Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• 17th annual Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest

• Upcoming Miami Heat home games

• A deep-dive into the life of George Merrick

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine."

- Roy T. Bennett

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 museum in Miami is dedicated to contemporary and modern art, featuring works by both American and international artists?

A) The Bass

B) The Wolfsonian-FIU

C) Pérez Art Museum Miami

D) Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: Miami's largest and most popular park is C) Crandon Park.

News

💼 Business

Miami International Boat Show reported a record-breaking attendance with over 100,000 visitors. (link)

Miami-based cruise line Royal Caribbean announced a new ship launch set for summer 2024. (link)

Tech startup in Miami raised $15 million in Series B funding for AI-driven analytics. (link)

🏒 Sports

Miami Marlins announced the signing of outfielder Juan Soto to a five-year contract. (link)

Miami Sharks Rugby Club kicked off their inaugural match at the Inter Miami CF Sports Field. (link)

Sergio Busquets discusses his ankle injury, the start of Inter Miami's season, and the arrival of new teammate Federico Redondo. (link)

🏦 Finance

Miami-based bank City National Bank reported a 12% increase in annual profits on February 19. (link)

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved a $300 million development project in downtown Miami. (link)

Miami International Airport announced a $500 million bond issuance for expansion projects on February 24. (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. Washington Wizards
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Sunday, Mar. 10th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)*

🏀 Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Tuesday, Mar. 5th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

⚽ Inter Miami CF vs. CF Montreal
Chase Stadium
Sunday, Mar. 10th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎷 Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Sat-Sunday, Mar. 9-10th | 4:00 PM | (More Info)

🎻 Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
Knight Concert Hall, Miami
Thursday, Mar. 7th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎧 Winter Party Festival
Wynwood Marketplace, Miami
Wednesday, Mar. 5th | 9:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🌌 Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science: Laser Fridays
Frost Science Museum, Miami
Friday, Mar. 8th | 7:00 PM |  (More Info)

🌳 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: Butterfly Walk
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables
Mar. 9-10th | 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 “Miami within a giant biodome” 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

Miami City Incorporation (1896)

Miami was officially incorporated as a city in 1896, starting its journey with a modest population of just over 300 residents. This significant event marked the transformation of Miami from a small settlement into a burgeoning urban center. The push for incorporation was driven by the area's growing population and the need for organized governance and infrastructure to support development.

The incorporation of Miami was largely influenced by the efforts of key figures such as Julia Tuttle, a local citrus grower and businesswoman, who is recognized as the only female founder of a major U.S. city. Tuttle, along with William Brickell and others, successfully persuaded railroad tycoon Henry Flagler to extend his Florida East Coast Railway to Miami, thus ensuring the city's growth and connectivity to the rest of the country.

Miami's incorporation as a city in 1896 laid the groundwork for its evolution into a major metropolis. The city's strategic location, combined with the extension of the railroad, catalyzed its development, attracting settlers, tourists, and investors. Miami's early years were characterized by rapid growth and development, setting the stage for its role as a significant cultural and economic hub in Florida and the United States.

Famous People From Miami

George Merrick (1886–1942)

George Merrick: Early Life and Education (1886-1907)

George Merrick was born in 1886 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but his family moved to Miami, Florida, when he was very young. Growing up on his family's citrus grove in the nascent South Florida landscape, Merrick was deeply influenced by the region's natural beauty and burgeoning development. He attended Rollins College for a brief period, where he was exposed to progressive ideas about urban planning and landscape architecture, setting the stage for his future endeavors in developing one of America's first planned communities.

The Vision of Coral Gables (1907-1921)

After inheriting a significant portion of land from his father, Merrick began to conceptualize a city that would embody the aesthetic and architectural ideals of the Mediterranean. His travels in Spain and Italy further influenced his vision, leading to the creation of Coral Gables, a city that would stand as a testament to meticulous urban planning, lush landscapes, and architectural beauty. This period was marked by Merrick's tireless efforts to draft and refine his plans for what would become one of the most iconic communities in Florida.

Launching Coral Gables (1921-1925)

In 1921, George Merrick officially launched the Coral Gables project. With an ambitious marketing campaign and a clear vision for a Mediterranean-style oasis, Merrick attracted investors and residents alike. The development was groundbreaking, not only for its architectural coherence but also for its planned features, including winding waterways, grand entrances, and public plazas, all of which were designed to create a sense of community and beauty.

The Boom Years (1925-1928)

The mid-1920s marked the height of the Florida land boom, and Coral Gables was at the forefront of this explosive growth. Under Merrick's leadership, the city expanded rapidly, adding hundreds of homes, commercial buildings, and cultural institutions. Merrick's vision for a fully planned community came to life with the addition of the iconic Biltmore Hotel, the Venetian Pool, and the University of Miami, establishing Coral Gables as a cultural and educational hub.

Economic Challenges and Resilience (1928-1935)

The late 1920s brought economic challenges to the United States, and Coral Gables was not immune. The Great Depression impacted the development and sales of new properties in Coral Gables, but Merrick's resilience and innovative strategies helped the city to weather these difficulties. During this time, he focused on community-building efforts and the enhancement of existing properties to maintain the city's appeal and vitality.

Connection to Miami (1935-1940)

In addition to his work in Coral Gables, George Merrick had a significant connection to Miami, where he contributed to urban development projects and shared his expertise in planned communities. His work in Miami demonstrated his commitment to the principles of beauty, functionality, and community in urban planning, leaving a lasting impact on the city's development.

Legacy and Reflection (1940-1942)

In the final years of his life, George Merrick reflected on his accomplishments and the legacy of Coral Gables. Despite facing financial difficulties and criticism, Merrick remained proud of the community he had built. His vision for Coral Gables as a model of urban planning and architectural beauty was realized, and the city continued to grow and thrive long after his death in 1942.

Key Achievements:

• Founded Coral Gables, one of the first planned communities in the United States, embodying the ideals of the Mediterranean Revival architectural style.

• Oversaw the construction of iconic landmarks such as the Biltmore Hotel and the Venetian Pool, contributing to the cultural and architectural heritage of Florida.

• Played a key role in establishing the University of Miami, enhancing the educational landscape of the region.

• Contributed to urban development projects in [CITY], spreading his vision of planned communities and beautiful, functional urban spaces.

George Merrick was a visionary developer whose work on Coral Gables left an indelible mark on the landscape of South Florida and beyond. His dedication to creating a planned community that emphasized beauty, community, and architectural coherence set a precedent for urban development in the United States. Merrick's legacy is seen not only in the lush streets and Mediterranean-style buildings of Coral Gables but also in his contributions to urban planning principles that continue to influence cities around the country.

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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