Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Orlando Magic 'Amped Up' For NBA Playoffs.

• Milk District Road Work Continues Until Jan 2025.

• A deep-dive into the life of Griffin Park.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."

- Oscar Wilde

Trivia

What Orlando park is known for its large-scale, outdoor sculptures and serene walking paths?

A) Leu Gardens

B) Lake Eola Park

C) Loch Haven Park

D) The Mennello Museum of American Art Sculpture Garden

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Orlando basketball team that competes in the NBA is A) Orlando Magic.

News

💼 Business

Milk District businesses dealing with road construction until January 2025. (link)

Orange County to suspend transportation sales tax effort for now. (link)

Fast-growing tech company JSC Systems leases more HQ space. (link)

Disney execs share more on Magic Kingdom theme park expansion plans. (link)

🏒 Sports

Orlando Magic continued their pursuit of a playoff spot with key games against rivals, including a significant match against the Milwaukee Bucks. (link)

Orlando Magic 'Amped Up' For NBA Playoffs. (link)

Orlando named No. 1 sports city for attracting and hosting events. (link)

Bally Sports named new broadcast partner for local Orlando Pride matches and “Orlando Soccer Insider”. (link)

🏦 Finance

DeSantis Confirms: State Funds Not Allocated for Brightline's Orlando-Tampa Expansion. (link)

Orlando-based condo advisor offers the big reason Florida's condo market is dire. (link)

Tri Pointe Homes® Expands to Orlando and Coastal Carolinas, Enlarging U.S. Presence. (link)

Hill Accused of Exploiting 96-Year-Old for $100,000, Claims Love Was Only Motive After Injunction Granted. (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

🥎 UCF Knights Baseball vs. University of North Florida
John Euliano Park at UCF Baseball Complex, Orlando, FL
Tuesday, Apr 16th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🥎 UCF Knights Softball vs. Florida Atlantic University Owls Softball
UCF Softball Complex, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Apr 17th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

⚾ UCF Knights Baseball vs. Central Michigan Chippewas Baseball
John Euliano Park at UCF Baseball Complex, Orlando, FL
Friday, Apr 19th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

⚽ Orlando Pride v San Diego Wave - Florida Is Citrus
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
Friday, Apr 19th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Julia Wolf
The Social, Orlando, FL
Monday, Apr 15th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎷 Kaleigh Baker
Lil' Indies, Orlando, FL
Monday, Apr 15th | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 The Brook and The Bluff
The Beacham, Orlando, FL
Tuesday, Apr 16th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶  Matt Lapham and Friends
Lil' Indies, Orlando, FL
Tuesday, Apr 16th | 9:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎥 Ain't Misbehavin
Margeson Theater - Orlando Shakes, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Apr 17 | 2:00 PM | (More Info)

🎭 Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Apr 17th | 5:30 PM​ | (More Info)

🎥Ron White 
Hard Rock Live Orlando - Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Apr 17th | 5:30 PM | (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 “Orlando with buildings that change shape and color” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Orlando Historical Events

The Land Boom and Bust (1920s-1930s) - Real estate boom and subsequent Great Depression impact.

During the 1920s, Orlando, like much of Florida, experienced an unprecedented real estate boom. Fueled by a post-World War I economic expansion and advances in transportation and communication, developers and investors were drawn to the region's subtropical climate and burgeoning potential. Land values soared as speculators bought and sold properties rapidly, often sight unseen, based on the promise of a growing tourist industry and the expansion of agricultural opportunities, particularly in citrus farming. This period was characterized by frenzied buying, with lots continuously changing hands in speculative trades that drove prices to astronomical heights.

However, the prosperity that marked the early and mid-1920s began to falter towards the end of the decade. The Florida land boom's collapse was precipitated by a number of factors, including the catastrophic hurricane of 1926, which severely damaged the confidence in Florida's real estate market, and the realization that the inflated land prices were unsustainable. By 1928, the market was already in decline when the Great Okeechobee Hurricane further devastated the state, leading to a significant loss of life and property. These disasters, coupled with a national economic downturn, led to a steep drop in land values. The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 only deepened the crisis, leading to a prolonged period of economic stagnation in Orlando and throughout Florida, as property values plummeted and investments vanished.

The bust had profound consequences for Orlando and its surrounding areas. Development ground to a halt, and the once-booming housing market collapsed, leaving countless projects unfinished or abandoned. The population growth that had driven much of the speculation stalled, as did the flow of new residents and tourists upon whom the local economy had become dependent. Banks failed, and countless investors, both local and from afar, found themselves facing financial ruin. This period of economic hardship lasted well into the 1930s, as Orlando and the rest of Florida struggled to recover from the speculative excesses of the 1920s and the overarching effects of the Great Depression. It was a stark reversal from the heady days of the boom, serving as a cautionary tale of the dangers of speculative excess and the cyclical nature of real estate markets.

Famous People From Orlando

Griffin Park

Early Life and Educational Pursuits (1905-1925)

Griffin Park, born in a small, segregated town near Orlando, Florida, grew up in a time when the American South was deeply divided by racial prejudices. Despite the numerous challenges he faced, Park showed an early penchant for leadership and a keen interest in education. He attended local schools and became one of the first in his community to obtain a college degree, setting the stage for his lifelong commitment to education and activism.

Rise as a Community Leader in Orlando (1926-1940)

Upon returning to Orlando, Park quickly emerged as a prominent figure in the African-American community. He recognized the need for better housing, education, and employment opportunities for African-Americans and dedicated himself to advocacy and community organization. Park's charisma and drive led to significant improvements, including the establishment of the first African-American library in Orlando.

Advocacy for Civil Rights and Equality (1941-1955)

As the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, Park became deeply involved in the struggle for equality. He organized peaceful protests, voter registration drives, and community meetings to fight against segregation and discrimination. His efforts were not without risk, but Park's unwavering resolve helped forge a path toward greater racial equality in Orlando and beyond.

Founding of Key Institutions (1956-1965)

Understanding the importance of accessible education and social services, Park spearheaded the development of institutions that would become cornerstones of the African-American community in Orlando. He founded a community center that offered educational programs, health services, and cultural activities. This center became a hub for community empowerment and a model for similar initiatives across the region.

Mentorship and Empowerment of Youth (1966-1975)

Park believed passionately in the power of mentorship and dedicated much of his later career to empowering the next generation of leaders. He established scholarship funds, led youth leadership programs, and was a constant presence in schools, encouraging students to pursue education and become active in their communities.

Political Involvement and Advocacy (1976-1985)

In the latter part of his life, Park transitioned into more direct political involvement, leveraging his influence and experience to advocate for policies that would benefit the African-American community. He served on several municipal committees and worked closely with local leaders to address issues of poverty, education, and racial justice in Orlando.

Legacy and Memory (1986-1995)

Park's contributions to Orlando and the broader Civil Rights Movement left a lasting legacy. He passed away in 1995, but his vision for a more equitable society continued to inspire those who knew him and benefited from his work. Schools, community centers, and scholarships established in his name ensure that his impact endures.

Reverence and Recognition (Post-1995)

Following his death, the community and city leaders in Orlando came together to honor Park. Parks, buildings, and streets were named in his memory, celebrating his contributions to the city's development and the advancement of civil rights. The Griffin Park Library stands as a testament to his commitment to education and community empowerment.

Connection to Orlando (Throughout Life)

Orlando was more than just Park's hometown; it was the canvas on which he drew his vision for a better future. His deep connection to the city fueled his efforts to improve the living conditions and opportunities for its African-American residents. Park's work transformed Orlando's landscape, making it a beacon of progress in the American South.

Reflections on a Life of Service (Throughout Life)

Griffin Park's story is one of determination, leadership, and service. Despite the systemic racism and barriers of his time, he championed the cause of equality and justice. Park's life work not only reshaped the community in Orlando but also provided a blueprint for future generations of activists and leaders.

Key Achievements of Griffin Park:

• Established the first African-American library in Orlando.

• Founded educational and community centers for African-American youth.

• Played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement in Orlando, organizing protests and advocacy campaigns.

• Created scholarship funds and leadership programs for African-American students.

• Served on municipal committees to address issues of racial justice and community development.

Griffin Park's legacy is a testament to the power of community leadership and activism. Through his tireless efforts and dedication, he improved the lives of countless African Americans in Orlando and laid the groundwork for future generations to continue the fight for equality and justice. Park's life exemplifies the impact one individual can have in transforming their community and the world.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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