Welcome to The Miami Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Citrix sells headquarters office at loss for $37 million.

• Upcoming Miami Marlins match

• A deep-dive into the life of Florence Knoll Bassett

• And more….

Quote of the Week

 “Mastery of life is not a question of control, but of finding a balance between human and being.” 

–Eckhart Tolle

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 annual Miami event is famous for its air and sea show, featuring military jet flyovers, boat races, and live music performances?

A) Miami International Boat Show

B) Fleet Week Miami

C) The Miami Beach Air & Sea Show

D) The Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The attraction offering a lush tropical landscape and a butterfly conservatory is B) Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

New

💼 Business

Former Miami Herald headquarters sold for $30 million. (Link)

Citrix sells headquarters office at loss for $37 million. (Link)

🏒 Sports

FIFA aims for the perfect pitch at 2026 World Cup after "disaster" field conditions at Copa America. (Link)

Coco Gauff struggles, finds way to win at US Open. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Developer seeks $10.6M in incentives for West Palm Beach development. (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

⚾ Washington Nationals at Miami Marlins
loanDepot park, Miami, FL
Tue, Sep 3rd - Wed, Sep 4th | (More info)

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins
loanDepot park, Miami
Thu, Sep 5th - Sat, Sep 7th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Azymuth
Dante's HiFi, Miami
Monday, Sep 2nd | (More info)

🎵 Cowgirl Clue
Gramps, Miami
Thursday, Sep 5th | (More info)

Family

🍔 Food Trucks Wednesdays North Bay Village
1275 NE 79 St, Miami
Wednesday, Sep 4th | (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 “Urban landscape of Miami with a focus on pedestrian pathways and green spaces” 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

The Miami River Cops Scandal (1985) - A significant event in Miami's law enforcement history.

The Miami River Cops Scandal of 1985 stands as one of the most significant and notorious events in Miami's law enforcement history, revealing deep-rooted corruption within the Miami Police Department. This scandal involved a group of rogue officers who were part of an organized crime ring responsible for drug trafficking, theft, and even murder. Their most infamous act was the drowning of three drug smugglers during a botched robbery on the Miami River, which led to the scandal's exposure. This event shocked the community and highlighted the extent of corruption that had infiltrated the police force, undermining public trust in law enforcement and casting a long shadow over the department's integrity.

The investigation into the Miami River Cops Scandal unveiled a complex web of criminal activities, including the theft of drugs and money from traffickers, which the corrupt officers would then sell for their own profit. The revelations led to widespread reforms within the Miami Police Department, including the implementation of stricter oversight mechanisms, the establishment of anti-corruption units, and a comprehensive review of police practices and policies. The scandal also prompted a broader public discourse on police corruption and accountability, not only in Miami but across the nation, as it became a stark example of the potential for abuse within law enforcement agencies.

In the aftermath of the scandal, the Miami Police Department faced the daunting task of rebuilding its reputation and restoring public confidence. The prosecution and conviction of the officers involved in the scandal were critical steps in demonstrating the department's commitment to justice and ethical policing. Over time, the efforts to address the issues exposed by the Miami River Cops Scandal contributed to significant improvements in the department's operations and its relationship with the community. However, the scandal remains a dark chapter in the city's history, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance, transparency, and accountability in law enforcement.

Famous People From Miami

Florence Knoll Bassett (1917–2019): Her architectural and furniture designs influenced Miami's modern aesthetic.

Born in 1917, Florence Knoll Bassett was introduced to the principles of modernism early in her life. Her education at Kingswood School and later at the Cranbrook Academy of Art exposed her to the Bauhaus philosophy, which emphasized functional design and the integration of art and industry.

Architectural Studies and Professional Beginnings (1937-1945)

Florence pursued architectural studies at the Armour Institute (now Illinois Institute of Technology), where she was mentored by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Her early career saw her working in architecture offices and developing her unique approach to design, blending architectural principles with interior design.

Founding Knoll Associates (1946-1955)

Alongside her husband, Hans Knoll, Florence co-founded Knoll Associates. Under her creative direction, the company became synonymous with modern furniture and interior design, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and the harmony between architecture and space.

The Knoll Planning Unit (1956-1965)

Florence established the Knoll Planning Unit within the company, revolutionizing interior space planning and design. Her holistic approach to design, which considered every element of a space's interiors, significantly influenced modern office environments and aesthetics, including those in Miami.

Influence on Miami's Modern Aesthetic (1966-1975)

Knoll's work had a profound impact on Miami's architectural and interior design scene. Her minimalist aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and functional beauty, resonated with Miami's embrace of modernism in its commercial and residential spaces.

Advancements in Furniture Design (1976-1985)

Florence Knoll Bassett continued to innovate in furniture design, creating pieces that became icons of mid-century modern design. Her designs are celebrated for their timeless quality and continue to influence designers in Miami and beyond.

Honors and Recognition (1986-1995)

Throughout her career, Florence received numerous accolades for her contributions to design and architecture, including the National Medal of Arts. Her work was recognized for its significant impact on the development of modern interior design and architecture.

Legacy and Influence (1996-2019)

Florence Knoll Bassett's legacy is enduring, with her designs and philosophies still shaping the aesthetics of spaces worldwide. Her influence on Miami's modern aesthetic is evident in the city's architecture, furniture design, and interior spaces, which continue to reflect her minimalist, functional approach.

Connection to Miami (Throughout Career)

Florence's connection to Miami is marked by the adoption of her design principles in the city's modern architecture and interiors. Her emphasis on the integration of space, function, and beauty aligns with Miami's development as a hub for modernist architectural and interior design.

Key Achievements:

• Co-founded Knoll Associates, a leading design firm in modern furniture and interiors.

• Revolutionized interior space planning with the Knoll Planning Unit.

• Created iconic pieces of modern furniture that have become staples in design.

• Influenced Miami's architectural and interior design scene with her minimalist aesthetic.

Florence Knoll Bassett's vision and designs played a pivotal role in shaping the modern aesthetic, extending her influence to Miami's architectural and interior design landscape. Her commitment to functionality, simplicity, and the integration of design disciplines has left a lasting impact on the city and the field of design as a whole. Through her pioneering work, Florence demonstrated the power of thoughtful design in creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional, making her legacy an integral part of modern design history."

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.

-Matthew Larsen

Poll