🌱 Circle Of Brotherhood Funding Controversy + Miami Teacher Arrested

Good morning, Miami! I'm Carlos Hernandez, here in your inbox this winter morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today you'll learn about:

• Miami Commissioners are battling with a Black-led nonprofit over funding originally promised by City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
• A South Florida mother is pressing charges after her daughter was allegedly beat by other students in footage captured on camera.
• A new apartment tower in Miami called Downtown 1st is experiencing surging demand.

But first, today's weather:

Partial sunshine. High: 83 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez pledged $1 million to the The Circle of Brotherhood nonprofit, a Black-led nonprofit, but the funds were then recently rejected by the Miami City Commission on Jan. 26 in a 3-1 vote. One of the opponents of the funding was Commissioner Joe Carollo, who has recently had tensions with the Black community in South Florida over a plan to relocate homeless people to a historic Black park called Virginia Key. The executive director of The Circle of Brotherhood decried the move by the Miami commissioners. (Miami Today)
2. A South Florida teacher has been arrested after allegedly having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student. The accused man is being charged with four counts of engaging in sex acts with a child. The victim was allegedly contacted using text messages and social media by the teacher who was previously employed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. (WSVN)
3. Charges are being pressed by a South Florida mother after her 9-year-old daughter was filmed being beat by other students on camera on a school bus. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said they responded to the incident on Wednesday afternoon in the area of 24400 SW 124th Avenue. Miami-Dade County Public Schools said the incident is under review and allegedly told the mother the school is "overwhelmed" and that the mother should withdraw her children. (WPLG Local 10)
4. Demand is surging at a new 58-story apartment tower in South Florida called Downtown 1st, according to a news release. The apartments are 85 percent leased already, according to Ryan RC Rea. The tower is run by developer Melo Group. (The Next Miami)
5. The Gay8 Festival is returning to Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday, Feb. 19, from SW 12th Avenue to SW 17th Avenue. Guests can enjoy live Latin music, eight performance stages, international DJs, a street parade, and more. VIP tickets are available for those interested. (Miami's Community News)

Today in Miami:

• Overtown: Home Tour at Cremo Cigar Factory. (10 a.m.)
• Knitting Club For Adults at West Kendall Regional Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Spanish Guitar With Frank V. at Miami-Dade Main Public Library. (noon)
• Food Trucks Fridays Fiesta Tropical Park. (5 p.m.)
• Camping Under The Stars at Doral Glades Park. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shared: "Join us on Saturday, Feb. 4, as we honor the brave men and women who perform above and beyond the call of duty during the annual MDFR Medal Day Ceremony." (Miami-Dade Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools shared: "Apply now to participate in the VPK lottery and secure a seat for your 4 year old for the 2023-2024 school year." (Miami-Dade County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Neighborhood Affairs Coordinator Dexter Peralta, City of Miami Beach shared: "Join the City of Miami Beach for a hybrid public meeting on the 41 Street Corridor Revitalization Project. Learn more about the upcoming project and provide feedback on the proposed concept. Thursday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m." (Nextdoor)

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Events:

• Rita Finds Home (February 4)
• Galentine’s Day Facial & Botox Party at Oasis Face Bar Miami (February 9)
• This Valentine's and Galentine's Day Dance The Night Away at YouFit Gyms (February 9)
• Check Out This Webinar About Mobile Vet Services in South Florida (February 15)
• The Phoenix Life Project Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament (February 20)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for 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