Come toast the work of the city’s evolving startup scene and celebrate CIC Miami’s two-year anniversary on Nov. 28. To mark the occasion, CIC will host talks and activations on topics like sustainability, life sciences, and the arts. Register today to get on the guest list.

CIC (home to the good old New Tropic!) is passionate about helping grow the local artist and creative community. Art in Miami is a $1.4 billion dollar industry. (You read that right. Billion with a “b.”) But many local artists and creatives are still struggling and not seeing much of that money. And that’s why CIC established the Creator’s Lounge.

In the Creator’s Lounge, CIC has built a collective of artists, creatives, and makers focused on offering the creative community practical resources. They believe that artists are all intrinsically entrepreneurs but just need the right resources to help them succeed. Check out a few Miami organizations CIC has partnered with to support the 305 creative community.

PRODUCED BY THE NEW TROPIC CREATIVE STUDIO WITH CIC MIAMI

Wynwood Yard, you offer so much to love – like Reggae Sundays, the food trucks, the many, many events, the community fundraisers, the refreshing cocktails, and the overall atmosphere. And while we’re sad to see you close in a few months, we’re glad we can still create memories with you through the spring. We’re even more excited to see what you come up with at North Beach Yard.

You’ve been a place for Miamians to gather around a table with our friends (old and new) to celebrate what’s best about living in the Magic City.

We chatted with a few people you’ve had an impact on – those you work with, community leaders, and Wynwood Yard regulars – for a celebration of the community you’ve helped build. Enjoy this video love letter.

Love,

Miami

PRODUCED BY THE NEW TROPIC CREATIVE STUDIO WITH WYNWOOD YARD

Ultra on the Key? After City of Miami leaders voted against keeping the Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park, the organizers are considering moving it over to Virginia Key. City officials and the fest’s planners are working on a contract to move the three-day event to two spaces in Key Biscayne: one near the Miami Marine Stadium, home to the Miami International Boat Show, and another in historic Virginia Key Beach Park, where the House of Creatives music fest is happening this weekend. (Miami Herald)

An influx of early voting. Early voting has proven to be popular among local college students, with more than 10,000 people casting ballots at three college campuses across Miami-Dade County during early voting. A ban on campus voting was overturned by a state court earlier this year, but the ACLU of Florida and other local advocacy groups still had to push county officials to get the system up and running in time for this election. (WLRN)

Water, water everywhere. Coastal development and sea level rise are putting more Miami-area homes at risk during major storms, according to a new study that analyzed impacts of Hurricane Irma. The analysis, from First Street Foundation, concluded that storm surge from last year’s storm flooded 57,000 more homes than it would have if the waters around South Florida had remained at 1970s levels and development had slowed in the decades since then. (Miami Herald)

An international destination. We certainly don’t need to tell you that Miami is a pretty special place. But the secret is out with Lonely Planet’s new list of “Best Travel Cities.” The authors point to the Magic City’s lively arts scene, foodie-centric eateries, and urban design innovations as attractions for those who don’t fit into the the beach-going, party life that we put on the map. (Lonely Planet)

A chill-pill for cars. It’s human nature to try and avoid traffic, but the people dodging gridlock are getting so bad in residential areas around Miami that traffic engineers are now going on the defensive. From speed bumps to traffic circles, communities are installing various “traffic calming” features that aim to slow down drivers and encourage them to stick to larger roads and highways. (Miami Herald)

AND THE WINNER IS…

Caity Rad! She won our Espanola Way giveaway, which includes morning yoga with Synergy Yoga, an overnight stay at El Paseo Hotel, free passes to the Bass Museum, and $100 to spend on dinner at Havana 1957.

And since November is a month of giving, we’re giving away even more awesome local experiences every day this week! Stayed tuned starting tomorrow for details on how you can enter to win.

– The New Tropic