🌱 Omicron Variant Uptick 'Unprecedented' + 19,000 Toys Collected For Kids

Happy Sunday, people of Miami! Here's everything you need to know going on today.

First, today's weather:

Clouds and sun with a shower. High: 80 Low: 70.

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Here are the top five stories today in Miami:

1. The omicron COVID-19 variant has caused 80% of coronavirus cases in Miami-Dade County in 2 weeks. There is also evidence of omicron confirmed through wastewater epidemiology research. Dr. David Andrews of University of Miami Health says the prevalence of cases is "unprecedented." (WPLG Local 10)

2. More police officers in South Florida died from COVID-19 than gunfire in the past two years. 28 officers have died from COVID-19, while 3 were killed by gunfire, 1 died in a car crash and another lost his life to a work-related injury. (WSVN)

3. A South Florida man accused of shooting someone he thought was trying to break into his apartment is facing attempted murder charges. A judge refused to throw out Joshua Rivera's case on Friday. (CBS Miami)

4. The Big Bus Toy Express collected nearly 19,000 toys in Miami-Dade County and Broward County on Friday. The drive benefits U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots had more than 62,000 toy requests this Christmas in South Florida and more donations are still needed. (WLPG Local 10)

5. A veteran-owned Coral Gables law firm called Gilchrist Law Firm-Coral Gables is making a comeback from the pandemic. The firm received a Small Business Administration (SBA) award for being the Best Veteran-Owned Business in 2020 and has struggled throughout the pandemic, but pushed through and is now doing well. (CBS Miami)

Today in Miami:

• Orchestra Miami Family Fun Concert Series: A Holiday Pops Extravaganza at Pinecrest Gardens. (9:00 AM)
• Feria De Cali USA 2021 at Bonanza Equestrian Center. (11:00 AM)
• Santa And The Grinch™ at CityPlace Doral. (11:00 AM)
• Holiday Toy Drive Event In Doral at Tripping Animals Brewing Co. (12:00 PM)
• Elite Arts Academy Presents: 2021 Holiday Spectacular at Miami-Dade County Auditorium. (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The largest-known cryptocurrency deal was on a $22 million Miami condo. Cryptocurrency may soon become the go-to in the luxury real estate market. (Twitter)
• Florida COVID numbers doubled this week, with 8,000+ more cases added on Saturday. (Twitter)
• Inter Miami CF has acquired midfielder and fullback Mo Adams. (Inter Miami CF)
• University of Miami has signed tight end Jaleel Skinner away from the Alabama Crimson Tide. (The Miami Hurricane)
• Governor DeSantis shared a stage with an activist who posted QAnon-related conspiracy theories on social media. (Politico)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next 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.