Garth, born in the Bahamas and raised in Miami, was the longtime publisher of The Miami Times, South Florida’s top newspaper for the black community. He retired a few years ago, but at 98 (he turns 99 on Monday!), he remains a leading voice for blacks in Miami.

“The Miami Times was always there talking about the segregated patterns and why are the black schools so different from the white schools? Why have the white schools got more facilities than the black schools? And we thought it was very important to keep hammering those things home, and we stayed on it, we stayed on that all the time,” he said in an interview for the Miami Oral Histories Collection.

He’s also been recognized for his work as a civil rights leader. He staged the Crandon Park swimming protest to desegregate Dade County’s beaches. He was the first black person to serve on the boards of Miami-Dade Community College, Barry University, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Dade County. Last year a portion of a street in Overtown was named after him. This Miami Herald story is full of fascinating stories of Garth’s life.

We’re headed to the Colony Theater tonight to catch a performance of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, a body-slamming satire of American politics, race, and stereotypes from Miami New Drama. The New Tropic’s folks get major discounts on their tickets, sangria, and a chance to get in the ring with the actors. (Yes, this play features a boxing ring.) Wanna join? Details here.

Too turnt up. The Wharf may be one of the hottest new drinking spots in the 305, but its neighbors are not so cool with it. The bar’s music lasts well into the early morning, and residents, even those across the river, say it’s keeping them up at night. The owner says he’s tryna be a good neighbor and all he wants to do is activate a spot that previously got no love. (Miami Herald)

Nom nom nom. The chef behind the delish food at Beaker & Gray is now going to be serving up diner-style comfort food all day long in Midtown. He’s opening a new spot called Mason, and promises to serve up “75 percent classic diner dishes,” like deli sandwiches, plus a few more creative offerings. Plus, neighborhood fave (and New Tropic partner!) Wynwood Yard is bringing fab healthy food options, edible plants, and a “positivity library” to the Jackson Health District with Jackson Hall. That’ll open this spring. (Eater)

Let there be light. The Miami-Dade Solar Co-Op is happening for real for real, and info sessions are underway. Solar co-ops bring the cost of installing solar way down by bringing a bunch of customers together and sharing the costs of things like equipment and installation. If you want to get in on this, the first session is tonight, and there are a couple more coming up. (Curbed)

Dolce vita. Brickell City Centre’s new Italian food hall, La Centrale, is almost here! These photos and videos from the media tour on Wednesday will make you drool and crave burrata. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to hit it up yourself starting Feb. 16. (The Next Miami)

All aboard. The Brightline rollout has been a little, er, bumpy because of a string of deaths of people who ignored the warnings of oncoming trains. So before the Brightline trains reach Miami-Dade later this year, Mayor Carlos Gimenez has asked for a full safety review of railway crossings.  (Miami Herald)

Me and my friends, we got money to spend. Rapper Drake made one more fab stop in the 305 this week. He popped into Lotus House Women’s Shelter, the only one in the 305 exclusively for women and children, to give them a $50,000 check to support their work. Earlier this week he surprised Miami Senior High and a UM student with hefty checks as well. (Facebook)

WINTER WONDERS

While the rest of the U.S. is shivering, it’s strawberry season in SoFlo. So we’ll leave you with this reminder to make plans to hit up the Redlands this weekend to pick strawberries, eat cinnamon buns, and drink strawberry milkshakes. Thanks, Kelsey Flitter, for reminding us by tagging us in this pic!