Miami Newsletter (October 3rd)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

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

  • Upcoming Iron Lyon concert

  • A deep-dive into the life of Henry Flagler

  • 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 Miami neighborhood is known for its large Cuban-American population and vibrant culture?

A) Wynwood

B) Coconut Grove

C) Little Havana

D) South Beach

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

Miami's famous street known for its vibrant nightlife and Art Deco buildings is B) Ocean Drive.

New

💼 Business

What happened to a couple of Miami guys who didn’t pay for over $1 million of food. (Link)

Downtown Miami owners oppose tax hike as they face quality of life and condo issues. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Dolphins-Titans live blog: Start your gameday here. (Link)

An under-the-radar player is making his case to make the Florida Panthers’ roster. (Link)

🏦 Finance

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

Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Miami FC
Pitbull Stadium, Miami
Saturday, Oct. 5th | (More info)

🏀 Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat
Kaseya Center, Miami
Thursday, Oct. 10th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎧 Iron Lyon
E11EVEN Miami, Miami
Wednesday, Oct. 2nd | (More info)

🎶 Miss Monique
The Ground, Miami
Friday, Oct. 4th | (More info)

Family

🎃 Miami Children's Museum's 14th Annual "Not So Scary" Family Halloween Bash!
980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami
Sunday, Oct. 6th | (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 skyline with floating gardens and skyscrapers” 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

Spanish Exploration (1566) - Pedro Menéndez de Avilés claimed the area for Spain.

In 1564, a significant chapter in the early history of European colonization in the Americas unfolded with the establishment of Fort Caroline by French Huguenot settlers. Led by René Goulaine de Laudonnière, the settlers sought religious freedom and new opportunities in the New World. They chose a strategic location near the present-day city of Jacksonville, along the banks of the River of May, known today as the St. Johns River. This settlement represented one of the first European attempts to establish a permanent presence in what is now the southeastern United States.

Fort Caroline was more than a military stronghold; it was a symbol of hope and ambition. The settlers aimed to create a thriving community, capitalizing on the fertile land and favorable climate. The fort was named in honor of King Charles IX of France (Carolus in Latin), reflecting the French crown's support for the endeavor. Despite the challenges of settlement, including supply shortages and conflicts with the native population, the French settlers at Fort Caroline laid the foundations for a new society.

However, the existence of Fort Caroline became a point of contention in the power struggle between European nations vying for control of the New World. The Spanish, viewing the French presence as a threat to their claims in the region, moved to eliminate the challenge. In 1565, in a dramatic and violent confrontation, Spanish forces under the command of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés captured Fort Caroline, marking an abrupt end to the French endeavor. Despite its short existence, Fort Caroline's legacy endured, symbolizing the complex and often turbulent history of European colonization in North America. The fort's establishment in 1564 remains a testament to the courage and ambition of the early settlers who ventured across the Atlantic in pursuit of freedom and new beginnings.

Famous People From Miami

Henry Flagler (1830–1913): A tycoon who extended the Florida East Coast Railway to Miami, crucial for the city's early development.

Henry Flagler was born in 1830 in Hopewell, New York. Despite a modest upbringing, Flagler demonstrated a keen business sense from an early age. He ventured into various businesses, including grain and salt production, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and an eye for opportunity.

Partnership with John D. Rockefeller (1863-1882)

In the 1860s, Flagler's business acumen led him to partner with John D. Rockefeller. Together, they co-founded Standard Oil, a company that would become one of the largest and most influential corporations of its time. Flagler's contributions to the management and expansion of Standard Oil were pivotal in establishing his reputation as a business tycoon.

Entrance into the Railroad Industry (1883-1892)

After amassing a fortune in the oil industry, Flagler turned his attention to the burgeoning railroad industry. He saw the potential for growth in Florida and embarked on an ambitious project to develop the state's transportation infrastructure, eventually establishing the Florida East Coast Railway.

Extension of the Railway to Miami (1893-1896)

Flagler's vision for Florida extended beyond transportation. He recognized the state's potential as a tourist destination and agricultural hub. His decision to extend the Florida East Coast Railway to Miami in 1896 was transformative, opening up the region to development and investment.

Development of Miami and the Palm Beaches (1897-1902)

With the railway extension complete, Flagler invested in the development of Miami and the Palm Beaches. He built luxury hotels, resorts, and amenities, attracting tourists and settlers to the area. His investments were instrumental in establishing Miami and the Palm Beaches as premier destinations and key economic centers.

Philanthropy and Community Building (1903-1910)

Flagler's contributions to Florida extended beyond business development. He was a significant philanthropist, contributing to the establishment of hospitals, churches, and cultural institutions. His commitment to community building was evident in his efforts to improve the lives of Florida's residents.

Legacy in Florida and the Railroad Industry (1911-1913)

Flagler's impact on Florida's development was profound. His vision and investments helped shape the state's economy, infrastructure, and society. The Florida East Coast Railway remained a vital part of the state's transportation network, facilitating trade and mobility.

Final Years and Reflection on Achievements (1913)

In his final years, Flagler witnessed the fruits of his labor as Miami and other regions in Florida flourished. His reflections on his career underscored a legacy of bold vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and a lasting impact on the development of Florida.

Death and Enduring Influence (1913)

Henry Flagler passed away in 1913. His death marked the end of a life that had a transformative impact on Florida and the railroad industry. Flagler's vision and investments laid the foundation for the growth and prosperity of regions like Miami, securing his place in history as a pivotal figure in the development of the Sunshine State.

Key Achievements:

  • Co-founder of Standard Oil, establishing a legacy in the oil industry.

  • Developer of the Florida East Coast Railway, transforming Florida's transportation infrastructure.

  • Key figure in the development of Miami and the Palm Beaches, shaping the regions' economies and communities.

  • Philanthropist and community builder, contributing to the cultural and social fabric of Florida.

Henry Flagler's journey from a visionary entrepreneur to a pivotal figure in the development of Florida is a testament to his far-reaching impact on the state's economy, infrastructure, and society. As the force behind the Florida East Coast Railway and the development of regions like Miami and the Palm Beaches, Flagler's legacy endures as a symbol of innovation, growth, and the transformative power of visionary investment. His contributions continue to resonate, shaping the destiny of Florida and its communities.

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-Matthew Larsen

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