Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Miami Airport Bond Rating Boosted by Flight Surge

• Upcoming Miami Grand Prix

• A deep-dive into the life of Meyer Lansky

• And more….

Quote of the Week

"Turn your wounds into wisdom."

– Oprah Winfrey

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 street in Miami is famous for its shopping centers, boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining, often compared to Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive?

A) Ocean Drive

B) Lincoln Road

C) Miracle Mile

D) Collins Avenue

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The famous Miami event showcasing international design and styles is C) Miami Design Week.

News

💼 Business

Miami Beach Pride Shows Florida Is Still Open For Business. (link)

In defiance of eviction, Miami Seaquarium continues operations while drowning in controversy. (link)

Frontier Airlines adds direct flight from Charlotte to Miami. (link)

OpenAI's Sam Altman among investors in Miami clean tech company. (link)

🏒 Sports

Former Miami Hurricanes running back Henry Parrish Jr. committed to Ole Miss , returning to the school where he started his college career in 2020. (link)

Jesús Sánchez hits a long solo homer as the Marlins beat the Cubs 6-3 for a 4-game series split. (link)

The Miami Hurricanes are losing edge defender Jayden Wayne, who was rated by 247 Sports as the 72nd best player in the 2023 recruiting class. (link)

🏦 Finance

Miami Airport Bond Rating Raised on Booming Flight Demand. (link)

First Citizens Bank Provides $58.4 Million for Construction of Medical Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility in Miami, Florida. (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. Washington Nationals
LoanDepot Park Miami, FL
Monday April 29 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

⚾Miami Marlins vs. Colorado Rockies
LoanDepot Park Miami, FL
Thursday May 2 | 12:10 PM | (more info)

⚾Miami Hurricanes Baseball vs. BYU Cougars Baseball
Mark Light Field Miami, FL
Thursday May 2 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏎️Miami Grand Prix - Start / Finish Grandstand - Friday
Miami International Autodrome Miami Gardens, FL
Friday May 3 | 12:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤Cece Winans - The Goodness Tour
James L Knight Center Miami, FL
Thursday May 2 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Nina Pastori - Camino Gira 2024
James L Knight Center Miami, FL
Saturday May 4 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶MiamiBash 2024 by Alex Sensation
Kaseya Center Miami, FL
Saturday May 4 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

😂Friday Night Live - Improv Comedy Miami Show
Just the Funny 3119 Coral Way Miami,
Friday May 3 | 9:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨Art Class for Kids
Mall of the Americas 7795 West Flagler Street Miami,
Friday, May 3 · 5 - 8pm EDT | (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 “Urban landscape of Miami with advanced public transport systems” 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

World War II (1940s) - Miami became a crucial military training center.

During the 1940s, amidst the global turmoil of World War II, Miami played a pivotal role as a crucial military training center, significantly impacting its social and economic fabric. The city's strategic location and favorable weather conditions made it an ideal site for the U.S. military to establish training bases for soldiers, sailors, and aviators. Miami's hotels and beaches, usually bustling with tourists, were transformed into barracks and training grounds. The transformation was profound, with the once leisure-focused landscape repurposed for drills, simulations, and medical care for returning veterans. This period marked a significant shift in Miami's daily life, as the city's infrastructure and resources were dedicated to the war effort, highlighting its national significance beyond a tourist destination.

The influx of military personnel and the establishment of training facilities contributed to Miami's economic diversification and growth during a time when many regions were struggling. The presence of the military not only provided immediate economic benefits through government contracts and spending but also laid the groundwork for post-war growth. The servicemen and women trained in Miami, many of whom were experiencing the city's climate and lifestyle for the first time, would return in the post-war years as tourists and residents, drawn back by their wartime memories. This phenomenon helped to catalyze Miami's evolution into a booming post-war metropolis, further enhancing its attractiveness as a place to live and visit.

World War II's impact on Miami extended beyond the immediate economic and physical transformations. The war fostered a sense of national unity and purpose, integrating the city more fully into the national narrative. Moreover, the war efforts helped to break down regional and cultural barriers, contributing to Miami's development as a diverse and inclusive community. The legacy of this era is evident in Miami's continued strategic importance, its vibrant multicultural population, and its reputation as a dynamic city that has played a significant role in American history. The wartime period, thus, stands as a testament to Miami's adaptability and resilience, qualities that continue to define its character.

Famous People From Miami

Meyer Lansky (1902–1983)

Meyer Lansky: Early Life and Entry into Crime (1902-1920)

Born in Grodno, then part of the Russian Empire, Meyer Lansky immigrated to the United States in 1911, settling in New York's Lower East Side. From a young age, Lansky showed an aptitude for numbers and organization, skills that would later define his criminal career. His early involvement in crime began with the formation of the Bugs and Meyer Mob, laying the groundwork for his rise in the underworld.

The Formation of the National Crime Syndicate (1920-1931)

Lansky's intelligence and foresight led him to advocate for a more organized approach to crime, contributing to the formation of the National Crime Syndicate in the 1930s. Alongside figures like Lucky Luciano, he helped create a structured network of criminal enterprises that spanned the United States, revolutionizing organized crime with a focus on business principles.

The King of Casino Gambling (1931-1946)

Recognizing the profitability of gambling, Lansky moved to take control of gambling operations in Cuba and then extended his operations to Las Vegas and New Orleans. His involvement in these areas showed his pioneering role in developing the casino industry, introducing corporate structures, and skimming profits for the syndicate.

The Havana Conference and Expansion into Cuba (1946-1959)

Lansky's influence peaked during the 1946 Havana Conference, where he was a key figure in organizing this meeting of American Mafia leaders in Cuba. Under his guidance, Havana became a haven for American organized crime, with Lansky developing luxury hotels and casinos that attracted tourists from all over the world.

The Retreat to Miami (1959-1970)

Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959 and the subsequent expulsion of American mobsters from Cuba, Lansky turned his attention to Miami, Florida. In Miami, he played a significant role in the development of the gambling scene, investing in casinos, nightclubs, and other entertainment venues, further shaping the city's reputation as a hub for leisure and vice.

Battles with the Law and Attempts at Legitimization (1970-1983)

Throughout his life, Lansky faced numerous legal challenges but managed to avoid significant jail time, thanks in part to his cautious approach and the lack of concrete evidence against him. In his later years, he attempted to legitimize some of his wealth, though his reputation as a mobster hindered these efforts. Despite his efforts to retire quietly, he remained a figure of interest to law enforcement until his death.

The Legacy of Meyer Lansky in Miami and Beyond (1983)

Meyer Lansky passed away in 1983, leaving behind a complicated legacy that intertwined with the histories of Miami, Las Vegas, and Havana. His impact on the development of the gambling industry and organized crime's business strategies continued to influence these cities and the criminal underworld.

Key Achievements:

• Played a pivotal role in the formation and success of the National Crime Syndicate.

• Pioneered the modern casino gambling industry, with significant operations in Cuba, Las Vegas, and Miami.

• Influenced the development of Miami's gambling scene, contributing to the city's evolution into a center for entertainment and leisure.

• Managed to elude significant legal repercussions for his criminal activities, demonstrating his cunning and strategic acumen.

Meyer Lansky was a mastermind of organized crime, whose strategic vision and business acumen revolutionized the American underworld. His significant role in the development of casino gambling not only left a lasting imprint on cities like Miami, Havana, and Las Vegas but also transformed the landscape of illegal and legal gambling industries. Lansky's legacy is a testament to the complexities of American organized crime, highlighting both its ingenuity and its peril.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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