Top News of the Week in Orlando (December 25th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Orlando.

Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Chicago-based ice cream chain's expansion to Orlando

  • Gasparilla Bowl recap

  • A deep dive into the life of Jack Kerouac

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.”

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

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!

This Orlando performing arts center, known for its modern architecture and diverse performances, is a central part of the city's cultural scene. What is the name of this center?

A) The Plaza Live

B) Orlando Shakes

C) Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

D) The Abbey

News

💼 Business

Chicago-Based Ice Cream Chain's Expansion: A Chicago-originated ice cream shop, with a history spanning nearly 100 years, is expanding in Florida, including a new location in Orlando. This marks a significant step in the chain's aggressive state-wide expansion.

Louisiana-Based Salad Chain's Central Florida Expansion: A salad restaurant chain founded over a decade ago in Louisiana is expanding into Central Florida for the first time, indicating growth in the region's dining options.

🏒 Sports

Cure Bowl - Miami (Ohio) vs. Appalachian State: Held in Orlando, the Cure Bowl featured a matchup between Miami (Ohio) and Appalachian State, adding to the city's roster of significant college football games during the season.

Gasparilla Bowl - Georgia Tech vs. UCF: The Gasparilla Bowl, another notable college football event, took place with Georgia Tech competing against UCF, further highlighting Orlando's prominence in hosting bowl games.

Famous People In Orlando History

Jack Kerouac: 1922-1969

Early Life and Literary Beginnings (1922-1947) 

Jack Kerouac, a seminal figure in the Beat Generation, was born on March 12, 1922, in Lowell, Massachusetts. Kerouac's early life was marked by a deep love for literature and a sense of restlessness, which would later become central themes in his work.

Rise to Fame with Beat Generation (1948-1957) 

Kerouac became a key figure in the Beat Generation in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His friendships with other Beat writers like Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs influenced his writing style and thematic focus.

"On the Road" and Iconic Status (1957-1969) 

Kerouac's most famous work, "On the Road," was published in 1957 and became a defining novel of post-war America. Its stream-of-consciousness style and exploration of American culture and existential themes resonated with a generation.

Later Years in Orlando (1966-1969) 

In his later years, Kerouac moved to Orlando, Florida, seeking a quieter life away from the fame that had increasingly become a burden. His time in Orlando was marked by personal struggles, but he continued to write and remained a significant literary figure.

Death and Legacy (1969) 

Jack Kerouac passed away on October 21, 1969, in St. Petersburg, Florida. His work, especially "On the Road," left an indelible mark on American literature and culture, inspiring generations of writers and artists.

Key Achievements of Jack Kerouac:

  • A leading figure in the Beat Generation.

  • Author of "On the Road," a seminal work in American literature.

  • Influenced the style and direction of 20th-century American literature.

  • His work is celebrated for its introspective exploration of the human condition.

  • Kerouac's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with readers worldwide.

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