🌱 Brightline Opening Two Stations Dec. 21 + Miami-School Board Rule

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. In today's issue, we have these stories and more...

• The Miami-Dade School Board passed a controversial rule this week that LGBTQ advocates said will ban freedom of speech and discriminate against different groups.
• Brightline is opening its Aventura and Boca Raton stations on Dec. 21.
• A no swim advisory has been passed for Crandon Park South due to elevated bacteria levels.

But first, today's weather:

A shower and thunderstorm. High: 79 Low: 70.

Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. The Miami-Dade County School Board passed a rule on Wednesday that LGBTQ advocates attack their community and is a suppression of freedom of speech. The board rule amendment will "restrict the display of flags that would promote a political issue." The issue will be reviewed again during a meeting on Feb. 8. (WPLG Local 10)

2. High-speed rail company Brightline is opening both the Aventura and Boca Raton stations on Wednesday, Dec. 21. The Brightline Aventura station will be located at 19796 West Dixie Highway, across from Aventura Mall and The Brightline Boca Raton station at 101 NW 4th St. (WSVN)

3. A federal judge refused to dismiss rapper 50 Cent's lawsuit against a Miami plastic surgeon over a photo suggesting that 50 Cent had penile enhancement surgery, according to Billboard. Angela Kogan and Perfection Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is accused of using a picture 50 Cent took with her to imply he was her client and had penile enhancement surgery. (Miami Patch)

4. The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County has issued a swimming advisory for Crandon Park South due to water samples collected not meeting standards for enterococci. No swimming is recommended at this time. The level of the bacteria suggests fecal pollution in the water. (NBC Miami)

5. A developer planning a 70-story condo building called The Residences at 1428 Brickell has converted reservations into contracts, according to a press release. "The Residences at 1428 Brickell has been incredibly well-received in the market and has generated tremendous momentum and reservation activity since launching two months ago," said Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, managing partner of Cervera Real Estate. (The Next Miami)

Today in Miami:

• Curaleaf Miami South Beach Grand Opening Celebration. (10 a.m.)
• Nights Of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens. (6 p.m.)
• CocoWalk X Candlelight Present: A Tribute To Beyonce at CocoWalk. (7 p.m.)
• Salsafina's Formal Jingle Ball. (8 p.m.)
• Ball & Chain Miami Boheme. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The new Avid Dania Beach hotel has been sold to a Georgia-based company for $16.75 million, according to South Florida Business Journal. (Subscription: South Florida Business Journal)
• Miami Police Department shared: "Congratulations to our 2022 Motor Class Graduates! 🎉" (Miami Police Department via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Parks shared: "Stop by Tropical Park today and Saturday for our MDC Holiday Celebration. This Holiday Event has something for everyone. Meet Santa and the elves, and enjoy a DJ and holiday music, food trucks, photo ops, bounce houses, games, and more." (Miami-Dade Parks via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• A Very Merry Garden (December 18)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 21)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Miami Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com