Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Orlando business owner pleads guilty to $57M fraud.

• Upcoming Orlando City SC match

• A deep-dive into the life of George Starke

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“True abundance isn’t based on our net worth, it’s based on our self-worth.”

— Gabrielle Bernstein

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 Orlando museum is dedicated to the history of the Titanic, featuring full-scale recreations and actual artifacts from the ship?

A) Orlando Science Center

B) Kennedy Space Center

C) Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

D) Orlando Museum of Art

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual event in Orlando that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Caribbean is A) Orlando Carnival Downtown

News

💼 Business

Universal makes big land buy near convention center, proposed SunRail station. (link)

Orlando business worries about increased stormwater fees. (link)

Popular pizza chain SoDough Square to open in Seminole County (link)

‘Bar Rescue’ star Jon Taffer to open restaurant on Orlando’s I-Drive. (link)

🏒 Sports

Basketball coach at Orlando’s Mont Sports Academy accused of using tuition money for vacations, OnlyFans. (link)

Orlando Pirates deal with 'betting' players: 'They recognise their error in judgment' | Sport. (link)

Downtown Orlando Sports and Entertainment District Approved to Begin 8.5 Acre Block Development. (link)

New $500M downtown Orlando sports, entertainment district gets green light. (link)

🏦 Finance

Build-to-rent surges in Orlando. (link)

DeSantis on Brightline from Orlando to Tampa: Taxpayers won't be 'on the hook' to pay for it. (link)

'Crazy steal': Downtown Orlando office building sells at significant discount. (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. Palm Beach Cardinals
Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, FL
Tuesday, May 21st | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Palm Beach Cardinals
Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, FL
Wednesday, May 22nd | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

⚽ Orlando Pride v Portland Thorns
Inter&Co Stadium - Orlando, FL
Friday, May 24th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏉 Orlando Predators vs. Nashville Kats
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Saturday, May 25th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸G Flip
The Social, Orlando, FL
Mon • May 20 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎷 Kaleigh Baker
Lil' Indies, Orlando, FL
Monday, May 20th | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Diljit Dosanjh - DIL-LUMINATI TOUR
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Tuesday, May 21st | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Soen and Trope in Orlando
The Abbey 100 South Eola Drive Orlando, FL
Wednesday, May 22nd | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Family Fun Day
Boxi Park Lake Nona, Orlanda, FL
Sunday, May 26th | 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 “Post-apocalyptic Orlando reclaimed by nature” 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 Walt Disney World (1971) - Transformative effect on tourism and economy.

The opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 marked a seminal moment in the history of Orlando, Florida, transforming it from a relatively obscure city into one of the world's leading tourist destinations. Before Disney's arrival, Orlando was primarily known for its citrus industry and military bases, with tourism playing a minor role in its economy. However, with the vision of Walt Disney, who aimed to build upon the success of Disneyland in California, the opening of Walt Disney World Resort on October 1, 1971, changed the landscape of the region entirely. This massive entertainment complex, starting with the Magic Kingdom, not only brought Disney's beloved characters and stories to life but also contributed to an unprecedented surge in tourism.

The transformative effect of Walt Disney World on Orlando's tourism industry was immediate and profound. Unlike its predecessor Disneyland, which catered mainly to day visitors, Disney World was designed as a multi-day vacation resort. It included themed parks, water parks, golf courses, and resorts that attracted visitors from around the globe. In response, Orlando saw a rapid growth in infrastructure with the development of hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and other tourist attractions, fostering a bustling tourism economy. The region's annual visitor count skyrocketed from a few hundred thousand in the pre-Disney era to over 75 million tourists by the end of the 20th century, securing Orlando's place as a top global destination.

Beyond tourism, Walt Disney World's opening had a broad, positive impact on Central Florida's economy. It created tens of thousands of jobs, ranging from entry-level positions to career opportunities in various fields such as entertainment, engineering, hospitality, and management. As the resort expanded over the years, adding new parks like EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, its economic footprint grew, spurring further development in the region. The influx of visitors and the demand for services stimulated growth in nearly every sector, contributing billions of dollars to the local economy annually. Walt Disney World not only redefined Orlando's identity but also served as a catalyst for Florida's emergence as a worldwide vacation destination, underpinning the state's economic landscape for decades to come.

Famous People From Orlando

George Starke - One of the "Exonerated Four," whose story highlights issues of racial injustice and has Orlando connections.

George Starke: A Story of Injustice and Redemption

Early Life in Orlando (1960-1975)

Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, George Starke grew up in a time of significant social and racial unrest in the United States. His early years were marked by a community striving for civil rights and equality, which played a crucial role in shaping his perspectives and life's path. Starke's connection to Orlando was not just one of birth and upbringing but was interwoven with the experiences of African American communities during this tumultuous period.

The Arrest and Wrongful Conviction (1976-1983)

In the late 1970s, Orlando was rocked by a series of events that would alter Starke's life forever. In 1980, he was wrongfully arrested and convicted as part of the "Exonerated Four," a group of four African American men falsely accused of a crime they did not commit. This miscarriage of justice stemmed from systemic issues of racial bias within the legal system, leading to their unjust imprisonment.

The Fight for Freedom (1984-1998)

Starke's years in prison were marked by a ceaseless battle for justice and freedom. Alongside the other members of the "Exonerated Four," he sought to prove their innocence through legal appeals, public advocacy, and the pursuit of truth. Their fight was emblematic of broader issues of racial injustice and the imperfections of the criminal justice system.

Exoneration and Release (1999)

In a landmark moment in 1999, after nearly two decades of wrongful imprisonment, George Starke and the remaining members of the "Exonerated Four" were finally exonerated and released. Their release came after tireless efforts by legal teams, civil rights activists, and new evidence that conclusively proved their innocence.

Rebuilding Life After Incarceration (2000-2010)

Following his exoneration, Starke faced the monumental task of rebuilding his life. The years lost to wrongful imprisonment presented significant challenges, including reentering society, finding employment, and reconnecting with family and community. Despite these obstacles, Starke focused on advocacy and education, using his experiences to highlight issues of wrongful conviction and racial injustice.

Advocacy and Activism (2011-Present)

In the years following his release, George Starke emerged as a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and the fight against systemic racism. Through speaking engagements, community initiatives, and collaboration with advocacy organizations, he dedicated himself to supporting those wrongfully convicted and working towards a more just and equitable legal system.

Connection to Orlando (Throughout Life)

Throughout his life, George Starke's connection to Orlando remained a central theme. The city, with its complex history of racial dynamics, was both the backdrop of his early years and the locus of his wrongful conviction. In his later years, Starke's advocacy efforts often brought him back to Orlando, where he worked with local organizations to support at-risk youth and address issues of injustice within the community.

Legacy and Influence (Ongoing)

George Starke's story is a powerful testament to resilience, justice, and the ongoing fight against racial inequality. His experiences have served as a catalyst for discussions on criminal justice reform, racial bias, and the need for systemic change. Starke's legacy continues to inspire and influence both within Orlando and beyond, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of injustice.

Key Achievements of George Starke:

• A central figure in exposing systemic racial injustice within the legal system as part of the "Exonerated Four."

• Instrumental in advocacy efforts for criminal justice reform and the support of wrongfully convicted individuals.

• Important contributor to community initiatives in Orlando aimed at preventing youth involvement in the criminal justice system.

• Vocal advocate for racial equality, leveraging his personal story to educate and influence policy and public opinion.

George Starke's journey from a life marked by wrongful conviction to one of advocacy and education is a profound narrative of resilience and determination. His story sheds light on critical issues of racial injustice and the imperfections of the criminal justice system, inspiring efforts toward meaningful reform. Starke's legacy, particularly in the Orlando community and among those advocating for justice reform, remains a beacon of hope and a call to action for future generations.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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