🌱 VP Harris Visits South Florida + Miami Beach Police Officer Charges

Hi there, Miami. I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Because community information is power! Today's briefing includes news about:

• A no-swim advisory for 73rd Street Beach has been lifted by authorities
• A new report ranked Miami's fiscal health at no. 66 among major cities in the U.S.A.
• VP Kamala Harris will be in town on Wednesday for Aspen Ideas: Climate in Miami Beach

But first, today's weather: A shower; breezy in the p.m. High: 83 Low: 71.

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Here are the top stories in Miami today:

1. A new report on the financial condition of major cities in the United States has placed Miami on the list at rank no. 66. The report was prepared by Truth in Accounting (TIA), which is a nonprofit government finance watchdog group. The report found Miami would need $2 billion to get out of the red or $14,000 from each taxpayer. (Miami Patch)
2. A no-swim advisory issued by authorities in South Florida has been lifted for the 73rd Street Beach in Miami Beach. The advisory was issued due to high bacteria levels found in the water through testing, which officials said are now back to normal. (WSVN)
3. A South Florida judge has downgraded charges for a Miami Beach police officer accused of beating a tourist. The officer was facing a felony charge and will now face a misdemeanor. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Alberto Milian blamed the change on prosecutors failing to prove "great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement." (WPLG Local 10)
4. Vice President Kamala Harris is heading to South Florida on Wednesday for Aspen Ideas: Climate at New World Center in Miami Beach. The Vice President will be joined by 300 speakers. There will be temporary road closures between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the Julia Tuttle Causeway, City Center, North on Alton Road and the 41 Street corridor due to her visit. (NBC Miami)
5. 17 Cuban migrants were detained by authorities in the Florida Keys early Tuesday morning, according to a U.S. Border Patrol official. All 17 Cuban migrants were men, according to the official. The official did not say whether anyone was injured that was captured. (WPLG Local 10)

Today in Miami:

• Video Game Night at West Flagler Branch. (5 p.m.)
• International Women's Day Workout at 1 Hotel South Beach. (5:30 p.m.)
• Public Utilities Commission at City Of North Miami Beach. (6 p.m.)
• Vinyasa Yoga at Kendall Branch Library (6 p.m.)
• Hampton Park Re-opening at Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami-Dade Parks shared: "🏊🏾‍♂️ Train to be a lifeguard through Miami-Dade Park's lifeguard classes. Register today at one of our three lifeguard class locations (please call first to pre-register)." (Miami-Dade Parks via Facebook)
• Miami Film Festival shared: "🎬 The Beat Bomb 📅Saturday, March 12 ⏰ 12:30 p.m.📍Silverspot Cinema 11 🎟️🎟️ Tickets here: https://buff.ly/3KZxOvr The Beat Bomb is a documentary that examines the extraordinary life of Lawrence Ferlinghetti." (Miami Film Festival via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools shared: "The Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program provides no cost comprehensive eye exams and glasses for Florida public school students who qualify to participate." (Miami-Dade County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Public Library System shared: "Did you know that you can find autographed shoes from stars of music, entertainment, ballet and sports at MDPLS? The iconic shoes are now part of our Digital Collections." (Miami-Dade Public Library System via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. 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