Dozens Of Miami Beach Resisdents Turn Out For Cafecito With A Cop

MIAMI BEACH, FL -- Dozens of Miami Beach residents dished about traffic and whatever else was on their mind over cafecito and postelitos earlier this week at David's Cafe Cafecito in South Beach.

"The people that were here were very positive, encouraging. Some people had some specific questions to the area that they live and things that they've seen," shared Capt. Daniel Morgalo of the Miami Beach Police Department.

This was "Cafecito With A Cop," an informal event that the Miami Beach Police Department puts on from time to time to strengthen relationships within the community in an inviting setting.

And few things are as inviting as cafecito and postelitos.

Some residents just stopped by to say hello and take photos with the officers. "People just go to know us and we got to know them and listen to their concerns," said Morgalo.

David's owner Adrian Gonzalez donated the cafecito as well as the Cuban pastries for the event.

"A couple folks from West Avenue were asking us about traffic and people speeding on West Avenue," added Morgalo.

As many as 40 people turned out for the event, said the department's Ernesto Rodriguez, who was also on hand.

"This is the first time in a while that we've done it at a neighborhood cafe. I think it translated to exactly that. It was a neighborhood event," Rodriguez said. "A lot of locals came out, not just here in South Beach but from Mid Beach and North Beach. It was an opportunity for them to get to know their officers."

Gonzalez said he wanted to help out the police department by hosting the event, but he also wanted to connect with the community for his own business.

"We've been on the beach for 41 years," he told Patch. "My father started it. Our relationship with the police department has always been neighborhood, friendly, partner up with them. We get to know the community. We did the expenses for today because it's just part of engaging with the community."