🌱 Housing Director Michael Liu Departing + Cartwright Terminated

Good morning, everybody! I'm Carlos Hernandez, back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Miami Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Let's get this day started off right with a quick review of the most important things happening in town these days, including updates on...

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools has raised over $1 million for United Way
• Dr. Vickie Cartwright has officially been terminated by Broward County Public Schools
• Miami-Dade County Housing and Community Development Director Michael Liu is leaving his role at the county

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and breezy. High: 79 Low: 72.

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Here are the top stories in Miami today:

1. Miami-Dade County Public Schools district has raised more than $1.2 million for the United Way through the joint efforts of hundreds of educators and students. The school district is one of the top donors to the organization. Funds will help children and families across Miami-Dade County amid a rising cost of living and food insecurity. (WSVN)
2. Dr. Vickie Cartwright was officially terminated on Tuesday from Broward County Public Schools after facing challenges from new school board members, an ongoing saga since Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed new board members. Cartwright will receive $366,000 from taxpayers as part of the separation agreement. Cartwright threatened to sue the school district if they did not approve the package. (WPLG Local 10)
3. The first South Florida Suicide Awareness Conference, “Honest Talk About Suicide and Messages of Hope” is coming Saturday, March 4 at University of Miami Newman Alumni Center. The event will feature Keynote Speaker Kevin Hines, a survivor and author of the book "Cracked, Not Broken." The event is free to attend, but registration is required. (Miami's Community News)
4. Miami-Dade County Housing and Community Development Director Michael Liu is leaving his role, according to Miami Herald. Liu has been in office since 2014 and led the redevelopment of Liberty Square. His exact departure date is not known. (Subscription: Miami Herald)
5. Development plans have been submitted to replace a strip mall across from Brickell City Centre with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The developer hopes to build a 78-story tower in the space with 392 living units and previously has received approval from the FAA for a similar tower in the same location. (The Next Miami)

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Today in Miami:

• Puppy Love Affair By Women For Paws — Valentine's Event at The Confidante Miami Beach - The Unbound Collection By Hyatt. (9 a.m.)
• GMCVB Networking Breakfast — Celebrating Black History Month at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. (9:30 a.m.)
• Tai Chi at Village Of Pinecrest Parks And Recreation. (10 a.m.)
• Creative Crochet: Helping Hands at Country Walk Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• B Ocean Resort's New “Splash Into The Past” Mermaid Show. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools shared: "This past weekend, Miami-Dade County Public Schools hosted a STEAM Expo. It was incredible to see all the students and teachers come together to celebrate the importance of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in our schools." (Miami-Dade County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Parks shared: "Remember to slow down when driving through county parks. Our wildlife residents greatly appreciate your help with keeping them safe. 🦆🦚🦢" (Miami-Dade Parks via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Public Library System: "We’re celebrating Black History Month with this month’s Staff Picks for kids. Check out the inspiring stories — a musician’s journey to become one of the greatest of his time, a figure skater pushing the boundaries of what a champion could look like, an Air Force veteran propelling American forward and more." (Miami-Dade Public Library System via Facebook)

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• Modern Masters (February 10)
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• The Phoenix Life Project Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament (February 20)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow for another 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