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Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Primark announces Florida Mall opening date.

• Barcelona, Man City excel despite weather.

• A deep-dive into the life of Will Wallace Harney.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."

– Plato

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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!

Which Orlando trail is favored by cyclists, joggers, and walkers for its scenic views and connection to several parks and lakes?

A) West Orange Trail

B) Cady Way Trail

C) Seminole Wekiva Trail

D) Lake Baldwin Trail

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The expansive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located in the heart of Orlando, known for its themed districts and nightly live entertainment, is D) Disney Springs.

News

💼Business

Primark sets opening date for Florida Mall store. (link)

Wells Fargo exec named chair of Florida Bankers Association. (link)

🏒Sports

Barcelona, Man City withstand unfavorable weather to shine at Camping World Stadium. (link)

Offensive coordinator Russ Callaway’s simple plan: Highlight Gators’ playmakers. (link)

🏦Finance

Orlando luxury home inventory balloons year-over-year as sales slow. (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

⚾ Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Clearwater Threshers
Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, FL
Tuesday, Aug 6th | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Clearwater Threshers
Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, FL
Wednesday, Aug 7th | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Kaleigh Baker
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Monday, Aug 5th | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶  Haunt, Savage Master, and More in Orlando
Conduit 6700 Aloma Avenue Winter Park, FL
Wednesday, Aug 7th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🧑‍🎓 Art @ Lunch
900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Aug 7th | 12:15 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 a complex system of waterways and canals” 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 Citrus Bowl's First Game (1947) - Enhancing local sports culture and events.

The Citrus Bowl, originally known as the Orlando Stadium, embarked on its storied journey in the heart of Orlando, Florida, in 1947, etching a memorable chapter in the city’s sports culture. The inaugural game, played on January 1, 1947, was not just a football match; it was a celebration of local pride and the dawn of a new era in Orlando's community engagement and entertainment. The game featured Catawba College from North Carolina against Maryville College from Tennessee, marking the beginning of what would develop into one of the most cherished annual sporting traditions in the region.

This first game of the Citrus Bowl was a testament to Orlando's burgeoning interest in sports and its commitment to enhancing the local sports scene. Drawing fans from across the state and even neighboring regions, the event demonstrated the city's potential to host large-scale sporting events, fueling a sense of unity and excitement amongst the local population. The stadium itself, though modest by today's standards, was a beacon of community effort and pride, offering a venue where local sports enthusiasts could gather to support their teams and witness high-quality football firsthand.

Over time, the significance of the Citrus Bowl's inaugural game has transcended beyond the final score to symbolize the growth and evolution of Orlando's sports culture and event hosting capabilities. It laid the groundwork for the future, paving the way for the city to become a renowned destination for major sporting events, including football, soccer, and more. The Citrus Bowl, now known as Camping World Stadium, continues to honor its legacy, reminding locals and visitors alike of its humble beginnings and the pivotal role it played in enhancing the fabric of Orlando's vibrant sports community.

Famous People From Orlando

Will Wallace Harney (1832-1912) - Writer and poet who contributed to the cultural development of Orlando in the 19th century.

Will Wallace Harney, a distinguished writer and poet of the 19th century, contributed significantly to the cultural development of Orlando, Florida. His writings, which span both poetry and prose, encapsulated the essence of life in the southern United States during a time of profound change.

Early Life and Formative Years (1832-1850)

Born into the vibrant backdrop of Bloomington, Indiana, Will Wallace Harney's early life was steeped in the richness of literature and the arts. From a young age, Harney exhibited a keen interest in writing, inspired by the lush landscapes and the diverse communities of his native state.

Embrace of Writing and Poetry (1851-1860)

In the 1850s, Harney's literary career began to take shape. He wrote extensively, exploring themes of nature, human emotion, and the socio-political realities of his time. His poetry, marked by its evocative imagery and depth of feeling, gained him an early following.

The Civil War Years (1861-1865)

During the Civil War, Harney's writing took on a more somber tone, reflecting the tumult and tragedy of the era. His works from this period provide valuable insights into the mindset of a nation divided, struggling to redefine itself.

Move to Florida and Engagement with Local Culture (1866-1870)

After the war, seeking a fresh start and inspired by the untamed beauty of the Florida landscape, Harney moved to the Orlando area. Here, his writing began to shift focus, turning more towards the possibilities of life in the post-war South and the unique cultural tapestry of Florida.

Establishment as a Cultural Figure in Orlando (1871-1880)

In the 1870s, Harney became a prominent figure in Orlando's cultural scene. He was instrumental in founding several literary societies and contributed regularly to local and national newspapers, sharing tales of Florida life and advocating for the state's potential as a place of beauty and prosperity.

Exploration of Florida's Natural Beauty (1881-1890)

During the 1880s, Harney's work frequently celebrated Florida's natural landscapes. His writings helped to attract tourists and settlers to the state, contributing to its economic and population growth. His contributions during this period established him as an early promoter of environmental appreciation in Florida.

Late Career and Reflections (1891-1900)

As he entered the final decade of the 19th century, Harney's writing turned more reflective, pondering the changes he had witnessed over his lifetime. Despite the wistful tone of some of his later work, he remained an unwavering advocate for Florida and its communities.

Legacy and Influence (1901-1912)

Until his death in 1912, Harney continued to write, leaving behind a rich legacy of literature that encapsulates the spirit of an era and a region. His influence on the cultural development of Orlando and the broader South would resonate for decades to come.

Last Days and Passing (1912)

Will Wallace Harney passed away in 1912, mourned by a community that had come to respect and admire him not only as a writer but as a visionary who saw the beauty and potential of Florida before many others did.

Remembering Will Wallace Harney (Beyond 1912)

Harney's influence on Orlando and the state of Florida is commemorated by various landmarks and the continued relevance of his works in Floridian cultural studies. He is remembered as a pioneer who used his pen to paint a portrait of a land brimming with opportunity and beauty.

Key Achievements of Will Wallace Harney:

• Became a significant literary figure in Orlando, enhancing its cultural landscape through his writings.

• His poems and articles played a crucial role in promoting Florida, contributing to its growth and development.

• Founded several literary societies in Orlando, fostering a vibrant community of writers and intellectuals.

• Harney's works offer valuable perspectives on the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods.

Will Wallace Harney's impact on Orlando and Florida is profound and multifaceted. Through his evocative poetry and prose, he played a pivotal role in showcasing the beauty and potential of the state to the wider world. His contributions to the cultural development of Orlando helped lay the foundations for the rich literary and artistic community that thrives there today. Harney's legacy endures, a testament to the power of literature to influence and inspire across generations.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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