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Welcome to The Tampa Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• AI art of the week

• Bucs Could Draft Georgia Safety in 2025

• A deep dive into the life of Bertha Palmer

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

—Soren Kierkegaard

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One platform is taking on the billionaires at their own game, buying up and securitizing some of the most prized blue-chip artworks for its investors. 

It's called Masterworks. Their nearly $1 billion collection includes works by greats like Banksy, Picasso, and Basquiat. When Masterworks sells a painting – like the 23 it's already sold – investors reap their portion of the net proceeds.

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See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.

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 Tampa Bay sports team plays professional soccer and has a history dating back to the 1970s?

A) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

B) Tampa Bay Rays

C) Tampa Bay Lightning

D) Tampa Bay Rowdies

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The historic Tampa neighborhood known for bungalow-style homes is A) Hyde Park

News

💼Business

General Dynamics acquires Tampa cyber security firm. (link)

Tampa Bay business leaders survive deadly crash on Alaskan fishing trip. (link)

🏒Sports

Bucs Could Draft Georgia Safety in 2025. (link)

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Uceta, manager Cash suspended after incident vs. Phillies. (link)

🏦Finance

BurgerFi files for bankruptcy with up to $500 million in debt. (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

🏈 South Florida Bulls Football vs. Miami Hurricanes Football
Raymond James Stadium Tampa, FL
Saturday, September 21 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

⚾ Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Tropicana Field Saint Petersburg, FL
Sunday, September 22 | 1:40 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶New World Tampa Presents: Little Lazy, Razor and the Boogiemen, Psychofluid, and Spanish Needles in Tampa
New World Music Hall 810 E Skagway Ave Tampa,
Friday, September 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Yung Gravy Presents - The Grits & Gravy Tour w/ Carter Vail
Yuengling Center Tampa, FL
Saturday, September 21 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family Friendly

🦖 Free Kids Event: Dino Day (Tampa)
Lakeshore Learning Store 4501 West Kennedy Boulevard Tampa,
Saturday, September 21 · 11am - 3pm EDT | (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 “Tampa 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.

Tampa Historical Events

1969: Tampa’s first major race riot occurs in Central Avenue.

In 1969, Tampa experienced a significant and troubling event when the city witnessed its first major race riot erupt in the Central Avenue neighborhood. This tumultuous period reflected the racial tensions that were simmering in many American cities during that era. The riot, which began as a response to longstanding issues of racial discrimination and inequality, unfolded in Central Avenue, a predominantly African American community.

The 1969 race riot in Central Avenue marked a moment of reckoning for Tampa, as it highlighted deep-seated racial disparities and the frustrations of the African American community. The riot led to protests, clashes with law enforcement, property damage, and injuries. In the aftermath, Tampa, like other cities facing similar challenges, began to address issues of racial inequality more seriously and embarked on a path towards greater social and civil rights reforms.

The events of 1969 served as a catalyst for positive change in Tampa, prompting discussions on racial justice and the need for social reforms. While the race riot was a painful and tumultuous chapter in the city's history, it contributed to a heightened awareness of the issues facing the African American community and ultimately played a role in shaping Tampa's ongoing efforts towards greater equality and social justice.

Famous People From Tampa

Bertha Palmer (1849–1918): Businesswoman and socialite, owned land in Tampa.

Early Life and Marriage (1849-1870)

Born Bertha Honoré in 1849 in Louisville, Kentucky, she grew up in a wealthy and socially prominent family. She received an education that was unusual for women of her time, focusing on arts, languages, and literature. In 1871, she married Potter Palmer, a successful Chicago businessman, marking the beginning of a partnership that would greatly influence her life.

Chicago Social Scene and the Palmer House Hotel (1871-1890)

In Chicago, Bertha Palmer became a leading socialite and was known for her elegance, intelligence, and cultural sophistication. She played a significant role in the success of the Palmer House Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Chicago, which her husband owned. Her influence extended to the art world, where she became a major patron and collector.

Involvement in the 1893 World's Fair (1891-1893)

Palmer played a pivotal role in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, leading the Board of Lady Managers. She used her position to promote the role of women in the fair and championed the works of female artists. Her leadership at the fair significantly elevated her status as a businesswoman and cultural leader.

Real Estate Ventures and Philanthropy (1894-1900)

Following her husband’s death in 1902, Palmer took over the management of his vast estate, showcasing her business acumen. She invested in real estate, expanded her art collection, and engaged in philanthropic activities. Her business ventures and philanthropy marked her as a progressive and influential figure.

Move to Florida and Land Development (1901-1910)

Seeking new opportunities, Palmer moved to Florida, where she purchased large tracts of land, including areas near Tampa. She became one of the largest landowners in Florida, engaging in ranching, agriculture, and land development. Her efforts in Florida were groundbreaking, especially for a woman in that era, and had a significant impact on the state’s development.

Agricultural Innovations and Preservation (1911-1918)

Palmer introduced modern agricultural practices and was instrumental in developing the citrus and cattle industries in Florida. She was an early advocate for land conservation and environmental preservation. Her work in agriculture and conservation further established her as a forward-thinking businesswoman.

Connection to Tampa

Bertha Palmer’s connection to Tampa came through her extensive land holdings and developmental projects in the surrounding areas. Her influence in the region contributed to economic growth and agricultural advancement. Palmer's legacy in the Tampa area is seen in the development of the lands she once owned and her contributions to the regional economy.

Personal Life and Characteristics

Palmer was known for her intelligence, business acumen, and cultural refinement. Her personal life was characterized by a balance of societal leadership, business management, and philanthropy. She was a trailblazer for women in business and an advocate for women's rights and environmental conservation.

Key Achievements

• Influential role in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and advancement of women’s contributions to the arts.

• Successful management and expansion of her husband’s estate, showcasing her business prowess.

• Significant contributions to Florida’s development, particularly in agriculture and land conservation.

Bertha Palmer's life was a testament to her exceptional abilities as a businesswoman, cultural leader, and philanthropist. Her influence stretched from the social salons of Chicago to the agricultural fields of Florida, where she made lasting contributions to land development and environmental preservation. A true pioneer of her time, Palmer's legacy endures in her advancements in the arts, women’s rights, and innovative business practices, particularly in and around the Tampa area.

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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