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Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Unicorp plans two upscale I-Drive hotels.

• Lake Mary wins with final inning rally.

• A deep-dive into the life of A. Duda & Sons.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

– Anais Nin

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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!

Orlando is home to a unique conservation area that offers airboat tours, alligator sightings, and an educational wildlife experience. What is its name?

A) Gatorland

B) The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

C) The Wild Florida Airboats & Wildlife Park

D) The Orlando Wetlands Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The lake in Orlando known for its annual dragon boat festival, attracting teams and spectators from across the region, is B) Lake Fairview.

News

💼Business

Chuck Whittall's Unicorp to develop 2 upscale hotels at I-Drive Wyndham site. (link)

City shares new vision for Church Street corridor in downtown Orlando. (link)

🏒Sports

Lake Mary erupts in final inning to put away Staten Island at Little League World Series. (link)

Mike Bianchi: Gators coach Billy Napier deserves 4th year no matter what happens this season. (link)

🏦Finance

New-to-market sandwich chain Port of Subs seeks these spaces in Central Florida. (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

🏉 Wekiva Mustangs vs Oak Ridge Pioneers
2501 Hiawassee Rd, Apopka, FL
Tuesday, Aug 27th | 6:00 pm | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🏁 RuPaul's Drag Race
445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL
Tuesday, Aug 27th | 7:30 pm | (More Info)

🎶 Allen Stone: A Bit of Everywhere Tour 2024
House of Blues Orlando, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Aug 28th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Nesto's Jazz Trio
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Aug 28th | 10:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🧑‍🎓 Fun Family Film
4600 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL
Saturday, August 31st | 10:30 am | (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 where architecture is inspired by different musical genres” 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 Public Library Opening (1923) - Education and cultural enrichment.

The Orlando Public Library, established in the heart of Orlando in 1923, marked a significant milestone in the city's commitment to education and cultural enrichment. This institution opened its doors with the aim of providing a central hub for learning, knowledge dissemination, and community engagement, thereby weaving an intrinsic link between education and cultural expansion. The building, funded through the efforts of civic-minded citizens and materialized with the support of the Carnegie Foundation, represented more than just an architectural feat; it was a beacon of hope and progress for a community eager to embrace the broader horizons that education could offer.

From the outset, the Orlando Public Library was more than a repository of books; it was envisioned as a cultural cornerstone of the city. It facilitated access to a diverse collection of literature, historical documents, and educational materials, effectively democratizing knowledge at a time when such resources were not universally accessible. Moreover, the library quickly became a vibrant cultural center, hosting lectures, art exhibitions, and public readings, thereby nurturing a rich cultural dialogue within the community. The programming and resources offered by the library were designed to reflect and cater to the growing and changing needs of Orlando's population, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and curiosity.

As the decades passed, the Orlando Public Library has continued to evolve, but its foundational mission of promoting education and cultural enrichment has remained unwavering. It stands as a testament to the city's dedication to the intellectual and cultural growth of its citizens. The library not only commemorates its historical roots in 1923 but also looks forward to adapting its services and collections to meet future challenges. Through its enduring commitment to serving as a pivotal educational and cultural resource, the Orlando Public Library remains an integral part of the community's fabric, empowering individuals of all ages to explore, imagine, and discover.

Famous People From Orlando

A. Duda & Sons - Founders of a major agribusiness that significantly impacted Central Florida's economy, including Orlando.

Founding and Early Development (1926-1940)

A. Duda & Sons was founded by Andrew Duda, who emigrated from Slovakia to the United States in the early 20th century. Settling in Central Florida, Duda began by farming celery in the rich, fertile soil of the region. With hard work and dedication, this small family operation laid the groundwork for what would become a major agribusiness empire, significantly impacting the economy of Central Florida, including Orlando.

Expansion and Diversification (1940-1955)

Under the leadership of Andrew Duda's three sons, the business began to expand beyond celery to include a variety of crops such as lettuce, radishes, and cattle farming. This period marked a significant diversification of A. Duda & Sons' operations, demonstrating the company's ability to adapt and grow in the changing agricultural landscape.

Introduction of Mechanized Farming (1955-1965)

The 1950s and 60s brought further innovation to A. Duda & Sons with the introduction of mechanized farming techniques. These advancements allowed for more efficient planting, harvesting, and processing of crops, solidifying the company's reputation as an industry leader in agricultural innovation.

National Recognition and Growth (1965-1980)

By the late 20th century, A. Duda & Sons had garnered national recognition for their contributions to agriculture. The company's commitment to quality and innovation attracted partnerships and ventures across the United States, further expanding their influence and operational capacity.

Strategic Investments in Real Estate (1980-1995)

Recognizing the potential in land development, A. Duda & Sons ventured into real estate during the 1980s. This strategic shift leveraged the company's vast landholdings in Central Florida, developing residential and commercial properties, including pivotal developments in and around Orlando, thus impacting the region's urban growth.

Community Engagement and Philanthropy (1995-2005)

Throughout its history, A. Duda & Sons has been deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. By supporting educational initiatives, agricultural research, and community development programs, the company has played a critical role in supporting the well-being and advancement of Central Florida's communities.

Sustainability and Innovation in the 21st Century (2005-Present)

Facing the challenges of the 21st century, A. Duda & Sons has continued to prioritize sustainability and technological innovation. By adopting eco-friendly farming practices and investing in research and development, the company is addressing global concerns such as food security and environmental sustainability.

Impact on Orlando and Central Florida's Economy

A. Duda & Sons has had a profound impact on the economy of Orlando and Central Florida. By spearheading agricultural development, investing in real estate, and contributing to community development, the company has played a central role in the economic growth and diversification of the region.

Awards and Recognitions (Throughout Career)

Throughout its history, A. Duda & Sons has received numerous awards and recognitions for its contributions to agriculture, community service, and innovation. These accolades reflect the company's commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community engagement.

Legacy of A. Duda & Sons (Present and Future)

Today, A. Duda & Sons stands as a testament to the enduring vision of its founders. As the company looks to the future, it continues to embody the principles of hard work, innovation, and community service that have been central to its identity for nearly a century.

Key Achievements of A. Duda & Sons:

• Founded and developed a major agribusiness that significantly impacted Central Florida's economy, including Orlando.

• Introduced mechanized farming techniques, enhancing agricultural efficiency and innovation.

• Pioneered diversification in both agriculture and real estate, contributing to the company's growth and the development of Central Florida.

• Demonstrated a long-standing commitment to community service, philanthropy, and sustainability.

• Received numerous awards for contributions to agriculture, community service, and innovation.

A. Duda & Sons' journey from a modest celery farm to a multifaceted agribusiness and real estate developer is a story of vision, innovation, and commitment to community. The company's significant impact on Central Florida’s economy, particularly in Orlando, through both its agricultural advancements and real estate developments, underscores its pivotal role in the region's growth. The enduring legacy of A. Duda & Sons is a testament to the values of hard work and dedication instilled by its founders, continuing to influence and inspire future generations.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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