🌱 Spring Break Political Fight Continues + Ultra Music Festival 2023

Welcome back, Miami! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's newsletter, you'll read about these stories and more...

• Miami Beach Republican Rep. Fabian Basabe has launched an attacked against Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber over recent violence and shootings during spring break.
• An investigation is underway after a teenager was found dead on Tuesday night in Northwest Miami-Dade.
• The Village of Palmetto Bay is hosting its second annual Spring Recycling Drive-Thru on Saturday, April 29.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 80 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. Ultra Music Festival, one of Miami's most popular annual EDM events, returns to Bayfront Park starting on Friday, March 24. Traffic detours will be in place to help control the crowds in the area. Tri-Rail will run late-night trains during the festival. (CBS Miami)
2. Demolition has started at a large office building located at 1400 Biscayne in South Florida. The space will be replaced with the 57-story Casa Bella Residences tower. The tower is still in the process of permitting with the FAA and other authorities, according to The Next Miami. (The Next Miami)
3. Miami Beach Republican Rep. Fabian Basabe is attacking Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber over recent violence and shootings during spring break on South Beach. Basabe said in a statement that Gelber "should have stepped up by asking for appropriate and obtainable funding to secure necessary state appropriations to enhance Miami Beach’s public safety." Gelber said it was the first time he heard of willingness by the state to provide funding. (Florida Politics)
4. An investigation is underway after a teenager was found dead Tuesday night in the parking lot of an apartment complex located on Northwest 74th and 23rd Court in South Florida in Northwest Miami-Dade. No information has been released as of Wednesday evening about the cause of death or suspects in the case. (WSVN)
5. The Village of Palmetto Bay is planning to host its second annual Spring Recycling Drive-Thru on Saturday, April 29. It will take place at the Village Hall Municipal Center at 9705 E. Hibiscus St. Vendors can safely dispose of household hazardous waste, shred and recycle sensitive documents, and also recycle electronics including old laptops and other items. (Miami's Community News)

Today in Miami:

• COVID-19 Testing at Kendale Lakes Branch Library. (9 a.m.)
• World Happiness Fest 2023 — Miami at Wolfe University Center. (9 a.m.)
• Take And Make Craft at Lemon City Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Zumba Gold at Village of Pinecrest Parks And Recreation. (10 a.m.)
• Love Is Dope (Miami Music Week 2023) at Southwest 8th Street. (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami HEAT shared: "We're loud and proud in celebrating the LGBTQ community. 🏳️‍🌈🔥 #PrideNight" (Miami HEAT via Instagram)
• Miami-Dade Public Library System shared: "If you’re going to the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition, be sure to visit us in Edwards Hall. Check out a book, take a coloring break, build with a Goobi magnetic construction set, sign up for a library card and discover what’s happening at the library." (Miami-Dade Public Library System via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shared: "Last weekend, MDFR participated in the Brownsville Civil Neighborhood Association’s monthly meeting." (Miami-Dade Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce shared: "Join us on April 5 for our Trustee Luncheon focused on The State and Future of Education featuring our University Presidents Mike Allen, Barry University; David A. Armstrong, J.D., St. Thomas University; Julio Frenk, University of Miami." (Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow for 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Miami Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com