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Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• FL leaders seek economic development boost.

• Dave Roberts reflects on Cepeda.

• A deep-dive into the life of Henry Nehrling.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

- Martin Luther King Jr

Sponsored

Yes, this platform’s 77% return is an outlier – but the rest may surprise you

The news is true: Masterworks’ 15th sale just weeks ago returned an impressive 77% to investors. While such a high return is an outlier for the blue-chip art investing platform, you might be wondering what their prior sales delivered. Glad you asked… 

Every one of their sales has returned a profit to investors, with 12 of them delivering double-digit returns, and 1 delivering triple-digit annualized returns. 

In full, Masterworks has over 300 paintings and their 16 exits have delivered: 32%, 39.3%, 36.2%, 27.3%, 9.2%, 33.1%, 21.5%, 17.8%, 13.9%, 35%, 10.4%, 325.5%, 4.1%, 17.6%, 77.3%, and 13.4% net annualized returns. 

Every sale but one outperformed the stock market in the period from when it was offered to when it was sold. 

With performance like that, offerings on the platform can sell out in minutes. However, Local News Newsletter readers can skip the waitlist to join with this exclusive link.

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 historic house in Orlando, now a museum, offers insights into the lifestyle of a citrus magnate in the early 1900s?

A) The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

B) The Harry P. Leu Gardens

C) The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

D) The Kerouac House

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Orlando attraction that offers a behind-the-scenes look at movie making, with live shows, attractions, and tours of actual movie sets, is B) Universal Studios Florida

News

💼 Business

Perkins to change name, open revamped restaurant in Orlando. (link)

Florida business leaders look to boost economic development. (link)

🏒 Sports

Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Reflects on Orlando Cepeda's Passing. (link)

Orlando Magic Sign Ta'Lon Cooper. (link)

🏦 Finance

UCP of Central Florida buys land for new Osceola County campus. (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

💃 Class with a Glass: 80s vs. 90s
Tuffy's Music Box 200 Myrtle Ave Sanford, FL
Thursday, Jul 11th | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

⚽ Orlando City B vs. Inter Miami CF II
Osceola County Stadium at Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, FL
Sunday, Jul 14th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶  Of The Darkness
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Thursday, Jul 11th | 10:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Summertime Slamma Jamma!
Will's Pub 1040 North Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Fri Jul 12th - Sat Jul 13th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🚀 Family Fun Day
Lake Nona Town Center, Orlando, FL
Sunday, Jul 14th | 7:00 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 “Orlando celebrating a futuristic international festival” 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 Museum of Art Establishment (1924) - Cultural development and community engagement through art.

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA), established in 1924, stands as an enduring beacon of cultural enrichment and artistic excellence in the heart of Orlando, Florida. Founded by a group of art enthusiasts as the Orlando Art Association, its mission from the outset was to stimulate and foster public interest in the arts and to promote knowledge and appreciation of art in all its forms. Over the years, the museum has undergone significant transformations and expansions, adapting not only to the evolving landscape of contemporary art but also to the growing and diversifying community it serves.

OMA's dedication to cultural development is evident through its dynamic exhibition programming and extensive collection that spans centuries of creativity. The museum boasts a rich array of artworks, including American art from the 18th century onwards, African art, and contemporary art, reflecting both the historical depth and the current trends of the artistic world. Regularly refreshed exhibitions - ranging from retrospective showcases of renowned artists to thematic displays exploring socio-cultural topics - invite visitors to engage with a multitude of voices and narratives. This commitment to showcasing a diverse array of art forms underscores OMA's role in promoting cultural dialogue and understanding within the community.

Furthermore, community engagement and education are key pillars of the museum's mission. A wide variety of educational programs and outreach initiatives are designed to appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, from school children to senior citizens. Workshops, lectures, film screenings, and guided tours enrich the visitor experience, making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Through these efforts, the Orlando Museum of Art fosters a sense of community, creativity, and connection, enabling people to explore new perspectives and engage with the transformative power of art. In doing so, OMA continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the cultural fabric of Orlando, making it a pivotal institution in the city's vibrant arts scene.

Famous People From Orlando

Henry Nehrling - Horticulturist who worked on tropical and subtropical plants in Gotha, near Orlando, impacting Florida’s landscaping.

Early Life and Academic Pursuits (1853-1876)

Henry Nehrling, born in 1853 in Wisconsin to German immigrant parents, showed an early interest in the natural world. Growing up in the Midwest, he was fascinated by the plants and birds around him, a passion that would guide the course of his life. He pursued higher education with a focus on botany and ornithology, laying the foundational knowledge for his future work.

A Career in Education and Early Research (1877-1893)

After completing his studies, Nehrling embarked on a career in education, teaching in various schools in Wisconsin. Outside the classroom, he devoted much of his time to studying the local flora and fauna, contributing articles and research to scientific publications. This period marked the start of his lifelong commitment to horticulture and avian studies.

The Move to Florida and the Establishment of Palm Cottage Gardens (1894-1900)

Seeking a warmer climate for his health and to pursue his horticultural interests further, Nehrling moved to Gotha, Florida, in 1894. Here, he established Palm Cottage Gardens, a living laboratory where he could experiment with tropical and subtropical plants. His work in Gotha would become a cornerstone of his legacy, transforming the landscape of Florida.

Innovations in Horticulture (1901-1910)

At Palm Cottage Gardens, Nehrling experimented with thousands of plant species, introducing over 300 varieties of caladiums and hundreds of other plants to the United States. His efforts to acclimatize tropical and subtropical plants to the Florida climate were revolutionary, laying the groundwork for the state's future in horticulture and landscaping.

Connection to Orlando (1911-1920)

Nehrling's work had a profound impact on the region surrounding Gotha, including Orlando. His botanical innovations influenced the landscape of many public and private gardens in Orlando and beyond. Furthermore, he actively collaborated with local groups and individuals, promoting the importance of tropical landscaping and conservation in the rapidly growing city.

Challenges and Resilience (1921-1925)

Despite his successes, Nehrling faced significant challenges, including financial difficulties and devastating freezes that damaged his gardens. Nonetheless, he remained resilient, tirelessly working to rebuild and continue his research and cultivation efforts. His determination helped preserve numerous plant species that might otherwise have been lost.

Legacy and Preservation Efforts (1926-1929)

Nehrling's pioneering work in horticulture was widely recognized during his lifetime, and he continued to experiment and write until his death in 1929. After his passing, efforts to preserve his legacy and Palm Cottage Gardens began, spearheaded by family, friends, and horticultural societies who recognized the significance of his contributions.

Recognition and Honors (Posthumous)

After his death, Nehrling's work received further recognition. Palm Cottage Gardens was eventually named a historical site, and various organizations, including the Florida Horticultural Society, have honored Nehrling's contributions to horticulture and landscape gardening. Today, his legacy is celebrated through the gardens and the Henry Nehrling Society, dedicated to preserving his work and educational outreach.

Nehrling as an Author and Educator (Throughout Career)

Throughout his life, Nehrling was not only a horticulturist but also an accomplished author and educator. He wrote extensively about plants, birds, and his gardening experiences in Florida, contributing to both scientific journals and popular publications. His writings continue to be a valuable resource for those interested in horticulture and the history of gardening in Florida.

The Enduring Impact of Henry Nehrling's Work (1929 and Beyond)

Nehrling's pioneering efforts in horticulture have left an indelible mark on Florida's landscape and gardening practices. His work with tropical and subtropical plants transformed the state's horticultural landscape, influencing garden designs and plant selections to this day. Nehrling's legacy continues to inspire horticulturists, landscapers, and garden enthusiasts in Florida and beyond.

Key Achievements of Henry Nehrling:

• Introduced over 300 varieties of caladiums and hundreds of other tropical and subtropical plants to the United States.

• Established Palm Cottage Gardens in Gotha, Florida, as a center for horticultural experimentation and education.

• Influenced landscaping practices throughout Florida, including in the Orlando area, with his work on acclimatizing tropical species.

• Authored numerous articles and books on horticulture and birds, contributing significantly to the scientific and popular understanding of these subjects.

• Palm Cottage Gardens recognized as a historical site, preserving his legacy for future generations.

Henry Nehrling's life and work exemplify a passionate commitment to horticulture, education, and conservation. His pioneering efforts in introducing and acclimatizing tropical and subtropical plants have profoundly influenced Florida's landscaping and garden designs. Nehrling's legacy, preserved through his writings and Palm Cottage Gardens, continues to inspire and impact the field of horticulture in Florida and beyond.

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-Matthew Larsen

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