Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Miami CF injury updates

• Miami Beach 5K Run

• A deep-dive into the life of Marjory Stoneman Douglas

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

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 Miami's largest and most popular park, known for its beautiful beaches, historic lighthouse, and nature trails?

A) Tropical Park

B) Bayfront Park

C) Crandon Park

D) Matheson Hammock Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The Miami neighborhood known for its large Cuban-American population is C) Little Havana.

News

💼 Business

Miami's tech scene continues to grow with new startups emerging, driven by the city's favorable business climate and supportive ecosystem. (link)

Real estate development in Miami focuses on sustainable and luxury properties, attracting both domestic and international investors. (link)

The Port of Miami sees a significant increase in cargo volume, reinforcing its position as a key hub for international trade. (link)

🏒 Sports

Inter Miami CF opens the MLS season against Real Salt Lake with Lionel Messi in his first full season. (link)

Sergio Busquets, recovered from an ankle injury. (link)

Nicolas Freire's team debut for Inter Miami may be delayed due to a leg injury, with Serhiy Kryvtsov as a potential replacement. (link)

Inter Miami loans forward Edison Azcona to the USL Championship side Las Vegas Lights through June 2024. (link)

🏦 Finance

Miami's financial sector reports a surge in investment from Latin American markets. (link)

Miami-based banks show strong quarterly earnings, attributed to increased loan activities and diverse financial services. (link)

Venture capital firms in Miami are increasingly investing in fintech startups, signaling confidence in the region's tech growth. (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 Beach 5K Run
Lummus Park, Miami Beach
Sunday, Mar. 3rd | 7:30 AM | (More Info)

⚾ Inter Miami CF vs. Orlando City SC
Chase Stadium
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | 1:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎹 Elon Gold
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
Wednesday, Feb. 28th | 9:30 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Hiss Golden Messenger
Gramps, Miami
Thursday, Feb. 29th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎷 Montreux Jazz Festival - 3 Day Pass
The Hangar In Coconut Grove, Miami
Friday, Mar.1st | (More Info)

Family

🐬 Seaquarium Spectacular
Miami Seaquarium, Key Biscayne
Feb 26th - Mar. 3rd | 10:00 AM | (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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Miami with modern technology” 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

Fort Dallas Establishment (1836)

In 1565, the brief French dominion over the region came to an abrupt and violent end as Spanish forces, led by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, swiftly moved to assert their authority in the contested territory. Menéndez de Avilés, tasked with expelling the French and fortifying Spain's claim to Florida, saw Fort Caroline as a direct threat to Spanish interests and shipping routes. In a decisive military action, Menéndez and his forces besieged the fort, exploiting a moment when the French were vulnerable after a failed attempt to attack the newly established Spanish settlement of St. Augustine.

The attack on Fort Caroline was brutal and conclusive, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics of the region. The Spanish forces overwhelmed the French defenders, many of whom were away with Jean Ribault in an attempt to confront the Spanish threat. The victory was thorough, and the Spanish showed little mercy, signaling the ruthlessness with which colonial powers often asserted their dominance. In the aftermath of the capture, the Spanish renamed the fort San Mateo, in honor of St. Matthew, aiming to erase the French presence and solidify their control over the area.

The fall of Fort Caroline and its renaming to San Mateo marked not just a military victory for the Spanish, but also a strategic maneuver in the broader context of European colonial rivalry. It underscored the volatility and transient nature of early colonial settlements, where claims and control could shift rapidly with the tide of military fortunes. The events of 1565 would echo through history, shaping the cultural and geopolitical landscape of the region for centuries to come, as European powers continued to vie for dominance in the New World.

Famous People From Miami

Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1890–1998)

Early Life and Writing Career (1890-1915)

Marjory Stoneman Douglas was born in 1890 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She moved to Miami in 1915, where she would become one of the most influential environmentalists of the 20th century. Initially, Douglas embarked on a career in journalism, writing for the Miami Herald, a newspaper founded by her father. Her early work not only showcased her writing talent but also her burgeoning interest in social and environmental issues.

Advocacy for Women's Rights and Social Justice (1916-1946)

Throughout the early decades of her career, Douglas championed women's suffrage and civil rights, aligning herself with progressive causes. Her advocacy extended beyond her writing as she participated in various organizations and campaigns aimed at social reform. Douglas's commitment to these issues laid the groundwork for her later environmental activism.

River of Grass and Environmental Activism (1947-1980)

Douglas's seminal work, "The Everglades: River of Grass," published in 1947, marked a turning point in her life and in the ecological movement in Florida. The book challenged prevailing notions of the Everglades as a worthless swamp, instead presenting it as a vital and complex ecosystem. Her vivid descriptions and scientific insight helped shift public opinion and spurred efforts to protect the Everglades.

Connection to Miami (1915-1998)

Miami was not only Douglas's home but also the focal point of her environmental activism. She was deeply involved in the city's cultural and civic life, using her stature to advocate for the protection of the Everglades. Douglas's efforts were instrumental in the establishment of Everglades National Park in 1947, and she remained a tireless defender of the environment throughout her life, contributing to the preservation of South Florida's natural beauty.

Legacy and Recognition (1981-1998)

Douglas lived to be 108 years old, witnessing the impact of her work on environmental policy and conservation efforts. She received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993, in recognition of her contributions to environmentalism and literature. Douglas's advocacy inspired generations of conservationists, and her legacy is evident in the ongoing efforts to restore and protect the Everglades.

Key Achievements:

• Authored "The Everglades: River of Grass," transforming public perception of the Everglades and advocating for its preservation.

• Played a pivotal role in the establishment of Everglades National Park and in numerous environmental campaigns.

• Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and other accolades for her environmental and literary contributions.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas's life and work embody the spirit of environmental conservation and civic activism. Her groundbreaking portrayal of the Everglades as a crucial ecosystem changed the course of environmentalism in Florida and beyond. Douglas's enduring impact on Miami, the Everglades, and the environmental movement serves as a testament to her vision, perseverance, and love for the natural world. Through her writings and advocacy, she left an indelible mark on the landscape of American environmentalism, ensuring that the Everglades would continue to be cherished and protected for generations to come.

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

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

Poll