Miami Restaurant Motek Expands to Boca Raton, Florida
Motek, a popular Miami restaurant known for Mediterranean-Israeli cuisine, has opened its first location in Boca Raton, Florida. It is the seventh outpost for the brand and the first in Palm Beach County. Located in Boca’s “Restaurant Row,” Motek brings its signature bold flavors and Tel Aviv street food to the area. The opening was highly anticipated by local residents.
Longstanding PM Fish & Steak House in Brickell Closes After 12 Years
PM Fish & Steak House, a beloved steakhouse in Brickell, abruptly closed after 12 years without any notice or explanation. The restaurant, known for its Argentinian steakhouse tradition with global seafood dishes, had a lavish buildout rumored to cost $2 million. PM made a name for itself by serving Wagyu tenderloin, provoleta, salmon tartare, and ceviche. The closure leaves longtime diners puzzled, as the restaurant catered to power lunchers and stylish crowds for over a decade.
2025 James Beard Award Finalists Include Miami’s ViceVersa Bar and Itamae AO Restaurant
Two Miami establishments, ViceVersa bar and Itamae AO restaurant, were named finalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards. ViceVersa was nominated for Best New Bar, praised for its authentic Italian cocktails and pizzas. Chef Nando Chang of Itamae AO was nominated for Best Chef: South for his Japanese-Peruvian omakase menu. Other Florida finalists included Ômo by Jônt for Best New Restaurant and Sue and Jason Chin for Outstanding Restaurateur.
Deputy Strikes Teenage Cyclist with Vehicle, Uses Force During Incident
A Broward Sheriff’s deputy hit a teenage bicyclist with his unmarked vehicle and tackled him to the ground. The incident occurred during Spring Break in a residential area of Deerfield Beach. A group of around a dozen teenagers were riding bikes and allegedly performing dangerous stunts. The deputy’s actions are under review, and the teenager received a civil citation.
Rare Keel-Billed Toucan Spotted in Miami Botanic Garden
A keel-billed toucan, native to tropical forests in the Caribbean and Mexico, was spotted at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami. The bird is likely an escaped pet, as toucans are not strong flyers and cannot migrate long distances. The garden offers a suitable habitat with fruits, lizards, and water sources for the toucan. However, it lacks other toucans, putting the bird at risk from predators like hawks without flock protection. The unusual sighting, while extremely rare, is not unheard of in Miami due to the exotic pet trade.
Miami Steakhouse Ranked Among Top U.S. Restaurants
Sunny’s, a popular steakhouse in Little River, Miami, has gained significant praise and national recognition. It was ranked 13th on Food & Wine’s Top 15 U.S. Restaurants List of 2025 for its beautiful outdoor dining area, extensive martini menu, and exceptional steaks and pasta. Additionally, Sunny’s was featured in the 2025 Florida Michelin Guide, fueling speculation about a potential Michelin star. The restaurant offers a unique blend of elegant indoor and charming outdoor dining spaces, creating a distinctively Florida vibe.
Miami-Dade County and Other Florida Cities Vote to End Water Fluoridation
Several Florida municipalities, including Miami-Dade County, have voted to stop adding fluoride to their drinking water supplies. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo urged this action, citing claims that fluoride lowers IQ and increases neuropsychiatric risks in children. The Miami-Dade County Commission voted 8-2 to discontinue fluoridation, with the mayor considering a veto. Dentists argue fluoride is safe and beneficial for dental health, while anti-fluoride activists claim it is a neurotoxin.
Residents Halt Australian Pine Removal to Protect Nesting Herons in Bird Sanctuary
Residents stopped removal of eight Australian pines with nesting yellow-crowned night herons. After public comments at commission meeting, village halted removal and will reconsider future removals. Village is bird sanctuary with ordinances prohibiting harming birds. Commission initially planned removing 37 pines after one fell, citing safety and invasive species, but residents criticized rushed project without notification.
Shakira Adds Second Miami Concert Due to High Demand
Shakira announced additional dates for her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, including a second show at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on June 7. The original June 6 show in Miami has been sold out for months. A second show has also been added at MetLife Stadium on May 16. The tour supports Shakira’s 2024 album and includes hits from her entire catalogue.
Miami Billionaires in Top 400 Wealthiest Globally
Jeff Bezos is the third-richest person in the world with a net worth of $215 billion. Five Miami residents made the list of the top 400 wealthiest people globally. The number of billionaires worldwide reached a record 3,028 with a combined net worth of $16.2 trillion. Elon Musk topped the list with a net worth of $342 billion, followed by Mark Zuckerberg at $216 billion.
LIV Golf Tournament and Tortuga Music Festival Happening in Florida
LIV Golf returns to Miami’s Trump National Doral for a third consecutive year. The tournament features a $25 million purse and a new format with all four scores counting for each team. It serves as a warm-up for The Masters the following week. Tortuga Music Festival takes place at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park from April 4-6, featuring country stars like Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, and Luke Combs, along with non-country acts like Ludacris and Ezra Ray Hart.
Stripper’s Annual Pole-Dance Show at Miami Metromover Station During Ultra Festival
Victoria Errigo is a Miami stripper who pole-danced for crowds waiting at the Metromover station near her apartment during Ultra Music Festival. She did it spontaneously in 2023, but after videos went viral, she prepared with signs and teaser photos for subsequent years. This year, she performed from midnight to 1 am, making money from promotions on her sign. Her apartment building supports her annual show, which has become a tradition.
Miami Festival Brings Poetry to Unconventional Spaces During April
O, Miami Poetry Month puts poetry in unexpected places around Miami during April. Poems are placed on produce at grocery stores, issued as fake parking tickets, screened at Frost Planetarium. Poetry events are held at locations like Oleta River State Park, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami Beach Bandshell, and Doral Cultural Arts Center. The festival encourages locals to experience poetry through unique initiatives.
Miami Hosts Tortuga Music Festival, Pride Events, and Art Exhibitions This Weekend
South Florida’s premiere country music festival Tortuga Music Festival takes place this weekend. It features country superstars Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, and Luke Combs as headliners. The Museum of Sex hosts a Super Gayland Party for Miami Beach Pride’s final weekend. Saturday sees Beer O’Clock celebrations at Biscayne Bay Brewing for National Beer Day. The Wolfsonian museums offer open house events for artists and creators.
Fort Lauderdale Restaurant Evicted Amid Unpaid Wages and Debts
Salt 7 restaurant in Fort Lauderdale was evicted. Former employees claim they are owed wages and tips. The restaurant owes nearly $300,000 in unpaid rent and millions to vendors. Salt 7’s parent company filed for bankruptcy which was dismissed.
Bad Bunny Calvin Klein Billboard Causes Traffic Issues in Miami
Bad Bunny recently appeared in a global Calvin Klein ad campaign. A large billboard featuring Bad Bunny shirtless and in underwear was erected in Miami. The billboard is located on the westbound side of Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) in front of Dominion Tower apartments in Allapattah. The billboard has caused traffic issues due to an ongoing construction project nearby.
Woman Arrested for Alleged Armed Robbery After Encounter with Elderly Man
A 71-year-old man met a woman at an adult store in Hialeah. She invited him to a motel for a sexual encounter. After the encounter, she robbed him of his phone, wallet, and Rolex at knifepoint. The woman, Johnnika Alexander, was arrested and charged with armed robbery and battery on an elderly person. She admitted to pepper-spraying the man but denied stealing his watch.
Top Pilates Studios in Miami for Effective Workouts and Mind-Body Connection
Pilates has a reputation for being slow and graceful, but it is a major workout and an effective way to build strength, improve flexibility, and reconnect with the body. Miami offers many Pilates studios with various styles and techniques. Some lean into classical technique while others incorporate modern elements, but all aim to help find the strongest, most balanced self. Options include heated classes, reformer-based workouts, high-intensity sessions, and traditional mat classes from experienced instructors.
Film Community in Miami Faces Challenges and Celebrates Diverse Cinema
Miami film community faced threats over screening Palestinian film. Independent theaters showing great movies like “Queer” and “Nosferatu” this month. Miami Film Festival highlights include acclaimed films, retrospectives, Florida-focused films. Coral Gables Art Cinema celebrates city’s 100th anniversary with classic film screenings. Gene Hackman retrospective honors late actor’s iconic performances in “The Conversation” and “The French Connection.”
Miami Singer-Songwriter Rachel Goodrich Releases New Album After Returning Home
Rachel Goodrich is a Miami singer-songwriter. She gained popularity in the local indie scene with her unique “shake-a-billy” style. After moving to Los Angeles for a decade, her sound evolved with influences from surf rock and doo-wop. Her latest album, recorded after returning to Miami, showcases a mature and vulnerable style inspired by the city’s historic architecture and cultural diversity.
Kesha to Host Miami Boiler Room Event with DJs Ty Sunderland and Flirty800
Kesha will host Boiler Room set in Miami on April 3. New York DJs Ty Sunderland and Flirty800 will accompany her. She is known pop singer. This is upcoming event.
Educational Event Highlights Overlooked Black History Amid Curriculum Debates
Former professor Marvin Dunn hosted a “Black History Learning Tree” event at Florida International University. He taught about the Rosewood Massacre and other overlooked Black history events. This comes amid efforts to limit how Black history is taught in schools. Dunn aims to continue teaching Black history weekly at the tree without university permission. Students expressed gratitude for learning untaught aspects of Black history.
Flight Returned with Emergency Leads to Travel Chaos, Bus Passengers Shot
An emergency landing turned into a two-day travel nightmare for passengers. A flight to Paris had to return to Miami due to a landing gear issue. After delays, the plane took off but turned back again due to a computer navigation problem. The passengers faced multiple delays, hotel issues, and lack of communication from the airline. Two passengers were fatally shot by a Miami-Dade Transit bus driver after a verbal dispute.
Tragic Miami Bus Shooting: Driver Kills Two Passengers After Dispute
Two passengers, Lonnie Stephenwade Harley and Ejaash Bail Carter, were fatally shot by a Miami-Dade bus driver after an argument. The shooting occurred early Sunday morning on the No. 77 Metrobus route. The argument may have been related to a bicycle. The bus driver has been placed on administrative leave and is being terminated.
Miami-Dade Commissioner GarcÃa Enters Hialeah Mayoral Race as Bovo Prepares Exit
Miami-Dade County Commissioner René Garcia has joined the race for Hialeah mayor. He filed his candidacy after current Mayor Esteban Bovo announced he will step down. Bovo named Garcia as his preferred successor. Garcia has until July to decide whether to resign his county seat to run for mayor. If he doesn’t run, it could leave multiple council positions open with interim members.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins Files for Miami Mayoral Race
Eileen Higgins, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, filed to run for mayor of Miami. She would be the first Democrat to be Miami’s mayor in over a decade if elected. Higgins entered the race with around $480,000 in her political committee. She defeated a Cuban American candidate in a heavily Hispanic district in 2018 as “La Gringa.” Higgins would need to resign her county commissioner post during Miami’s candidate qualifying period in September if elected mayor.
Popular Miami children’s TV host remembered as County cracks down on DMV appointment scalping
Chuck Zink hosted a popular children’s TV show called “Skipper Chuck’s Popeye’s Playhouse” on WTVJ in Miami from 1956 to 1979. The show featured cartoons, games, and interactions with children in the studio audience. Zink was praised for allowing children of all races on the show during a time of segregation in the South. Miami-Dade County has passed an ordinance prohibiting and punishing the scalping of DMV appointments, with fines up to $500 per violation. This targets a network of scalpers who used bots to hoard appointments and resell them for profit.
Miami implements SunPass at airport, combats DMV appointment scalping
SunPass is returning to Miami airport parking garages. A prepaid toll system, it allows drivers to bypass traditional payment methods. Return follows fixes to system after earlier issues caused delays and lost revenue. Despite SunPass return, parking fees increased 47% since 2022 to $25 per day. Miami-Dade cracked down on appointment scalping at DMV offices. Scalpers booked appointments using fake accounts and bots, then resold them illegally. New law prohibits selling appointments without consent, violators face $500 fines. Long lines persisted at DMVs due to lack of available appointments.
Ex-New York Politician Arrested for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Videos
Dan Halloran, an ex-New York politician previously convicted of corruption, was arrested at Miami International Airport. He was found possessing hundreds of child sexual abuse videos on his devices during a layover. Authorities discovered text chats showing Halloran purchased the child pornography in packages ranging from $50 to $500. He admitted two-thirds to three-quarters of the 1,362 videos in a hidden folder were child pornography.
Scalping of DMV Appointments Made Illegal in Miami-Dade Amid Scarcity
It’s hard to get DMV appointments in Miami-Dade County. Legislation passed makes it illegal to sell access to appointments at government agencies like DMV with $500 fine. This stems from allegations of scalpers booking many appointments through driving schools. Incoming Tax Collector’s office taking over DMV operations, implementing new technology to stop bulk appointment bookings.
Body Found Floating in Miami River, Police Investigating
A body was found floating in the Miami River on Tuesday morning. The body was discovered around 11:30 AM near Southwest 2nd Avenue and 4th Street. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body. Additional details about the incident are not yet available.
Miami Seaquarium Owner Files for Bankruptcy Amid Eviction, Barreto Appointment Concerns
The owner of Miami Seaquarium filed for bankruptcy protection amid efforts to reorganize operations. Miami-Dade County is seeking to evict the marine park over critical inspection reports. A Florida Senate committee recommended reappointing Rodney Barreto as chair of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission despite concerns about his developer background and the agency’s handling of a fatal 2022 boat crash.
Miami doctor charged for allegedly prescribing excessive Oxycodone in drug distribution scheme
A Miami doctor was accused of prescribing millions of Oxycodone pills that ended up sold on streets. Doctor Daniel Carpman allegedly prescribed excessive Oxycodone pills to patients without legitimate medical purpose. Carpman was linked to an Oxycodone distribution ring protected by a corrupt federal agent. The ring leader testified against Carpman after pleading guilty himself.
South Florida’s Unique Dining Experiences: Exploring Bizarre Restaurants Past and Present
South Florida has had some bizarre restaurants over the years. Dominique’s, The Ark, Famous, El Cid, Jimbo’s, B.E.D. and The Caves are long gone. Dominique’s featured lavish French cuisine with exotic meats. Famous served massive amounts of Jewish dishes like knishes. The Ark had a jungle theme with thatched roofs over the salad bar. The Caves recreated a prehistoric setting with sculpted alcoves. El Cid mimicked a medieval castle both inside and out. B.E.D. allowed diners to eat in actual beds. Jimbo’s was a ramshackle fish shack that attracted celebrities.
Miami Lottery Players Win Millions from Scratch-Off and Draw Games
Two Miami area lottery players won big prizes. A Hialeah Publix player won $1 million from a Cash4Life ticket. A Presidente Supermarket player won $118,224 from a Fantasy 5 ticket. A Homestead man won $1.195 million from an Ultimate VIP Ca$hword scratch-off ticket bought at a Chevron station.
Historical Charm and Modern Evolution: Coral Gables Through the Years
Coral Gables has maintained its historical charm while undergoing changes over time. Old photos show the iconic Miracle Mile, stone street signs, and residential homes that still exist today. However, new restaurants, buildings downtown, and other developments have transformed parts of the city. Despite the changes, Coral Gables retains its distinct character from decades ago.
North Miami Kosher Restaurant Offers Acclaimed Israeli Cuisine
Mutra is a kosher Israeli restaurant located in a North Miami strip mall. Chef and owner Raz Shabtai serves flavorful Levantine, Galilean and Baladi (Egyptian) dishes. The restaurant is named after Shabtai’s grandmother, who inspired his love for cooking. Mutra draws customers from nearby Jewish neighborhoods as well as non-Jewish diners. Despite being kosher, the menu offers creative and delicious dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Strict Measures Improve Miami Beach Safety During Spring Break
Miami Beach took strict measures to control spring break chaos. No shootings, stampedes or deaths occurred during spring break 2024. In 2025, increased police presence and traffic control led to recovery of firearms and arrests. Hotel occupancy increased as the city became safer. Miami Beach is adapting to attract different events and responsible travelers.
Miami-Dade Installs New Filtration Systems to Clean Up Polluted Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay is polluted from decades of dirty stormwater runoff. Miami-Dade County installed new filtration systems to remove pollutants before water reaches the bay. Engineers hope testing will show these projects improve water quality. Residents are urged to minimize littering and parking on grass near storm drains.
Tourist critically injured in Miami hit-and-run, driver fled the scene
A woman from Argentina was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident while on vacation in Miami. A driver hit her scooter and fled the scene, leaving her with a fractured skull and brain injuries. In another hit-and-run case, a woman was severely injured while jogging in Miramar and left with brain injuries, unable to walk or speak. Her husband is providing around-the-clock care, feeling devastated by the incident. Police are still searching for the drivers in both cases.
Body found in cooler at Miami bar, man charged with murder
Man accused of murder left body in cooler at Miami bar. He confessed to killing victim by striking them with metal pipe. Arrested and charged with second-degree murder, denied bond. Victim’s identity not released, cause of death homicidal violence per autopsy.
Suspect arrested for fatal hit-and-run at Liberty City bus stop
Driver arrested for hit-and-run crash at bus stop in Liberty City. Ivan Maurice Houston plowed Mercedes into bus stop, killing Patricia Valencia and injuring four others. Houston fled scene on foot after vehicle rolled over. Facing charges including driving without license causing death and injury.
Police Officer Shoots Knife-Wielding Man Outside Miami Homeless Shelter
Miami Police officers responded to a call about a fight between two men near a homeless shelter. One man, Austin Overstreet, was armed with knives. An officer, Joshua Nealy, chased Overstreet and repeatedly ordered him to drop the knives. Overstreet walked towards the officer, who then fired one shot, striking Overstreet. Overstreet continued resisting until he was eventually subdued with a Taser. The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office determined that Officer Nealy’s use of deadly force was legally justified.
Florida Woman Arrested for Holding Teens at Gunpoint While Fishing
Donna Elkins, 59, of Melbourne, Florida was arrested for allegedly holding two teens, aged 13 and 15, at gunpoint and threatening to “blow their heads off” after finding them fishing near her yard. She was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment. Elkins claimed to have confronted the boys with a pellet gun to scare them away from her property. However, family members said the teens were not on her property while fishing.
Student brings pills to school, prompting hazmat response and illnesses
A student brought a sealed bag containing unbroken pills to Whispering Pines School in Miramar. Four adults and two students felt nauseous and lightheaded, but no one was hospitalized. Police and fire rescue crews, including a hazmat team, responded to the incident. Initial tests indicated the substances were non-hazardous.
Man Brutally Beaten at Pompano Beach Park, Suspect Arrested
An elderly man was brutally assaulted while walking at a park in Pompano Beach. He suffered a concussion, broken nose, swollen face, and broken leg. Trevoy Williams was arrested and linked to the attack. The victim’s daughter hopes others will be mindful of their surroundings and avoid similar incidents.
Miami elevator flooded, residents trapped by rushing water
Water rushed into an elevator at Vendome Place Condominiums in Miami Beach, trapping residents and children inside. Surveillance video shows the terrifying incident. A resident, Rick Sardana, helped free those trapped by prying open the elevator doors. Flooding from heavy rain damaged cars in the garage, taking around 24 hours to drain.
Woman sues Airbnb after alleged rape at Fort Lauderdale rental home
A woman filed a lawsuit against Airbnb, claiming she was raped at an Airbnb rental home in Fort Lauderdale on August 28, 2024. The lawsuit alleges that an intruder broke into the home, threatened her with a knife, zip-tied her, and then sexually assaulted and raped her. There were two other incidents reported at the same property weeks before, but the suspects were ruled out in this case. The victim wishes to remain anonymous, and the suspect is still not caught.
Florida Influencer Arrested for Animal Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Logan Guminski, a Florida influencer, was arrested for two felonies: sexual activity involving an animal and filming sexual activity involving an animal. Guminski admitted to creating and sharing a video of herself having sex with a dog, for which she was paid $500 by a social media user. Authorities found several photos and videos of Guminski engaging in sexual acts with animals on her phone.
Fire damages abandoned home and neighboring houses in North Miami Beach
Overnight fire engulfed abandoned home in North Miami Beach. Neighboring houses suffered roof and exterior damage from fire’s spread. Cellphone footage showed fire’s intensity. Squatters reportedly occupied abandoned property prior to blaze. Cause remains undetermined.
Florida High-Rise Reopens While Miami Seaquarium Owner Files for Bankruptcy
A South Florida apartment building was shut down in 2021 due to structural concerns but has now reopened after completing required repairs. The company owning Miami Seaquarium filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amidst financial challenges and reports of dolphin injuries from low water levels. Animal welfare groups support terminating Seaquarium’s lease over animal welfare concerns. The bankruptcy filing aims to restructure the business while ensuring animal safety.
Plantation Double Murder and Attempted Suicide: Man Kills Wife and Toddler Son
A 911 call captured a man discovering his daughter and 2-year-old grandson stabbed to death in a Plantation home. The suspect, Jean Carlos Aponte, allegedly killed his wife Sara Ashley Gama and son Ethan, then attempted suicide. Gama’s father found their bodies and called 911, describing blood everywhere. Aponte survived and faces two first-degree murder charges.
Miami Haitians Gather in Prayer Amid Haiti Crises and Immigration Uncertainty
Haiti’s Haitian community gathered for prayer at Notre Dame d’Haiti Catholic church. They prayed for peace amid violence in Haiti and uncertainty over immigration policies. Many Haitians face deportation after temporary protections ended. The church provides spiritual and social support during crises.
Police respond to swatting call at South Miami apartment complex
Authorities responded to reports of gunshots at an apartment building in South Miami. Multiple SWAT vehicles and officers surrounded the building. The situation was later confirmed to be a swatting call with no active threat.
YNW Melly Appears in Court for Pretrial Hearing Ahead of Double Murder Retrial
YNW Melly attended a hearing in Broward ahead of his double murder re-trial. Melly is accused of shooting two members of YNW Collective to death in 2018. A judge discussed motions and evidence sharing with prosecutors and defense attorneys. The second double murder trial is scheduled for September 10th, and Melly could face the death penalty if convicted.
Couple Arrested for Assaulting Officer Responding to Domestic Violence Call in Wynwood
Man and woman beat cop investigating domestic violence report outside Wynwood club. Officer responding to call of man hitting woman with belt in parking lot. Man resisted arrest and punched officer’s eye. Woman obstructed arrest, hit and kicked officer. Both arrested, facing charges of battery on officer.
Tarot Reader Arrested for Defrauding Victim During Spiritual Rituals
Doral woman Carmen Valdez De Miguel was arrested for allegedly defrauding a man of thousands of dollars during tarot card readings and “spiritual cleansings.” Valdez De Miguel convinced victim to pay large sums of money by claiming rituals would double his money. On one occasion, victim brought $3,000 cash which Valdez De Miguel placed in bag with eggs, but later bag only contained broken eggs and worms. Valdez De Miguel refused to return victim’s money and claimed funds were part of ritual that could not be released until candles extinguished.
Miami employees charged for manipulating drug court urine tests
Cedric Lee Pharr, an employee of a company providing services for Miami-Dade Drug Court, and Luis Maldonado, a participant in the treatment program, were charged for manipulating urine tests. Pharr allegedly certified Maldonado’s tests as negative despite evidence of drug use, receiving CashApp payments totaling around $375 from Maldonado. Maldonado’s mother reported the scheme after discovering her son was still using drugs. The incident undermined the goals of the drug court program aimed at helping offenders overcome addiction.
Dog Attack Hospitalizes Two Children in Lauderhill
Two children, aged 12 and 8, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after being attacked by a family’s small mixed breed dog in Lauderhill. Neighbors reported previous aggressive behavior from the dog. Broward County Animal Care responded to the incident. Blood was visible at the home where the attack occurred.
Morning Fog Clears for Hot, Humid South Florida Day
South Florida woke up to patchy fog on Tuesday morning. Fog can occur with high humidity and light winds present. Some areas experienced reduced visibility, like Homestead with 1.9 miles and Miami with 8 miles. The day will be hot and humid, with feels-like temperatures in the 90s and a few potential inland storms later.