🌱 Veteran Pembroke Pines Police Officer Dies + Gaia Restaurant

Hello, hello! I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox this winter morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in Miami. In today's issue, you'll learn about these stories and more...

• A controversial policy to require students in Florida to report their menstrual cycles to schools in Florida died on Thursday after outcry from the public and experts
• Condo owners in South Florida are fighting back against proposed fees for recertification of nearly $200,000
• Dubai-based Greek restaurant Gaia has plans to come to Miami Beach

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 80 Low: 73.

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Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. A controversial policy by Florida state officials to require students in Florida to report their menstrual cycles to schools, including those in South Florida, died on Thursday after outrage from parents and the public shook the state. The proposal died in a 14-2 vote with scathing criticism from experts. Over 30 Florida Democrats attacked the proposal and state association and successfully organized parents to oppose the policy with nearly 900 letters opposing the policy. (WPLG Local 10, TIME)
2. Condo owners at Palm Bay Yacht Club in South Florida are unhappy about being asked to pay $175,000 each towards their 40-year recertification. Residents fear they could lose their home amid skyrocketing costs and have hired an attorney. It is a situation becoming a problem in the area. (CBS Miami)
3. Veteran Pembroke Pines police officer Charles Herring died in an accidental crash on Thursday. Police said debris from a tree fell on Herring and forced him off his motorcycle, with efforts to revive him unsuccessful. No other vehicles were involved in the incident. (NBC Miami)
4. Migrants continue to arrive in South Florida with around 114 Haitian migrants reportedly making landfall in the Florida Keys early Thursday. The surge of migrants to South Florida slowed after the Biden Administration made changes to its immigration policies recently. More than 5,321 migrants have been intercepted at sea by to U.S. Coast Guard since October 2021. (WSVN)
5. Dubai-based Greek restaurant Gaia is reportedly planning to come to Miami Beach, according to South Florida Business Journal. The location is planned for Black Lion Investment Group's retail space at Marea Condominium, 801 S. Pointe Drive. International locations are planned for London and Marbella, Spain. (Subscription: South Florida Business Journal, Free: Commerical Observer)

Today in Miami:

• Knitting Club For Adults at West Kendall Regional Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Tai Chi And Qigong With Grisell at Kendale Lakes Branch Library. (1:30 p.m.)
• Food Trucks Fridays Fiesta at Tropical Park. (5:30 p.m.)
• Modern Masters. (7:30 p.m.)
• Vice Night at Clevelander South Beach Hotel And Bar. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami HEAT shared: "The Miami HEAT have signed guard Jamaree Bouyea to a 10-day contract." (Miami HEAT via Instagram)
• Miami-Dade Parks shared: "Come support Miami Heat Wheels and our Therapeutic, Recreation & Inclusion Division for our wheelchair basketball tournament. This exciting competition takes place on Feb. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Miami Springs Community Center." (Miami-Dade Parks via Facebook)
• Miami Police Department shared: "Join us with your pups on Saturday, Feb.11, for a Meet & Greet with our Community Police Dog, Freckles. There will be FREE pet items, on-site pet adoption, and other pet treats. 🐶" (Miami Police Department via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools shared: "It's Career and Technical Education Month and we're celebrating. Join us at the Career and Technical College Expo on Feb. 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to learn more about the amazing opportunities in career and technical education." (Miami-Dade County Public Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Modern Masters (February 10)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 14)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 15)
• Check Out This Webinar About Mobile Vet Services in South Florida (February 15)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 18)
• The Phoenix Life Project Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament (February 20)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com