Sponsored by:

Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Oceanfront Organic Beach Retreat hotel sold in Daytona Beach.

• Former Poland goalkeeper Szczesny joins Barcelona after August retirement.

• A deep-dive into the life of Gus Henderson.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use."

— Søren Kierkegaard

Sponsored

These cannabis gummies keep selling out in 2024

If you've ever struggled to enjoy cannabis due to the harshness of smoking or vaping, you're not alone. That’s why these new cannabis gummies caught our eye.

Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a “joint within a gummy” that’s extremely potent yet federally-legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body’s endocannabinoid system.

Although this system was discovered in the 1990’s, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes!

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 attraction offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of chocolate, including a factory tour and tastings?

A) The Chocolate Museum & Cafe

B) Hershey's Chocolate World Orlando

C) M&M's World Orlando

D) Godiva Chocolatier at The Mall at Millenia

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual event in Orlando that focuses on the celebration of local craft beers, featuring tastings from numerous Central Florida breweries, is A) The Orlando Beer Festival.

News

💼Business

Winter Park restaurant group's regional growth spree. (link)

Oceanfront Organic Beach Retreat hotel in Daytona Beach sells. (link)

🏒Sports

Former Poland goalkeeper Szczesny joins Barcelona after announcing his retirement in August. (link)

Michael Jordan's 23XI and a 2nd team sue NASCAR over revenue sharing model. (link)

🏦Finance

Waterford Lakes Town Center sells for $322 million. (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 Volleyball vs. University of Colorado Buffaloes Volleyball
THE VENUE AT UCF, Orlando, FL
Wed • Oct 09, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 El Cuarteto De Nos
House of Blues Orlando, Orlando, FL
Tue • Oct 08 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 The Greenjays Trio
Lil' Indies 1036 N Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Wed Oct 9 2024 10:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Music and Story Time with Mark DeMaio, Caravan Learning
900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL
Wednesday 9 October, 2024 at 11:00 am | (More Info)

Family

🌄 The Current Catch: 2nd Wednesday New Artist Spotlight
2425 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL
Wednesday 9 October, 2024 at 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 “High-tech Orlando with a focus on robotics and automation” 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 Becomes a Sister City with Guilin, China (1986) - Fostering international relations and cultural exchange.

In 1986, the picturesque city of Orlando, Florida, embarked on a significant journey towards fostering international relations by forming a sister city relationship with Guilin, China. This partnership marked a pivotal moment for Orlando, a city already beloved for its idyllic landscapes and booming tourist industry, as it reached across the globe to embrace Guilin, a city renowned for its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage. This alliance was part of the broader Sister Cities International initiative, which aims to build global cooperation at the municipal level, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate economic development.

The partnership between Orlando and Guilin opened up numerous avenues for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Throughout the years, delegations from both cities have engaged in reciprocal visits, sharing insights into their respective cultures, traditions, and governance. Educational exchanges, art exhibitions, and business conferences have been instrumental in not just strengthening ties between the two cities but also in providing their citizens with a broader perspective of the world. These activities have underscored the importance of building friendships and understanding across continents, thereby enriching the social fabric of both communities.

Moreover, the sister city relationship between Orlando and Guilin has laid the groundwork for economic collaboration, with both cities benefiting from increased tourism and business opportunities. For Orlando, known for its theme parks and entertainment industry, this partnership has introduced its residents and visitors to the exquisite natural beauty and ancient heritage of Guilin, which is famous for its unique karst landscapes and tranquil rivers. Conversely, Guilin has been able to tap into Orlando’s expertise in hospitality and tourism management, further boosting its appeal as a global tourist destination. The sustained relationship over the years exemplifies the enduring power of sister city partnerships in bridging cultures, fostering economic development, and promoting peace through mutual respect and understanding.

Famous People From Orlando

Gus Henderson - Early 20th-century football coach and promoter, contributed to sports culture in Orlando.

Early Years and Introduction to Football (1889-1909)

Gus Henderson was born in Oberlin, Ohio, in 1889, where he was introduced to football during his formative years. His early exposure to the sport, combined with his natural athleticism and strategic mind, set him on a path that would lead to significant contributions to American football.

University Coach and Innovator (1910-1919)

After graduating, Henderson took up a coaching position at a small college. His innovative approaches to training and game strategy quickly made him stand out. Known for his forward-thinking offense and disciplined teams, he started to draw attention in the collegiate ranks.

Success at the University of Southern California (1920-1924)

Henderson's coaching career reached new heights when he took the helm at the University of Southern California (USC). Under his guidance, the USC Trojans football team saw unprecedented success, helping to elevate the program to national prominence. His tenure at USC laid the groundwork for the school’s long-standing football tradition.

Expanding Horizons: Professional and International Coaching (1925-1935)

After his time at USC, Henderson ventured into professional and international coaching, where his influence extended beyond the collegiate level. He was instrumental in promoting American football abroad, particularly in the Philippines, where he introduced the sport and coached local teams, spreading his enthusiasm and knowledge globally.

Orlando's Sports Architect (1936-1945)

Perhaps the most transformative period of Henderson's life began when he moved to Orlando, Florida. Here, Henderson transitioned from coaching to sports promotion, focusing on developing Orlando's sporting infrastructure and culture. He was pivotal in advocating for the construction of sports facilities and organizing sporting events, which included football games that introduced the sport to a wider audience in the region.

The Birth of the Tangerine Bowl (1946-1950)

One of Henderson's most enduring legacies in Orlando was the creation of the Tangerine Bowl (now known as the Citrus Bowl) in 1947. This postseason college football game was designed to showcase talent from smaller colleges. Henderson's vision was to create a holiday tradition in Orlando that celebrated the sport he loved, benefiting the local community and economy.

Celebrated Promoter and Community Leader (1951-1959)

Beyond the Tangerine Bowl, Henderson's impact in Orlando extended to his role as a celebrated sports promoter and community leader. He remained deeply involved in the community, organizing various sporting and cultural events that helped solidify Orlando's reputation as a vibrant sports town.

Reflections and Legacy (1960-1972)

In the later years of his life, Henderson was recognized not only for his contributions to football but also for his role in shaping Orlando's sports culture. He continued to be a familiar figure in the sports community, mentoring younger promoters and sharing his wealth of knowledge.

Passing and Honoring a Legacy (1972)

Gus Henderson passed away in 1972, leaving behind a rich legacy that transformed football and sports culture in Orlando and beyond. His innovative coaching techniques, his success on various levels of the sport, and his visionary promotion of athletics created a lasting impact.

Remembering Gus Henderson (Beyond 1972)

Henderson is remembered as a pioneering figure in football and sports promotion. His dedication to the sport and his innovative approaches have been acknowledged through various posthumous honors, ensuring his memory endures in the history of American football.

Key Achievements of Gus Henderson:

• Elevated USC Trojans football program to national prominence.

• Promoted American football internationally, particularly in the Philippines.

• Integral in developing Orlando's sports infrastructure and culture.

• Created the Tangerine Bowl, contributing to Florida's reputation as a sporting destination.

• Remembered as a beloved community leader and innovative coach.

Gus Henderson's contribution to sports, particularly football, spanned coaching excellence, innovative promotion, and community involvement. His visionary efforts in Orlando have left an indelible mark, ensuring his legacy as a builder of sports culture and an advocate for the game he loved. Henderson’s name continues to resonate as a symbol of dedication and ingenuity in the realm of football and beyond.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

Poll