Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• BSH Opens Miami Design Center

• Upcoming Miami Ultra music festival

• A deep-dive into the life of Dana A. Dorsey

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.”

— Arthur Koestler

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 iconic Miami structure is known for its Italian Renaissance-style architecture and was the former estate of businessman James Deering?

A) The Freedom Tower

B) The Miami Tower

C) The Biltmore Hotel

D) Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The annual event in Miami known for showcasing international films is C) Miami International Film Festival.

News

💼 Business

BSH Home Appliances launches innovative Experience & Design Center in Miami. (link)

Miami business owner's $1 million counterfeit cigar scheme unraveled by police following fencing operation bust. (link)

Head of ApexBrasil meets with the Mayor of Miami-Dade in search of new business opportunities. (link)

🏒 Sports

Dolphins add former Seahawks first-round pick Jordyn Brook to defense, making Miami's inside linebacker unit one of the deepest on the defense. (link)

The Miami Marlins are considering signing Trevor Bauer to address their injury setbacks in the pitching rotation. (link)

Veteran guard John Wall recently expressed potential interest in joining the Miami Heat. (link)

Safety Jordan Poyer agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Dolphins. (link)

🏦 Finance

Former Miami Heat player sells Pinecrest mansion for $11 million. (link)

Oak Row Equities has closed on a $181 million construction loan from Bank OZK for a mixed-use office, multifamily and retail tower it is developing in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. (link)

Wealthy Miami man charged with hiding millions in Swiss bank accounts and evading taxes. (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 Open - Grandstand Session 2
Hard Rock Stadium Miami, FL
Tuesday March 19 | 11:00 AM | (more info)

⚾ Miami Hurricanes Baseball vs. Florida International Panthers Baseball
Mark Light Field Miami, FL
Tuesday March 19 | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 Miami Heat vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Kaseya Center Miami, FL
Friday March 22 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸Zeds Dead w/ Cyclops
Mana Wynwood Miami, FL
Thursday March 21 | 9:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Ultra Music Festival
Downtown Miami
Friday-Sunday March 22-24 | (more info)

🎧 Brownies and Lemonade
Mana Wynwood Miami, FL
Friday March 22 | 9:00 PM | (more info)

🎶 David Guetta
Miami Beach
Fri, March 22 - Saturday, March 23 |11:00 PM-5:00 AM | (more info)

Family

🎭 Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood - Live!
Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center
Friday March 22 | 6:00 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 “Miami streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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

Henry Flagler Extends the Florida East Coast Railway to Miami (1896)

Henry Flagler, a key figure in Florida's development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, played a vital role in Miami's early growth. His decision to extend the Florida East Coast Railway to Miami in 1896 was a turning point for the city, facilitating access to the rest of Florida and the eastern United States. This extension was largely influenced by Julia Tuttle, who convinced Flagler of Miami's potential.

Flagler's railway extension to Miami not only improved transportation and accessibility but also stimulated the local economy by bringing in tourists, settlers, and investors. The arrival of the railroad marked the beginning of a period of rapid development for Miami, as it became a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America. Flagler's investment in the city included the construction of the luxurious Royal Palm Hotel, which attracted wealthy tourists and further boosted the economy.

Henry Flagler's contributions to Miami's development are undeniable. His vision and investments laid the foundation for Miami's transformation into a thriving city. The railway's extension underlined the importance of transportation infrastructure in urban development, making Miami a critical hub in Florida's growth. Flagler's legacy in Miami and throughout Florida remains significant, with his name commemorated in various institutions and landmarks.

Famous People From Miami

Dana A. Dorsey (1872–1940)

The Formative Years (1872-1898)

Born in 1872 in Georgia, Dana A. Dorsey moved to Miami in the late 1890s, starting his journey in a city that was barely on the map. Initially working as a carpenter, Dorsey's early years were characterized by hard work, determination, and a vision for a future that was far beyond the constraints of his time. These foundational years set the stage for his rise as a prominent figure in real estate and as a champion for the African American community in Miami.

The Path to Real Estate (1899-1910)

Recognizing the potential in Miami's burgeoning real estate market, Dorsey began acquiring and developing land. His first significant investment was purchasing a piece of property, which he later sold at a profit. This initial success laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in real estate, showcasing his acumen and foresight in identifying valuable opportunities.

Building a Legacy in Overtown (1910-1920)

Dorsey focused much of his efforts on the Overtown neighborhood, a central area for the African American community in Miami. He built rental properties, providing much-needed housing for black residents who were often excluded from other parts of the city due to segregation laws. His investments helped stabilize and grow the community, making him a respected figure in Overtown and beyond.

Expanding Beyond Miami (1920-1930)

Dorsey's success in real estate extended beyond Miami, as he purchased and developed properties in other parts of Florida and even in other states. His vision was not limited to residential real estate; he also invested in commercial properties, understanding the importance of creating economic opportunities for African Americans during a time of pervasive racial discrimination.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement (1935-1940)

Dorsey was deeply committed to giving back to the community. He donated land for the construction of the first black church in Miami and established a scholarship fund to help African American students pursue higher education. His philanthropic efforts were driven by a belief in the power of education and opportunity to uplift the African American community.

The Final Years and Legacy (1940)

Dana A. Dorsey passed away in 1940, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and community development. His work not only transformed the physical landscape of Miami, but also laid the foundation for future generations of African American business leaders and community advocates.

Key Achievements:

• Miami's first African American millionaire through savvy real estate investments.

• Played a pivotal role in developing the Overtown neighborhood, providing housing and commercial opportunities for African Americans in Miami.

• Engaged in significant philanthropic efforts, including donating land for a church and establishing a scholarship fund for African American students.

Summary

Dana A. Dorsey was a trailblazer who overcame the barriers of his time to become Miami's first African American millionaire and a significant real estate developer. His investments in the Overtown neighborhood and beyond not only generated wealth but also created opportunities and resources for the African American community. Dorsey's legacy is a testament to the impact of entrepreneurship coupled with a commitment to community uplift and philanthropy, inspiring future generations to pursue their visions for a better community and society.

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-Matthew Larsen

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