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Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Orlando airport expands restaurant options.

• Luke Littler brings darts mainstream.

• A deep-dive into the life of Mabel Norris Reese.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

— Muhammad Ali

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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 annual Halloween event in Orlando is famous for its haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment?

A) Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

B) SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular

C) Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando

D) The Haunt at Old Town

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual Halloween event in Orlando famous for its haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment is C) Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando.

News

💼Business

Orlando airport adds 8 local favorites to restaurant lineup. (link)

Millions in new construction headed to Lake Nona. (link)

🏒Sports

This program could help your child become the next soccer star. (link)

Luke Littler was an unknown a year ago. Now he's making millions and taking darts into mainstream. (link)

🏦Finance

UCF kicks off $90M FBC Mortgage Stadium tower expansion. (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 Womens Basketball vs. High Point Women's Basketball
Addition Financial Arena, Orlando, FL
Tue • Dec 17, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Orlando Solar Bears vs. Jacksonville Icemen
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Wed • Dec 18, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶  Kaleigh Baker
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Mon Dec 16 2024 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Rod Wave - Last Lap Tour
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Tue • Dec 17, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🌄 Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life
Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
Wed • Dec 18, 2024 • 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 streets with interactive, responsive surfaces” 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

Opening of Universal Studios Florida (1990) - Further expansion of the tourism and entertainment industry.

The grand opening of Universal Studios Florida in 1990 marked a significant milestone in the expansion of the tourism and entertainment industry in Orlando, further positioning the city as a global tourist destination. On June 7, 1990, the park opened its gates to the public, debuting with a promise to let visitors ""ride the movies."" This concept was groundbreaking, offering immersive attractions and live shows based on popular films, thereby distinguishing itself from other theme parks with its unique blend of entertainment and interactive experiences. The park faced several technical difficulties on its opening day, but these were quickly addressed, laying the groundwork for its future success.

Universal Studios Florida was developed as a direct competitor to Walt Disney World, aiming to capture a share of the booming tourist market in Orlando. Its opening signified the intensification of the rivalry between the two entertainment giants, driving further innovation and expansion within the sector. The park's success heralded a new era of growth for Orlando, attracting additional investments and contributing significantly to the local economy. The tourism and entertainment industry in Orlando witnessed a substantial expansion, with Universal Studios playing a pivotal role in diversifying the attractions available to visitors.

Over the years, Universal Studios Florida has continuously evolved, adding new rides, attractions, and themed areas to enhance its appeal. The introduction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, for instance, marked a significant milestone in the park's history, drawing fans from across the globe. Such expansions have not only solidified Universal Studios Florida's status as a premier tourist destination but have also stimulated further development within Orlando's tourism and entertainment industry. The park's enduring popularity underscores the enduring impact of its opening on the growth trajectory of Orlando, transforming it into one of the world's most visited destinations.

Famous People From Orlando

Mabel Norris Reese - Courageous journalist who pursued justice in cases related to racial inequality and had connections to the Orlando area.

Mabel Norris Reese: A Beacon of Journalistic Integrity and Justice (1914-1995)

Mabel Norris Reese, an American journalist, carved a niche in the history of civil rights and journalism with her unwavering courage and pursuit of justice. Her life's work, especially in the realms of racial inequality and wrongful convictions, demonstrates a resolute commitment to truth and fairness.

Early Beginnings in Journalism (1930s-1940s)

Mabel Norris Reese began her career in journalism in the early 1930s, working as a reporter for various newspapers. Her early years in the profession were marked by a keen sense of justice and an innate ability to articulate the complexities of the human condition through her writings.

Rise to Editorship and Activism (1950s)

Reese's journalistic career took a significant turn when she became the editor of the Mount Dora Topic, a small weekly newspaper in Lake County, Florida. It was during this period that her fearless investigative reporting began to shine, particularly in the face of racial injustice and corruption.

The Groveland Four Case (1949-1950s)

One of Reese’s most significant journalist endeavors was her relentless coverage of the Groveland Four case. Four young African American men were wrongfully accused of raping a white woman in Groveland, Florida. Reese's investigative reporting exposed serious flaws in the case and the extreme measures taken by the local sheriff, Willis McCall, to secure convictions. Despite receiving death threats and facing severe backlash from parts of the local community, Reese continued her crusade for justice.

Fighting for Justice in Lake County (1950s-1960s)

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Reese's journalism was a beacon of hope for many in the fight against racial inequality and corruption in Lake County. Her fearless reporting brought national attention to the injustices perpetrated by Sheriff McCall and the local judicial system, contributing to a growing awareness of civil rights issues in the United States.

Connection to Orlando and Central Florida (1950s-1995)

Reese’s influence extended beyond Lake County, impacting the larger Central Florida area, including Orlando. Her work drew attention to civil rights issues and judicial corruption throughout the region, making her a pivotal figure in the journalistic landscape of Central Florida.

End of an Era and New Beginnings (1970s)

In the 1970s, Reese sold the Mount Dora Topic and moved on to other journalistic ventures. Her legacy as a small-town editor with a national impact continued to inspire journalists and civil rights activists alike.

Later Life and Reflections (1980s-1995)

In her later years, Reese remained a respected figure in journalism and continued to advocate for civil rights and justice. Her reflections on her career highlight the challenges and triumphs of standing up for truth in the face of adversity.

Legacy and Recognitions (Post-1995)

After her passing in 1995, Mabel Norris Reese's legacy lived on through various recognitions and memorials. Her tireless work and commitment to justice have been celebrated in documentaries, books, and by civil rights organizations, underscoring her significant impact on journalism and civil rights advocacy.

Remembering Mabel Norris Reese (1995 and Beyond)

Reese's life and career continue to inspire journalists and activists striving for justice and integrity in their work. Her story is a testament to the power of the press in enacting social change and holding power to account.

Key Achievements of Mabel Norris Reese:

• Uncovered and challenged the racial injustices and corruption in Lake County, particularly through her coverage of the Groveland Four case.

• Became a prominent figure in Central Florida's journalistic and civil rights communities, influencing local and national awareness.

• Maintained journalistic integrity and courage despite facing threats and intimidation.

• Left a lasting legacy inspiring future generations of journalists and activists to pursue justice and truth.

Mabel Norris Reese's story exemplifies the profound impact that fearless journalism can have on society. Her dedication to exposing injustices, regardless of personal risk, marked her as an essential figure in the American civil rights movement and the field of journalism. Reese's legacy serves as a cornerstone for those who continue to fight for justice and equality through the power of the written word.

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