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Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Restaurant near Miami-Dade mall files for bankruptcy.

• Upcoming Bradeazy concert

• A deep-dive into the life of John S. Collins

• And more….

Quote of the Week

"The best revenge is massive success."

— Frank Sinatra

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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 landmark is a historic coral rock structure, featuring a massive stone gate that moves with just a touch, and is surrounded by mysterious legends?

A) The Miami Circle

B) Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

C) The Ancient Spanish Monastery

D) Coral Castle

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The festival that celebrates Caribbean culture in Miami with music, dance, and a colorful parade is B) Miami Broward Carnival.

New

💼 Business

Why Amerant Bank left Texas to double down on Tampa. (Link)

South Florida developer partners with Canadian homebuilder. (Link)

💼 Business Resources

New AI Children's Book Maker: Instantly generate children's books about ANYHING you choose, and illustrate them with beautiful pictures and charming characters in minutes. (link)

Breakthrough AI-Powered Chrome Extension that helps businesses explode their reach on social media and generate more business online. (link)

🏒 Sports

Miami seniors mount another record-breaking day, as legend Bernie Kosar’s mark falls. (Link)

Dolphins elevate two, wait on two others. And offensive line coach weighs in. And notes. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Restaurant near Miami-Dade mall files for bankruptcy. (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

🏈 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Florida International Panthers Football
Pitbull Stadium, Miami
Saturday, Nov. 30th | (More info)

🏀 Florida Atlantic Owls at Florida International Panthers Men's Basketball
Ocean Bank Convocation Center, Miami
Wednesday, Dec. 4th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Bradeazy
E11EVEN Miami, Miami
Thursday, Nov. 28th | (More info)

🎶 Enamour and Hernan Cattaneo
Space, Miami
Friday, Nov. 29th | (More info)

Family

🎉 Miami Kids Magazine Santa's Workshop followed by the Parade of the Elves
Sunset Drive, US1 to 57th Avenue, South Miami
Sunday, Dec. 1st | (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 sports arena in Miami hosting a new, invented sport” 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

Mariel Boatlift (1980) - A mass emigration of Cubans to Miami.

The Mariel Boatlift of 1980 marked a significant episode in the history of Cuban-American relations and had a profound impact on the city of Miami. Triggered by a sharp economic downturn in Cuba and growing political discontent, Fidel Castro's government unexpectedly announced that anyone wishing to emigrate to the United States could do so, leading to a mass exodus of Cubans. Over the span of a few months, from April to October, approximately 125,000 Cubans departed from the port of Mariel, arriving in Miami aboard a makeshift fleet of boats. This sudden influx of refugees placed considerable strain on Miami's social services and infrastructure, yet it also underscored the city's enduring role as a sanctuary for those fleeing political oppression.

The Mariel Boatlift not only altered Miami's demographic landscape but also its cultural and socio-economic fabric. The newcomers, representing a cross-section of Cuban society, included many from the lower socioeconomic strata, along with a number of political prisoners. This diversity brought new challenges and opportunities to Miami, as the city worked to integrate the Marielitos into its community. The arrival of these individuals fueled a renewal of the city's Cuban-American community, contributing to the vibrancy of its cultural life and the expansion of its economic base. Miami's Cuban diaspora played a crucial role in assisting the newcomers, demonstrating the strength and solidarity of the community.

Reflecting on the Mariel Boatlift decades later, its legacy is multifaceted, encompassing both the challenges of assimilation and the enriching influence of Cuban culture on Miami. The event catalyzed significant changes in U.S. immigration policy and Cuban-American relations, while also highlighting issues of refugee rights and international diplomacy. For Miami, the Mariel Boatlift reinforced the city's identity as a melting pot of cultures and a beacon of hope for immigrants seeking a new beginning. Today, the contributions of those who arrived during the boatlift are evident across all sectors of Miami's society, from the arts to business, further cementing the city's reputation as a dynamic and inclusive community.

Famous People From Miami

John S. Collins (1837–1928): Farmer and land developer, instrumental in the creation of Miami Beach.

John S. Collins was born in 1837 in Moorestown, New Jersey, where he initially engaged in farming. His early life was characterized by a strong work ethic and an interest in agriculture, which would later play a crucial role in his development projects. Collins's dedication to farming laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in land development.

The Move to Florida and Initial Investments (1880-1896)

Seeking new opportunities, Collins moved to Florida in the 1880s, where he began investing in land. His vision extended beyond traditional agriculture; he saw the potential for developing the then-remote and swampy area that would later become Miami Beach. Collins's initial investments in South Florida were the first steps towards realizing his vision for the area.

Development of Miami Beach (1896-1912)

Collins, alongside his family and partners, embarked on ambitious projects to transform the land on the barrier island across Biscayne Bay into a viable community. This period involved significant challenges, including the need to construct canals and improve the soil for agriculture, specifically avocado cultivation, which Collins pioneered in the area.

The Collins Bridge: A Gateway to Miami Beach (1912-1913)

One of Collins's most significant contributions was the construction of the Collins Bridge in 1913, which at the time was the longest wooden bridge in the world. This bridge connected Miami Beach to the mainland, facilitating access and development. It was a critical infrastructure project that signaled the beginning of Miami Beach's transformation into a resort destination.

Miami Beach's Early Development and Growth (1913-1920)

Following the completion of the Collins Bridge, Miami Beach began to attract investors and tourists. Collins played a central role in the area's early development, laying out streets, implementing water and power systems, and selling parcels of land for construction. His efforts during this period were instrumental in shaping the fledgling community.

Partnership with Carl Fisher and the Boom of the 1920s (1920-1926)

The partnership between John S. Collins and entrepreneur Carl Fisher was pivotal in accelerating Miami Beach's development. Fisher's financial backing and marketing savvy, combined with Collins's land and vision, propelled Miami Beach into a period of rapid growth and transformation into a luxury resort destination.

The Legacy of Land Development (1926-1928)

In the years leading up to his death in 1928, Collins witnessed the fruition of his lifelong work as Miami Beach emerged as a glamorous resort city. His contributions to its development were not just in infrastructure and real estate but also in establishing a community that would become internationally renowned for its beauty, climate, and architectural elegance.

Connection to Miami (Throughout Life)

Though Collins's most notable achievements were centered on Miami Beach, his impact resonated throughout the greater Miami area. His development efforts contributed to the region's overall growth and established a framework for future development projects that would shape the city's landscape.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered the development of Miami Beach from a swampy barrier island into a premier resort destination.

• Constructed the Collins Bridge, facilitating access to Miami Beach and spurring its development.

• Introduced avocado cultivation to South Florida, contributing to the region's agricultural diversity.

• Formed a successful partnership with Carl Fisher, leveraging Fisher's resources and marketing to enhance Miami Beach's growth and allure.

John S. Collins's vision and perseverance were instrumental in transforming Miami Beach from an uninhabited swamp into one of the world's most iconic resort destinations. His innovative approach to land development, combined with strategic partnerships, laid the groundwork for the city's rapid growth and enduring appeal. Collins's legacy is a testament to the impact of visionary thinking and steadfast dedication to developing communities that continue to thrive long after their founders' lifetimes.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

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