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💕 How to treat mom this weekend
Hard to believe 10 Days of connecting, at events like this discussion of second chances at Dragonfly Boutique, is already wrapping up.
(📸: Natasha Del Toro/The New Tropic)
Today’s how-to: Connect one more time
Today is the final day of 10 Days of Connection (wow that flew by!), and it’s been an awesome time as thousands of people across SoFlo have talked through tough issues over meals, drinks, panel discussions, and even adult coloring books.
We stopped by an inspiring discussion Wednesday night, hosted by LEAP, that was all about women making the most of second chances after facing significant obstacles like losing family members and serving jail time. You can read more about the event in the 10 Days Facebook group.
As the initiative wraps up today, there are opportunities around town to connect over lunch, discuss how to be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, and learn the principles of unitarian universalism.
So happy connecting and a shout out to Radical Partners and everyone involved for another year of great events. Maybe we’ll see you over lunch at Copper Door B&B?
Party with the PAMM
Our members are getting a chance to party with arts and business leaders over great drinks and tasty food at the PAMM’s Fifth-Annual Corporate Cocktail party. Want to be in the room with them?
Head here to sign up for our membership program. You’ll get perks like invites to special parties, members-only giveaways, and exclusive content!
Come be inspired by the work of Miami’s nonprofits.
(📸: Matt Rice)
Last chance to vote on which Miami nonprofit will win $25,000
We’re in the final days of the community voting process to decide which two Miami nonprofits will walk away with a $25,000 or $10,000 grant from Inspire305, powered by United Way of Miami-Dade.
Earlier this month, Inspire305 announced five game-changing, innovative, and inspiring nonprofit finalists: Food Rescue US–Miami, ICU baby, S.E.E.K Foundation, Strong Girls, Inc., and StudentsCare.
Head to the Inspire305 website to learn more about each organization’s mission, see how they plan to improve Miami if they receive a grant, and vote on who you think should win. Voting ends next Wednesday, May 15.
The winners will be announced live at 6 p.m. on May 21 at Akerman in Brickell City Centre. RSVP here and learn more about the event on our site.
PRODUCED BY THE NEW TROPIC CREATIVE STUDIO WITH INSPIRE305
What Miami is talking about
The long fight over the future of the Coconut Grove Playhouse could be nearing its end.
In a 3-2 vote this week, Miami commissioners approved a Miami-Dade County and state-sanctioned plan to eliminate the 1,100-seat auditorium in the historic structure and replace it with a smaller 300-seat theater.
The decision came after hours of discussion and years of debate over how to move forward with the building, which has been unused for more than a decade.
Arts supporters and historic preservationists fought for years to preserve and upgrade the theater while keeping the larger auditorium intact. But those activists struggled to find the financial backing to fund their plan.
Barring a veto from Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, the plan will proceed and has to be completed by 2022 to meet state requirements.
In other news…
Miami Beach leaders were applauded by hotel unions when they approved a plan to install panic buttons in hotel rooms as an added safety measure against sexual assault. The plan was set to go into effect in August, but now hotels are saying they need more time, while hotel union members say the added protection is too important to delay. (Miami Herald)
The bitter battle over the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority isn’t over. Attorneys for MDX filed a lawsuit the day after the end of the legislative session, to block the approval of a state bill that would eliminate the toll agency. A judge is set to hear the case today. Meanwhile, the governor still hasn’t signed and county officials are hoping it gets vetoed. (News Service of Florida)
President Trump’s rally in Panama City on Wednesday was set to focus on federal aid for the Panhandle after the devastation of Hurricane Michael. And he did announce $448 million in additional funding for the storm-ravaged area. But the biggest takeaway from his speech? His non-condemning response to a crowd member suggesting that the government shoot immigrants. (Tampa Bay Times, Miami Herald)
One more thing...
We’ve spent the past few weeks exploring Little Havana and now we want to hang out with y’all IRL at our Living in Little Havana event. Join us this coming Wednesday, May 15, at Futurama 1637 Art Galleries for an evening of arts, snacks, and chocolate!
Tasty treats from Churromania of Little Havana and Guayaba y Chocolate will be an added bonus to an evening of learning all about the art and culture that makes Little Havana great! Get your tickets here.
Have a great weekend, Miami.
– The New Tropic