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😮 It all started with a rotting papaya
What Miami is talking about
Ballot brokers are a pretty common part of SoFlo politics. These operators are usually paid by campaigns to get extra absentee mail-in ballot votes for political candidates or, in some cases, to try and get rid of ballots for rival candidates.
That was apparently the case in last year’s race for the District 5 Miami-Dade County Commission seat, according to pages of leaked WhatsApp messages from staffers who worked for candidate Alex Diaz de la Portilla.
The messages, among other things, seem to hint at his campaign workers getting rid of and tearing up ballots that were cast for one of his opponents — Zoraida Barreiro.
As sadly common as these ballot brokers have been for decades, they often wind up supporting winning candidates. In this case, Diaz de la Portilla didn’t even make a runoff for the seat (the eventual winner was Commissioner Eileen Higgins).
The allegations emerge as Diaz de la Portilla, who hasn’t won an election since he served as a state senator in the late 2000s, is running for the District 1 Miami commission seat.
In other news…
Remember when Overtown was the center of Miami’s soccer future? Well, it turns out that plan may not be fully put to bed. Although Miami voters approved the negotiations to bring a stadium to the Melreese golf course, David Beckham and his ownership team are apparently still considering their Overtown property as a back-up plan for Inter Miami. (Miami Herald)
Ballot measures have played a major role in changing state law, and there’s some significant ones gaining support and signatures ahead of the 2020 election. They include a measure to increase the state minimum wage, another to ban assault weapons, and one that would legalize recreational marijuana. (News Service of Florida)
Florida’s Democratic party is investing $4 million to bolster outreach in communities of color after a tough legislative session and mixed results in the November midterms. Part of the party’s plan includes advertising in local black-owned newspapers across the state along with continued outreach beyond the run-up to major elections. (Miami Herald)
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Try this: Acroyoga at Summer Fit Fest
Ready to elevate your personal yoga practice? Give acroyoga a shot.
It’s a mix between acrobatics, yoga, and a Thai massage. Trust and communication are also key for a yoga practice that requires at least two people.
“It’s a good way to connect, to develop that trust in yourself and others,” said Anny Noratto, co-owner of AN Yoga Movement. She, along with her husband Nestor Sandoval, will be on hand at the free Summer Fit Fest on June 9 to introduce fellow yogis to acroyoga poses and movements.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself in a new way, check out the full schedule for Summer Fit Fest. Acroyoga is one of the many breakout sessions in a choose-your-own wellness adventure planned for the downtown Doral event. Learn more about Anny and Nestor’s yoga practice.
PRODUCED BY THE NEW TROPIC CREATIVE STUDIO WITH BAPTIST HEALTH
Casey Zap, co-founder and director of the Center for Subtropical Affairs, points out a few plants.
(📸: Lance Dixon/The New Tropic)
From rotting fruit to an urban farm
As you enter the Center for Subtropical Affairs in Little River it’s like stepping into a lush botanical garden mixed with the spirit of a backyard BBQ party.
The center has several kinds of plants and trees all over, but also plenty of art. And it doubles as an event space and a kind of community garden. The CSTA works to educate the community on the science behind the food we eat, how to cultivate things like mushrooms and fungi, and to promote urban agriculture.
The center started in late 2017, and Casey Zap, the director and co-founder, said that it was all a sort of happy accident that started with a rotting papaya.
“If I can do this, anyone can do this. I mean, I couldn’t even keep a houseplant alive,” he says.
One more thing...
Want a chance to see and shape the future of I-95? Well you’ll have a shot tonight at a community meeting in Miami Shores.
The Florida Department of Transportation is looking for community input as it plans the future of SoFlo’s stretch of I-95. The meeting starts at 6 p.m at the Catholic Community Senior Center.
Make it a great day, Miami. We’ll catch you tomorrow.
– The New Tropic