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Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Red Lobster's HQ plans after sale.

• Lagway, Mertz split first-team reps.

• A deep-dive into the life of Gary Sain.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity."

— Amelia Earhart

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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!

Orlando is known for hosting a significant technology conference focused on simulation, training, and virtual reality. What is the name of this conference?

A) TechCrunch Disrupt

B) I/ITSEC

C) CES Orlando

D) Orlando Interactive Experience (OrlandoiX)

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual event in Orlando celebrated with a parade and festival to honor the traditions and culture of Puerto Rico is B) The Puerto Rican Day Parade.

News

💼 Business

See what's next for Red Lobster's downtown headquarters once sale finalizes. (link)

🏒 Sports

Nine days after being shot in chest, former UF receiver Ricky Pearsall honors those who saved his life. (link)

DJ Lagway, Graham Mertz share first-team reps with Gators in preparation for Texas A&M. (link)

🏦 Finance

AdventHealth kicks off work on $17M project in Sanford. (link)

Developer buys land near $500 million Apopka town center for new project. (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 Nevada Womens Volleyball
THE VENUE AT UCF, Orlando, FL
Thu • Sep 19 • 6:00 PM | (More Info)

⚽ UCF Knights Womens Soccer vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Women's Soccer
UCF Soccer and Track Complex, Orlando, FL
Sun • Sep 22 • 12:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 49 Winchester
Plaza Live - Orlando, Orlando, FL
Thu • Sep 19 • 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤  Hans Gruber and the Die Hards in Orlando
Will's Pub 1042 N Mills Ave Orlando, FL
Fri Sep 20 2024 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎨 Mural Festival
39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL
Thursday 19 September, 2024 at 4:30 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 with an elaborate network of rooftop gardens and patios” 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

Establishment of the Zora Neale Hurston Festival (1990) - Celebrating African-American culture and heritage.

In 1990, the town of Eatonville, Florida, just outside of Orlando, inaugurated a festival to honor one of its most illustrious former inhabitants, the African-American writer and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston. Dubbed the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities, this event was established to celebrate the life, work, and cultural heritage of Hurston, a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, known for her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" among other works. The festival recognizes Hurston’s contributions to African-American culture and her efforts to preserve and celebrate its folklore and traditions.

The festival quickly became more than just a tribute to Hurston herself; it evolved into a broader celebration of African-American culture and heritage. Over the course of several days, typically at the end of January, the festival features a variety of events including workshops, presentations by scholars and artists, concerts, street fairs, and educational activities aimed at both adults and children. These events underscore the richness of African-American traditions and promote a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that shaped Hurston's work and the African-American experience as a whole.

Eatonville, one of the first all-Black incorporated municipalities in the United States, provides a fitting backdrop to this vibrant festival. The community’s historical significance, combined with Hurston's legacy, imbues the festival with a sense of heritage and pride. Over the years, the Zora Neale Hurston Festival has grown in popularity and stature, attracting attendees and contributors from across the nation and even internationally. It stands not only as a celebration of Hurston's life and legacy but as an enduring testament to the contributions of African-American culture and history to the tapestry of American life.

Famous People From Orlando

Gary Sain - Prominent figure in promoting tourism in Orlando and Central Florida.

Early Years and Education (1940s-1960s)

Gary Sain, born and raised in a small town in the Midwest, showed early signs of leadership and a keen interest in the realm of marketing. His youth was marked by curiosity and an eagerness to explore the world beyond his town. Sain pursued higher education with a focus on marketing, laying the foundation for a career that would later greatly impact Orlando and Central Florida's tourism industry.

Entering the World of Marketing (1970s)

After completing his education, Sain ventured into the marketing field, where he quickly made a name for himself. His innovative approach to marketing strategies and his ability to connect with people helped him rise through the ranks. Sain's early career was shaped by a series of successful campaigns that demonstrated his potential to significantly influence the tourism and hospitality sectors.

A Vision for Orlando's Tourism (1980s-1990s)

Sain's connection to Orlando began in the 1980s when he saw the city's potential to become a leading tourist destination. Recognizing the opportunities that the area's unique attractions offered, he became an instrumental figure in promoting Orlando and Central Florida. His vision was clear: to put Orlando on the map, not just as a place to visit, but as a world-class destination for travelers from all over the globe.

Leadership at Visit Orlando (2000s-2007)

The pinnacle of Gary Sain's career came when he took the helm of Visit Orlando, the city’s official tourism association. Under his leadership, Orlando saw unprecedented growth in its tourism sector. Sain's innovative marketing campaigns and partnerships with local businesses helped bolster the city's reputation as a leading destination for leisure and conventions alike.

Orlando's Tourism Boom (2000s)

Thanks to Sain's strategic vision and marketing acumen, Orlando experienced a boom in tourism like never before. His efforts to market the city extended beyond traditional advertising, encompassing digital marketing efforts to reach a global audience. Under his guidance, Orlando became not just a hub for theme parks, but also for culture, sports, and entertainment, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Advocacy for the Industry (Throughout Career)

Gary Sain was not just a marketer; he was a tireless advocate for the tourism industry. He understood the importance of tourism not only for economic growth but also for cultural exchange and mutual understanding among different peoples. His commitment to the industry was evident in his involvement in numerous boards and organizations aiming to promote tourism across Florida and the whole United States.

Legacy in Orlando and Beyond (Late 2000s)

Gary Sain's impact on Orlando and Central Florida's tourism industry is immeasurable. Through his visionary leadership and innovative marketing strategies, he left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the region's tourism development. His work helped solidify Orlando's status as a premier destination, ensuring its growth and resilience for years to come.

Key Achievements of Gary Sain:

• Instrumental in transforming Orlando into a leading global tourist destination.

• Served as the president and CEO of Visit Orlando, successfully promoting the city's tourism.

• Developed innovative marketing strategies that significantly increased tourist arrivals.

• Advocated for the tourism industry's development and importance at local, state, and national levels.

• Left an enduring legacy on Orlando's tourism industry, contributing to its ongoing success and growth.

Gary Sain's story is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and innovative marketing in transforming a city into a global tourist destination. His efforts not only boosted Orlando and Central Florida's economy but also enhanced the area's cultural appeal and international reputation. Sain's legacy lives on in the continued growth and success of Orlando's tourism industry, marking him as a true champion of the region's development and prosperity.

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

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