Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• A Fort Lauderdale attorney misappropriated $612,000. He’s been disbarred.

• Upcoming Miami Marlins match

• A deep-dive into the life of Arthur Vining Davis

• And more….

Quote of the Week

 “Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come.”

–Mario Quintana

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!

What is the name of the iconic Miami road known for its outdoor cafes, street performers, and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere?

A) Brickell Avenue

B) Lincoln Road

C) Ocean Drive

D) Collins Avenue

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The Miami island famous for its annual boat show and luxurious waterfront properties is A) Fisher Island.

New

💼 Business

Food contact equipment not sanitized and unsafe food at a Miami Presidente Supermarket. (Link)

A Miami builder and finance whiz helped you pay for college. Stanley Tate has died at 96. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Jonah Bride’s blast helps the Marlins score a second conecutive win over the Braves. (Link)

Miami Northwestern alum Twanisha Terry finishes fifth in 100 meters in Paris Olympics. (Link)

🏦 Finance

A Fort Lauderdale attorney misappropriated $612,000. He’s been disbarred, but not found. (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

⚾ Cincinnati Reds at Miami Marlins
loanDepot park, Miami
Thursday, August 8, 2024 | (More info)

⚾ San Diego Padres at Miami Marlins
loanDepot park, Miami
Saturday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 KSHMR
E11EVEN Miami, Miami
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Cocodrills
1-800-Lucky, Miami
Sunday, August 11, 2024 | (More info)

Family

💃 Miami DanceFit Social
12301 Southwest 56th Street, Miami
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | (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 “Miami with interactive, educational playgrounds for all ages” 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 Dadeland Massacre (1979) - A pivotal event in Miami's drug war.

The Dadeland Massacre of 1979 marked a chilling escalation in Miami's drug war, signaling the beginning of one of the city's most violent chapters. On July 11th, two gunmen armed with submachine guns opened fire in a crowded liquor store at the Dadeland Mall, aiming at their target associated with the drug trade, but also leaving bystanders in a state of shock and horror. This brazen daylight attack resulted in two deaths and marked a significant turning point, highlighting the extent of the drug-related violence that was to grip Miami in the ensuing years. The massacre was attributed to the burgeoning cocaine trade, with Miami serving as a primary entry point for Colombian cartels into the United States.

The Dadeland Massacre underscored the severity of the drug problem in Miami, as the city became the epicenter for cocaine trafficking in the United States. The 1980s saw a dramatic increase in drug-related violence, with rival drug factions battling for control of the lucrative market. Miami's law enforcement found themselves overwhelmed by the scale and brutality of the conflicts, which often played out in public spaces, leaving the community in fear. The massacre and the subsequent drug war led to Miami being dubbed the ""Drug Capital of the World,"" a reputation that tarnished the city's image and posed significant challenges to local authorities and the community at large.

Despite the dark period marked by the Dadeland Massacre and the drug wars of the 1980s, Miami has made substantial progress in overcoming the legacy of violence and corruption associated with the cocaine boom. Efforts by law enforcement to dismantle drug operations, coupled with community resilience and economic diversification, have helped to transform Miami into a vibrant and dynamic city known for much more than its drug trade history. Today, while the Dadeland Massacre remains a pivotal event in Miami's history, it also serves as a reminder of the city's capacity for renewal and change, highlighting the collective efforts to ensure a safer and more prosperous community for all its residents.

Famous People From Miami

Arthur Vining Davis (1867–1962):

Arthur Vining Davis was born in 1867 and began his illustrious career in the aluminum industry with the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, which later became Alcoa. His innovative leadership and business acumen quickly propelled him up the ranks, eventually becoming the company's president. Davis's vision and strategies significantly contributed to making aluminum an essential material in various industries.

Expansion and Dominance in the Aluminum Market (1907-1925)

Under Davis's leadership, Alcoa became the dominant force in the aluminum industry, expanding its operations nationwide and internationally. He oversaw the development of new aluminum applications, from household products to aviation and construction, fundamentally changing manufacturing and product design.

Move to Miami and Real Estate Ventures (1925-1940)

Seeking new opportunities, Davis moved to Miami in the 1920s and began investing in real estate. His investments helped spur Miami's growth during the Florida land boom, transforming the city's landscape. Davis's vision for Miami included luxury hotels, commercial buildings, and residential areas, contributing to the city's development as a major urban center.

Philanthropic Efforts and Community Development (1940-1950)

Davis was not just a businessman but also a philanthropist, deeply committed to improving the lives of others. In Miami, he supported various charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and cultural institutions, significantly impacting the community's welfare and growth.

Establishment of the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations (1952)

In 1952, Davis established the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, aiming to support higher education, healthcare, public television, and religious initiatives. His foundations have donated millions of dollars, influencing countless lives and supporting the growth of institutions nationwide, including those in Miami.

Influence on Miami's Educational Landscape (1950-1962)

Davis's philanthropy was particularly impactful in the realm of education in Miami. He contributed to the expansion of educational facilities and programs, ensuring that Miami's youth had access to quality education. His support helped establish scholarships, libraries, and educational institutions.

Legacy in Industrial Innovation and Philanthropy (1962 and Beyond)

Arthur Vining Davis passed away in 1962, but his legacy endures through his contributions to industrial innovation and philanthropy. His work in the aluminum industry and his charitable efforts have left an indelible mark on both the business world and the communities he supported.

Connection to Miami (Throughout Later Life)

Arthur Vining Davis's connection to Miami was characterized by his transformative impact on the city's development and community welfare. His investments in real estate and philanthropic contributions to education, healthcare, and cultural projects helped shape Miami into a vibrant and dynamic city.

Key Achievements:

• Transformed the aluminum industry as the president of Alcoa, expanding its applications and market dominance.

• Played a pivotal role in Miami's development through strategic real estate investments and community projects.

• Established the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, supporting significant philanthropic endeavors in education, healthcare, and more.

Arthur Vining Davis was an industrialist whose leadership transformed the aluminum industry and a philanthropist whose generosity significantly impacted Miami's development. Through his visionary investments in real estate and his philanthropic efforts, Davis helped mold Miami into a thriving urban center with a strong community foundation. His legacy, carried on through the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, continues to influence and inspire positive change in Miami and beyond.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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