Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Miami Beach businesses respond to spring break restrictions

• Upcoming Miami Heat home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Carl Fisher

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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 annual event in Miami is known for showcasing international and independent films, often featuring premiers from Latin America and the Caribbean?

A) Miami Book Fair

B) Art Basel

C) Miami International Film Festival

D) Ultra Music Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The museum in Miami dedicated to contemporary and modern art is C) Pérez Art Museum Miami.

News

💼 Business

In an innovative program that’s creating a national model, microfreight is enroute this year to Downtown Miami and Overtown. (link)

Miami Beach business owners share mixed feelings over spring break restrictions. (link)

Boeing, Airbus repair company opens warehouse near Miami airport. (link)

85-year-old hotel on Collins Avenue sells for small gain. (link)

🏒 Sports

Dolphins Negotiating Contract With Jonnu Smith. (link)

Inter Miami's Federico Redondo used to watch Lionel Messi. Now he shares a locker room with him. (link)

Miami Heat's Josh Richardson Out Remainder Of Season After Shoulder Surgery. (link)

The Book on New Dolphins DT Isaiah Mack. (link)

🏦 Finance

Miami-Dade is the latest county to go into debt to try to do what its private sector won’t: Build houses. (link)

Billionaire Ken Griffin gave $50 million to the University of Miami his largest gift yet in the Sunshine State. (link)

Miami pitches $2.5 billion bond to stem dire housing crisis. (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 Heat vs. Denver Nuggets
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Wed, Mar 13 | 7:30 PM (more info)

⚾ Miami Hurricanes Baseball vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Baseball
Mark Light Field Miami, FL
Fri , Mar 15 | 7:00 PM (more info)

🎾Miami Open - Grounds Pass Qualifying Session
Hard Rock Stadium Miami, FL
Sun, Mar 17 | 10:00 AM (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎷 LIV Presents: Loud Luxury
LIV Miami Miami Beach, FL
Mar 13 - 14 | 11:00 PM-5:00 AM (more info)

🎻 St. Paddy's Day Weekend Kick Off
Hard Rock Cafe - Miami
Fri, Mar 15 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (more info)

🎵 Lost Kings Pool Party
Strawberry Moon Miami Beach, FL
Sat, Mar 16 | 12:00-7:00 PM (more info)

🙌 One Hallelujah
James L Knight Center Miami, FL
Fri, Mar 15 | 6:30 PM (more info)

Family

🌌 FAMILY SATURDAYS " LA MESA DORAL
La Mesa Miami (Doral)
Saturday, March 16 | 7 PM (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 “A steampunk-themed Miami with Victorian architecture” 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

Julia Tuttle, the Mother of Miami (1896) - The only woman to found a major U.S. city.

Julia Tuttle, often celebrated as the "Mother of Miami," holds the unique distinction of being the only woman to found a major U.S. city. Her vision and determination were instrumental in the development of Miami in the late 19th century. Tuttle owned a citrus grove in the area and recognized the potential of the region's mild climate and strategic location to become a thriving city.

In 1896, Tuttle persuaded Henry Flagler, a wealthy industrialist who was expanding his railroad empire in Florida, to extend the Florida East Coast Railway to Miami. This was a pivotal moment for Miami's development. Tuttle offered Flagler land for a hotel and additional land for railway development, showcasing her commitment to Miami's future. Her successful negotiations with Flagler were a critical factor in the city's incorporation and subsequent growth.

Julia Tuttle's legacy is foundational to Miami's history. Her foresight and entrepreneurial spirit helped transform Miami from an undeveloped area into a bustling city. Today, she is remembered and honored for her contributions, with various landmarks and institutions bearing her name, ensuring her place as a pivotal figure in the establishment and development of Miami.

Famous People From Miami

Carl Fisher (1874–1939)

The Early Years (1874-1899)

Born in Greensburg, Indiana, Carl Fisher grew up with an innate knack for mechanics and entrepreneurship. From a young age, he was involved in various business ventures, showing a particular interest in automobiles. His early years were marked by a restless energy and a penchant for innovation, setting the stage for his later successes in real estate and the development of Miami Beach.

The Automotive Pioneer (1900-1912)

Fisher's passion for automobiles led him to become a pivotal figure in the early days of the automotive industry. He co-founded the Prest-O-Lite company, which supplied lighting systems for early automobiles, significantly impacting the automotive landscape. His visionary ideas didn't stop there; Fisher was instrumental in promoting the construction of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, aiming to give the automobile industry a stage to showcase its innovations.

The Lincoln Highway (1913-1920)

Believing deeply in the potential of the automobile to change American life, Fisher embarked on a mission to create the first transcontinental highway, the Lincoln Highway. His tireless advocacy and significant personal investment helped to realize this ambitious project, connecting the east and west coasts of the United States and marking a major achievement in the country's infrastructure development.

Vision for Miami Beach (1920-1925)

Fisher's most audacious project began when he turned his attention to a swampy, mosquito-infested barrier island off the coast of Miami. Envisioning a luxurious resort community, he invested his fortune and energy into transforming the island into Miami Beach, an internationally renowned vacation destination. His efforts included dredging, building infrastructure, and promoting the area, laying the foundation for its future glamour and opulence.

The Boom Years of Miami Beach (1925-1929)

Under Fisher's guidance, Miami Beach experienced a period of rapid development and expansion. Lavish hotels, grandiose estates, and public amenities sprung up, attracting celebrities, socialites, and tourists alike. Fisher's vision was becoming a reality; Miami Beach was quickly turning into the tropical paradise he had imagined, complete with all the allure and splendor of a world-class resort.

The Impact of the Great Depression (1929-1933)

The Great Depression dealt a severe blow to Fisher's empire, as it did to much of the world's economy. His fortunes dwindled, and many of his properties in Miami Beach were lost. Despite these setbacks, Fisher's impact on the area was indelible, and his vision continued to shape its development long after his financial decline.

Fisher's Legacy in Urban Development (1933-1939)

Even in the later years of his life, Fisher continued to be involved in urban development projects, including efforts in Miami, where he lent his expertise to further urban and resort development. Though his financial resources were greatly diminished, his reputation as a pioneer in urban planning and development remained intact.

The Final Years (1939)

Carl Fisher passed away in 1939, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in both the automotive industry and urban development. His work on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Lincoln Highway, and especially Miami Beach, changed the landscape of America and its culture of mobility and leisure.

Key Achievements:

• Co-founded Prest-O-Lite, an essential supplier of automotive lighting systems.

• Instrumental in the creation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a cornerstone of American auto racing.

• Advocated for and contributed to the development of the Lincoln Highway, America's first transcontinental roadway.

• Transformed Miami Beach from an uninhabitable island into a world-renowned resort destination.

• Played a significant role in shaping the urban landscape of Miami and other areas.

Carl Fisher was a visionary entrepreneur whose bold endeavors left a lasting imprint on American society. His contributions to the automotive industry and the development of Miami Beach showcased his innovative spirit and determination to achieve the extraordinary. Fisher's legacy is evident in the enduring allure of Miami Beach as a premier vacation destination and in the infrastructure that has facilitated American mobility and tourism for over a century.

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