OTD: August 9, 1928 - WTVJ Pioneer Journalist was Born in New York
Iconic WTVJ news anchor Ralph Renick was born on August 9, 1928, in New York. Renick began his career with WTVJ in 1950 as an intern while studying journalism at the University of Miami. He enjoyed a long career with the station, from 1950 until 1985, while reporting directly to the president and founder of WTVJ, Mitchell Wolfson.
Within six weeks of his retirement announcement from WTVJ, Ralph declared his candidacy for governor of Florida in 1986. After losing his bid for political office, he joined WCIX (now WFOR), to do a nightly show called 'The Ralph Renick Report', until he retried from that endeavor in September 1990.
Webinar: August 19, 2026 - Orange Bowl Stadium: Miami’s Football Shrine
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm EDT
Fee: $16 (paid subscribers get a $10 discount off the webinar fee)
For more than seventy years, the Orange Bowl Stadium was one of Miami’s most revered landmarks, a place where sports, tourism, civic ambition, and community life came together.
This webinar will explore the stadium’s formative years, beginning with the temporary wooden bleachers used for the earliest Orange Bowl games and continuing through the construction, expansion, and modernization of the permanent stadium between 1937 and 1958.
The presentation will include a lot of photos and stories of the early years of “Miami’s Sports Cathedral.” If you cannot make it during this time, anyone who is a paid registrant will receive a link to watch the recording after the presentation.
For more information and to register for the webinar, click the button below. If you are a paid subscriber and did not get the discount code, please e-mail me at casey@sfwebnet.com
OTD: August 13, 1859 - Miami Pioneer E.A. Waddell was born in Perth, Ontario
On August 13, 1859, Miami Pioneer Edwin Alexander Waddell was born in Perth, Ontario. Waddell was living in Key West when he first arrived to Miami in 1888. He purchased land in today's Omni neighborhood and became one of the Magic City's earliest real estate agents. He constructed the first poured concrete home for himself on the corner of today's NE Third Avenue and NE Second Street. Waddell was considered one of early Miami's most persistent ambassadors and advocates.
Upgrade Promotion: 1926 Hurricane Booklet
For a limited time, anyone who upgrades their membership to become a paid subscriber will received a booklet of the 1926 Hurricane which features over 100 photos of the impact of this historic storm.
As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of this devastating hurricane in September 2026, you have the opportunity to get your copy of a very rare booklet with a number of never before seen photographs.
Click on the button below to learn more about this promotion.
OTD: August 14, 1945 - Japan Surrenders (VJ Day)
On August 14, 1945, the Japanese Emperor announced an unconditional surrender to the United States to end World War II. Although the official instrument of treaty was not signed until September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri, in Tokyo Bay, August 15th has been referred to V-J Day (Victory over Japan), ever since.
Attached is a photograph of US Navy service men and women celebrating on Flagler Street when the news broke. Downtown Miami was taken over by the Navy for training during WWII.
Click on the button below to listen to the podcast episode on the role South Florida played to prepare servicemen for battle during World War II.
OTD: August 16, 1965 - Dolphins Awarded to Miami by AFL
On August 16, 1965, Miami was awarded a professional football franchise by the American Football League which was ultimately named the Dolphins. The franchise was headed by entertainer Danny Thomas and Minneapolis attorney Joe Robbie.
Brickell Avenue Neighborhood Book
Get your signed copy of the Brickell Avenue Neighborhood Book by ordering online on the Miami History Blog website. The book shares a pictorial history of the Brickell neighborhood from 1870 through the 1980s. Read more about the contents of this book and purchase your copy by clicking on the ‘Learn More’ button below. Scroll to the bottom of the page to purchase your signed copy online.