Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Kaleigh Baker performance

• Upcoming UCF Football Spring Game

• A deep-dive into the life of Francis B. Francois

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so."

- William Shakespeare

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 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 name of the Orlando basketball team that competes in the NBA is A) Orlando Magic

News

💼 Business

A vegan eatery in Winter Park temporarily closed due to health inspection findings of roaches and flies​​. (link)

Nearly 100 employers participated in a job fair hosted by the Central Florida Employment Council, offering a range of positions​. (link)

Orlando International Airport anticipated over 7 million travelers during its busiest Spring Break season​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Orlando Magic faced the Portland Trail Blazers, aiming to end Portland's nine-game losing streak at Amway Center. (link)

Orlando City SC played to a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls, salvaging a point with a late-game own goal by the Red Bulls. (link)

Orlando Pride remained unbeaten after a 1-1 draw with the Chicago Red Stars, a match defined by fine margins​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Orlando small business sees market shift, as inflation goes up. (link)

UCF-based nonprofit Limbitless Solutions gets financial boost from Disney. (link)

CTO Realty (CTO) Expands With Retail Power Center in Orlando. (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 Softball vs. Jacksonville University Softball
UCF Softball Complex, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Apr 10th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Orlando Valkyries vs. Grand Rapids Rise
Addition Financial Arena, Orlando, FL
Thursday Apr 11th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

⚽ UCF Football Spring Game
FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL
Friday, Apr 12th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸  Kaleigh Baker
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Monday, Apr 8th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎷 Saint Motel
Plaza Live - Orlando, Orlando, FL
Tuesday, Apr 9th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤  Matt Lapham and Friends
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Tuesday, Apr 9th | 9:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎥 Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL
Apr 10-12 | 5:30 - 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎭 Ain't Misbehavin
Margeson Theater - Orlando Shakes, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Apr 10th | 7:30 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 “Spaceport integrated into Orlando's central hub” 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

Orlando in the Roaring Twenties (1920s)

The Roaring Twenties marked a period of significant economic and cultural development in Orlando, Florida, akin to the nationwide surge but with its unique Southern twist. During the 1920s, Orlando experienced a remarkable economic boom primarily fueled by the Florida Land Boom. The city's population swelled as investors and new residents flocked to the area, attracted by the promise of a warm climate, abundant land, and the burgeoning citrus industry. The economic prosperity of the era led to the development of numerous residential areas, commercial buildings, and public infrastructures such as the iconic Orlando Public Library, and the expansion of the city's transportation network including the establishment of the Orlando Municipal Airport in 1928, which further stimulated growth and connected Orlando with other booming parts of Florida and the larger United States.

Culturally, Orlando flourished during the 1920s, reflecting the nationwide embrace of jazz, film, and the arts. The city's theaters, such as the Beacham Theater, became popular venues for vaudeville performances, silent films, and, by the end of the decade, the first "talkies," mirroring the sweeping changes in entertainment consumption across the country. Orlando's proximity to natural springs and lakes also made it a popular spot for recreational activities and spurred the development of leisure and tourism industries. The natural beauty of the area was a draw for both residents and tourists, setting the stage for Orlando's eventual evolution into a major tourist destination.

However, the economic boom in Orlando and across Florida was not to last. The end of the decade saw the Florida Land Boom come to a halt, exacerbated by the devastating 1926 Miami hurricane and subsequent financial challenges nationwide. By the time the Great Depression took hold, Orlando, like much of the country, faced economic hardships. Nevertheless, the cultural and infrastructural developments of the 1920s laid a foundation that would support Orlando's recovery and future growth, embedding in the city a sense of resilience and creativity that persists to this day. The Roaring Twenties, thus, remain a significant period in Orlando's history, reflecting both the possibilities and the perils of rapid growth and economic optimism.

Famous People From Orlando

Francis B. Francois

Francis B. Francois: A Visionary in U.S. Infrastructure

Francis B. Francois was an instrumental figure in the development of the Interstate Highway System, leaving a lasting legacy on America’s roadways, including those in Orlando. His career spanned several decades, during which he championed infrastructure projects that have become crucial to the nation's economy and mobility.

Early Life and Education (1920s-1940s)

Francis B. Francois was born in the early 1920s into a family that valued education and public service. He pursued civil engineering, recognizing early on the significance of infrastructure in shaping modern America. His academic pursuits provided a solid foundation for his future endeavors in public infrastructure development.

Entering Public Service (1950s)

Post-education, Francois embarked on a career in public service. His initial roles within local government agencies introduced him to the complexities of urban planning and infrastructure development. These formative years were crucial, as they instilled in him a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in planning and executing large-scale infrastructure projects.

Champion of the Interstate Highway System (1960s-1970s)

It was during the 1960s and 1970s that Francois's vision for a nationwide Interstate Highway System took shape. He recognized the potential of such a network to revolutionize commerce, mobility, and urban development. His advocacy and leadership played a pivotal role in garnering support for the ambitious project, overcoming numerous financial and bureaucratic hurdles.

Expanding the Vision: Orlando's Roadways (1980s)

Francois's influence extended to the development of vital roadways in Orlando, marking a significant chapter in his career. He was instrumental in the planning and development of key segments of the Interstate System in Florida, recognizing the state's growing importance as a tourism and commerce hub. His work ensured that Orlando's infrastructure could support its burgeoning growth and connectivity.

Leadership and Innovation (1990s)

Throughout the 1990s, Francois continued to lead and innovate within the realm of public infrastructure. His expertise was sought after on national panels, advisory boards, and in consultancy roles, where he championed the use of new technologies and management practices to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of infrastructure projects.

Advocacy for Sustainable Infrastructure (2000s)

As concerns over environmental sustainability grew, Francois became a vocal advocate for incorporating sustainability principles into infrastructure development. He pushed for initiatives that balanced growth with environmental stewardship, paving the way for future green infrastructure projects.

Mentorship and Education (2010s)

Even in his later years, Francois dedicated himself to educating and mentoring the next generation of engineers and public servants. He lectured at universities, served on advisory boards, and remained actively involved in professional organizations, imparting his vast knowledge and experience to those following in his footsteps.

Retirement and Legacy (2020)

Francois retired in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of visionary leadership and immense contributions to America's infrastructure. His work on the Interstate Highway System and various other projects has had a profound impact on the nation's development, mobility, and economy.

Key Achievements of Francis B. Francois:

• Instrumental in the planning and development of the Interstate Highway System.

• Pioneered the development of key roadways in Orlando, enhancing the city's infrastructure and connectivity.

• Recognized as a leader and innovator in the field of public infrastructure and urban planning.

• Advocated for the integration of sustainability into infrastructure projects.

• Dedicated to mentoring future generations of engineers and public servants.

Francis B. Francois's career was characterized by his visionary approach to infrastructure development and his unwavering commitment to public service. Through his leadership and advocacy, he played a central role in shaping the landscape of American transportation. His contributions to the Interstate Highway System and to the infrastructure of cities like Orlando have left an indelible mark on the nation, benefiting countless individuals and ensuring a legacy that will endure for generations.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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