🌱 Miami Gardens Funeral Home Owner Gives Christmas Cheer + Oil Prices Falling

Get on up, Miami! Happy December! Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Pleasant with periods of sun. High: 77 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories in Miami today:

1. The owner of a Miami Gardens funeral home gave away 100 Christmas trees to local families this week. Dr. Terry Wright of Wright & Young Funeral Home wants to spread holiday cheer during these trying times. Families say they are grateful for the donation. (WSVN)

2. AAA strongly predicts Florida gas prices could drop by up to 25 cents per gallon due to the Omicron COVID-19 variant and the impact it could have on future fuel prices. However, it will take time for gas prices to trickle down to consumers. Oil fell sharply on Friday after news of the variant came out. (Florida Patch)

3. Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) is seeking applicants for the position of full-time bus operator. Applications are being accepted online through December 31st. (Miami's Community News)

4. Miami Police broke their promise to reform a troubled off-duty police system. Audits have found abuse in the program including failure to keep track of all hours worked or money paid and tired officers working more days than allowed, a potential public safety hazard. A 2020 audit shows that problems from a 2016 audit have yet to be addressed. (NBC Miami)

5. Mount Sinai Medical Center is moving forward to develop a new state-of-the-art cancer center after approval from Miami Beach city commissioners in August. The new center's design and development will use up the $150 million in revenue bonds given. (Miami Today)

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Today in Miami:

• Miami Shores Community Alliance Meeting. (8:30 AM)
• CURATOR CULTURE BEEPLE & SAUL 15 Minutes or Forever? Art in the Age of the NFT. (10:00 AM)
• Cuban Art Exhibition at InterContinental Miami. (12:00 PM)
• DJ Basics for Beginners - Miami-Dade Main Public Library. (3:00 PM)
• AfriKin Art Fair 2021: The Fire Next Time. (6:00 PM)
• Vizcaya Late: Holiday Evening - Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Miami Dolphins: "When our players take the field on Sunday, they will be repping causes close to their hearts. This week, we will be highlighting those causes. #MyCauseMyCleats" (Instagram)
• Miami-Dade Public Library System: "South Miami Branch Library has been part of the community since 1960! The library moved from the old town hall to its current location, which features a mural by artist Susan Felz, in 1978. Learn more about the South Miami Branch at http..." (Facebook)
• Miami Film Festival: "In #Miami, #art is all around us, all the time. It's in our culture and it's in our DNA. It’s not too late to lift up #MiamiArt at its finest by celebrating the 2021 @knightfdn Arts Challenge winners and all those who embody art #365inth..." (Facebook)
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools: "Mrs. Adamo at Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy is inspiring in how she teaches and connects with her students and peers. She is compassionate, empathetic, receptive and passionate about teaching." Aileen Neri, former educator. #TeacherTuesday..." (Facebook)
• Arts & Business Council of Miami: "@untitledartfair x #MiamiArtWeek Check out our Newsletter and event highlights in our calendar!." (Facebook)

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• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (December 6)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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? Reach out anytime to carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.