🌱 South Florida Judge Grants Bond To Officers + Charlie Strong Out

Good morning, friends! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. Today we'll cover these stories and more:

• A South Florida judge has agreed to grant bond to two police officers accused of beating a homeless man after relenting for weeks
• Miami-Dade's largest St. Patrick's Day parade is coming March 11
• A Fort Lauderdale fire station closed over mold could reopen in May 2023 after being closed for years

But first, today's weather: A morning shower; breezy. High: 82 Low: 67.

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Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. Miami Hurricanes veteran coach Charlie Strong is leaving the team after being passed over for defensive coordinator, according to ESPN. Strong was not interviewed for the position. He was previously head coach at Texas, Louisville, and South Florida. (ESPN)
2. DJ Khaled announced Thursday that he is offering one student in Miami a full ride to Roc Nation School of Music at Long Island University. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber proclaimed Feb. 9, "DJ Khaled Day" out of gratitude to the famous rapper. The scholarship is being offered through nonprofit We The Best Foundation. (WPLG Local 10)
3. Fort Lauderdale Fire Station 54 was shut down over mold issues nearly two years ago, amid health concerns for firefighters and workers. The fire station was fairly new despite the problems and cost the city $5 million before being shut down. The city anticipates reopening the fire station by May 2023. (NBC Miami)
4. A South Florida judge has finally granted bond to two Hialeah police officers accused of beating a homeless man and then allegedly hiding the evidence after pushing back against bond for weeks. One officer was placed on standard house arrest and the other on total lockdown house arrest. A civilian has also been charged with witness tampering after allegedly attempting to pay the homeless to take back his statement. (CBS Miami)
5. Miami-Dade's largest St. Patrick’s Festival is coming Saturday, March 11 to 11919 SW 56 St. Live music will include Wide Awake, which is a U2 Tribute band, as well as the St. Andrews Pipe and Drum Band. Guests can also enjoy a variety of Irish food and beverages all day including corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, Irish soda bread, and more. (Miami's Community News)

Today in Miami:

• Scott Miller's Palmetto Bay Farmer's Market. (9 a.m.)
• Supercar Saturdays Florida at Gulfstream Park Village. (9 a.m.)
• 14th Annual Tour Of Kitchens — 2023 at Shops At Merrick Park. (9 a.m.)
• Valentine's Day: Heart Cupcakes Class (Ages 2-8 W/ Caregiver) at Taste Buds Kitchen. (9 a.m.)
• 2nd Annual Emo Bar Crawl And Karaoke at Blackbird Ordinary. (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami Dolphins shared: "The wait is over. Zach Thomas is headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 👏" (Miami Dolphins via Instagram)
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools shared: "Congratulations to this year's inductees to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame. They are examples of the extraordinary talent cultivated in our public schools and now shining on the national stage." (Miami-Dade County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Miami Police Department shared: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Charles Herring of the Pembroke Pines Police Department. May he rest in peace." (Miami Police Department via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Parks shared: "Meet your neighbors while enjoying festivities at Live Like Bella Park on Sunday, Feb. 19 from 2-5 p.m. There will be live music, softball drills, a bounce house, games, food trucks and more." (Miami-Dade Parks via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

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• Check Out This Webinar About Mobile Vet Services in South Florida (February 15)
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• The Phoenix Life Project Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament (February 20)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today!

— 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