🌱 Italian Cultural Institute Coral Gables + Cuban Catcher Defects

Hello all. Carlos Hernandez here with your fresh copy of the Miami Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now. Including updates on:

• Cuban catcher Iván Prieto González has defected to the U.S.A. after the World Baseball Classic.
• Parkland's Manuel Oliver was arrested in Washington D.C. while protesting an attack on gun regulations by Congressional Republicans.
• The Italian Cultural Institute has opened in Coral Gables.

But first, today's weather: Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 82 Low: 72.

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Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. Cuban catcher Iván Prieto González has defected to the United States after his team's loss in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic in Miami, according to multiple reports. He could face punishment if he returns to Cuba in the future. González has played eight seasons in the Cuban National Series, according to USF Today. (Miami Patch)
2. Parkland's Manuel Oliver was arrested for protesting during a hearing Thursday in Washington, D.C. over the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Oliver's son, 17-year-old son Joaquin, was killed during the Parkland school shooting in South Florida on Valentine's Day 2018. Oliver denounced Congressional Republicans for opposing gun regulations. (WPLG Local 10)
3. A South Florida man from Miami Lakes will receive $1,000 per week for life after winning the multi-state lottery game CASH4LIFE, according to a news release. The man chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $1.04 million, lottery officials said. The winning ticket was bought at Publix at 8601 N.W. 186th St. in Hialeah. (Miami Patch)
4. The former president of a Miami-Dade condominium homeowner's association (HOA) was arrested on Wednesday and accused of allegedly stealing thousands of dollars. Investigators said the man allegedly stole $18,940 from the HOA's account between April 2018 and April 2019. The man served 14 years on the board. (NBC Miami)
5. The Italian Cultural Institute has launched in Coral Gables at 209 Altara Ave. and is backed by the Italian government. The Italian population in Florida has surged 30 percent since 2018 and now has over 2 million people. Trade is increasing between Italy and the Southeastern United States in recent years as well. (Miami Today)

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Today in Miami:

• Impromptu: A Miami City Ballet Pop Up Performance at Museum of Contemporary Art. (8 a.m.)
• Knitting Club For Adults at West Kendall Regional Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Dolphin Mall Celebrates Easter With Family-Friendly Activities. (11 a.m.)
• Batch New Southern Kitchen National Cocktail Day Specials. (11:30 a.m.)
• Celebrate National Cocktail Day at Ecléctico's Mezcal Bar. (noon)

From my notebook:

• Miami Police Department shared: "Congratulations to our Explorer Posts 162, 106, and 122! 🎉During this year’s South Florida Explorer Competition, they dominated in most categories and Post 122 took home the top prize in Best Overall Champions." (Miami Police Department via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shared: "MDFR is part of a diverse community with diverse needs. Today, we have added three more Community Chaplains to the existing MDFR Chaplaincy Program, bringing a total of 16 MDFR Chaplains." (Miami-Dade Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Public Library System shared: "Happy National Craft Month! Sewing, whittling, crochet or jewelry making — what new craft will you try? Get started with hoopla Digital’s collection of eBooks and videos and your MDPLS library card! 📚 eBooks: https://bddy.me/3LJ9y0H 🎥" (Miami-Dade Public Library System via Facebook)
• Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce shared: "Join us for our upcoming Women's Business Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 28 at 11 a.m. at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Topic👇🏻: Growing Your Business Financially & Planning For The Future." (Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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