🌱 Mother Sues Tony's Market + DeSantis Suspends Comm. Joe Martinez

Hello all. I'm here with your Wednesday edition of the Miami Daily, full of all the things you need to know about what's going on in town. Including updates on:

• 🎤 Elton John dedicated his song "Tiny Dancer" to a victim of the Parkland mass shooting.
• 🚨 Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez nearly 3 weeks after Martinez turned himself in for criminal charges.
• ⚖️ A South Florida man is accused of torturing a sandhill crane and is facing multiple charges.

Today is National Chai Day. The popular drink is thought to have been created over 5,000 years ago and has taken on many forms.

But first, today's weather:

A p.m. t-storm in spots. High: 88 Low: 76.

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Here are the top stories in Miami today:

1. Music legend Elton John dedicated his song "Tiny Dancer" during one of his concerts to Jaime Guttenberg, a victim who lost her life in the 2018 Parkland school shooting along with several others. Her father, Fred Guttenberg, was deeply grateful for the dedication. Parents of the victims are still fighting for change in schools. (Florida Patch, WSVN)

2. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has officially suspended Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez and will appoint his replacement soon "in the coming weeks." Martinez turned himself into authorities three weeks ago on felony charges of unlawful compensation. (Florida Politics)

3. A South Florida mother has filed suit against Tony's Market in Fort Lauderdale for negligence after her son was shot and killed in the store back in March 2022. The mother of the victim hopes someone will reveal information about her son's murderer and that the lawsuit will stop the violence. Anyone with information can call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. (WSVN)

4. 31-year-old Michael Bochicchio of Palm Beach Gardens in South Florida is accused of torturing a sandhill crane. He faces two misdemeanor counts and one third-degree felony count. Witnesses told officers they tried multiple times to stop Bochicchio from removing the feathers of the protected birds. (WPLG Local 10)

5. Discount retailer Family Dollar has recalled dozens of over-the-counter products, including pregnancy tests, condoms, and contact lens solutions, that were sold throughout Florida stores. Stores potentially impacted include stores in South Florida such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and others. The recall is being done "out of an abundance of caution." (Florida Patch)

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Today in Miami:

• Free Cafecito at City of North Miami Beach. (8 a.m.)
• Take and Make Craft Club at Lakes of the Meadow Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Council Meeting at Miami-Dade County Auditorium. (10 a.m.)
• The #MiamiTech Happy Hour at FREEHOLD. (6 p.m.)
• Comedy Night at SLS Brickell Miami. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Florida International University (FIU) is celebrating 50 years of classes. The university first opened on Sept. 19, 1972. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered on the steps of Primera Casa on Monday to mark the occasion. (WLRN)
• The City of Pembroke Park is working to form its own police department. The contract with Broward Sheriff's Office will expire on Sept. 30, however a new police department will not be ready until February. Some are concerned about the implication of the expiration. (WSVN)
• Miramar police announced Tuesday that 14-year-old Victoria Gonzalez has been safely located and reunited with her family. The teenager was missing for over a year and police credit the local community and media partners for helping them find her. (WPLG Local 10)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Miami Jr. Carnival Set for Oct. 1 (October 1)
• S.H.I.N.E. Bright Ball — YOU INSPIRED! An Invitation to our biggest event of the year to S.H.I.N.E.! (October 16)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be 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 Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com