🌱 Hollywood Massage Parlor Employee Arrested + ​​JPMC Tech Investment

Hi there, Miami. I'm Carlos Hernandez, here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Because community news matters! In this issue, we'll touch on:

• JPMorgan Chase has invested $2 million in South Florida tech organizations with the goal of making tech more equitable
• An employee at a South Florida massage parlor is facing accusations of inappropriately touching a client
• A luxury resort could be coming soon the Magic City Casino property

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and nice. High: 77 Low: 67.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Miami who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. A former employee of a Massage Envy in Hollywood is facing accusations of inappropriately touching a client and has been charged with sexual misconduct in the practice of massage therapy and simple battery. The suspect is being held on $26,000 bond. The alleged incident happened on Jan. 27, 2021, at the massage shop. (CBS Miami, WSVN)
2. JPMorgan Chase has invested $2 million in funding to four South Florida organizations to help make tech more equitable in the area. BrainStation, CodePath, YWCA of South Florida and Rebrand Cities each received $500,000 from the financial institution. Tech Equity Miami said the data from the projects will be publicly available to assess progress in equity. (Subscription: Miami INNO)
3. A luxury resort could be coming soon to the Magic City Casino with a deal expected soon, according to multiple news reports. The deal could be worth around $600 million, according to The Real Deal -Miami. (Subscription: Miami Herald, Free: The Next Miami)
4. A Pembroke Pines man is accused of trying to lure a teenager to his home and is now facing charges of attempting kidnapping and battery, according to authorities. The teenager is afraid of what will happen if the man gets out of jail. The suspect is being held on $76,000 bond. (WSVN)
5. Earlean Smiley has been appointed the interim superintendent of Broward County Public Schools after the ousting of Vickie Cartwright. Smiley will make $300,000 a year as the interim superintendent, above outgoing Cartwright's $267,000. She will serve in the role until at least July 2023. (WPLG Local 10)

Today in Miami:

• COVID-19 Testing at Kendale Lakes Branch Library. (9 a.m.)
• New Brews In Time For Valentine's Day at Prison Pals Brewery. (9 a.m.)
• Zumba Gold at Village of Pinecrest Parks and Recreation. (10 a.m.)
• KB Woman's Club Valentine's Day Breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Key Biscayne (10 a.m.)
• Shred A Picture Of Your Ex And Get FREE Hooters Wings On Valentine’s Day. Various locations. (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami Police Department shared: "REMINDER🔔 Recruitment for our Fitness Center Specialist and Video Retrieval Specialist is open until Friday, Feb. 17 by 5 p.m.. Make sure to apply today! Position will be available on: https://governmentjobs.com/careers/miamifl." (Miami Police Department via Facebook)
• Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce shared: "In honor of Black History Month, join us for our upcoming joint council meeting, hosted by the Women's Business Council & DEI Council, on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m." (Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• A Chicago-based developer is planning a 36-story apartment tower near Miami's Edgewater neighborhood. The development would feature 369 apartments, retail space, and 545 parking spaces. (Subscription: South Florida Business Journal)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• 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

Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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