Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Miami University’s inaugural RedHawk50 Awards

• Upcoming miami heat home games

• A deep-dive into the life of William Brickell

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

— Dale Carnegie

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 area is famous for its large-scale murals, street art, and galleries, attracting artists and art lovers from around the world?

A) Coconut Grove

B) Coral Gables

C) Wynwood Arts District

D) Little Haiti

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The iconic Miami structure known for its Italian Renaissance-style architecture is D) Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

News

💼 Business

The new spring break curfew in Miami Beach has been met with mixed reactions from businesses and residents. (link)

Miami-Dade County Mayor urges Governor DeSantis to veto preemption bills that hurt local businesses and working families. (link)

Small business owners within Miami-Dade County District 3 have a new opportunity to grow and enhance their operations through the Keon Hardemon Small Business Grant program. (link)

🏒 Sports

Miami Open: Simona Halep played first match since doping ban, Caroline Wozniacki and Venus Williams was also in action. (link)

Novak Djokovic: Six-time Miami Open winner withdraws from event to balance private and professional schedules. (link)

Britain's Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Miami Open on the eve of her first-round match due to a lower back injury. (link)

Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson has played through the highs and lows to become one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in league history. (link)

🏦 Finance

Homebuilder buys Miami-Dade site for $47M multifamily project. (link)

The feds want to hear from Miami victims of a potential $25 million Ponzi scheme. (link)

Miami University celebrates entrepreneurs with inaugural RedHawk50 Awards. (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. Golden State Warriors
Kaseya Center Miami, FL
Tuesday March 26 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

⚾ Miami Marlins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
LoanDepot Park Miami, FL
Thursday March 28 | 4:10 PM | (more info)

🏀 Miami Heat vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Kaseya Center Miami, FL
Friday March 29 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

⚽ Inter Miami CF v New York City FC
Chase Stadium Fort Lauderdale
Saturday March 30 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸Faye Webster w/ Upchuck
North Beach Bandshell Miami Beach, FL
Wednesday March 27 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Laura Pausini World Tour 2023/2024
Kaseya Center Miami, FL
Saturday March 30 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎧 Two Friends
LIV Miami Miami Beach, FL
Saturday March 30 - Sun, Mar 31 at 11:00 PM-5:00 AM | (more info)

Family

🐰 Lunch with Bunny
Hard Rock Cafe - Miami
Sun Mar 31 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 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 “High-tech urban farm towers and green rooftops in Miami” 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 Great Freeze (1894-1895)

The Great Freeze of 1894-1895 was a devastating weather event that had a significant impact on Florida's agricultural industry. Temperatures plummeted to unprecedented lows, destroying citrus crops throughout the state. This catastrophic event led many farmers and citrus growers to look for warmer locations to restart their businesses, turning their attention to the Miami area, which was largely unaffected by the freeze.

Miami's relatively warm climate and protection from the freeze positioned it as an attractive alternative for agriculture, particularly citrus cultivation. The disaster highlighted the importance of geographic location in agricultural success and prompted a shift in the industry's focus towards the southern part of the state. This shift played a crucial role in Miami's development as a major agricultural area.

The aftermath of the Great Freeze catalyzed Miami's growth in unexpected ways. As agricultural activities increased, so did the population and economic opportunities in the region. This period marked the beginning of Miami's transformation from a sparsely populated area into a significant agricultural and economic hub in Florida. The resilience of the Miami area to the Great Freeze underscored its potential for development and prosperity, laying the foundation for its future growth.

Famous People From Miami

William Brickell (1817–1903)

William Brickell: Early Life and Ventures (1817-1858)

William Brickell was born into a pioneering family that instilled in him a spirit of adventure and entrepreneurship. Before settling in South Florida, Brickell traveled extensively, engaging in various business ventures across the United States. This period of exploration and venture laid the groundwork for his keen eye in real estate and investments, which would later define his legacy in Miami.

The Move to South Florida (1858-1871)

In the late 1850s, Brickell moved to South Florida, attracted by the region's untapped potential. He initially engaged in trading with local Native American tribes, establishing a trading post that served as one of the early commercial hubs in the Miami area. This move marked the beginning of Brickell's profound impact on the region's development.

Co-founding Miami (1871-1896)

Alongside Julia Tuttle, William Brickell played a crucial role in the founding of Miami. He owned extensive tracts of land on the south side of the Miami River, opposite Tuttle's holdings. Brickell's vision for the area's development, combined with his strategic land acquisitions, laid the foundation for Miami's growth as a city.

The Brickell Neighborhood (1896-1900)

Brickell's name became synonymous with the development of what is now known as the Brickell neighborhood, a prime area for real estate and commerce in Miami. His investments and development efforts in this area contributed significantly to its transformation into a bustling economic center, attracting residents and businesses alike.

The Expansion of Miami (1900-1903)

In his final years, Brickell witnessed the early fruits of his labor as Miami began to flourish. The city's population and economy grew, in part due to the infrastructure and community foundations he helped establish. Brickell's contributions during this pivotal time in Miami's history helped set the stage for its evolution into a major urban center.

The Legacy of William Brickell (1903)

Upon his death in 1903, William Brickell left behind a legacy deeply entwined with the history and growth of Miami. His foresight in land acquisition, commitment to the city's development, and role as a co-founder cemented his place as a key figure in Miami's early history.

Key Achievements:

• Co-founder of Miami, instrumental in its early development and growth.

• Established a trading post that facilitated commerce and interaction with Native American tribes in South Florida.

• Developed the Brickell neighborhood, transforming it into a vital economic and residential area of Miami.

• Engaged in strategic land acquisitions that would eventually become critical to Miami's expansion and success.

William Brickell's life and work were pivotal to the foundation and growth of Miami. As a co-founder, his vision and investments laid the groundwork for the city's development, transforming it from a sparsely populated area into a bustling urban center. His legacy is not just in the land he developed or the neighborhood that bears his name, but in the vibrant, diverse city Miami has become, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to growth.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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

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