The founder and artistic director of Miami New Drama has quickly developed the three-year-old theatre company into a cultural powerhouse in South Florida.

“We have proven that the way to grow the theater community here is by doing work for and by artists that reflect what the city looks like,” Hausmann said.

Learn more about how Miami New Drama shows its support for the immigrant community on its marquee, its front door, and across the stage.

Immigrant Powered is a nonpartisan, grassroots initiative highlighting immigrant-powered businesses and organizations in our community. Request a sticker and show your support.

PRODUCED BY THE NEW TROPIC CREATIVE STUDIO WITH IMMIGRANT POWERED

A nighty night cookie to help you sleep. The CBD-infused-food trend sweeping the nation has officially hit Miami. You can find CBD-infused cookies, ice cream, cocktails, coffee and tea across the 305. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the chemical compounds found in cannabis but it doesn’t get you high. Proponents claim it can relieve a variety of ailments like pain, anxiety, and inflammation, though there hasn’t been enough research to prove its effectiveness yet. FDA regulations of CBD are also a little murky but that hasn’t stopped food and beverage makers across the country from adding it to a number of products.  (Miami New Times)

Gillum is not going away. Andrew Gillum may have been defeated in the Florida governor’s race .but he built a lot of momentum, and a network of supporters and donors that Democratic presidential contenders will want to tap in order to win in the 2020 presidential election. The same goes for Stacey Abrams who narrowly lost her race for governor in Georgia.  Experts ee both of these popular progressive African-American politicians as key players in securing the liberal and African-American vote. Their names are also being tossed around as vice-presidential running mates. (Politico)

Holy croqueta.  It’s no secret that Miamians love croquetas. And our croqueta game is about to get even better.  In a few months from now, Dos Croquetas, the popular online delivery service which launched in 2016, is opening up a croqueta bar that will also serve beer and wine. In addition to traditional favorites, they will also offer speciality croquetas, like the 305, made with Cuban-style picadillo, and sweet crispy ones like the Cinnamon Toast Crunch. There is even going to be a Cuban sandwich stuffed with croquetas. Yum. (Miami New Times)

Open for business. Store owners on Flagler Street can breathe a huge sigh of relief. After two and a half years of construction, the road work is finally over and merchants can resume business as usual. Sadly, the project forced many of the shops to close down, as dirt, debris and equipment blocked storefronts and parking was scarce. Now, the area has been cleared, there are new sidewalks, repaved roads, and improved drainage pipes to prevent flooding.Hopefully, this area will be bustling again soon. (Miami Herald)

No campaigning, no problem. A new spot is open on the Miami Beach City Commission after Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez was forced to resign, to comply with the state’s resign-to-run-law, and more than two dozen people have lined up to fill the vacancy. 25 people from a variety of backgrounds have applied for the interim commissioner position. Why is there such a big list of candidates?? It’s likely because the new commissioner will be selected by the other Beach commissioners, to serve out the remaining 10 months of Rosen Gonzelez’ term, instead of having to run in an official election. No fundraising. No campaigning. (Miami Herald)

ONE LAST THING

It’s pretty chilly outside but if you are into taking a cold dip, swimming advisories for Miami Beach and Key Biscayne have been lifted. In other words, no more poop in the water. Be safe out there.

– The New Tropic