Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• VinFast EV opens in Winter Park.

• Jose Siri’s helps Rays to past Mariners.

• A deep-dive into the life of Edward Waters.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” 

–Alan Cohen

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 hosts an annual film festival focused on promoting LGBTQ+ cinema and storytelling. What is the name of this festival?

A) The Orlando International Film Festival

B) The Orlando LGBTQ+ Film Festival

C) The Global Peace Film Festival

D) The Florida Film Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic building in downtown Orlando known for its early 20th-century architecture and has been repurposed as a popular event venue is B) The Ballroom at Church Street.

News

💼 Business

VinFast EV car dealership to open in Winter Park. (link)

Gutted Daytona Beach hotel sold, to be rebuilt wall-to-wall. (link)

🏒 Sports

Jose Siri’s 2-run homer helps lift Rays to past Mariners. (link)

UCF to be without DT John Walker for ‘extended period’ with injury. (link)

🏦 Finance

UCF Athletics preps additional projects beyond football stadium expansion. (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 Mens Soccer vs. UC Irvine Men's Soccer
UCF Soccer and Track Complex, Orlando, FL
Friday, Sep 6th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

⚽ UCF Knights Football vs. Sam Houston State Football
FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL
Saturday, Sep 7th | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Dion Lunadon, The Ludes, Lemon Denim, and Trash Cinema
Will's Pub 1042 N Mills Ave Orlando, FL
Thursday, Sep 5th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Porter Robinson SMILE! :D World Tour
Addition Financial Arena, Orlando, FL
Friday, Sep 6th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎨 Family Fun Day
6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL
Sunday, September 8th | 12:00 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 with a large, central, computerized public library.” 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

SeaWorld Orlando Opening (1973) - Diversifying tourism and entertainment options.

SeaWorld Orlando, inaugurated in 1973, marked a significant milestone in the diversification of tourism and entertainment offerings in Orlando, Florida. The opening of this marine zoological park introduced an entirely new dimension to the region's attractions, previously dominated by the likes of Walt Disney World Resort, which opened just two years prior. SeaWorld's unique blend of entertainment, including live marine animal shows, exhibits, and rides, offered visitors an unparalleled experience that combined education, conservation, and entertainment, setting it apart from the traditional theme park attractions available at the time.

The introduction of SeaWorld Orlando played a crucial role in shaping the city's identity as a global tourist destination. Beyond the thrills of roller coasters and the magic of Disney, it offered an insight into the mysteries of the oceanic world, engaging guests with up-close encounters with marine life such as dolphins, whales, and seals. The park's emphasis on education and conservation, through interactive exhibits and extensive rehabilitation programs, underscored a commitment to environmental stewardship. This not only enriched guests' experiences but also raised awareness about marine biodiversity and the importance of preserving such ecosystems.

Furthermore, SeaWorld Orlando contributed significantly to the diversification and growth of the local economy. The park's opening created numerous jobs, from performance artists and marine biologists to hospitality and service industry roles, bolstering employment opportunities in the region. It also prompted the development of additional infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets, catering to the influx of tourists attracted by the park. As a result, SeaWorld Orlando helped cement the city's status as a multifaceted entertainment hub, further broadening the scope of Orlando's appeal to a wider range of visitors and reinforcing its position on the map of must-visit global destinations.

Famous People From Orlando

Edward Waters - A significant figure in the history of African-American education in Florida, impacting communities in Orlando.

Early Life and Education (1853-1876)

Edward Waters was born in the tumultuous times of slavery in rural Florida. Despite the odds stacked against him, Waters was determined to excel academically. With the emancipation proclamation ringing in a new era, he sought education, believing it to be the key to unlocking the potential of the African-American community.

The Foundation of a Legacy (1877-1887)

After completing his basic education, Waters ventured into the realm of higher learning. Recognizing the urgent need for structured education for African-Americans in the South, he embarked on a bold journey to establish one of the first institutions dedicated to their education in Florida. It was during this time his vision began to take shape, laying down the foundational stones of what would become a beacon of hope and enlightenment.

A Beacon in Jacksonville (1888-1899)

By the late 1880s, Edward Waters had established himself in Jacksonville, Florida, where he founded a seminal institution devoted to the higher education of African-Americans. It was an era of severe racial segregation and oppression, yet Waters persevered, pushing the boundaries of education and insisting on the highest standards.

Advancing Education Against Odds (1900-1909)

The early 20th century brought new challenges. Despite facing severe financial constraints, legal obstacles, and societal skepticism, Waters continued to elevate the academic institution he had founded. Through sheer resilience, he expanded the curriculum and insisted on academic excellence, garnering respect and recognition.

The Expansion Years (1910-1919)

In a period marked by the Great Migration, the institution under Waters’ guidance grew exponentially. Its reputation as a center of excellence in African-American education drew students from beyond Florida, making it a landmark institution in the South.

Orlando's Connection (1920-1929)

Edward Waters’ influence extended beyond Jacksonville into other parts of Florida, notably Orlando. He played a crucial role in establishing educational programs and partnerships that benefited the African-American communities there. His efforts in Orlando exemplified his unwavering commitment to education and community empowerment, making a lasting impact on the city’s educational landscape.

A Mentor and Leader (1930-1939)

Throughout the 1930s, Waters emerged as a mentor to future generations of educators and community leaders. His philosophy of education as a transformative tool for social change inspired many, establishing him not only as an educator but also as a revered leader in the African-American community.

The Twilight Years (1940-1949)

The 1940s saw Edward Waters transitioning into a more advisory role. His decades of tireless work had sown seeds of change that were beginning to bear fruit not just in Florida but across the South. Even as he stepped away from day-to-day operations, his legacy continued to inspire.

A Lasting Legacy (1950-1951)

Edward Waters passed away in 1951. His death marked the end of an era but also celebrated the enduring legacy of an individual whose life was devoted to lifting others through education. The institution he founded stands as a monument to his vision, commitment, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.

Remembering Edward Waters (1951 and Beyond)

The impact of Edward Waters’ work has rippled through the decades, continuing to inspire and uplift. His dedication to African-American education in Florida is remembered and honored, influencing generations and shaping futures beyond his time.

Key Achievements of Edward Waters:

• Founded one of the first institutions for higher education for African-Americans in Florida.

• Expanded the academic institution against significant odds, including financial constraints and societal opposition.

• Played an instrumental role in the educational upliftment of Orlando's African-American community.

• Mentored future generations of educators and leaders, instilling in them the value of education for social transformation.

• Left a lasting legacy through the institution he founded, which continues to serve as a beacon of hope and education in Florida.

Edward Waters' life was a testament to the power of education and the difference one determined individual could make in the lives of many. His legacy in African-American education in Florida, especially his impact on communities in Orlando, remains a source of inspiration. Waters showed that through education, barriers could be broken, and futures transformed, echoing his belief in the transformative power of learning and community upliftment.

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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