🌱 Holocaust Memorial Learning Center + 'The World's Tallest Menorah'

Hello all. It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Miami Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in our community. Including news about...

• "The World's Tallest Menorah" is lighting up South Florida today.
• Miami Beach's LGBTQ+ community gathers Saturday to celebrate a landmark bill signed by President Joe Biden.
• Rental assistance is opening once again for Miami-Dade County.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds breaking for some sun. High: 79 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories in Miami today:

1. Members of the LGBTQ+ community gathered in Miami Beach on Saturday to participate in a wedding ceremony for same-sex couples in celebration of the passing of the Respect for Marriage Act. U.S. President Joe Biden signed the legislation on Tuesday. (WSVN)

2. The 60-story Paramount Miami World Center announced that "The World’s Tallest Menorah" will light up the skyline today in South Florida. The structure is located at 851 NE 1st Ave. (WPLG Local 10)

3. Miami-Dade County has expanded its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to assist more South Florid residents who need help paying rent. The program will now include residents earning up to 140% of the area median income (AMI). Miami-Dade has administered $139 million to 21,000 people so far. (NBC Miami)

4. The owner of Jungle Island has filed development plans for a 300-room themed hotel that will rise 12 stories. The developments to connect the hotel to Ichimura-Miami Japanese Gardens. A hearing on the devleopment is planned on Dec. 21. (The Next Miami)

5. The Miami Beach commission in July 2021 voted to donate a parking lot at 775 19th St. to build a Holocaust Memorial learning center to complement the 51-foot-tall hand sculpture, but the donation is facing problems. Miami Beach residents have showed concern over parking at Botanical Gardens at 2000 Convention Center Drive when construction starts. (Miami Today)

Today in Miami:

• Holiday Battle Donut Class (Ages 9-13) at Taste Buds Kitchen. (noon)
• Barry University Women's Basketball Vs Bluefield State at Miami Shores, FL, Health & Sports Center. (1 p.m.)
• 'The Nutcracker' at Hyatt Regency Miami. (1 p.m.)
• Historic Biltmore Hotel Tour at Dade Heritage Trust. (2 p.m.)
• The Happening: A Theatrical Mixtape, Volume IV: Black Like He at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. (2 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shared: "This Friday, MDFR Community Affairs visited the Bob Graham Education Center in Miami Lakes for a career day and truck demonstration." (Miami-Dade Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools shared: "A great victory for Miami-Dade County Public Schools! Congratulations to Miami Central Senior High School Rockets on winning the 2022 FHSAA 2M Football State Championship, holding this state title for four straight years." (Miami-Dade County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Kendale Miller Lakes shared: "Found this dog on Kendall 64 St. and 152 Avenue - Please contact me at 305-282-7634" (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• A Very Merry Garden (December 18)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 21)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday! 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 Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com