Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• LIV Golf Invitational

• Upcoming Miami Marlins home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Al Capone

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Miami attraction is known for its wildlife conservation efforts, educational programs, and interactive experiences with marine animals?

A) Jungle Island

B) Miami Seaquarium

C) Zoo Miami

D) Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The Miami area famous for its large-scale murals and street art is C) Wynwood Arts District.

News

💼 Business

Human Cloud is building digital bridges to connect freelancers and small businesses, from Miami to the world. (link)

Craig Robins buys Miami Design District building. (link)

Bowlero Corporation , the global leader in bowling entertainment announced the opening of Lucky Strike Miami. (link)

🏒 Sports

World No 1 Iga Swiatek exited the Miami Open after going down in straight sets to Ekaterina Alexandrova in the fourth round. (link)

Andy Murray out for 'extended period' after rupturing ankle ligaments during Miami Open defeat. (link)

Zverev dumps Eubanks out to reach last 16 at Miami Open. (link)

Miami Heat Injury Report: Key Wing Hurt, Out Indefinitely As Postseason Nears. (link)

🏦 Finance

Judge cancels Miami-Dade expansion of UDB for development. (link)

Miami-based luxury developer Ytech recently secured $104 million in financing for The Residences at 1428 Brickell, a 70-story condominium tower that has already sold 40% of its 189 units. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Miami Marlins vs. Los Angeles Angels
Loan Depot Park Miami, FL
Monday Apr 1 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

⚾Miami Marlins vs. Los Angeles Angels
Loan Depot Park Miami, FL
Tuesday April 2 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

🏀 Miami HEAT vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Kaseya Center Miami, FL
Thursday April 4 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🏌️‍♂️ LIV Golf Invitational
Trump National Doral Miami, FL
Apr 5 - 7 | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 A Night with Fridayy
James L Knight Center Miami, FL
Friday, Apr 5 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

💃 This is What Dreams are Made of: A Y2K Throwbacks Dance Party in Miami
Gramps Wynwood
Sat | Apr 6 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Charly & Johayron & Friends
James L Knight Center Miami, FL
Sat | Apr 06 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎧 Madonna - The Celebration Tour
Kaseya Center Miami, FL
Sat | Apr 06 | 8:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🧘‍♂️ Kids Yoga (4 to 8 year olds)
Abhaya Holistic Center 7313 SW 59th Ct. South Miami
Saturday, April 6 | 11:15am - 12pm EDT | (more info)

🏃‍♂️ Kids Saturday Program - ASAP (ADAPT Speed and Performance)
ADAPT 14901 Northeast 20th Avenue North Miami,
Saturday, April 6 | 11am - 1pm | (more info)

🎨 Kids' Graffiti Drawing Class Led By Local Artists
Museum of Graffiti 276 NW 26th St Miami,
Sunday, April 7 | 10 - 11am | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Futuristic Miami with a network of sky bridges” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Miami Historical Events

The Miami Hurricane of (1926)

The Hurricane of 1926 stands as one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of Miami, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the city. Striking with unexpected ferocity on September 18, 1926, this powerful storm brought with it catastrophic winds and surges that wreaked havoc across the burgeoning metropolis. With wind speeds that were later estimated to be at Category 4 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale, the hurricane demolished homes, businesses, and infrastructure, leading to widespread destruction and altering the city's landscape irrevocably. The human toll was staggering, with hundreds of lives lost and thousands left homeless, underscoring the vulnerability of the rapidly growing city to the forces of nature.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, Miami faced unprecedented challenges. The extensive damage to property and infrastructure amounted to millions of dollars in losses, a devastating blow to a city already teetering on the edge of a financial crisis due to the preceding real estate bubble burst. The disaster also served as a wake-up call for Miami and the broader South Florida region, highlighting the urgent need for improved building codes and disaster preparedness strategies. Recovery efforts were monumental, involving local, state, and federal resources, and they paved the way for significant changes in how the city approached urban planning and construction, leading to stricter building regulations designed to withstand future hurricanes.

The Hurricane of 1926 also had profound social and economic repercussions that reshaped Miami. In the face of such adversity, the community's resilience shone through, as citizens came together to rebuild their city. However, the disaster also accelerated the end of the Miami real estate boom of the 1920s, hastening the economic downturn that would culminate in the Great Depression. Despite these challenges, the hurricane's legacy includes not only the scars left on the city's physical and cultural landscape but also the lessons learned in disaster management and community solidarity, shaping Miami's development for decades to come.

Famous People From Miami

Al Capone (1899–1947)

Al Capone: Early Life in Brooklyn (1899-1919)

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1899, Al Capone grew up in a tough neighborhood that would shape his approach to life and business. His early years were marked by involvement with various street gangs, showcasing his knack for leadership and illicit activities. This period laid the groundwork for his rise to infamy as one of America's most notorious gangsters.

Rise in the Chicago Outfit (1919-1925)

Capone moved to Chicago in his twenties, quickly climbing the ranks of Johnny Torrio's criminal organization. His charisma, intelligence, and ruthlessness made him an effective leader, culminating in his takeover of the outfit after Torrio's retirement. This era was characterized by Capone's expansion of the outfit's illegal activities, including gambling, prostitution, and, most notably, bootlegging during Prohibition.

The Reign of Scarface (1925-1931)

During this time, Capone earned the nickname "Scarface," becoming a prominent figure in Chicago's underworld. His control over illicit liquor distribution led to immense wealth but also to violent turf wars with rival gangs. Despite his criminal activities, Capone cultivated a Robin Hood image among some of the public, contributing to his complex legacy.

The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1929)

One of the most notorious events associated with Capone was the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in 1929, where seven members of a rival gang were brutally murdered. While Capone was never officially linked to the massacre, it was widely believed to have been orchestrated by his outfit as part of the ongoing gang wars in Chicago.

Retreat to Miami (1928-1930)

Seeking a respite from the gang violence and legal scrutiny in Chicago, Capone purchased a mansion in Miami. His presence in the city was controversial, with local authorities and residents divided over his activities. Despite this, Capone attempted to portray himself as a legitimate businessman, engaging in various community and charitable activities.

Legal Troubles and Conviction (1931)

Capone's criminal empire began to crumble when he was finally convicted of tax evasion in 1931. This conviction marked a significant victory for law enforcement, which had struggled to pin any criminal activities on him. Capone's sentencing to Alcatraz reflected the end of his reign as one of the most powerful gangsters in America.

Alcatraz and Declining Health (1931-1939)

Capone's time in Alcatraz was marked by rapidly declining health, exacerbated by syphilis and the harsh conditions of prison life. His once-dominant personality faded, and he was eventually released on parole due to his deteriorating condition.

Final Years in Miami (1939-1947)

After his release, Capone returned to his Miami mansion, where he lived out his final years in relative obscurity and ill health. His influence on the criminal world had waned, but his legacy as one of the most infamous figures of the Prohibition era endured.

Key Achievements:

• Became one of the most powerful and notorious gangsters in American history, leading the Chicago Outfit during Prohibition.

• Expanded the Outfit's activities into lucrative areas like bootlegging, gambling, and prostitution.

• Cultivated a complex public image, combining ruthless criminality with attempts at public philanthropy.

Al Capone's life story is a testament to the complex interplay between crime, fame, and the American Dream during the early 20th century. His rise from the streets of Brooklyn to the pinnacle of organized crime in Chicago illustrates the opportunities and perils of the Prohibition era. Despite his eventual fall from power and his personal decline, Capone's legacy as a symbol of the era's lawlessness and excess continues to fascinate and horrify, reflecting the enduring impact of his life and crimes on American culture and history.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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