Multiple instances of police brutality were documented in Miami-Dade this week, and at least one has resulted in an officer’s suspension. According to the Miami Herald, the officer seen punching a Black woman in the face at Miami International Airport on Tuesday has since been relieved of duty. The victim had been taunting him for being a Black law enforcement officer. Videos also emerged Wednesday night of physical confrontations between police and protestors in Downtown Miami earlier that day.

Sadly, the coronavirus-era meme “Nature is healing” doesn’t seem to apply for Florida’s manatee population. A report from The Guardian this week says manatee deaths increased almost 20% from April through May compared to 2019, and June’s averages aren’t looking much better. If you’re going boating, please try to mind the waters.

Miami’s own Culture Crusaders have assembled a thoughtful list of activists and organizations they’re currently following. If you’re looking to get up to speed on the issues and what is to be done about them, this article is a fine place to start.

Because some people can’t keep their masks on, Miami Beach is reinstituting a citywide curfew between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. Making matters worse, the sale of alcohol has also been banned nightly after 8 p.m. Folks, you hate to see it.

🎧 This Week in Miami Music:

• Miami-based record label Space Tapes has compiled music from more than 30 of South Florida’s best and brightest electronic artists for its newest release, Music for Healing. All proceeds from the record are being donated to Feeding South Florida’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. Today is also Bandcamp Friday, so if you’re trying to support local musicians and direct as many dollars as possible to a good cause, make sure to snag the compilation here.
• Life and Death, the beloved electronic record label headed up by Miami’s own DJ Tennis, is commemorating its 10th anniversary with the launch of a brand new website. Beyond an assortment of immaculately designed swag, the label’s new online home is also presenting a slew of editorial content, including a playlist and interview with Miami-based DJ and social activist Ashley Venom. You can celebrate the milestone with Tennis himself during his Club Space-hosted livestream tomorrow night.
• Local collective Tropico Virgo shared a mix by Miami native and Chicago house legend Mystic Bill last night, and the sounds were positively sublime. You can check out the ear-affectionate set via Tropico Virgo’s respective Mixcloud and SoundCloud pages.
• The music video for Richie Hell’s new single “Amazonia” was shared earlier this week, and it was every bit as psychedelic as we imagined it’d be. See for yourself on Sweat Records Records’ YouTube channel.

The New Tropic is taking tomorrow off, so don’t be surprised if your inbox seems a little lighter at the start of the week. Rest assured, we’ll be back on Tuesday 👍 Until then, take care and relax responsibly this weekend.

Cheers,

— Zach and The New Tropic