🌱 Habitat For Humanity Homeownership Program + Miami Wilds Lawsuit

Hey, everybody! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Miami Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today, including:

• Chef and restaurateur Tom Aviv has opened his first restaurant in the U.S.A. in Miami.
• Habitat for Humanity of Broward is now taking applications for its homeownership program.
• Parents are outraged about a plan to move 351 students to Coral Glades High School from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny with a shower. High: 82 Low: 71.

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Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. Habitat for Humanity of Broward has opened applications for its homeownership program. The program features two-story townhomes in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs. Those interested will need to pass a pre-qualification questionnaire, attend orientation, a financial analysis review as well as a face-to-face interview. Buyers must demonstrate a need for affordable housing among other criteria. (WSVN)
2. 351 students from a Coral Springs neighborhood have been moved from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School by rezoning to Coral Glades High School, drawing pushback from parents. The City of Coral Springs commission sent a letter this week to the school board strongly opposing its decision. Some parents argue they purchased homes specifically to have their kids attend that school. (NBC Miami)
3. Envrionmental activists have sued National Park Service for allegedly failing in its duty to protect plants and wildlife to create a 27.5-acre water park called Miami Wilds. The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Florida by the Center for Biological Diversity, Bat Conservation International, Miami Blue Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association, and Tropical Audubon Society. (Miami Today)
4. Rachel Knaus Grafe, the owner of Knaus Berry Farm, was recently assaulted and nearly killed in her home in the Redlands and now her son has been arrested as a suspect by police in the incident. Police said the son allegedly beat his mother with a flashlight. Knaus Berry Farm is famous for its cinnamon rolls and other foods and has been family-run for decades. (CBS Miami)
5. Chef and restaurateur Tom Aviv has opened his first restaurant in the United States in Miami called Branja. The menu focuses on Israeli cuisine and recipes and has items such as the Falafish, Krouv, the Tuktuk Kebab, and more. (Eater Miami)

Today in Miami:

• Vizcaya Village Farmers Market at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. (9 a.m.)
• Yoga By The Bay at Village Of Palmetto Bay Village. (9:30 a.m.)
• Capture Coral Gables Bike Tour at Dade Heritage Trust. (10 a.m.)
• Playa Celebrates President's Day Weekend! (11 a.m.)
• President's Day Weekend Celebration at Maü! (noon)

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, Feb.20, in observance of President's Day." (Miami-Dade County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Public Library System shared: "In observance of President's Day, all MDPLS library locations will be closed Monday, Feb. 20. Don’t forget, our online library is always open. Enjoy eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music and more anytime at www.mdpls.org." (Miami-Dade Public Library System via Facebook)
• A boat caught fire overnight on Saturday at a marina in Miami at 860 NE 78 St. There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire and no one was injured on board the boat during the fire incident. (WPLG Local 10)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around.

— 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