🌱 FIU Cuban Research Institute Receives Grant + Tropical Distillers

Hello all. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Miami Daily, full of all the local news you need to know right now. In this issue, you'll learn about...

• FIU’s Cuban Research Institute (CRI) has received $750,000 to help 12 Cubans in need.
• Chef Massimo Bottura is bringing one of his popular Italian concepts to Miami this year.
• New renderings have been released for St. Regis Residences Sunny Isles.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny, breezy and cooler. High: 63 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories in Miami today:

1. FIU’s Cuban Research Institute (CRI) has received a $750,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to "provide temporary academic refuge to artists, writers, scholars and journalists facing serious threats to their lives, liberty and well-being in Cuba." The program aims to bring 12 scholars to FIU over a three year period, beginning Fall of 2023. Applications are now open. (Miami's Community News)

2. World-famous chef, Massimo Bottura, is opening his popular Italian concept, Torno Subito, in downtown Miami in 2023. The concept is already known for carrying a Michelin star. Menu items include oxtail ravioli margherita pizza, rack of lamb, and wagyu. (Eater Miami)

3. Tropical Distillers has opened in Miami's Allapattah neighborhood. The concept features colorful walls, neon signage, and a tasting room open on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m to midnight. Tours are now available from Thursday to Sunday. (Time Out Miami)

4. Records show Miami-Dade County spent more than $868 million through Jul. 1, 2022, for emergency purchases fighting COVID-19. So far FEMA has reimbursed the county $285.7 million for COVID-19 expenses. Testing and lab services, including tents and other supplies for testing locations, were the top expense for the county so far in the pandemic. (Miami Today)

5. New rendering plans for St. Regis Residences Sunny Isles have been released. The development is being designed by Arquitectonica, with interiors done by São Paulo-based designer Patricia Anastassiadis and landscape design by EDSA. The South Tower is planned to be completed first and will feature 175 units. (The Next Miami)

Today in Miami:

• Bolay Aventura VIP Week. (11 a.m.)
• Rooftop Yoga at Novotel Miami Brickell. (noon)
• Movie Matinee at Palmetto Bay Branch Library. (noon)
• Introduction To Crochet at Lemon City Branch Library. (noon)
• MOCA Makers: Figure Drawing at Museum Of Contemporary Art. (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools shared: "All Miami-Dade County public schools, as well as Region and District offices, will be closed Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 17." (Miami-Dade County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shared: "According to Kristi House, Miami-Dade County ranks first in the state of Florida for the number of human trafficking cases reported, where approximately 67 percent of sex trafficking victims are local, and 40 percent are minors.." (Miami-Dade Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools shared: "Special thanks to Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation for their visit and for supporting Miami-Dade County Public Schools." (Miami-Dade County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Public Library System shared: "In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all MDPLS library locations will be closed Monday, Jan. 16. Don’t forget, our online library is always open. Enjoy eBooks, digital magazines, movies, music and more anytime." (Miami-Dade Public Library System via Facebook)

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Events:

• Online discussion with a South Florida veterinarian (January 15)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 20)
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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