Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Homebuilder forms $3 billion partnership with private equity firm.

• Upcoming Miami Heat match

• A deep-dive into the life of George Merrick

• And more….

Quote of the Week

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

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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 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.

New

💼 Business

An update on a Fort Lauderdale lawyer who stole a $643,000 inheritance and disappeared. (Link)

Homebuilder forms $3 billion partnership with private equity firm. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Western puts together thrilling comeback to secure needed win over West Boca Raton. (Link)

Dolphins get four key veterans back; Beckham questionable. And Boyle cut, personnel notes. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Five more possible cronies of Broward’s ‘Mother Teresa’ charged in her $196M fraud. (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

⚾ Party Animals at Savannah Bananas
loanDepot park, Miami
Saturday, Oct. 12th | (More info)

🏀 New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat
Kaseya Center, Miami
Sunday, Oct. 13th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Usher
Kaseya Center, Miami
Saturday, Oct. 12th | (More info)

🎶 50 Cent
E11EVEN Miami, Miami
Saturday, Oct. 12th | (More info)

Family

🍺 Oktoberfest Miami® 2024 - VIP Experience
11919 Southwest 56th Street, Miami
Friday, Oct. 11th | (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) - Officially incorporated with a population of just over 300.

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): Developer of Coral Gables, one of the first planned communities in the United States.

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.

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

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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