school, Amanda encouraged Esquen, then 52, to enroll in Seminole State College’s nursing program.
Seminole State partnered with Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital on a dedicated education unit allowing nursing students hands-on training and mentoring from working nurses.
Esquen has thrived in this innovative program, pairing with a nurse mentor during clinical rotations. She loves learning from patient charts and stories before caring for them herself.
The dedicated education unit sharpens critical thinking and care skills, readying students like Esquen to transition confidently into practice. Though a nursing novice, her life experience as a teacher, server and mother has informed her studies.
Soon Esquen will graduate, joining her daughter as Seminole State’s newest nurses. Amanda found inspiration in compassionate nursing care, now they pay that gift forward.
WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Electrify Expo Orlando
📍South Concourse Lot at the Orange County Convention Center. Map to this location.
🕐 Saturday, March 16th & Sunday March 17th
Buckle up for the ride of your life at Electrify Expo - North America's 1 million square foot electric joyride playground! Founded to accelerate EV adoption through thrilling test drive experiences, Electrify Expo has rallied the world’s top automakers from Tesla to Volkswagen.
Feel the G-force slaloming through cones in a Porsche Taycan, try mountain bike trails on a Specialized eMTB, or introduce your mini-mes to EVs in the kids zone. Glide through the festival zone to discover the latest innovations electrifying cars, bikes, RVs and boats.
When you need a break, chill with food trucks and live music as friendships spark around a shared passion for the electric future. With expert staff shotgunning your voyage of discovery, you'll be buzzing with inspiration. So join the e-mobility movement at North America's #1 EV experience. The ride of a lifetime awaits at Electrify Expo!
TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Tactical Brewing Co. “The Green Fling” Block Party
📍Tactical Brewing Co. 4882 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814. Map to this location.
🕐 Sunday, March 17th, 12pm-5pm
As the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick has a legacy of spreading joy and bringing people together. This March 17th, Tactical Brewing Co. plans to carry on that festive tradition with "The Green Fling" - a street party celebrating all things Irish from noon to 5 pm.
The streets will come alive with the tantalizing smells of Orlando's best food trucks and the rousing sounds of live musicians.
Revelers can browse local vendors as they sip Tactical's specially-crafted beer releases. And presiding playfully over it all will be Brenda from Bithlo, a local legend who has agreed to emcee the day's wackiest event: a dodgeball tournament with water balloons tinted emerald green.
Teams of five are invited to register for the water balloon battle royale for just $25. The victors will earn medals, merch, and a prize package of Tactical beers worth over $600 - spoils sweet enough to make St. Patrick proud.
Don your green garb, grab some friends, and come ready for shenanigans! However the green water flies that day, The Green Fling is sure to be a party people will remember.
Courtesy of Tactical Brewing Co.
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
📍Winter Park’s Central Park. Map to this location.
🕐 Friday March 15th through Sunday March 17th
For 65 years, the iconic Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival has drawn over 250,000 art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a stunning outdoor gallery. As the 3-day event kicks off Friday March 15th, visitors flock to secure spots along Park Avenue, soon to transform into an art mecca.
That night, island rhythms fill the air as Jimmy Buffett tribute band Gary Roland and The Landsharks perform in Central Park, setting the creative tone.
When Saturday dawns, over 225 jury-selected artists unveil eye-catching creations in a variety of mediums, each vying for Best of Show honors. Locals and tourists wander wide-eyed through this living gallery, emerging with unique prizes - a moment captured, a memory made.
Though the festival is temporary, its magic persists in the community. More than purchases, guests leave with satisfied smiles, new friends, and inspiration sparked for next year.
For Winter Park, art transcends canvases into the heart of the experience.
Courtesy of the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
The Magic & Comedy of Eric Eaton
📍The Funny Bone Comedy Club, 9101 International Dr Suite 2310 Orlando, FL 32819. Map to this location.
🕐 March 17, 7:00 PM
Lauded as a master illusionist, Eric Eaton brings his unique brand of comedy magic to the stage. Known for mesmerizing audiences on Masters of Illusion,
Eric has been decorated with a Merlin Award, the highest honor in magic, for his ingenious tricks and witty sense of humor.
Blending charisma, crowd work, and mystifying feats, Eric's live show promises a night of non-stop entertainment. He actively involves the audience in astonishing acts of illusion, all while cracking jokes and exchanging quips.
From sleight-of-hand to grand illusions, Eric celebrates the thrilling tradition of magic in his own charismatic style.
Hailed for selling out theaters across the country, Eric's comedy magic provides an experience full of laughter, suspense, and wonder. His show offers a joyous escape into a realm of playfulness and astonishment that audiences won't soon forget.
So join the acclaimed Eric Eaton for an evening of Magic and mayhem!
MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁
Friday:
- Bikes, Bars, and Bites Crawl - Milky Way Event | 6 p.m. | Milk District | $10
- "I'm Perfectly Fine, Why Do You Ask?" Art Show by Canada Walkinshaw | 6 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free
- Collective Corner @ Hourglass Brewing Curry Ford | 6 p.m. | Conway/Curry Ford | Free
- The Diamond in the Rough Improv Show and FREE drop in! | 6:30 p.m. | Casselberry | $10
- Marie Carroll / Gian Pérez / Jonas Van den Bossche | 6:30 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Free
- Mike Masse and Jeff Hall: Epic Acoustic Classic Rock | 7 p.m. | Central | $32 -$45
- Mike Birbiglia Please Stop the Ride Tour | 7 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $39-$69
- Jimbo’s Drag Circus World Tour | 7 p.m. | Milk District | $25-$50
- Joe Bonamassa | 8 p.m. | Downtown | $69-$109
- The HoGGleGGnation presents: Please Understand! | Milk District | Free
Saturday:
- Regal Railways Toy Train Show & Sale | 9 a.m. | Kissimmee | $6
- Family STEM Saturdays: Gnome Planters | 10:30 a.m. | Downtown | $3-$13
- Sickick at Mangos LIVE | 10 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $50-$300
- Spring Jazz and Art Festival | 6 p.m. | Casselberry | Free
- Tim McGraw | 6:30 p.m. | Downtown | $35.50-$925
- Girl’s Rock Camp Presents: Youth Open Mic (Sign up) | 2 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free
- Roger Docking (Sundown Sessions) | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free
- Nirvanna Tribute to Nirvana + The Linkin Park Tribute Band | 7 p.m. | South Eola | $17
- Randy Rainbow | 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | $34.50-$59.50
- Bughead, The Ludes, Telephone | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | $15
- Midnight Movies at 8 @ Ten10 Brewing | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free
Sunday:
- Orlando's Biggest St. Patrick's Day Block Party | 11 a.m. | Downtown | $5-$20
- St. Patrick’s Day Outdoor Street Party Celebration | 2 p.m. | Kissimmee | Free
- Bazaar Botanica - St.Paddy's Market! | 1 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | Free
- tenThing Brass Ensemble | 3 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $17.38-$74.73
- The Magic of Eric Eaton | 6 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $32-$62
- Guster | 7 p.m. | Milk District | $34.50
- St. Patrick and The PO'd Leprechauns | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | $13
THANKS! 🙏
We’ll see you on Monday with the 3 random winners from our reader survey! Good luck, everyone!
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal
