🌱 Soho New York Sadelle’s Opens In Coconut Grove + University of Miami Applicants Soar

Happy Friday, Miami! Let's get this day started. Here's everything you need to know today in Miami.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 78 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has earmarked $1.1 billion in funding for Florida Everglades restoration projects in South Florida, according to an announcement made this week by the Biden Administration. It represents the largest single investment ever made for the restoration and revitalization of the Everglades. (Miami Patch)

2. 17-year-old Kevin Gonzalez was honored Thursday with the Miami Police Department's Do The Right Thing Award for alerting authorities to a threatening message sent to his phone against his high school in November. The senior at Miami Senior High School was already part of the Police Explorers program before the incident. (NBC Miami)

3. The University of Miami (UM) has broken its record for number of first-year applicants. University officials say applicants increased 16% from 2021 to 2022, from 42,000 to 49,000. 90% of students come to UM with a declared major and 40% later change majors. (Miami Today)

4. A 22-story hotel building near Brickell City Centre has completed construction and is now open. The building houses both AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin. Over half the retail space in the building is under contract and includes Toro Mexican restaurant, Il Piano speakeasy bar, La Suiza Bakehouse and Silver Mirror. (The Next Miami)

5. Sadelle’s in Coconut Grove has opened with a focus on breakfast and brunch food fare. The all-day dining destination hails from New York's Soho neighborhood and has 5 locations around the world including in Paris, Las Vegas, and a Dallas location opening soon. (Eater Miami)

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Today in Miami:

• Computer and Internet Basics at North Central Branch. (10:00 AM)
• Friday Fundays at Little River Branch Library. (3:00 PM)
• Key Biscayne Piano Festival at Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. (5:00 PM)
• Free Opening Night Art Exhibition Reception - “Su·i ge·ne·ris: Converging Visions" at ArtServe. (6:00 PM)
• Asian Street Foods Class (2 Spots / Adult BYOB / 18+) at Taste Buds Kitchen. (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Wednesday morning, during the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners meeting, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Ocean Rescue lifeguards were recognized and received the prestigious “Beach Patrol of the Year Award" for 2021 from the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association. (Facebook)
• There’s still time to donate to the Presents for Pets Donation Drive. Through January 31st, Miami-Dade Animal Services and Miami-Dade Public Library System are collecting blankets, pet beds, treats and toys to keep pets warm, comfy, playful and entertained while they await adoption. (Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Parks is hiring a Assistant Tennis Facility Manager.🎾 This position is an integral role at the Crandon Tennis Center and designed for someone who enjoys delivering memorable customer experiences. (Facebook)
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has a limited supply of free internet hotspots for students. These hotspots will be property of the students and will continue to provide service until they leave M-DCPS. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Coconut Grove Artisanal Market (January 21)
• Coconut Grove Artisan & Farmers Market (January 23)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (January 26)
• Sol y Luna Tantric Shamanic Festival (English/Spanish) (January 27)
• Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami / An Evening in White (January 29)
• Add your event

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— 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.