Khruangbin Announces 2025 Tour with Miami Stop
Khruangbin, a Texas band, announced its 2025 A La Sala Tour. The tour starts on April 9 in Grand Prairie, Texas. It includes a stop in Miami on April 19 at FPL Solar Amphitheater. The band announced the tour dates today.
Sydney Sweeney Named 2025 Sweetheart by University of Miami Fraternity
Theta Chi fraternity at the University of Miami named actress Sydney Sweeney as their 2025 sweetheart. Sweeney accepted the role and expressed excitement about it. The fraternity’s vice president appears to have a close connection with Sweeney. Sweeney recently purchased a $13.5 million home in nearby Key West, Florida.
Interactive Map Unveiled: GTA 6 Replicates Miami’s Iconic Landmarks
GTA 6’s virtual world closely mirrors real-life Miami and South Florida landmarks. Viral online maps match in-game locations to their real counterparts. Game developers recreated iconic buildings like hotels, condos, and bridges with striking accuracy. Players can explore a digital clone of the region before the official release.
New Miami Restaurant Offers Fusion of Mexican and French Cuisines
Bistro 8, a new Little Havana restaurant, serves Mexican-French fusion cuisine. The restaurant has a chic dining room with Parisian charm and retro Miami vibes. The menu, helmed by chef Pancho Ibanez, combines Mexican seafood traditions with subtle global influences. Standout dishes include Kampachi Crudo and roasted branzino with Mexican adobo. The restaurant features a unique sound system built with Arctic birch trees, creating an immersive auditory experience.
‘Brightline Receives Federal Grant, Reintroduces Commuter Passes’
Brightline received a $33.8 million federal grant. The company will reintroduce commuter passes in March. Passes were previously discontinued due to high demand and capacity issues. The grant allows Brightline to increase capacity by adding more train coaches.
Miami Bakery’s Artisanal Croissants Recognized Among Best in the U.S.
Casa Bake, a small French bakery located in a South Miami warehouse, has gained national attention for its artisanal croissants. Restaurant publication the Infatuation named it among the best croissant places in the U.S. The bakery, owned by French pastry chef Benoît Pagliardini and bread baker Monica Sarmiento-Stadlin, shot to local fame after a viral Instagram post in June 2024. Their croissants are made from scratch daily starting at 3 a.m. through an intricate, hands-on process.
Heat Superstars’ Mixed Fortunes After Leaving Miami
The Miami Heat has been led by Hall of Fame players for over two decades. Stars who left the Heat often struggled elsewhere. Alonzo Mourning had a tough time after departing, before returning to help win a title. Shaquille O’Neal’s relationship with Pat Riley soured, leading to an underwhelming end to his career. LeBron James succeeded after leaving, but many believe he wouldn’t have won elsewhere without experiencing the Heat Culture. Dwyane Wade’s departure left a stain on his legacy, despite returning to retire in Miami.
Miami’s Weekly Calendar: Cultural Events, Arts, Music, and More
Yoga flow offered on Monday midday for weekly reset. Tina Turner musical at theater on Tuesday portraying her inspirational life story. LGBTQ celebration with drag, poetry, dance on Wednesday. Latin jazz legend performed on Wednesday night. Art exhibit exploring community, expression in hairdressing this week, with free haircuts offered. Event highlighted Miami Beach’s World War II military role. Largest U.S. orchid show displaying global varieties this weekend. Art Deco celebration with music, tours, vintage cars over weekend. Outdoor art festival showcased 200+ artists’ works. Metal band performed on Saturday night. London-style house, disco night in Wynwood on Saturday. Movement festival with yoga, dance, circus arts on Sunday. Flamenco show blended cultures, traditions on Sunday night.
Miami-Dade Municipalities Divided Over Honorary Keys for Billionaire Ken Griffin
Ken Griffin, a billionaire hedge fund manager, was presented with honorary keys to nearly two dozen Miami-Dade cities and Miami-Dade County. Griffin founded Citadel LLC, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, and relocated his firm to Miami in 2022. Not all Miami-Dade municipalities complied with the request to give Griffin an honorary key.
Miami Nightlife: Steve Aoki Performance, Celebrity Appearances, and Venue Events
Steve Aoki performed at LIV nightclub. Guerdy Abraira celebrated her birthday at Habibi Miami with other reality TV cast members. Leo Visconti, Daniela Perez, and Giuseppe Todisco attended an event. Various Miami nightlife venues like Mayami, Kiki on The River, Hacienda Ramirez Cruz, Mynt, Hyde Beach, and Medium Cool hosted parties and celebrations.
South Florida Folk Music Festival Features Sarah Lee Guthrie
The South Florida Folk & Acoustic Music Festival is an annual three-day event celebrating local folk music traditions. This year’s festival will feature over 40 artists across various genres, including folk, bluegrass, blues, and world music. Sarah Lee Guthrie, Arlo Guthrie’s daughter and Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter, will be the headliner. The festival also hosts singer-songwriting contests, jam sessions, camping, and music workshops.
Miami Property Appraiser to Factor Climate Risks into Home Valuations
Climate change threats Miami real estate. The new property appraiser wants lower taxes for vulnerable areas. Property Appraiser Tomás Regalado said he will factor climate change risks into home valuations. This could lead to lower property tax bills for owners in flood-prone neighborhoods. Regalado aims to shift from valuing properties based only on “highest and best use” zoning rules.
Soul Legend Sam Moore, Miami Native and “Soul Man” Singer, Dies at 89
Soul singer Sam Moore, best known for his partnership with Dave Prater as the duo Sam & Dave, has died at age 89. Moore grew up in Miami, was discovered at a local nightclub, and Sam & Dave’s hits like “Soul Man” became popular worldwide in the 1960s. After returning to Miami about 10 years ago, Moore lived a life of education and philanthropy. He sang for six U.S. presidents and received honors from Florida International University.
Customized Service Offerings at Miami Supermarkets
Miami supermarkets offer various customized services beyond standard offerings. Customers can request custom cuts from butchers, specific portions of produce, and steamed seafood. Delis accommodate requests for slicing rotisserie chickens and adding extra ingredients to subs. Bakeries provide sliced bread, cake decorations, and free cookies for kids.
Attorneys Disciplined for Mishandling Funds and Cases in Miami and Palm Beach
A $1 million misdemeanor was one of the reasons some attorneys in Miami and Palm Beach were disciplined. An attorney misappropriated over $1 million from escrow accounts related to movie funding deals. Another attorney failed to diligently handle probate and guardianship cases, leading to delays and unauthorized fees. An attorney was disbarred for misappropriating $864,000 from an escrow account. Another attorney ignored inquiries from the Florida Bar about a complaint against her.
Florida Gas Prices: Steady Now, Potential Increases Ahead
Gas prices in Florida have remained steady at $3.08 per gallon on average, slightly higher than a month ago but lower than a year ago. North Florida has the cheapest gas prices, around $2.85 per gallon, while Naples and Palm Beach County are among the most expensive areas. Experts warn that recent oil price hikes due to weather and sanctions could lead to higher gas prices in the coming weeks. However, seasonally weak demand may initially offset any increases.
Anita Bryant’s 1977 Anti-Gay Campaign and Its Lasting Impact
Anita Bryant led a successful 1977 campaign to overturn a Dade County ordinance prohibiting discrimination against gays. Her campaign served as a model for anti-gay rights activists and sparked opposition from gay rights activists. Bryant’s career as an entertainer and product endorser suffered due to her activism. Dade County restored the law in 1998 and expanded it in 2014 to protect transgender and gender nonconforming people.
Prominent Miami Lobbyist Charged with Tax Evasion, Owing IRS Over $600,000
Miami lobbyist Eston “Dusty” Melton III was charged with tax evasion for not paying $1.3 million in income taxes from 2005 to 2014. He prioritized paying family debts like child support and tuition over his tax obligations. Melton filed accurate returns but did not pay the taxes owed. He still owes the IRS around $626,000 despite making some payments after selling his home. The prosecutor accused Melton of transferring assets and income to his wife to evade taxes.
Semi-truck collision causes fatality and lane closures on Florida Turnpike near Miami Gardens
A deadly crash occurred on the Florida Turnpike near Miami Gardens. A woman driving a tractor-trailer died after rear-ending another 18-wheeler. The initial collision caused her to be ejected from the vehicle onto the roadway. A passenger in a car hit earlier sustained non-fatal injuries. The southbound lanes were closed for several hours due to the accident, causing significant traffic congestion.
Men’s clothing store Austin Burke closing after 70 years in Miami’s Wynwood
A slice of old Miami is closing shop in Wynwood after 70 years. Austin Burke, a men’s clothing store founded in 1955, will close in March 2025. The store’s owners, son Barry Burke and business partner Kenny Sager, have decided to retire at age 68. They sold the building for $8 million in 2021 after buying it for $300,000 in the 1980s. The store became famous for its TV commercials featuring founder Austin Burke calling “All Men! Calling All Men!”. It provided suits for all sizes and offered free alterations for life.
Michelin-starred Chef Opens Upscale Steakhouse and Casual Eatery in Miami Beach
Chef James Taylor and his team opened new steakhouse called The Joyce on Espanola Way in Miami Beach. The Joyce has dark interior and serves classic steakhouse cuisine like steak and seafood dishes. The Window at The Joyce offers casual fare like burgers, sandwiches and milkshakes for takeout or outdoor dining. Taylor previously worked at three Michelin-starred restaurants before opening these new establishments.
Lottery Jackpot Split Between Miami-Dade and Broward Tickets
Two winning lottery tickets, one from a Publix in Miami-Dade and the other from a Bravo supermarket in Broward, split the Fantasy 5 jackpot of $56,926. The winning numbers were 1, 8, 11, 21, 23. Winning tickets must be claimed at a Florida Lottery district office or the main office in Tallahassee.
Woman hospitalized after road-rage shooting on I-595 in Davie, gunman at large
A woman was hospitalized after a road-rage shooting on Interstate 595 in Davie. A black pickup truck approached her Ford Escape at high speed. The truck driver brake-checked the Escape, then someone inside the truck opened fire, striking the passenger. Authorities are searching for the shooter and offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The victim says she feels fortunate to be alive after the traumatic incident.
Woman killed in second crash while standing by car on I-95 in Broward
Woman standing by car after crash struck and killed in second crash on I-95 in Broward. Incident happened in northbound lanes before 6 AM. Woman outside vehicle after initial crash hit by flipped pickup truck from secondary crash. Woman, 53, from Fort Lauderdale pronounced dead at hospital. Northbound I-95 lanes closed around six hours.
Dolphins in Florida Died From Contracting Bird Flu Virus
Three bottlenose dolphins were found dead in Indian River Lagoon, Brevard County, Florida. Extensive testing showed the dolphins died from bird flu that attacked their brains. The virus likely caused neurological symptoms leading to confusion or drowning. Dolphins possibly contracted the virus from birds shedding it through saliva, mucus or feces while feeding together.
Off-duty officer shoots two dogs attacking his dogs at hotel
An off-duty police officer shot and killed two dogs attacking his dogs in hotel parking lot. Broward Sheriff’s deputies responded to shooting calls at Extended Stay America Suites parking lot. The off-duty Lauderhill Police Department officer fired his weapon when dogs were attacking his two dogs. Witnesses heard four gunshots and saw dogs slumping to the ground.
Fatal crash on Turnpike in Miami-Dade involving tractor-trailers and passenger vehicle
A woman passenger was ejected and killed in a crash involving two tractor-trailers and another vehicle on the Florida’s Turnpike in Miami-Dade. One tractor-trailer collided with a Nissan sedan and then another tractor-trailer. The driver of the Nissan suffered non-life threatening injuries. All southbound lanes were initially closed for investigation, with two lanes later reopened.
Mother Arrested for Allegedly Abandoning 5-Year-Old Son at Park
A 20-year-old Miami Beach mother, Alize Angel Rodriguez, was arrested for allegedly leaving her 5-year-old son alone in a park as punishment for misbehaving. Witnesses said she appeared intoxicated and left the child unattended for 20 minutes to an hour. Police found Xanax pills and a small amount of cannabis in her purse. The child was handed over to his grandmother’s custody.
Cooler Temperatures Expected in South Florida for Few Days
Cooler temperatures are expected in South Florida later this week. Morning lows will reach lower to mid 50s on Thursday and Friday, with afternoon highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s. The pleasant cool weather will persist until Saturday, before higher temperatures around 80 degrees return on Sunday. However, dry conditions will continue in the region despite the cooler weather.
Space heater sparks fire, displacing elderly woman and daughter from Miami-Dade home
Fire forces elderly woman and daughter from home. Space heater sparked blaze. No injuries reported. Family lost belongings in fire.
Elderly Man Assaulted and Robbed in Violent Fort Lauderdale Home Invasion
A 75-year-old man was hospitalized after a violent home invasion robbery at his apartment in Fort Lauderdale. Security footage showed an intruder, later identified as 48-year-old Joseph Soini, entering the building and the victim’s apartment. Soini attacked the elderly resident, hitting him with a trophy and attempting to strangle him, before stealing $4,000, the victim’s bike, and car. Soini, who has an extensive criminal history, was arrested nearby a few hours later and faces charges of grand theft auto and drug possession.
Teen vandal plows through Florida cemetery, faces charges
Teen driver plowed through Florida cemetery, damaging multiple headstones. Teen fled scene but was later arrested based on evidence and surveillance video. Driver charged with leaving scene of crash, property damage, and criminal mischief counts. Cemetery visitors expressed heartbreak over damaged loved ones’ graves.
Little Havana Dumpster Fire Damages Two Businesses
Two businesses sustained smoke damage after a heavy dumpster fire in Little Havana, Miami. Miami firefighters responded shortly after midnight and found a single-story commercial building with heavy smoke. They encountered a dumpster fully engulfed in flames that extended into the adjacent building’s attic space. Within 45 minutes, the fire was under control, affecting a mini market the most. The fire is under investigation, and no injuries were reported.