🌱 Miami-Dade Emergency Order Reinstated + Thong Masked Man Kicked Off Flight

Happy Friday, neighbors! These are the most important things happening today in Miami.

First, today's weather:

Sunshine and some clouds. High: 82 Low: 75.

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Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. A South Florida man, Adam Jenne, was kicked off a United Airlines flight after wearing a thong as a face mask on Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale. Jenne told local outlet Fox 4, "There's nothing more absurd than having to wear a mask until I get to cruising altitude so that I can order Tito's by the double and snack on pretzels." (Patch Miami)

2. Climbing positivity rate: Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has reinstated an emergency order requiring hospitals to report the numbers of COVID-19 cases treated each day and availability of hospital beds as the Omicron COVID-19 variant looms. The county recently reported 7% of tests administered were positive for COVID-19, up from a 1% positivity rate just 30 days ago. (WPLG Local 10)

3. Construction is underway for Southside Preparatory Academy and Schoolhouse Apartments in Brickell. The 7-story middle school will have capacity for 610 students and will also house 10 school teachers. It is scheduled to open for the the 2022-23 school year. The land was previously for public housing. (The Next Miami)

4. An investigation is underway after a threat on social media was made towards several South Florida schools. Local schools are now now working with law enforcement to address the threats. (WSVN)

5. A surge in sales of superyachts has led to a wave of expansions and upgrades among boatyards along the Miami River. Yacht brokerage rose 46% in the first quarter of this year. The industry is facing a scarcity of marinas and other places to store large boats as waterfront land is turned into condo sites. (Miami Today)

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Today in Miami:

• The LOOP Presents WONDERLAND: Let’s Jingle and Flamingle. (9:00 AM)
• Ugly Sweater Party at The Wharf Miami's Riverside Holiday Village. (4:00 PM)
• Bank of America Presents The Underline Small Business Holiday Village at The Underline Brickell Backyard Promenade Station Grove. (4:00 PM)
• Music in the Park at Gulfstream Park Village. (6:00 PM)
• Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Miami is reminding residents that dumping is a crime that carries a fine of up to $15,000. Residents can report dumping by calling 311 or Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. (Twitter)
• Inter Miami CF has announced the team's 2022 MLS regular season schedule. The next season kicks off on February 26th against Chicago Fire FC. (Inter Miami CF)
• Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announced that Miami has been recognized by What Works Cities of Bloomberg Philanthropies for excellence in data-driven local governance. (Twitter)
• The Miami Marlins have signed free agent shortstop Luis Aviles Jr. to a minor league contract. (FanSided)
• If you're looking for where to enjoy a mojito in Miami, Eater has updated its list. (Eater Miami)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with 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.