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Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Orlando City SC game

• UCF dominates second half, wins.

• A deep-dive into the life of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

– Og Mandino

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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!

What annual Orlando event, held in October, celebrates LGBTQ+ pride with a parade, festival, and various entertainment?

A) Orlando Pride

B) Come Out With Pride Orlando

C) Orlando Rainbow Festival

D) Central Florida Pride Fest

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

Orlando's 'Lake Eola Fountain' is known by the official name C) The Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain.

News

💼 Business

Tree-top 'glamping' business pitched near Lake Jesup in Seminole County. (link)

Wine Spectator recognizes almost three dozen Orlando restaurants. (link)

🏒 Sports

No. 12 seed UCF opens second half on 18-1 run, beats 13-seed Oklahoma State 77-62 in Big 12 opener. (link)

Florida State rides 9-run inning to defeat UCF, advance to super regionals. (link)

🏦 Finance

New York developer buys West Melbourne land off Interstate 95. (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

⚽Orlando City SC v New York City FC
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
Saturday, Jul 20th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays
Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, FL
Friday, Jul 19th | 6:30 PMM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 The Aquabats
House of Blues Orlando, Orlando, FL
Thursday, Jul 18th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Jimmie Vaughan
Plaza Live - Orlando, Orlando, FL
Thursday, Jul 18th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎸 Zach Bryan
400 W Church St, Orlando, FL
Sunday, Jul 21st | 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 where each district represents a different season” 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

Creation of the University of Central Florida (1963) - Enhancing local education and economy.

The University of Central Florida (UCF) was created in 1963 amidst the United States' fervent efforts in the Space Race, under the original name of Florida Technological University. This effort aimed to provide personnel to support the burgeoning space program at the nearby Kennedy Space Center. The establishment of the university was a pivotal move to cater to the educational needs of the Central Florida region, which, at that time, was rapidly expanding in both population and economic activities. The establishment of such an institution was poised not only to produce graduates in STEM fields but also to boost the local education system and provide a well-rounded workforce for various sectors.

From its inception, UCF has had a significant impact on the local education landscape and economy of Orlando and its surrounding areas. By offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, UCF has contributed to increasing the educational level of the region's population, thus attracting higher-paying jobs and industries beyond tourism and agriculture, which historically dominated Central Florida's economy. Moreover, the university has been a catalyst for research and development, fostering innovation and attracting partnerships with high-tech industries, further solidifying Orlando's position on the map as a leading city for technology and research in Florida.

Today, the University of Central Florida stands as a major metropolitan public research university and one of the largest universities in the United States by enrollment. Its commitment to affordability and high-quality education has made higher education accessible to a broader audience, significantly contributing to workforce development and the local economy. The creation of UCF was a visionary step that has not only enhanced the educational landscape of Orlando but has also been instrumental in the economic transformation and growth of the Central Florida region, making it a vibrant hub of technology, innovation, and higher learning.

Famous People From Orlando

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings - Author of "The Yearling," spent time in Central Florida and influenced the region's literary culture.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings: 1896-1953

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was a pivotal figure in American literature, celebrated for her vivid portrayals of rural life in the South. Her journey from a budding writer to a celebrated novelist significantly influenced Central Florida's cultural and literary landscape.

Early Life and Formative Years (1896-1918)

Born in Washington D.C., Marjorie developed an early love for writing, influenced by her mother, a former schoolteacher. Her family's relocation to Wisconsin and then to rural New York during her childhood offered her firsthand experiences of the agrarian lifestyle that would later enrich her narratives.

Educational Pursuits and Early Career (1918-1928)

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, where she honed her craft, Marjorie pursued journalism in New York. Despite initial success, she felt unfulfilled, craving a deeper connection to her work and subject matter.

Move to Cross Creek, Florida (1928-1930)

Seeking inspiration and a closer tie to the land, Marjorie and her first husband, Charles Rawlings, bought an orange grove in Cross Creek, Florida. This move proved transformative, providing her with the setting and impetus for her most famous works.

Breakthrough with "South Moon Under" (1933)

Marjorie's breakthrough came with "South Moon Under," a novel set in the Florida backcountry. It centered around the lives of rural Floridians, displaying her keen observations and lyrical prose. The book garnered critical acclaim and marked her as a rising star in the literary world.

Pulitzer Prize and "The Yearling" (1938)

"The Yearling," Marjorie’s novel about a boy's coming-of-age in the Florida backwoods, earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1939. This work cemented her reputation, showcasing her ability to depict the beauty and harshness of rural Southern life.

Continued Success and Literary Achievements (1939-1946)

Following "The Yearling," Marjorie's career flourished. She published several more novels, short stories, and a memoir, "Cross Creek," detailing her life in Florida. Her works continued to explore themes of nature, human resilience, and the intricacies of rural communities.

Connection to Orlando and Influence on Central Florida (1947-1953)

Marjorie's literary success brought her into the orbit of Orlando's cultural scene. She engaged in speaking events, contributing to the region's literary identity. Her presence and advocacy for Florida’s natural beauty fostered a greater appreciation for the state's landscapes and heritage.

Last Years and Posthumous Recognition (1950-1953)

In her final years, Marjorie faced health challenges but continued to write and engage with her community. After her death in 1953, her legacy in Central Florida and beyond was honored through the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, ensuring her impact would endure.

Key Achievements of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings:

• Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1939 for "The Yearling."

• Played a central role in shaping the literary culture of Central Florida.

• Authored numerous works celebrating and exploring rural Southern life.

• Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park established to honor her legacy.

• Recognized posthumously with several awards and by literary societies for her contributions to American literature.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was a luminary of American literature, whose rich narratives and vivid depiction of Florida's rural life left a lasting impact both regionally and nationally. Her works not only captured the imagination of readers but also preserved the essence of a rapidly changing way of life, making her one of the most esteemed writers of her time. Through her enduring legacy, she continues to inspire a love for the natural world and the storied landscapes of the American South.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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