Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Orlando Magic Launches 'Westcourt' Project

• Orlando Magic Secures NBA Playoff Spot.

• A deep-dive into the life of Dick Pope Sr.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."

- William James

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!

What is the largest university in Orlando, known for its extensive research programs?

A) Rollins College

B) Valencia College

C) University of Central Florida (UCF)

D) Full Sail University

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic Orlando building famous for its Tiffany glass collection, the most comprehensive in the world, is A) The Morse Museum.

News

💼 Business

Orlando Magic's $500M Downtown Project Named 'Westcourt,' Spanning 900,000 Sq Ft. (link)

Central Florida’s top family-owned business boosted local revenue 275% over 2 years. (link)

I-4, SunRail need billions of dollars for Orlando transportation projects in the works. (link)

🏒 Sports

Orlando Magic clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs after a decisive win against the Knicks. (link)

Orlando City SC faced a tough match against the New York Red Bulls, ending in a dramatic draw. (link)

The Orlando Solar Bears advanced to the next round of the ECHL playoffs after a thrilling overtime win. (link)

🏦 Finance

Downtown Orlando Sports and Entertainment District Approved to Begin 8.5 Acre Block Development. (link)

City OKs up to $40 million in incentives for Orlando Magic's sports and entertainment district. (link)

Orlando Ranks 9th in U.S. for Financial Fraud, Sees Over 100% Increase in Complaints. (link)

Express Store Closures Begin April 23; No Central Florida Locations Affected. (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

🏀 Orlando Magic Round 1 Game C
Kia Center, Orlando
Friday, May 03 | (More Info)

🏎️ Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
Silver Spurs Arena At OHP, Kissimmee, FL
Saturday, May 04th | 12:30 PM | (More Info)

⚽ Orlando City SC v FC Cincinnati - Star Wars Night
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
Saturday, May 04th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🏈 Orlando Predators vs. West Texas Desert Hawks
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Sunday, May 05th | 1:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸  Endoxa Booking Presents: Tombstoner, Intoxicated, and More
Conduit 6700 Aloma Avenue Winter Park, FL
Monday, Apr 29th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎷 Kaleigh Baker
Lil' Indies, Orlando, FL
Monday, Apr 29th | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤  Nadeem's Cheap Ass Bingo w/ Bongus
Will's Pub 1040 North Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Monday, Apr 29th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶  Jim White w/ Terri Binion
Will's Pub 1040 North Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, May 01 | 5:30 PM ​ | (More Info)

🎥 The Price Is Right Live - Stage Show
Sharon L Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages, FL
Thursday, May 02th | 3:00 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 “Urban landscape of Orlando with advanced public transport systems.” 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

McCoy Air Force Base Establishment (1940) - Strengthened military presence and economic impact.

McCoy Air Force Base, established in 1940 near Orlando, Florida, significantly strengthened the United States military presence in the Southeast region. Originally designated as Orlando Army Air Field #2, the base was renamed in 1958 in honor of Colonel Michael N.W. McCoy, a former commander who died in a B-47 Stratojet crash. During the early years of World War II, the base served as a strategic training ground for B-17 Flying Fortress crews, marking the beginning of its long and impactful service to the nation's military operations. This era set the precedent for McCoy Air Force Base's role as a pivotal military installation throughout the 20th century.

The expansion and development of McCoy Air Force Base during the Cold War era further cemented its importance in U.S. military strategy. As a Strategic Air Command (SAC) base, it hosted bombers and tanker aircraft, playing a crucial role in the United States' nuclear deterrent force. The presence of these strategic assets underscored the base's contribution to national security and global military posture. This period of heightened activity not only showcased the base's military significance but also led to advancements in military technology and infrastructure at the site.

Economically, McCoy Air Force Base had a profound impact on the Orlando area. The influx of military personnel and their families spurred growth in housing, commerce, and infrastructure, contributing to the region's economic development. Even after its closure in 1975 and subsequent transformation into Orlando International Airport, the legacy of McCoy Air Force Base continues to influence the area. The repurposing of the site has led to significant commercial and civil aviation advancements, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States and serving as a lasting testament to the base's historical importance and economic contribution to Orlando.

Famous People From Orlando

Walter "Red" Barber: The Voice of Baseball (1908-1992)

Early Days in Mississippi (1908-1928)

Walter "Red" Barber, born in Columbus, Mississippi, grew up imbibing the rich, storytelling tradition of the South. His early years were characterized by a deep love for sports and a flair for communication, laying the foundation for what would become a storied career in sports broadcasting.

The Beginning of a Broadcasting Career (1929-1934)

Barber's journey into broadcasting began at the University of Florida, where he attended college and first entered the world of radio. His ability to vividly describe events, coupled with a genuine enthusiasm for sports, quickly made him a favorite among listeners.

Rise to Fame with the Cincinnati Reds (1934-1938)

Barber's breakthrough came when he was hired to be the play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Reds. His distinctive voice and innovative broadcasting techniques, including the use of a telegraph to relay game events during away matches, revolutionized sports broadcasting.

Brooklyn Dodgers and National Stardom (1939-1953)

Red Barber's move to the Brooklyn Dodgers marked the peak of his career. As the voice of the Dodgers, he became a household name, endearing himself to fans with his folksy charm and detailed game analyses. His tenure with the Dodgers also saw Barber breaking cultural barriers, as he narrated Jackie Robinson's historic entry into Major League Baseball.

The Yankee Years and Introduction of Color Commentary (1954-1966)

After a public dispute with the Dodgers' management, Barber transitioned to the New York Yankees' broadcast booth. There, he introduced the concept of color commentary to sports broadcasting, adding depth and insight to the play-by-play narration and enriching the listening experience for fans.

Innovation and Education in Broadcasting (1960s)

Throughout the 1960s, Barber continued to innovate and educate, both as a broadcaster for the Yankees and as a professor of broadcasting at the University of Florida. His contributions to the field were characterized by an unwavering commitment to authenticity and engagement.

Retirement and Legacy (1970s-1992)

Barber retired to the Orlando area in the early 1970s, where he spent his final years reflecting on a lifetime of achievements in sports broadcasting. His legacy, marked by a Hall of Fame induction and numerous awards, continues to influence generations of sports broadcasters.

Red Barber and Orlando: A Place of Reflection (1970s-1992)

In retirement, Barber found in Orlando a tranquil setting that contrasted the bustling stadiums and fervent crowds of his broadcasting days. Here, he wrote and spoke about the changes he witnessed in baseball and broadcasting, contributing to the sports community with a wise perspective only decades in the field could provide.

Awards and Accolades (Throughout Career)

Barber's distinguished career was recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame. His pioneering work not only chronicled the evolution of baseball but also contributed significantly to the professional standards and practices of sports broadcasting.

Final Years and Enduring Influence (1990-1992)

Walter "Red" Barber passed away in 1992, leaving behind a legacy that transcends his lifetime. His contributions to sports broadcasting have endured, influencing not only how games are narrated but also how they are experienced by fans around the world.

Key Achievements of Walter "Red" Barber:

• Pioneered play-by-play sports broadcasting and introduced color commentary in baseball.

• Served as the voice of the Cincinnati Reds, Brooklyn Dodgers, and New York Yankees.

• Inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.

• Helped narrate and contextualize the breaking of baseball's color barrier with Jackie Robinson.

• Innovated broadcasting techniques that remain standards in sports journalism.

Walter "Red" Barber's impact on sports broadcasting is immeasurable. Through his innovative approaches, distinctive voice, and enduring love for the game, Barber set a high bar for those who followed in his footsteps. His career, spanning the Golden Age of Radio to the advent of television, not only chronicled the changing landscape of American sports but also enriched it, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in the fields of broadcasting and baseball.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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