Cuban Migrants Released From Dry Tortugas Surge + LEED Gold Cert.

Hello, Miami! I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know. Hope you all have a great day. Today's daily includes:

• A South Florida woman is facing sex trafficking charges.
• Some Cubans migrants from the Dry Tortugas surge have been released by U.S. Border Patrol.
• City of Miami has achieved LEED Gold certification.

But first, today's weather:

High: 77 Low: 66.

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Here are the top stories in Miami today:

1. A South Florida woman in sharing her experience after a driver struck her and then took off and struck a man on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Paramedics transported both victims to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center. The injured man is listed in critical condition. Anyone with information on the hit-and-runs or the driver's whereabouts is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. (WSVN)
2. U.S. Border Patrol in Broward County has released some Cubans from the Dry Tortugas migrant surge. President Joe Biden announced Thursday a new program for refugees and asylum seekers from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua that will require prior authorization through a process with a sponsor and a background check. (WPLG Local 10)
3. A South Florida woman is facing sex trafficking charges after authorities said she forced a 13-year-old teenage girl to have sex with adult men after the two left a Southwest Ranches foster home. Charges including sex trafficking of a minor and lewd and lascivious battery of a victim under the age of 16, according to Broward Sheriff's Office. (NBC Miami)
4. The City of Miami recently announced that it has achieved LEED Gold certification. "Miami continues to lead the way as the most sustainable city in the world," said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. "We have pledged Carbon Neutrality by 2050, and our buildings will play a big role in achieving this feat." (Miami's Community News)

Today in Miami:

• Riverside Circus at The Wharf Miami. (noon)
• Golden Hour at Beach Club. (4 p.m.)
• Goatwhore, Caveman Cult, And Heraklieon at Gramps. (7 p.m.)
• THE SHRINE . Afrobeats + Caribbean Heat at Red Rooster Overtown. (8 p.m.)
• Social Saturdays On South Beach at Uncut Miami. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• "SipSip, the rooftop bar at Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, will be throwing the after-party following the King Mango Strut Parade, which has finally returned after two (really, really) long years this Sunday in Coconut Grove. SipSip - the official sponsor of the parade, will be offering food and drink specials: $10 cocktails, $6 wines, $5 beers, a savory snacks menu, and live Latin Jazz music from 4 PM to 6 PM. WHEN: Sunday, January 8th from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Afterparty)." (King Mango Strut)
• A 39-year-old Hialeah woman was arrested Thursday for stealing more than $4,400 by forging checks, authorities say. (WPLG Local 10)
• City of Miami shared: "Watch the City of Miami's Commission Meeting - LIVE from Miami City Hall." (Twitter)

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Events:

• Online discussion with a South Florida veterinarian (January 15)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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