Sponsored by:

Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• DLR Group exits Orlando Marriott project.

• Gators revamp coaches, focus defense.

• A deep-dive into the life of Rex Beach.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who opens a school door, closes a prison."

–Victor Hugo

Sponsored

Restore Your Youth

Collagen loss as you age results in weaker joints, wrinkles, and a decline in overall vitality. Replenishing collagen can restore your vibrancy and power, and the journey starts now. With the power of NativePath’s Grass-Fed Collagen Powder, their premium formula absorbs rapidly, rebuilding strength and enhancing beauty from within. Simply add 2 scoops to your daily routine and witness the transformative effects.

What are the other benefits?

Support Bone Density: Say goodbye to fractures and hello to strong bones.

Promote Joint Strength: Move with ease and bid adieu to joint pain.

Accelerate Healing: Recover quickly and rediscover your agility.

Revive Skin Elasticity: Reduce wrinkles, welcome youthful skin

Don't miss out on this game-changing chance to embrace the power of collagen today. You deserve to feel and look your best, and now it's within reach with NativePath.

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 unique attraction in Orlando allows visitors to experience the thrill of indoor skydiving, simulating a freefall environment in a vertical wind tunnel?

A) SkyVenture Orlando

B) iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving

C) Orlando Airspace

D) Windy City Flyers Orlando

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual film festival in Orlando focused on promoting LGBTQ+ cinema and storytelling is B) The Orlando LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

News

💼Business

DLR Group ‘no longer involved’ with downtown Orlando JW Marriott project. (link)

Kobé Japanese Steakhouse-tied group plans 9-story Mills 50 redevelopment. (link)

🏒Sports

Gators Revamp with Three New Coaches and Eight Fresh Faces, Eyeing Improved Defense for 2023 Season. (link)

Little Tymir Gaines breaks out at Mount Dora. (link)

🏦Finance

Tim Hortons, Capriotti's among retail chains eyeing Orlando 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

🏉 Timber Creek Wolves vs Deland Bulldogs
1001 Avalon Park Blvd, Orlando, FL
Tuesday, Sep 10th | 5:30 pm | (More Info)

🏐 Crooms Academy Girls Varsity Volleyball
2600 Technology Dr, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Sep 11th | 5:00 pm | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Summer Salt
The Beacham, Orlando, FL
Tuesday, Sep 10th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Joe Fritz Trio
Will's Pub 1042 N Mills Ave Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Sep 11th | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🧑‍🎓 Tween Art Adventures: Folk Art Arpilleras
5151 Raleigh St A, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Sep 11th | 4:00 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 every building is equipped with solar and wind power” 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

The Orlando Renaissance (1990s) - Downtown revitalization and cultural growth.

During the 1990s, Orlando, Florida, underwent a transformative phase that marked the beginnings of what is frequently referred to as "The Orlando Renaissance." This period was characterized by significant downtown revitalization efforts and an explosion of cultural growth, which together helped redefine the city's identity and economic landscape. Driven by a combination of public initiatives and private investments, the downtown area of Orlando began to morph from a somewhat neglected, underutilized space into a vibrant urban center alive with new businesses, entertainment venues, and residential developments.

The revitalization of downtown Orlando was not merely focused on economic development but also aimed at fostering a rich cultural milieu. Several key initiatives were undertaken to attract a diverse array of arts and cultural experiences to the city. The opening of new galleries, theaters, and museums alongside the revitalization of older venues provided both residents and visitors with an array of artistic and cultural offerings that enriched the city’s social fabric. Moreover, the establishment of annual events, festivals, and the promotion of public art installations injected energy into the streets, contributing to a palpable sense of community and vitality.

This era of rejuvenation paved the way for Orlando to emerge as a more dynamic and cosmopolitan city. The investments in the city's infrastructure, coupled with a concerted effort to promote cultural inclusivity and diversity, had a ripple effect that benefitted various sectors including tourism, hospitality, and the arts. The Orlando Renaissance of the 1990s proved to be a pivotal chapter in the city's history, laying the groundwork for future growth and establishing Orlando as a model for urban transformation and cultural innovation. As a result, the narrative of Orlando during this period is not just one of physical redevelopment, but also a story of how a city can leverage culture and creativity as powerful engines for change.

Famous People From Orlando

Rex Beach (1877-1949) - Author and playwright, spent time in Florida, influencing the state’s representation in literature.

Rex Beach, an American author and playwright, left an indelible mark on American literature through his vivid storytelling and charismatic characters, many of which were inspired by his adventures in Alaska and Florida. His works often reflected the tumultuous times and locations he chose to set them in, making him a celebrated figure in early 20th-century literature.

Early Beginnings in the Midwest (1877-1897)

Rex Beach was born in Atwood, Michigan, but his family moved to Tampa, Florida, when he was still young. This relocation would later influence his portrayal of the state in his literary works. Beach showed an early inclination towards storytelling, but his path to becoming an author was not direct.

Adventures in Alaska (1898-1903)

Lured by the promise of gold, Beach participated in the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska, an experience that profoundly shaped his future writings. While he did not strike it rich as a miner, the adventures and characters he encountered provided rich material for his novels and stories.

First Literary Successes (1904-1910)

After returning from Alaska, Beach turned to writing, drawing on his experiences in the north. His second novel, "The Spoilers," was a dramatic tale of love and lawlessness in Nome, Alaska, and it became a bestseller, cementing Beach's reputation as a writer of adventure tales.

Expansion to Florida and The Tropics (1911-1920)

While Beach achieved fame for his Alaskan adventures, his interests and literary settings expanded to include Florida, where he had spent part of his childhood. His experiences in the state inspired novels like "The Ne'er-Do-Well" and "The Crimson Gardenia," which exhibited his fondness for and familiarity with Florida's unique landscapes and culture.

World War I and Beyond (1914-1920)

During World War I, Beach served as a correspondent and later as a member of the American Volunteer Motor Ambulance Corps. Although this period briefly took him away from writing novels, it provided further material for his later works, filled with the themes of heroism and sacrifice.

Success in the Roaring Twenties (1921-1929)

The 1920s brought further success to Beach, with continued popularity as an author and his ventures into the burgeoning film industry. Many of his novels, including "The Spoilers," were adapted into films, some of which he produced, showcasing his talents beyond the written word.

Orlando and the Floridian Inspiration (1930-1939)

Rex Beach's passion for Florida extended to his personal life; he owned a citrus grove near Sebring and was a frequent visitor to Orlando. His time in central Florida influenced his depiction of the state's natural beauty and often perilous elements, contributing to the unique settings of his later works.

The Later Years and Reflection (1940-1949)

In his later years, Beach focused more on historical fiction, reflecting his contemplation of America's past and its implications for the future. Despite changing literary tastes, he remained a respected figure in American literature until his passing in 1949.

Key Achievements of Rex Beach:

• Achieved critical and commercial success with his adventure novels, most notably "The Spoilers."

• His works significantly influenced the literary and popular representations of Alaska and Florida during the early 20th century.

• Played a pivotal role in the early film industry, both as a screenwriter and producer.

• His novels were adapted into more than a dozen films, helping to introduce his stories to a wider audience.

• Active involvement in World War I, contributing to the war effort through his service and writing.

Rex Beach's legacy as an author and playwright is marked by his adventurous spirit and his ability to bring to life the regions he loved and explored, particularly Alaska and Florida. His works provided a window into the rugged beauty and complexity of these areas, influencing how they were portrayed in literature and film for years to come. Beach’s narrative style and vibrant characters continue to captivate readers, ensuring his place in the canon of American adventure literature.

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