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🍩 This donut shop is headed south
What Miami is talking about
Last week came to a busy end for Gov. Ron DeSantis as he signed a few bills into law that caused a lot of commotion. The first could definitely have a big impact in the 305 as a stricter law against texting while driving is now official.
The new law makes texting while driving a primary offense and starting July 1, you can be pulled over and ticketed by an officer (Here’s a breakdown of how the law will be enforced).
But another bill he signed last week has drawn criticism from environmentalists across the state, as DeSantis approved a plan that would extend two major toll roads in the state and create a brand new one.
While the new and expanded roads aren’t directly impacting SoFlo, protesters gathered in Broward last week in a last-ditch effort to ask DeSantis to veto the plan. Activists argue that expanding the roads will threaten wetlands and natural areas.
In other news…
Home is where the heart is. Well, at least that could be the case for the Ultra Music Festival. After the fest’s contract with the city got canceled, organizers are considering a potential return to the original home of the festival — South Beach. That news comes as organizers continue discussions on potentially moving the electronic music fest to Homestead. (Miami Herald)
Supporters of the Coconut Grove Playhouse got a win last week as Miami Mayor Francis Suarez vetoed the City Commission’s vote to proceed with a plan that would demolish part of the historic structure to build a smaller auditorium. Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County officials hope a compromise can be reached so they can proceed with their plan. (Miami New Times, Miami Herald)
Remember when the American Dream “mega mall” was approved last summer? Well there’s been no real progress because the developers haven’t submitted a site plan or other key paperwork to advance the project. (Miami Herald)
(📸: Courtesy of Lauren Triana)
Say hey to Lauren
Today we’re continuing our series on the people who make what we do possible — our supporting members. ❤️ Today we’re featuring Sunset Harbor’s Lauren Triana.
Where in town might people run into you? At one of the fitness studios like Sweat 440, Barry’s, Tropical Vinyasa, or Modo Yoga.
What local business do you think deserves a shoutout? Purdy Lounge for withstanding the test of time. Many businesses have come and gone over the years but this oldie-but-goodie has held strong.
What made you decide to become a member of The New Tropic? I appreciate what you bring to the community, including information on local events, news, election breakdowns, etc.
What’s something you’re working on — in big ways or small — that you could use help with? As a dentist, I am always working to keep smiles healthy and beautiful. I am also Botox certified, so I’m helping keep Miami locals looking young and wrinkle free! (I also make house calls.)
What’s a recent story you’ve read about Miami that you wish more people cared about? The cleanliness of our waterways and beaches.
What does it mean to you to live like you live here? Get out there and explore the rest of Miami. Go out west to get some seriously cheap and good Cuban food, spend a day at Fairchild Tropical Garden, get an invite on a boat to visit Nixon or Haulover sandbar, and check out one of Dr. George’s walking tours to learn more about Miami.
Want to join Lauren in supporting The New Tropic with a membership? Join here today for just $10 a month.
We got a chance to dig into some home movies from Havana. Click the GIF to see more.
(đź“ą: Alexa Caravia/The New Tropic)
In the archives: Home movies from Havana
The Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives has more than 5,000 reels of home movies, dating back to the 1920s, so we’re digging into their collection for a look at how home movies shot by American tourists in Havana from the 1920s to the late ’50s help tell a story of Cuba before and after the revolution.
QUOTABLE: “Unlike a travel film, home movies are shot off the cuff, so it’s more of a time capsule of life and what happened,” says Kevin Wynn, the public programs coordinator at the Wolfson Archives.
CHECK IT OUT: Donate your home movies to the Wolfson Archives, and they’ll digitize them for you, for free.
You can browse through the Wolfson Archives’ online catalog or follow them on Instagram. Kevin also hosts REWIND, a series of screenings about Florida’s history, every Tuesday and Thursday at noon at the Wolfson Archives.
Learn more about the home movies collection, and the stories from Havana, in our video story.
One more thing...
Our ambassador squad is growing! Congrats to Daniel Blair (a.k.a. DJ Hottpants), Barb Alayon, and Francesca Morgan for getting 5+ new readers to subscribe via their referral links — and double congrats to Claudia Angrisano for reaching 10 referrals.
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Thanks for all the support. ✌️ Have a great week, y’all.
– The New Tropic