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Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• South Miami could select developer for $309 million project.

• Upcoming Miami Marlins match

• A deep-dive into the life of Pitbull

• And more….

Quote of the Week

 “Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.” 

—Isabelle Lafleche

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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 testament to the city's commitment to the arts, hosting a variety of performances including opera, ballet, and theater?

A) The Fillmore Miami Beach

B) The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

C) Olympia Theater

D) New World Center

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The neighborhood famous for its vibrant street murals and lively art scene, especially during Art Basel, is A) Wynwood.

New

💼 Business

Designs revealed for $495 million train bridges in Fort Lauderdale. (Link)

$37 million affordable housing project breaks ground. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Donations flood Tua Tagovailoa’s Foundation courtesy of Buffalo Bills fans. (Link)

The Miami Herald’s South Florida high school football scoreboard. (Link)

🏦 Finance

South Miami could select developer for $309 million project. (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

⚾ Atlanta Braves at Miami Marlins
loanDepot park, Miami
Friday, Sep 20-22 | (More info)

🏈 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Florida International Panthers Football
Pitbull Stadium, Miami
Saturday, Sep 28 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Mannywellz
The Joint of Miami, Miami
Sunday, Sep 22 | (More info)

🎶 Kevin Reinoso
Mayfair Hotel, Miami
Saturday, Sep 21 | (More info)

Family

👨‍👩‍👧 Crafty Kids
6376 SW 8th St, West Miami
Saturday, September 21 | (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 with an underwater section accessible to the public” 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 of 1980

One major historical event in Miami’s history is the Mariel Boatlift of 1980, which significantly transformed the city's cultural and demographic landscape. This mass emigration occurred when Fidel Castro, the leader of Cuba, opened the port of Mariel, allowing Cuban citizens to leave the country if they wished. Between April and October 1980, over 125,000 Cubans arrived in Miami seeking refuge, dramatically increasing the Cuban population in the area. The influx of people strained resources but also solidified Miami as a center of Cuban culture in the U.S.

The event had a profound impact on the city’s identity. While many of the refugees were welcomed, others faced challenges. Among those arriving were prisoners and individuals from mental health institutions, which led to social and political tensions. Local authorities and residents scrambled to provide housing, employment, and services for the new arrivals, while national debates arose over U.S. immigration policies. Miami's infrastructure was tested, but the city adapted to the changing dynamics.

The Mariel Boatlift reshaped Miami, marking a significant turning point in its history. It intensified the city's role as a haven for Latin American immigrants and deepened its connection to Cuban culture. Today, Miami's rich blend of cultural influences, particularly its vibrant Cuban community, owes much to this pivotal event.

Famous People From Miami

Pitbull: Mr. Worldwide’s Journey from Miami to Global Stardom

Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull, was born on January 15, 1981, in Miami, Florida, to Cuban immigrant parents. Growing up in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, he was surrounded by a fusion of Latin, hip-hop, and street culture, which shaped his musical identity. Raised by his mother after his parents separated, Pitbull found solace in music and poetry, learning early on to express himself through rhymes. Despite his challenges, such as being kicked out of his house as a teenager due to disagreements with his mother, he remained determined to carve out a future for himself in music.

Discovering Hip-Hop and Early Struggles (1999-2003)

Pitbull’s introduction to hip-hop came at a young age, influenced by legendary Miami bass artists like Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew. He began rapping in high school, refining his flow and lyricism, and performed at local clubs and parties. Despite facing rejection and not fitting the traditional mold of a Latino artist at the time, Pitbull persevered. His big break came when he was introduced to Lil Jon, the “King of Crunk,” who featured Pitbull on the 2002 track "Pitbulls Cuban Rideout." This collaboration opened doors for him in the Atlanta hip-hop scene and laid the foundation for his debut album.

Debut Album and Rise to Fame (2004-2007)

In 2004, Pitbull released his debut studio album, M.I.A.M.I. (Money Is A Major Issue), under TVT Records. The album’s hit single, “Culo,” produced by Lil Jon, was a huge success, making its way into clubs across the country. The album’s fusion of Latin rhythms and crunk music stood out, reflecting his Miami roots. Pitbull began to gain recognition not only for his music but also for his energetic live performances. Despite legal battles with his label, he released two more albums during this period, solidifying his place in the music industry and laying the groundwork for what would become an iconic career.

Establishing a Global Identity (2007-2010)

By the late 2000s, Pitbull had transitioned from a local Miami star to a global sensation. He released his fourth studio album, Rebelution (2009), which featured the chart-topping hit "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)," a song that further connected his Miami heritage to a global audience. The track was a blend of reggaeton, hip-hop, and house music, reflecting the multicultural identity of Miami itself. As Pitbull embraced the “Mr. Worldwide” persona, his music began to resonate not only with Latin audiences but also with fans of dance and pop music across the globe.

The Evolution of Mr. Worldwide (2010-2012)

Pitbull’s transition to mainstream success was cemented with the release of his album Planet Pit in 2011. The lead single, "Give Me Everything," featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing Pitbull as a household name. The album’s success showcased his ability to blend different musical styles, from EDM to Latin pop, further reflecting his Miami upbringing where diverse sounds coexist. His collaborations with artists like Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias strengthened his presence in both the Latin and English-speaking music markets, making him one of the most versatile artists of the time.

Miami’s Influence on Pitbull’s Career (2012-2015)

Throughout his career, Pitbull has never forgotten his Miami roots. The city’s vibrant culture, fusion of Latin and American influences, and nightlife have heavily influenced his music. Miami is not only his birthplace but also the backdrop for many of his music videos and tours. In interviews, Pitbull often credits Miami’s multiculturalism for shaping his global outlook, allowing him to appeal to audiences worldwide. Whether performing at the annual Calle Ocho Festival or featuring Miami landmarks in his videos, the city has always been a central part of his identity.

Entrepreneurship and Expanding His Brand (2015-2017)

In addition to his music career, Pitbull expanded his brand into various entrepreneurial ventures during the mid-2010s. He became involved in numerous businesses, including a fragrance line, a partnership with Voli Vodka, and ownership stakes in Miami-based restaurants. He also launched a charter school in Miami, the SLAM! (Sports Leadership and Management) Academy, focused on combining athletics and academics to inspire the next generation. His foray into business, education, and philanthropy showcased his commitment to giving back to the Miami community and securing a lasting legacy outside of music.

Awards, Accolades, and Continued Success (2017-2020)

Pitbull’s contributions to music and entertainment have earned him numerous awards over the years, including a Grammy for his collaborations and countless Billboard Latin Music Awards. His global hits, energetic performances, and collaborations with top artists continued to keep him relevant in the ever-changing music industry. By this time, Pitbull had become a global ambassador for Latin music and was recognized for his ability to consistently churn out hit after hit. His influence extended beyond music as he became a symbol of Latin pride and resilience.

Philanthropy and Giving Back (2020-2022)

Pitbull has always been vocal about his desire to give back to the community, especially in Miami. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he used his platform to spread awareness and support relief efforts. He donated to various causes, including providing masks and financial assistance to communities in need. In addition to his school, SLAM!, Pitbull has been involved in several charity efforts, particularly those aimed at helping Latin communities and empowering disadvantaged youth. His philanthropy continues to be a significant aspect of his life, as he focuses on helping others achieve success.

Legacy and Impact (2022-Present)

Today, Pitbull’s legacy as Mr. Worldwide extends far beyond music. He has become a symbol of Miami’s multiculturalism and resilience, representing the city on a global stage. His ability to blend genres and appeal to a wide audience has solidified his place in music history. More than two decades into his career, Pitbull continues to release new music, tour the world, and grow his business empire. His story of rising from humble beginnings in Miami to becoming a global icon serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring artists.

Key Achievements:

• Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album (2016)

• Global Ambassador for Miami’s Latin music scene

• Founder of SLAM! Academy, a charter school in Miami

• Billboard Latin Music Award recipient for multiple hit singles

• Chart-topping albums like Planet Pit and Rebelution

• Successful entrepreneur with ventures in the music, beverage, and education industries

Pitbull’s journey from the streets of Miami to global superstardom is a testament to his determination, talent, and Miami roots. He blended his cultural influences into a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. Beyond music, his entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic work have left a lasting impact, particularly in his hometown of Miami, where he continues to inspire and give back.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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