Old Station Cafe is bringing Miami flair to Calle Ocho without the usual Miami prices. The colorful patio is hard to miss, and the food is hard to resist. Their guac toast (just $4.50) is served on Cuban bread with all the fixings, their pan con lechon ($5) is slow-roasted overnight, and if you have room for dessert, prepare to have your cafecito, and eat it, too.

Co-owner Tommy Iglesias says the cafe’s goal is, “to bring affordable meals to the locals, just like Abuelita makes at home.”

Hear more from Tommy in our video profile.

And if you want to hang with us IRL in Little Havana, be sure to grab tickets to our Living in Little Havana event. See you on May 15!

MADE POSSIBLE BY GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Yesterday was National Pet Therapy Day, a day to celebrate the four-legged volunteers that bring warmth and love to hospital patients, students, and others in need across the U.S. (awwwwwwww…)

Studies show that therapy animals benefit patients by motivating them, lowering stress, and providing a sense of optimism.

The pets you see volunteering around Miami have gone through special training to become certified. Here’s a look at one option for your pet so they can lend a paw by volunteering.

PRODUCED BY THE NEW TROPIC CREATIVE STUDIO WITH BAPTIST HEALTH

The political turmoil in Venezuela reached a breaking point yesterday as interim President and opposition leader Juan Guaidó made a move with supporters, protesters, and some military forces to push Nicolás Maduro out of office.

The situation quickly turned violent as Maduro’s security forces battled against pro-Guaidó protesters, and at one point an armored vehicle crashed into a group of protesters in eastern Caracas.

Here in the states, several politicians — most notably U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott — offered their support to Guaidó and the citizens following his lead. And Scott suggested immediate U.S. military involvement, saying that current efforts weren’t “aggressive enough.”

Here in SoFlo, Venezuelans gathered at cafés and restaurants to watch the situation unfold. Many of them were in support of Guaidó but also watched with a mix of hope and fear over what yesterday’s “Operation Liberty” could mean for the country.

In other news…

Are you so glued to your phone that you’re worried about the new texting while driving bill? Well, here’s a look at what will actually change when Gov. Ron DeSantis makes the law official. In short: The ban that’s already a state law will become a primary offense (like driving over the speed limit is now), you can still use your phone at a red light, and officers can start citing drivers starting next January. (Tampa Bay Times)

A company called Arkup has developed a home that’s meant to withstand powerful hurricane-force winds, to stay high above rising seas, and be powered by solar energy. One pricey catch? The high-tech houseboat has an asking price of about $5.5 million. (Miami Herald)

If you’ve checked out drag brunch at the Palace Bar on South Beach, then you know it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. And the restaurant just got some national love this week as one of OpenTable’s top 100 brunch restaurants in America. Salute to the performers who slay all day as crowds enjoy steak and eggs. (Miami New Times)

In case you missed it above, we’ll be hanging at the political party event tomorrow night at Ball and Chain as part of 10 Days of Connection!

Hope to see ya there. Have a great Hump Day, Miami. 😎

– The New Tropic