Miami Newsletter (July 18th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Broward retail center built in 2023 sold for $18.5 million.

  • Upcoming Miami Marlins match

  • A deep-dive into the life of Mitchell Wolfson

  • And more….

Quote of the Week

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

– Og Mandino

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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 neighborhood is renowned for its rich cultural history, iconic landmarks, and annual festivals celebrating Latin American heritage?

A) Coral Gables

B) Little Havana

C) Edgewater

D) Brickell

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The attraction offering a unique glimpse into the life of marine mammals is A) Miami Seaquarium.

News

💼 Business

Thoma Bravo's Miami deal team buys public company for $1.8B. (Link)

Climate tech org wins $19.5 million in federal funds. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Spain clinches record 4th European Championship title, beating England 2-1. (Link)

Miami FC second-half comeback falls just short in 2-3 loss to Rhode Island FC. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Broward retail center built in 2023 sold for $18.5 million. (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

New York Mets at Miami Marlins
loanDepot park, Miami, FL
Friday, Jul. 19th to Monday, Jul. 22nd | (More info)

Baltimore Orioles at Miami Marlins
loanDepot park, Miami, FL
Tuesday, Jul. 23rd to Thursday, Jul. 25th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Billo's Caracas Boys
El Gran Bamboo Restaurant, Miami
Friday, Jul. 19th | (More info)

🎵 Brody Jenner
Strawberry Moon, Miami Beach
Saturday, Jul. 20th | (More info)

Family

🎉 11th Annual No Sleep South Beach Weekend 2024
1020 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Starting Thursday, Jul. 18th | (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 focus on sustainability and renewable energy.” 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

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Establishment (1916) - The creation of this National Historic Landmark.

The establishment of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in 1916 stands as a monumental event in the cultural and architectural history of Miami, marking the creation of what would become a National Historic Landmark. Conceived by James Deering, a wealthy industrialist, as a winter retreat, Vizcaya was designed to emulate a grand Italian villa, blending Renaissance and Mediterranean architectural styles. This magnificent estate, set against the backdrop of Biscayne Bay, represents an era of opulence and grandeur, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, European antiques, and an extensive collection of art. The construction of Vizcaya was a marvel of its time, employing over a thousand workers and artisans from Europe and the Americas, and it served as a testament to Deering's vision and the artistic and architectural ingenuity of the early 20th century.

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens spans across 50 acres, featuring meticulously landscaped gardens that combine elements of classic Italian and French designs with the subtropical ecosystem of South Florida. These gardens, filled with native plants, elaborate fountains, and ornate sculptures, provide a serene oasis that contrasts with the bustling cityscape of Miami. The estate's main house, with its elaborate rooms and decorative art, offers a glimpse into a bygone era, inviting visitors to explore the rich history and cultural heritage preserved within its walls. Vizcaya has played host to numerous historical events, including presidential visits and significant cultural gatherings, further cementing its status as a pivotal cultural landmark.

Today, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens serves as a vibrant cultural center, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its beauty and historical significance. Its preservation as a National Historic Landmark underscores the importance of maintaining historical and cultural sites, allowing future generations to appreciate the artistry and architectural innovation of the past. Vizcaya not only embodies the luxurious lifestyle of the early 20th century but also represents Miami's evolution into a rich cultural and artistic hub. The establishment of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in 1916 has left an indelible mark on Miami, offering a window into the city's past and a timeless sanctuary of beauty and history amidst the modern urban landscape.

Famous People From Miami

Mitchell Wolfson (1900–1983):

Mitchell Wolfson was born in 1900 in Key West, Florida, and moved to Miami in his youth. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, and by his mid-20s, Wolfson had already begun to make his mark on Miami's business landscape. His initial ventures in the entertainment industry laid the groundwork for what would become a significant influence on Miami's cultural and media scenes.

Founding of Wometco Enterprises (1925-1940)

In 1925, Wolfson founded Wometco Enterprises (Wolfson-Meyer Theatre Company), initially focusing on movie theaters. His innovative approach to cinema, including the introduction of air conditioning and comfortable seating, revolutionized the movie-going experience in Miami, making Wometco a household name.

Expansion into Broadcasting (1940-1950)

Recognizing the potential of broadcasting, Wolfson expanded Wometco's portfolio to include radio and, eventually, television. He established Miami's first television station, WTVJ, in 1949, significantly impacting how entertainment and news were consumed in South Florida and positioning Wometco as a pioneer in the broadcasting industry.

Contributions to Miami's Cultural Landscape (1950-1960)

Under Wolfson's leadership, Wometco not only expanded its entertainment offerings but also contributed to Miami's cultural landscape by supporting local arts and cultural events. His investment in local culture helped to enrich Miami's community and establish it as a vibrant center for arts and entertainment.

Civic Engagement and Philanthropy (1960-1970)

Wolfson was deeply committed to civic engagement and philanthropy, supporting various charitable organizations and community projects in Miami. His contributions to education, healthcare, and the arts demonstrated his dedication to improving the quality of life in his community.

Innovation in Entertainment and Media (1970-1980)

Throughout the 1970s, Wolfson continued to innovate in the entertainment and media sectors, introducing new technologies and formats to Wometco's theaters and television programming. His foresight in adopting emerging media trends kept Wometco at the forefront of the entertainment industry.

Legacy and Impact on Miami (1980-1983)

Mitchell Wolfson passed away in 1983, but his legacy in Miami's entertainment and media landscape endures. Through Wometco Enterprises, he not only transformed how entertainment was delivered and consumed but also contributed significantly to the cultural and economic development of Miami.

Connection to Miami (Throughout His Life)

Mitchell Wolfson's connection to Miami was evident in his lifelong commitment to the city's development. From his early entrepreneurial ventures to his leadership in the entertainment industry, Wolfson's work had a profound impact on Miami, shaping it into a dynamic and culturally rich city.

Key Achievements:

  • Founded Wometco Enterprises, transforming Miami's entertainment industry.

  • Established Miami's first television station, WTVJ, pioneering broadcasting in South Florida.

  • Supported Miami's cultural landscape through philanthropy and engagement in arts and community projects.

Mitchell Wolfson was a visionary entrepreneur whose contributions significantly shaped Miami's entertainment and media landscape. As the founder of Wometco Enterprises, he revolutionized the movie-going experience, introduced groundbreaking advancements in broadcasting, and played a key role in promoting Miami's cultural development. Wolfson's legacy is a testament to the impact of innovative leadership and community engagement on the growth and vitality of a city.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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