🌱 Patch AM: Which Miami Beach dining spots did locals mourn most in 2025?

Hey hey Miami Beach! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Which Miami Beach dining spots did locals mourn most in 2025?
• Why a crocodile near Fisher Island had parents on edge
• Could Tallahassee change Miami Beach’s plastic-straw rules next year?

Also on today's calendar: Boho Sundays ft Santelises and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Sunshine, breezy and pleasant, with a high of 79 and low of 71 degrees.
• Thursday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 78, low: 67.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 78 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Miami lost a lot of restaurants in 2025. We'll miss these the most (miamiherald.com) — Miami Beach food lovers are reminded that Michelin-starred Tamourine Room briefly closed this year before reopening with a new chef and menu, and that island-themed Paya on the Beach is thriving with standout cocktails and oxtail gnocchi. The story looks back at several beloved Miami-area restaurants that permanently shut their doors in 2025, exploring how rising costs and a tough dining economy reshaped the local scene.
   

2. FWC relocates crocodile after being spotted near Fisher Island Day School (wsvn.com) — A crocodile spotted near Fisher Island Day School, just off Miami Beach, was safely captured and relocated by Florida Fish and Wildlife officers, easing parents’ concerns. Officials say growing crocodile populations mean more sightings and urge residents to keep children and pets away from the water’s edge and maintain a safe distance from any reptiles.
   

3. A Florida lawmaker seeks to legislate drinking straws (wfsu.org) — Miami Beach’s existing ban on single-use plastic straws is part of a statewide patchwork that a new Florida bill aims to standardize by requiring eco-friendlier materials. The proposal, filed for the upcoming legislative session, responds to concerns about harmful chemicals in paper straws and could change how local governments, including Miami Beach, regulate what restaurants and venues can hand out.
   

4. Burrowing owls headed home to Miami after hitching a ride on a cruise ship (wlrn.org) — Burrowing owls that unexpectedly sailed from PortMiami to Spain on a cruise ship are being flown back to Florida, highlighting how these protected birds sometimes turn up even in urban areas. Recent sightings in Miami Beach’s Lummus Park and South of Fifth show they occasionally share our beaches and parks, while wildlife officials work to protect their shrinking habitat.
   

5. What Is 'Reference Baiting'—and Why Is It Taking Over the Art Market? (artnet.com) — Art Basel Miami Beach is used here to explore how today’s art market leans heavily on famous historical names instead of backing riskier new work. The writer coins this trend “reference baiting,” criticizing galleries and collectors for superficial comparisons between contemporary artists and past masters. For Miami Beach readers, it’s a look at how the city’s flagship fair reflects broader market anxiety.
   

📸 Around Miami Beach

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Miami Beach

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday December 25

• Beach Fit Camp at 64th Street Beach
  64th Street Beach - on the sand, meet near the lifeguard tower with a towel or mat and water
  6:30 am

Friday December 26

• Beach Fit Camp at 64th Street Beach
  64th Street Beach - on the sand, meet near the lifeguard tower with a towel or mat and water
  6:30 am
• Zumba on the beach at 64th Street Beach
  Allison Park Beach , 64th Street and Collins ave , Miami Beach
  6:30 am
• Take and Make Crafts
  North Shore Branch -
  9:30 am
• Texture Time
  The Bass , 2100 Collins Ave , Miami Beach
  12:00 pm

Sunday December 28

• Boho Sundays ft Santelises
  BOHO House Miami , 111 NE 20th St , Miami
  9:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• Orchestra Miami's NYE Celebration
  Collins Park , 2100 Collins Ave , Miami Beach
  8:00 pm

📣 Miami Beach Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 24

• Reel Time for Adults
  Little River Branch - Little River Branch -
  1:00 pm
• ProjectArt Miami
  North Central Branch - North Central Branch -
  3:30 pm
• Group Fitness Workout at Altos Del Mar Park
  Altos Del Mar Park , 76th St and Collins Ave , Miami Beach
  6:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Beach Fit Camp at 64th Street Beach
  64th Street Beach , 64th Street , Miami Beach
  6:30 am

Friday December 26

• Zumba on the beach at 64th Street Beach
  Allison Park Beach , 64th Street and Collins Ave , Miami Beach
  6:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to a first alarm fire at a junkyard near the 3400 block of NW 135 Street, with heavy smoke and fire reported.
  8:56AM on Dec 23: Firefighters respond to a junkyard fire in Opa-locka near the 3400 block of Northwest 135th Street. (Nextdoor )

• Hilton Hotels & Resorts posted a job opening for Night Auditor - Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort in Miami Beach. Apply here.
• Marriott posted a job opening for Residences Housekeeper in Miami Beach. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Miami Beach here.

Ok Miami Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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