The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched at about 10:15 a.m., Friday, to the 14100 block of Northwest Fifth Avenue after receiving reports of a domestic incident.

Investigators said the victim was able to escape the residence, while the subject — described as an adult male — barricaded himself inside the home.

Law enforcement secured the area and worked the scene for several hours as negotiations continued.

Residents who live nearby had to wait several hours to back back in their own homes as the standoff unfolded.

“I called my son and went to go look and see what’s happening, he sees the police and he doesn’t see anything else. Maybe the people are inside the house,” a local area resident said.

At around 3 p.m., the man was taken into custody and placed into a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue vehicle. No injuries were immediately reported.

Authorities have not released the identities of those involved or details about what led up to the incident.

According to officials, around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, the Hialeah Police Department responded to a call from a concerned citizen about a potential kidnapping.

Surveillance footage, that corroborates the witness’s account, shows the suspicious situation on New Year’s Eve morning at West 27th Avenue and 52nd Street.

At some point, the man can be seen appearing to pull the woman toward the truck, according to detectives.

Police believe the woman and man seen in the footage know each other.

As of Thursday morning, no missing persons report has been filed matching the woman’s description. This is why police are asking for the public’s help in identifying her.

She was wearing a gray sweatshirt, khaki sweatpants, black sandals and has long black hair.

The man is about 5 feet, 7 inches, was wearing all black clothing and a blue hat, and was driving a modified white Ford F-150 Platinum Edition with distinct black rims.

Officers say their primary concern is the woman’s immediate well-being and are working quickly to locate her and verify her safety.

If you recognize the male subject, the female victim, or the vehicle involved, please contact the Hialeah Police Department immediately at (305) 687-2525.

According to investigators, the deputy involved received an alert about a vehicle theft in Northwest Miami-Dade, just before 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Some time later, authorities said, the deputy located the vehicle and tried to pull over the motorist at the intersection of Northwest 95th Street and 17th Avenue.

Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz discussed the incident at a news conference held Monday morning.

“[The deputy] initiated the traffic stop, and I know that that’s what preempted the entire situation,” she said.

As the deputy approached the vehicle, detectives said, an argument broke out, forcing the deputy to shoot out the car.

The driver fled the scene, investigators said, The vehicle was found nearby with a gun inside shortly after, but the subject was nowhere to be found.

Back at the scene of the traffic stop, just steps from Miami Central Senior High School, 7News cameras captured a heavy law enforcement presence, with part of the roadway closed off while crime scene investigators combed the scene for clues.

The deputy involved was not hurt as a result of this altercation. It’s unclear whether or not the subject was injured.

“At this time, it’s still a pretty ongoing investigation. The subject is at large,” said Cordero-Stutz.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the investigation into this deputy-involved shooting.

If you have any information on this shooting or the subject’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

“This is something that is causing a lot of injuries to a lot of kids,” said Doctor Patricio Lau, a pediatric trauma surgeon.

Several doctors from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital are hoping some parents consider putting the brakes on e-bikes and electric scooters, which they say have led to a sharp increase in emergency room visits over the last year.

“We have double the number of patients that we have seen over the last year and so far in the first three-quarters of the year, we saw 40 patients already coming in quite severe. Injuries that we have seen range from little scrapes and bruises to very severe injuries, such as multiple broken bones, internal organ damage and in some cases, punctured lungs,” said Lau.

The hospital’s trauma team said one of the most concerning increases in visits was from patients between the ages of 8 and 16.

E-bikes and electric scooters are considered vehicles in the state of Florida, which is why hospital leaders are urging parents to ensure kids have a lot of experience before riding one.

“Children must master regular bikes and conventional scooter riding before they can go ahead and jump into these higher classified velocity vehicles,” said community outreach injury prevention coordinator Malvina Duncan.

Doctors also have several tips for parents.

They said supervision is critical, along with age-appropriate devices, helmets and giving your child clear rules about where and how to ride.

They also stressed to keep an eye out for the hot batteries on these e-bikes and scooters.

“We want to make sure to avoid burns,” said Duncan.

Doctors recommend making sure kids understand how fast cars can go and not to underestimate them if they need to cross a street.

“In just a matter of seconds, they can be approaching your vehicle,” said Duncan.

As the holiday season continues, trauma specialists say awareness and prevention can make the difference between a joyful gift and a trip to the emergency room.

“With the holidays and everything else coming up and more kids getting this as a present, we will probably see an increase in patients getting hurt from this,” said Lau.

Experts also suggested kids should not be riding these vehicles at night and to avoid busy roads.

On Christmas morning, the spirit of giving was on full display at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope in Northwest Miami-Dade.

“They see other people coming in from the community to give them love and that goes beyond anything that words can express,” said David Jenett, the volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army.

It’s the 15th year the Salvation Army has worked alongside the Greater Miami Jewish Federation to provide festive Christmas meals to those in need, turning their compassion into action on a day centered around community and belonging.

“Those that have should be able to give to others and it’s part of a Jewish tradition and value, regardless of what someone has, is there are always people that have less so if we’re able to get something ourselves, whether it’s time, whether it’s money, resources, but more so as a community coming together, it’s part of our tradition,” said Scott Kaplan, the director of the Jewish foundation.

More than 250 guests were welcome for a hot holiday lunch, prepared by chef Gary Lampner, from Eggwhites Catering, alongside dozens of volunteers who began meal prep in the early hours on Thursday.

“We see the appreciation, you know, on the residents’ faces, you know, we make really good food, so it’s not just, you know, an industrial experience or a cafeteria experience, you know, we make an elevated menu and presentation so I think that they really appreciate the fact that they’re getting something special,” said Lampner.

Seeing the hundreds of guests enjoy a lively meal together brought a sense of fulfillment for Lampner, who saw the opportunity of serving these meals as a way of giving back for all the support they provided to his family.

“The Salvation Army was instrumental in helping my dad while he was an orphan at the Hebrew orphanage in New York City during the Great Depression and the Salvation Army was an organization that actually visited and gave the kids toys and shoes, so he always told me to remember the Salvation Army, so it was the perfect opportunity to be able to volunteer our time, help those in need and also to honor my father,” said Lampner.

At Dolphin Mall on Wednesday, shoppers picking up last-minute Christmas gifts lit up at the mention of the $1.7 billion jackpot.

The prize has risen after months without a winner, and now local and out-of-town shoppers hope to get that Christmas Eve cha-ching.

“I’m going home rich, yes, from Pittsburgh, yes,” said a shopper visiting from Pennsylvania.

“She called me, she told me, we’re playing now, she called me, she said, we definitely gotta play,” added her family member.

7News asked these shoppers what they would do if they won the jackpot.

“When we get done with this cruise, me and my family would go to another island,” said the shopper from Pennsylvania.

“That’s my mother-in-law, wifey, we’re done, I’m going to marry her now,” joked the woman’s son-in-law.

Other shoppers’ answers varied when asked the same question.

“It’s impossible to think about it, I mean, I wouldn’t know,” said a man.

“I’d give it away. You can’t have that much money and not give it away,” said another man.

At My Market and Deli in Fort Lauderdale, several shoppers were testing their luck just before the next drawing.

“Those look like the winning numbers,” said a shopper visiting from Toronto. “I played. I need a $1 billion.”

Despite his baseball team coming up just short in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he hopes his luck turns out better.

“I’m hoping so, I’m hoping so,” he said.

Some hoped a lucky draw would make for an unforgettable Christmas gift.

“It’d be really fun to put this in my mom’s stocking and it actually won. Can you imagine?” said a shopper.

“I would make sure family is financially stable,” said LaTosa Simmons.

The excitement didn’t stop with shoppers.

Employees were keeping their fingers crossed to be the ones to sell the winning ticket.

“[They] could be from right here. We’re hoping,” said an employee. “Even if two or three people won that money, that would still be awesome.”

Meanwhile, others picked up their tickets from a 7-Eleven along Miller Drive and Southwest 67th Avenue in Southwest Miami-Dade with high spirits on their odds.

“We’re all very wishful that we have the winning ticket in hand and everything, and, you know what, it’s a blessing and we leave it to God,” said one man.

Each shopper told 7News that it may all come down to luck but the only way to win is by playing.

The Powerball drawing will take place Wednesday night.

At Duffy’s Tavern, the excitement was in the air Saturday as fans watched the game and saw their team led to victory against the Aggies.

“For those who doubt us, we go another way!” said a fan.

As the ‘Canes fought through the Aggies’ defensive line, the windy conditions made it difficult for the teams to score a goal.

“Very treacherous, the whole time,” said another fan.

“The first missed field goal, we kinda – the kicker was a little bit worried about it, but I think after the end of the day, I kinda trust our team,” said a man attending the watch party.

Fans of the Hurricanes proudly wore green and orange to support their local college team, and they never lost hope.

“I never had a doubt, I knew the defense was gonna step up,” said another attendee.

Fans were clearly excited for more opportunities for their team to win, and they also hoped they could continue their winning streak.

“Our offense really struggled,” said a Hurricanes fan.

“A lot of chances to score, but in the end, it’s all about the U, man. Go Canes!” said another fan.

“If we really perform, like we did today — if our defense performs, and our offense gets better, Malachi Toney locks in — I think we can win it all, 100% we’re beating Indiana, we’re beating Ohio State. It’s over,” said a passionate fan.

Phillip Ortiz told 7News the scuffle with the 67-year-old man occurred aboard a docked cruise ship last month at PortMiami.

Cellphone video obtained exclusively by 7News shows the scuffle that landed Ortiz in Miami-Dade County jail.

The video shows a struggle over passing through a doorway. The man is seen pushing the door inside while Ortiz is trying to open the door to pass through.

Speaking with 7News, Ortiz said he was trying to allow his family to get through the door.

“Both of my daughters were on the other side of that door,” he said.

However, both his 6- and 14-year-old daughters had previously gone through the door as Ortiz’s wife appears to call them from afar.

During the effort to get past the stranger, the video shows the man putting his hands on Ortiz’s wife, prompting her to kick him away.

“He put his hand on my significant other,” said Ortiz.

The scuffle then escalates when the man closes the door on the couple.

“I’m warning him, stop blocking access to my children,” said Ortiz.

The video then shows Ortiz pushing the door open and lunging toward the man, grabbing his shirt with both hands. The man’s head appears to hit a wall, and then Ortiz pushes the man, and they both fall on the ground.

“My kids are here! I’m not [expletive] around with you! My kids are there!” Ortiz is heard saying in the cellphone video.

The South Florida attorney said he was only thinking about his kids.

“That’s all that was on my mind, was my kids,” he said.

The man stays on the floor, appearing to have been knocked out. Ortiz’s 6-year-old daughter and other members of the party are all then seen walking off.

When police arrive, Ortiz tells them he and his family were headed to their rooms, but says as they tried entering a hallway, the man refused to let them through a door.

Still, Ortiz was placed under arrest and charged with battery of a person over the age of 65.

Weeks later, Ortiz and his lawyer, Stephen Lopez, say it was all self-defense.

“At this point, Philip Ortiz is no longer an attorney. He’s a father, and he’s entitled to self-defense,” said Lopez.

7News has learned Lopez has filed a motion to dismiss the case.

Documents provided by Ortiz’s legal team say the victim, Gary Popiela, told cops he “pushed the girlfriend who pushed me.” He also said he’d been drinking.

But Ortiz said the altercation was all because he was protecting his family.

“I had no other option as a father but to protect my children,” he said.

7News reached out to Popiela but did not hear back.

Lopez said there is more surveillance video showing the fight, and they hope to get it soon.

Mayors from different municipalities and community leaders gathered Thursday in an effort to denounce antisemitism and send a strong message that hatred in South Florida will be confronted.

At the annual gathering, held at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, candles were lit during the fifth night of Hanukkah. Speakers frequently referenced how a small light can destroy darkness.

In light of the recent mass shooting in Sydney’s Bondi Beach and the 2023 October 7 attack, these leaders have taken action to be a light and reassure the Jewish people and those of different faiths that they can feel safe in their communities.

“After incidents like Sydney, Australia, not only did our police activate its high-risk patrols, I personally called the heads of the state’s law enforcement, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, the sheriff, and we made sure that we had additional patrols,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

The Miami Beach mayor said the city will have increased security in neighborhoods, synagogues and Jewish holiday gatherings.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also called for residents to be alert.

“So I call upon everyone, don’t be a bystander to hate, don’t be a bystander to antisemitism,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Other speakers said the recent uptick in antisemitism in the United States and around the world has caused a chilling effect for American Jews.

“We are here today because Jewish people are being singled out,” said Steven Scheck, Chair of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Relations Council.

“More than half of American Jews, 56%, say they have changed their behavior out of fear of antisemitism,” said Brian Siegal of the American Jewish Committee.

They also stood firm that hatred would be confronted in South Florida.

“I promise that in Miami, fear will never be allowed to silence faith, identity or belonging,” said Siegal.

“If you violate a Miami Beach ordinance, and there’s a hate crime attached to it, you will get mandatory jail time,” said Meiner.

As a crowd gathered to light the next candle Wednesday afternoon in observance of Hannukah, many stay hopeful that its light will fend off darkness.

Police departments, fire stations and professional sports teams all got into the spirit of the season, Wednesday.

The Miami Heat organization held a toy giveaway and pizza party for students at Riverside Elementary School. The event included an appearance from team mascot Burnie to bring some early Christmas cheer.

“I got a makeup pallet so I could do makeup a little bit,” said Barbara, a student.

The lively event featured a party with pizza for students.

“I feel like it’s a great experience for everyone here and for kids that just don’t celebrate Christmas. They get to know what it feels like to be a part of this,” said Barbara.

Meantime, Heat legend and hall of famer Alonzo Mourning greeted students at Paul Laurence Dunbar K-8 Center.

“These kids, you know, come from impoverished environments so having a day like this, a very rewarding day for them,” said Mourning.

Mourning was joined by Burnie to help deliver unforgettable holiday memories.

The giveaway was started by the late Larry Share, a founding Heat season ticket holder who passed away in 2022.

The organization and Share’s daughters, Amy Share Brennan and Marni Share Bloomster, have continued his annual tradition for the 18th year.

“Part of this tradition with buying toys for kids and he’s partnered up with the Miami Heat, so God rest his soul,” said Mourning.

“Father wanted to be sure that everybody could celebrate and to bring some cheer to everybody and their families,” said Share Brennan.

“And it means so much to come here, see the joy on the kids’ faces,” said Share Bloomster.

Across South Florida, many other local organizations held multiple events of their own to spread holiday cheer.

Firefighters for the City of Miami helped Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive at Watch Me Grow Learning Center in style to deliver presents to students.

“We’ve been blessed with a wonderful visit from Santa and his wife. The kids are super excited,” said Kari Valdez

At a Target in Midtown, the Miami Police Department teamed up with the Miami Police Athletic League to host their annual “Shop with a Cop” event. Students who were selected got to pick out their favorite gifts with a cop by their side.

“The greatest events we do all year, ‘Shop with a Cop,’ these are kids from all over the City of Miami, where our officers are able to spend some time with them and have them be in charge and have a great holiday season,” said Miami Police Assistant Chief Richard Perez. “Great opportunity for our officers to give back and spend some good quality time with our most important kids in Miami.”

Firefighters with Miami Fire Rescue went along with Santa and his helpers on Wednesday morning to deliver toys to schools across the Magic City.

In Broward County, deputies with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office took students on a shopping spree at Walmart.

The young participants were each given a $200 gift card and filled up carts with their favorite gifts.

“When I grow up, I either wanna be an entrepreneur or I wanna be a police officer,” one student said.

“She’s completely in the spirit of Christmas and she’s just made my day,” the officer accompanying her said.

Saturday’s event had fireworks and Christmas lights, with attendees feeling the holiday spirit.

“It’s our first time, and it’s amazing.” said an attendee.

Live music was played at the event, and the theme was “Yacht Rock of Ages” which played tribute to timeless tunes that brought smiles to everyone.

While the boats spread holiday cheer across the Fort Lauderdale waterways, the event took many days of preparation.

“We have an all-female crew besides myself, so tied that into all the decorations here.” said a boat captain.

Boats old and new participated in the event, with one boat with a rich history being highlighted.

“Few years since we’ve been in the parade, but we’re back again.” said another boat captain.

This vessel, timeless and stylish, was built in 1977.

“It took me three years to build the boat, then I sailed down the Mississippi.” he said.

Attendees shared their thoughts on the event as well.

“When everyone was dancing, I was like, this is great.” said a woman at the event.

Even those without a boat thought that the event was worth their time.

“I feel like I need to step my game up and get a boat.” a man chimed in.

The memo highlights several changes amid a shrinking district budget and declining enrollment in the county.

Under BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn’s plan, Sunshine Elementary in Miramar would close, and those students would move to Fairway Elementary.

Students from Panther Run Elementary in Pembroke Pines would be moved to Chapel Trail Elementary, students from Blair Middle in Sunrise would be sent to Westpine Middle, and students from Seagull Alternative High School in Fort Lauderdale would be moved to Whiddon Rogers Education Center.

Palm Cove Elementary in Pembroke Pines would also close, with students moving to Pine Lakes Elementary. Additionally, Plantation Middle School would close, and students would be transferred to Plantation High School, which would become a grade 6-12 school.

North Fork Elementary School would also be on the chopping block, with those students sent to Walker Elementary or split among four schools.

“It’s the beginning of a process of right-sizing our facilities so that we can have the right amount of money being spent on painting, carpentry, and plumbing as we do on educating our students,” said Broward School Board Member Dr. Allen Zeman.

Zeman said the school district is also building new facilities in the new year and laid out other plans.

“We’ve got two more coming next year already. We’ve got a new K-8 opening in Pembroke Pines. As a result of that, there’s two dramatically under enrolled elementary schools identified later this year that will close in a subsequent year, not until 2027-2028 year, but it’s seven [schools] today,” he said.

This past Monday, at a school district workshop, Hepburn said the district has lost 9,000 students over the past year and has a nearly $95 million budget shortfall.

“We have to take drastic measures to make sure our fund balance remains in a good state and we can continue to provide the same level of service to our students and families,” said Hepburn.

While change is coming, school board officials say it is for the better.

“It may be a mile or two farther, but it’ll have better education going on. It’ll have more programs going on. It’ll be operated in a way that allows their student to do more, different things, activities, and sports. So at the end of the day, even though it may be inconvenient to go to a different school, and I recognize that fully, your student is gonna be going to a better school if you’re directly affected by these closures today,” said Zeman.

The school board will convene in January to make a final decision on Hepburn’s recommendations.

According to FHP, 39-year-old Gisell Mansur was arrested after she became violent on the Palmetto Expressway, spitting on a trooper and attempting to block traffic at one point.

Officials said it began on Tuesday while Mansur was having drinks with friends at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant Lounge near Miami International Airport.

After having too many drinks, Mansur’s husband went to the restaurant to pick her and a friend up.

According to the report, Mansur began arguing with her friend while they were traveling along the Palmetto Expressway near the West Flagler Street exit, at around 4 p.m.

When her husband pulled the vehicle over to intervene, Mansur reportedly became physically violent, kicking her husband in the face and later climbing onto the hood of their SUV. At one point, troopers said, she was also “sitting in the middle of the main roadway while blocking rush hour traffic.”

When FHP troopers took her into custody to be transported to headquarters, Mansur began kicking the doors and windows of the patrol car, according to the report.

The report goes on to say while a trooper was “restraining Mansur, she spit directly into my face with saliva and blood on the left side of my face.”

Mansur worked as a physician at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

The center has since released a statement confirming her termination:

“We are aware of the incident involving a physician who is no longer affiliated with Mount Sinai. The incident did not occur on our campus and did not involve Mount Sinai patients or staff.”

The 39-year-old now faces a list of charges, including battery, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

Mansur’s bond was set at $3,800.

7News reached out to Mansur and her husband for comment but have not heard back as of Friday morning.

The now former Miami-Dade County commissioner also became the city’s first Democratic mayor in nearly three decades.

During Wednesday morning’s news conference, Higgins spoke about her plans and priorities for the city’s future, saying she will be a mayor for everyone, regardless of political party.

“It was a very exciting day yesterday in the city of Miami. I am so honored that our incredibly beautiful, diverse community selected me to take on this task in the coming years,” she said. “I promise to go to work every day and make sure that this city does deliver on the promise of the Magic City.”

Higgins earned the seat after defeating Republican candidate Emilio Gonzalez, whom President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backed.

She believes the election’s outcome sends a message.

“The residents decided to embark upon a different direction,” she said.

Higgins’ campaign priorities were affordability, climate change, and modernizing the city.

“The city has to get to work, become more efficient, be more modern in how it embraces technology. The affordability crisis, we are the tip of the spear in America. We’ve got to build more affordable housing,” she said.

The mayor-elect was asked about immigration and the future of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Miami.

“There’s no reason in the City of Miami that our police department should be in the job of federal immigration enforcement,” said Higgins. “When I speak to our residents, it’s not just about frustration, it’s also about fear. They’ve never been afraid of their government before, and now they are.”

She added that residents tell her they are worried that their family members may be detained.

“We want a strong border, a path to citizenship, but we don’t want law-abiding people to be ejected from our country, impoverishing their families and driving our economy into ruin,” said Higgins. “We are and have always been an immigrant city. I will speak respectfully about them, their families and more importantly about their contribution to our thriving economy.”

While the mayor’s position is officially nonpartisan, the race drew national attention, as the Democratic and Republican parties watched for clues ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Higgins’ opponent, Emilio Gonzalez, conceded the race. He admitted the outcome was not what he wanted, but encouraged voters to support the incoming mayor.

“Obviously, I don’t like the result,” he said. “I think we all owe her our respect, and we owe her our loyalty. She is our mayor, and we need to all do everything we can to make sure that she succeeds, because if she succeeds, our city will succeed.”

7News political analyst Brian Fonseca said Higgins’ win is a major victory for the local Democratic Party.

“It’s important to note that the Democrats did show up, but you’re talking about a turnout of about 20-plus percent, so it’s still relatively low given these are out of cycle elections. Still, it’s unprecedented in the last 30 years to have a Democrat win the election,” he said.

He added voters based their vote on real issues affecting the Magic City.

“Two of the things that have probably been most meaningful in terms of moving the Miami-Dade voter to the Democratic side in this recent election was cost of living and maybe immigration policy,” said Fonseca.

Higgins will begin her term as mayor later this month.

Fans made their way to Doral Central Park for the World Cup Final draw, Friday afternoon. The ones who were already there, seen wearing the colors of their favorite national teams, had their eyes glued to the screen.

Some wore Miami pride gear, but all hoped their teams would get lucky this year, as the FIFA World Cup draw was broadcast from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

That’s where they learned the world’s nations group stage fates.

This was an important moment for Miami because, as a host city, it got to see firsthand how culture and competition collide.

Fans who spoke with 7News were ecstatic and ready.

“Come on, man! We’re Argentina! What are you talking about? Argentina, we’re going for the fourth cup!” one FIFA fan told 7News.

“We’re going for Switzerland and for Haiti!” one woman said at the watch party.

“Super excited! I’m so happy to be here. I can’t wait to see where Ecuador lands. Hopefully, like easy teams, but you never know. But either way, we’re looking good, so I’m rooting for them,” another excited fan told 7News.

The atmosphere at the park turned electric as results for each grouping were announced.

“We’re so excited because I think we’re in a good group,” said one happy Colombia fan.

“I think we’re in a good, competitive group,” said another fan.

One fan waving a Haitian flag shared his optimism for the country’s national team.

“Everything is about Haiti right about now,” he said. “We have it in our hearts, we have it in our mind.”

With each of the groups now locked in, fans eagerly start counting down the days for the first matches, with dreams of making it all the way.

“Is Brazil going all the way?” 7News’ Jessica Vallejo asked a Brazil fan.

“Yes, obviously yes. They’re going all the way, all the way,” she said.

Officials say the energy on display during the draw ceremony watch party is just a taste of what fans in Miami will bring when they get the chance to play host to some of next year’s games.

“So much exciting [stuff]. We’re not the hottest city in America, we’re the hottest city in the world. Everybody wants to be here,” said Rodney Barreto, the Chairman of the FIFA Miami Host Committee.

The first match is on June 11 in Mexico. From there, dozens of countries will battle it out until the final match which will take place on July 19.

The Hard Rock Stadium will host seven matches, with the first one happening on June 15 and the last one on July 18 for the Bronze Medal Final.

In court Thursday, 22-year-old Jason Banegas, who faces the death penalty for killing officer Yandy Chirino back in 2021, sat in court stone-faced as the officer’s girlfriend of two years, Chelsea Howell, and family members expressed what their loved one meant to them.

“Yandy wasn’t just my boyfriend, he was my safe place, my best friend and my future,” said Howell. “His laughter, his joy, his energy, they were woven into every part of my everyday life. The emotional trauma of the night of October 17th is something that will play in my mind for the rest of my life.”

A statement from Chirino’s family, including his sister Yaily Chirino, was read aloud as they broke down in tears.

“Since the moment we lost him, our lives have been changed forever. Not a day passes without weight of his memory,” the statement read. “We wake up with grief, go through our days with disbelief and fall asleep with a pain that feels endless. We have lived with sleepless nights, anxiety, fear and a profound despair, knowing that we will never again hear his voice, see his smile or feel his embrace.”

On Tuesday, the jury heard from the officers who worked alongside Chirino and tried to help him before he succumbed to his wounds. On Wednesday, they heard from the medical examiners who confirmed Chirino died from the gun wound he received to the neck.

According to police, Chirino was shot by Banegas in an armed struggle when Chirino responded to reports of an individual checking car handles for unlocked vehicles near the 4000 block of North Hills Drive in Hollywood.

Officers raced to help Chirino in the midst of that fight, but the officer did not survive.

“Right before he encountered you, he was home with me, excited to head to work, joking, laughing, being his goofy self,” said Howell. “I never imagined that could be the last moment I’d share with him.”

Only eight of the 12 jurors have to vote yes in order for Banegas to be sentenced to death.

The trial is expected to resume on Monday.

7News’ Lynn Martinez and Alex Miranda got a sneak peek of the magic as they played host for the event’s opening VIP night on Black Friday.

Guests will be able to experience Christmas in a unique way as the guitar hotel lights up the night sky.

“I feel the Christmas spirit! Christmas costumes and the girls dancing on the water with some Christmas music, feel the Christmas spirit and the guitar, the lights, I love it. I love it all,” said Octavio.

With more than 2 million lights and over 20 displays spread across 24 acres at the hotel, guests are in for a magical time.

“There is so much magic here happening throughout. There is incredible shows going through the facility when there’s, oh, my goodness, there is snowmen and ice princesses,” said Susan Renneisen, the vice president of community affairs and special events.

On top of seeing performers floating and dancing on water, some lucky attendees could even get the chance to chat with Santa and his helpers.

The 13 minute light show spectacular is synchronized with holiday music, which is sure to get everyone into a jolly mood.

To buy tickets for Hard Rock The Holidays, click here.

Families showed up to pick up Thanksgiving staples, like turkey and sweet potatoes, along with other items, to have a warm meal with their loved ones.

Rolando, who was picking up food, said in Spanish that he was very thankful.

“I feel very happy,” said Rolando in Spanish.

However, he also said that this year he’s felt the weight of rising costs.

“It has been very difficult,” he said.

For one father picking up food, the struggle goes much deeper.

Ulises, a father who lost his son to cancer two months ago, said that at times he didn’t eat to make sure he could afford his son’s treatments.

“After he died, I felt very sad,” said Ulises in Spanish.

Now, he’s trying to rebuild his life after his son’s passing. He said that having food brings him relief.

“It helps me very much,” said Ulises.

Paco Vélez, the CEO of Feeding South Florida, said that since the government shutdown and subsequent layoffs, the number of families coming to his organization’s food pantry has tripled.

“There was a time there where they had to go into debt, whether it was credit card debt or pay loan debt, or payday loan debt. In order to make ends meet, so we’re helping them recover through that timeframe,” said Vélez.

This year, charities have seen an increased demand, while donations have decreased.

“The government cuts were huge. Feeding South Florida lost about $17 million in federal cuts. With that, our need goes up,” said Vélez. “If it wasn’t for folks like you guys, WSVN, coming out here and doing these stories and our corporate partners, our foundation partners, a lot of individuals and folks that wanna help their neighbors, we wouldn’t be able to help our families in need.”

Vélez said that despite these challenges, ensuring that families have food for the holidays will always be the goal of his organization.

“Because there are so many families that are struggling to make ends meet,” said Vélez.

If you would like to make a donation to Feeding South Florida, click here.

The homeowner, who doesn’t want to be identified but spoke to 7News on Sunday, said he was forced to fire to defend his home on Saturday night, but didn’t mean to kill anyone.

“By him seeing my gun, I thought he would run to get off the porch. If he would have left there, there would have been no issue,” he said.

The man said he was in the bathroom when the four men arrived at his home near Southwest 141 Street and 110th Avenue.

“I was in the bathroom and I heard my mom scream, ‘Get off my porch before I called the police,’ so I’m startled. I’m like, ‘I don’t know what’s going on,’ so I grabbed my gun,” he said.

And that’s when he said things then took a violent turn. The homeowner said one of the men charged at him when they were told to leave.

“I go in the house. When I go in the house, he then barges at me and that’s when I shot him unfortunately,” he said.

After shots rang out, the other three men the subject was with ran away.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the home shortly after the gunshots. Paramedics with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported the injured subject to a nearby hospital but despite best medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The homeowner said his intention was not to kill him.

“I’ve lost my peace of mind. I have never had any situation like this ever in my life. I have never pulled a gun on anyone, let alone use it. So even when he was down, I was telling him, ‘Don’t die, don’t die.’ I was trying to help him. I wasn’t trying to kill him,” he said.

He said he later found out that the subject he shot had a fight with the other men.

“What we later found out, I don’t know if it’s true, was that they had an altercation with him, which is why he was here. He was running from them,” he said.

While the deceased subject has not been identified, the homeowner feels remorseful about what happened.

“It’s unfortunate. My prayers go to him. That was the worst day of my life,” he said. “I apologize. Taking a life was never my goal. I was not trying to kill him. I was just trying to save myself.”

The incident remains under investigation by deputies.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Shots were fired in Southwest Miami-Dade Saturday night after police said four people tried to break into a home near Southwest 141st Street and Southwest 110th Avenue.

Neighbors told 7News they heard two gunshots and that the homeowner was forced to open fire on the intruders.

According to police, when the four individuals attempted to break into the home, the owner opened fire on them shooting one man while the other three took off running.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene and transported the injured man to a nearby hospital where he would later die.

No other injuries were reported, but the neighborhood remains shaken up.

Police are still searching for the three people who took off.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

The Marlins organization teamed up with Feeding South Florida and Tito’s Vodka to distribute meals to more than 1,000 families from Little Havana.

“Being able to just hand out food and, I don’t know who said it on stage, but just, you know, no hungry kids at nighttime, it feels good to be part of something like that,” said Marlins pitcher Anthony Bender.

Each family received a gift bag filled with roughly 15 pounds of food, including a 10-pound turkey for the holiday.

“So many people don’t have food and stuff, you know, and nobody to give to them, they live by themselves, they’re elderly like me and other people, and they don’t have nobody to turn to,” said one woman picking up food. “Joy to us.”

“Thank God for them helping the community, I appreciate it,” said a woman.

As music filled the air, the event helped bring relief, warmth and holiday cheer to those in the community who need it most.

“Putting smiles on people’s faces is one of the most rewarding things you can do, and so that’s what giving back is all about,” said Marlins manager Claytin McCullough.

Several families left the park with more than just smiles as they brought home a warm holiday meal to put together and a heart full of gratitude.

“It means so much because one time last Thanksgiving we didn’t have anything at all, like, to the point that me and my mom lived in a hotel, we didn’t have no Thanksgiving so it makes me want to cry,” said one woman picking up food.

Edwin Cherfilus, the brother of U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, heard the charges against him in a Miami courtroom on Friday, related to a conspiracy and money laundering scheme.

His attorney, Michael Pizzi, spoke to reporters following his client’s day in court.

“He’s pleaded not guilty. He has proclaimed his innocence,” said Pizzi.

If convicted, Edwin could face decades behind bars.

“He’s just a hard-working man who’s never gotten a traffic ticket his entire life. This man doesn’t even have a traffic ticket, a misdemeanor. He’s never done anything wrong in his entire life,” said Pizzi.

According to federal prosecutors, Edwin, his sister Sheila, and another person are accused of stealing $5 million in disaster funds.

The indictment alleges the healthcare company Sheila and Edwin worked for received an overpayment of federal funding from the state of Florida by more than $5 million, and “was the result of a clerical error by FDEM,” the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Prosecutors allege that the two of them had the intent to keep the stolen funds and convert them into funds for their own use. They add that the money was “withdrawn through wire transfers and personal checks into accounts controlled by Cherfilus-McCormick, Cherfilus and others.”

The indictment goes on to say that on top of purchasing an over “3.14 carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond ring,” some of the money was used to fund the congresswoman’s 2021 run for Congress disguised as campaign contributions.

Cherfilus-McCormick went on to win that race.

Four years later, she, her brother, and two others are facing a federal indictment. The congresswoman called the charges against her a sham on Thursday.

“Well, it’s an unjust indictment, and it seems like these intimidation tactics have been pervasive, so we’ll keep fighting for the people and keep working like we’re doing now until they get what they need. So we’re here for the people. So the only people who elected me should have to make that decision. Thank you so much,” she said.

Edwin bonded out of jail on Friday. His next court appearance will be on Dec. 5

The congresswoman’s chief of staff, as well as a tax preparer, also appeared in court on Friday.

It’s unclear exactly when Cherfilus-McCormick herself will appear in court.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, crews were dispatched to a reported shooting on the northbound entrance ramps of I-95, near Ives Dairy Road, just before 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Upon arrival, FHP troopers administered first aid to the driver of a silver Porsche SUV, who was reportedly shot below the right arm, until Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units arrived.

“Pressure’s being apllied to the wound,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.

Paramedics then transported the victim to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, where he continues to recover. He is expected to pull through.

Officials believe the subject involved in the road rage shooting may have been driving a black Chevrolet.

A Be on the Lookout alert was issued for the subject’s vehicle, as troopers continued their hunt for that motorist well into the night.

7News cameras captured investigators combing the on-ramp for potential evidence.

This road rage incident is the latest in a troubling trend on South Florida roadways. Just last week, authorities said, a man was shot along Ives Dairy Road, not far from the interstate, in a suspected road rage shooting.

The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.

If you have any information on this shooting or the subject’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

The victims, 18-year-old Kevin Ramirez and 20-year-old Cristian Rolando Contreras, were found shot to death inside an apartment at the Atlantico at Aquabella complex along West 35th Way in July.

With authorities short on leads to follow, the families of Ramirez and Contreras are desperate for answers, making an emotional plea to the public in their search for justice.

Ramirez’s mother was overcome with emotion as she begged in Spanish for the public’s help in finding her son’s killer.

“For too long, the person or the persons responsible for this have been walking free while the families are the ones that have been suffering all along,” said Hialeah police Lieutenant Eddie Rodriguez.

The unit they were killed in was being rented by Ramirez.

“Since then, we haven’t been the same,” said Oscar Contreras, Cristian’s brother.

The families said the pair were the best of friends, full of life, as they worked together as barbers at the Billionaire Barber shop to chase their dreams.

“I used to tell them every single time, ‘Hey, I’m proud of what you’re doing, you’re pursuing something that you love. Just remain humble,’ always used to give them advice, he used to listen to me,” said Oscar.

Two lives taken far too soon, ripping apart two families.

“He meant the world to me,” said Oscar.

“He was like a big brother. He was a really good friend, he was a friend that, like, if you were friends with him, he would motivate you to do better,” said Ethan, Kevin’s cousin.

Both families say they will never be able to start healing until whoever is responsible has been arrested.

“It’s my life in this moment, I die in life,” said Kevin’s mother.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $15,000.

Speaking to 7News on Wednesday, 29-year-old Cristian Contreras said she spent more than two weeks in the hospital recovering from her injuries back in May and the search continues for the driver who hit her.

“I thank God every day for giving me a second chance at life. It’s the most important thing. I can be now with my daughters and live life,” she said in Spanish.

Contreras said she was stopped at a red light on a scooter near Southwest Eighth Avenue and Seventh Street in Miami. When the light turned green, she proceeded straight. That’s when an SUV crashed into her and then fled the scene.

“He took the red light. At the time of the accident, I lost my consciousness,” she said.

Video shows the moment the dark-colored SUV, which was driving at a high rate of speed, slams into Contreras.

Witness Oscar Vega told 7News he was almost hit by the same driver.

“The motorcycle went first, and [the car] almost hit me, but he didn’t hit me, but he went straight, the other car, past the red light, and hit the motorcycle and crashed [into] him immediately,” he said.

Contreras showed 7News the scars from her multiple surgeries and says she’s still recovering from the medical process and trauma left behind.

“I felt a lot of pain. There were moments at the hospital that I thought I would not make it. The moments from the hospital were so hard. I don’t remember anything from the accident. I’m just lucky to be alive,” the victim said in Spanish.

Since the May incident, nobody has been arrested. Detectives say they are looking for the dark-colored SUV, possibly a Mazda.

But the victim says she’s looking for justice.

“He has to pay for what he did because yeah, it happened to me, but now it can happen to many others,” she said.

A police investigation into the hit-and-run remains ongoing.

What exactly led to the crash also remains under investigation.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

“I’m here to play,” said Sophia Massie, who bought a Mega Millions ticket.

She’s one of several in South Florida who lined up at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores looking to win after the Mega Million jackpot ballooned to more than $980 million after there were no winners who matched all six numbers drawn Tuesday night.

“Yeah, that’s a lot of money. I don’t know if my heart can take it but we’ll see if it happens,” said Luis Naranjo, who bought tickets.

As Friday night’s drawing comes closer, the excitement soared in South Florida.

“I bought four tickets, you know, crossing my fingers,” said Naranjo.

Last minute ticket buyers swarmed the 7Eleven located off Miller Drive and Ludlam Road in Southwest Miami-Dade to get their hands on tickets.

Some players hoping their lucky numbers ring true while others are letting the machine decide their fate.

“I’m going to play right now,” said one man as he went inside.

Even 7News’ Jessica Vallejo bought into the dream, picking up her own ticket.

Others picking up tickets say they are doing it for family members.

“My grandparents bugged me that they’re like, ‘Here’s the cash, here’s the ticket, come and play the Mega Million and the Florida Lottery Powerball,” said a woman.

With time ticking away until the drawing begins, everyone is crossing their fingers — hoping Friday night will change their lives forever.

“The first thing I’d do is pay off my debts, my parents’ debts,” said a woman.

“Help my community, and I think people with money should invest more in the community,” said Naranjo.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the blaze at Teiko Auto Sales, located near Northwest 20th Avenue and 139th Street, at around 9 p.m. on Thursday.

“Responding to an occupied store, unknown origin fire,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke billowing from a warehouse. Inside the structure, they found a vehicle that was fully engulfed in flames.

After a fire attack from a dozen firefighters, they were able to knock down the flames.

Paramedics transported the 43-year-old patient to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center with burns to his hands, arms and legs. His condition is unknown.

7News cameras captured the victim being wheeled into the hospital with bandaged hands and legs.

Friday morning, Brandon Petit told 7News he has a car at the shop.

“I go, ‘I hope my car is OK,'” he said.

Petit told 7News the victim is the owner of the shop and a friend of his. He was seen opening the warehouse.

Petit was relieved to find his vehicle that was consumed by the flames was not his.

“The car was burned, they had the remnants in there, and that’s it,” he said.

But Petit is now worried about his friend.

“I saw the burn on it, too, and I hope my buddy’s OK, too,” he said.

A drone camera captured damage on the roof of the business. A view from the ground shows the warehouse’s door comepletely charred, as well as piles of soot and ash outside.

People in the area said the victim suffered burns up to his elbow and all over his legs, as he continues to recover in the hospital.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The shop has yet to reopen.

Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah and Tropical Park in Southwest Miami-Dade are making the next few months the most wonderful time of the year with their themed carnival parks for all to enjoy.

Thursday was the opening day for both parks. 7News cameras captured Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Christmas Park in Hialeah dazzled with lights and holiday flurry activities.

“A completely different concept than what we are used to of traditional Christmas,” said founder Maritza Gutierrez.

From a holiday trail to the North Pole to a show-stopping twisted Christmas tree, the new park has it all.

“You’re going to have oddities, jaw-dropping shows, weird, odd, curious items, and then a lot of fun of the Christmas that you’re accustomed to know,” said Gutierrez.

Some lucky guests may even run into Santa and his helpers to snap the perfect holiday photo.

“What we hope to accomplish is that [people] enjoy the spirit of the holiday,” said Gutierrez.

Parkgoers in Hialeah said they were having a great time.

“There are so many different, strange objects. It’s great!” said Yani.

“It’s beautiful, I love it,” said another woman.

“It gets you in the mood, even before Christmas comes,” said Marlyn Morales.

“It makes me feel jolly, ready for the season,” said another woman.

Over in Tropical Park, Christmas Wonderland is back for its third year. Organizers say this season, it’s bigger, brighter, and more festive.

“Just because we don’t have the snow, doesn’t mean we don’t have the Christmas spirit. Christmas is everywhere in Miami,” said Tony Albelo.

From photo ops with Santa Claus, millions of twinkling lights, and a 65-foot tree, it’s basically an adventurous North Pole!

“We have over three million lights, six immersive worlds, 50 rides, so many food vendors from all over South Florida,” said park spokesperson Jany Marti.

Throughout the season, Wonderland will feature specialty themed nights, including “Singles Night” and “Ugly Sweater Nights.”

There will be holiday cheer for everyone!

“This year, every Friday we have Fireworks Friday, so if you come at 9 p.m., there will be a full fireworks show,” said Marti.

Both parks are open until Jan. 4.

7News cameras on Wednesday night captured MDSO Deputy Fidel Rubido as he greeted the paramedics who rushed to his aid back in October.

“Glad to see the faces, because when the accident actually happened, I was trapped in the vehicle, and they got me out and they just rushed me out,” he said. “I was just looking up in the air, and I was in total pain, but being here today, I was making a connection with them, and being able to thank them meant a lot for me.”

The reunion for Rubido and his rescuers comes a month after he was involved in a traffic crash while on his way home from work.

A car ran a red light, slamming head on into Rubido’s vehicle.

“I was trapped and was able to get my radio and called for help,” said Rubido.

Within minutes, help arrived.

“Fire rescue cut those doors in seconds, and they got me out the correct way, rushed me to the hospital and found out I had a broken femur and two fractured discs,” said Rubido. “I’m glad that they were there that quick.”

During the Kendall Federation Police and Firefighter Awards Night, the same team who helped rescue Rubido and brought him to the hospital were being recognized for an award when he got his chance to surprise them.

“He’s here tonight ’cause he wants to thank you,” a speaker at the event told them as Rubido made his way out and thanked each person individually.

“It’s amazing. You don’t always find out the result of what happened, so to see him back here and know that he is healthy is tremendous,” said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue firefighter Kenneth Wood.

“We do this ’cause we love it, but it’s awesome and rewarding when we see the result of our work and see that he’s doing great,” said MDFR firefighter Alexander Jimenez. “That’s the best thing we can get.”

As for Rubido, he’s still on the mend from that harrowing crash.

“The fractures in the back, that’s gonna take a little while, a lot of therapy,” he said.

Rubido said he’s eager to get back to work, and now he carries a reminder of his fellow first responders who helped give him a second chance at life.

“I would have never made it to the hospital. Those guys, they got there very quickly. I believe that God gave me a second chance,” said Rubido.

According to Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero Stutz, Jaramillo, 27, responded to a reported traffic crash near a warehouse by Southwest 128th Street and 122nd Avenue when an argument broke out between him and the subject.

During the confrontation, the subject fought with Jaramillo, took his firearm and shot him.

Jaramillo was rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The sheriff said the gunman then got into his own car and took his own life.

“There are no words to fully express the sadness, the pain and the grief that I and my law enforcement partners all feel as we all confront the reality of Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Deputy Devin Jaramillo murder,” Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement Saturday.

On Saturday afternoon, Cordero Stutz provided new details into the incident, including identifying the man who took his own life and shot Jaramillo as 21-year-old Steven David Rustrian.

“He encountered the subject, who was part of the traffic crash case and there was a verbal dispute that ensued and during that fight, he disarmed our deputy of his own service weapon and used it to shoot him multiple times,” said the sheriff.

The revelation came hours after Jaramillo’s body, in a casket draped with the American flag, was wheeled into a Miami funeral home as he was flanked by his brothers and sisters in blue.

“He was a helper, a supporter. Nothing but the best of words were ever used when it came to describing who he was,” said Cordero Stutz.

Jaramillo, who joined the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office in 2024 after serving with the Coral Gables Police Department, was described as having an unwavering commitment to protect others.. He earned Coral Gables Police Department’s “Officer of the Month” award in July 2023.

“Deputy Jaramillo served our community with honor, courage, and a deep commitment to protecting others as is clear from his efforts to render assistance at what appeared to be a traffic accident.  His concern about protecting others led to the taking of his life,” Fernandez Rundle said.  “Deputy Jaramillo’s killing is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by every individual who wears the badge and the sacrifices these officers make to protect this community.  His family is in my prayers.”

A Miami native, Jaramillo graduated from Miami Killian Senior High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida. He followed in his father’s footsteps, as his father is a retired police officer.

“Devin was an amazing officer. He could’ve done anything with his professional career, but he chose public service and he chose to do it in this community, to serve us, and he gave the ultimate price in his service,” said Cordero Stutz. “He’s what we called a legacy kid cause his father was on the job for so many years.”

After his death Friday, a solemn procession escorted Jaramillo’s body from the hospital to the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Fire trucks hoisted an American flag over Northwest 10th Avenue as officers from across South Florida gathered to honor him.

One subject, whose identity has not yet been released, is reportedly deceased and another was detained after a brief search for them. It’s unclear how they were involved in the shooting.

As the investigation continues, officers from across South Florida will shoulder the pain of losing one of their own.

“The next few days are going to be very difficult to us, and we will continue to make this county safe,” said Cordero Stutz.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and State Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Neither Higgins nor Gonzalez reached the majority of votes needed on Tuesday night to win outright, so there will be another round of voting.

Higgins got 36% of the vote, receiving over 13,000 votes, while Gonzalez got 19% of the vote, capturing over 7,000 votes.

Both candidates have held office previously and have had long political careers.

Higgins focused her mayoral campaign on restoring trust in City Hall and addressing affordability. Gonzalez focused his campaign on bringing change to the city.

Gonzalez was endorsed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis while Higgins was endorsed by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Earlier this year, Gonzalez successfully sued the city to stop them from pushing the elections to 2026, which is what the commission had tried to do.

At their own victory party, both candidates said they are excited to move forward to the runoff.

“They know me from my work, and that’s what I am going to bring to City Hall. There’s not going to be drama, right? We’ve had all this drama and people yelling and all these corruption cases and scandals. That’s going to stop. There will be no drama, there will be no yelling, just hard work every day on behalf of the people,” said Higgins. “I am just so honored to come in with the largest number of votes going into the final runoff.”

“It’s been a lot of fun. I campaigned hard, I got the message out, and we needed to do something different, our residents need us to do something different. Just the fact that I had to sue the city, we wouldn’t be here today, and that says a lot about my commitment to this community,” said Gonzalez.

While Higgins managed to get nearly twice the number of votes that Gonzalez did, he told 7News he is not concerned heading into the runoff.

“Eileen Higgins and Ken Russell, they campaigned against each other because they were competing against the same demographic,” said Gonzalez. “I had to campaign against 12 people. So the fact that I finished with 20% of the vote, for me, that’s where I wanted to be. That’s where I thought I would be.”

Tuesday night’s results show Russell captured about 18% of the vote, while Miami Commissioners Joe Carollo and Alex Diaz de la Portilla had weak showings.

Despite failing to hit the necessary 50% to win on election night, both Higgins and Gonzalez are confident they can reach that threshold with the race narrowed down to two candidates.

“I want to make sure when we go back to their doors this week, it’s not the first time they’ve met us, it’s not the first time that they’ve heard about the things that I care about and my vision of integrity,” said Higgins. “I have a track record. I’ve been on the county commission for eight years. I have a track record of results. I don’t talk about what I might do, I actually just do what I talk about.”

“She has a voting record, I don’t. All I can do is run on my successes,” said Gonzalez. “I’ve been in leadership positions since the minute I graduated from college. I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve had a lot of adventures. I’ve served in the army, I’ve served in the White House, I’ve served as the immigration director, as the airport director, as the city manager, and those varied experiences, I think, adds to the greater whole.”

The runoff election will take place on Dec. 9.

On Saturday, dozens of cars were seen lined up around Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah as many people hoped to get their hands on a free meal through a Farm Share distribution event.

City of Hialeah officials say the uncertainty of what will happen to their SNAP benefits has caused residents anxiety and frustration.

“Some of these people can’t afford to buy anything. They rely on food stamps, even for little kids. So it’s just really sad to see this happen, and that’s why we’re here today,” said Hialeah Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves.

Local government officials appeared at the event and told 7News they hope lawmakers in Washington, D.C. can act fast.

“I hope that this should be a calling and a message to our elected officials in Washington, D.C. that they need to get their act together, open up the government, and pass a continuing resolution to make sure they keep the government open and make sure that our food stamps recipients receive their food stamps,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rene Garcia.

Up north in Pembroke Park, Farm Share held another food distribution. Hundreds of bags containing canned food and meals were placed into people’s cars.

“And they don’t know where to go. They’ve never had to do this before. So what we’re seeing is the need is not decreasing. It’s increasing,” said Town of Pembroke Park officer Joe Donzelli.

Meanwhile, officials with the Handy’s Hope program say they are working inside Broward County schools to help homeless and housing-insecure students access food and stability.

“It’s hard for a parent to look into the eyes of their children and say, ‘I can’t feed them,'” said Kirk Brown, CEO of Handy’s INC.

The Trump administration says they have about $6 billion in SNAP funding, but said it will be reserved for emergencies such as natural disasters.

In South Florida, 26% of Miami-Dade County residents have SNAP benefits, while in Broward County, 13% of people rely on them.

Brown says that together, nonprofits must bring them hope.

“They’re barely making it now, having a greater challenge,” he said.

For more information on how to donate to Farm Share, click here.

7News cameras on Sunday morning captured Reynier Santiesteban as he shoveled broken glass into a bucket at his home along the 200 block of Northwest 109th Avenue in West Miami-Dade.

“My son was sleeping. Me and my wife were in our bedroom just watching Netflix. We hear like a big boom, and when I came down, I saw that a pickup truck parked in my family room,” he said.

The chaotic crash sent debris such as furniture, glass and drywall flying across the living room, just after midnight on Sunday.

“We could be dead right now,” said Santiesteban.

Santiesteban said he immediately dialed 911.

“I called 911. They responded right away. I was looking because he was like breathing and stuff,” he said.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies and Fire Rescue units responded to the scene shortly after.

The homeowner said the truck had plowed through several fences before going straight through the wall. The impact appeared to leave the driver unconscious.

“Drove from that street over there. He broke that fence, my fence, and those walls that you can see,” he said. “That guy was passed out when I called 911. He was passed out.”

Paramedics transported the driver to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical condition.

7News cameras captured the aftermath of the crash, showing the black pickup truck that went barreling straight through Santiesteban’s yard.

The truck was eventually pulled out and towed away.

All day Sunday, neighbors were seen helping the family pick up the pieces of debris caused by the crash. The big hole in the townhome’s wall has since been boarded up.

“We got a little bit shocked. I feel like I’m venting out a little bit my frustration because just imagine, we just bought this house, and this happened, you know,” said Santiesteban.

Santiesteban said he and his family are grateful to be OK.

“I feel blessed, man. All the neighbors passed by here to help me, and the [best] part is that neither my wife nor my son suffered some physical injury or something like that,” said the homeowner.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. It remains unclear whether or not the driver will be facing any charges.

Oliver Mair, the Consul General of Jamaica in Miami, joined Broward County leaders at a news conference in Lauderhill to reiterate that his country needs help, and there’s no time to waste.

“Far worse than what you see in the images, so the recovery is going to be long, it’s going to be hard; we just started,” said Mair. “We have planes arriving and we have been far more coordinated than we were in Hurricane Beryl.”

That’s why Mair and local officials are asking for donations of necessity items, including:

• Batteries
• Canned Goods
• Baby diapers
• Sleeping bags
• Tents
  

“This is not just about aid; it’s also about solidarity,” said Broward County Commissioner Hazelle P. Roger. “Broward County is committed to being a lifeline for Caribbean nations.”

Broward County will be accepting items at several locations that include libraries and government buildings. In Lauderhill, the following locations are accepting items:

• Lauderhill City Hall — 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill Fl, 33313
• Veterans Park — 7600 NW 50th Street, Lauderhill Fl, 33351
• John Mullins Park — 2000 NW 55th Avenue, Lauderhill Fl, 33313
• Westwind Park — 4550 NW 82nd Avenue, Lauderhill Fl, 33351
• Joy’s Roti Delight — 1205 NW 40th Avenue, Lauderhill Fl, 33313
• St. George Park — 3501 NW 8th Street, Lauderhill, Lauderhill Fl, 33311
  

Meanwhile, Global Empowerment Mission has been in place in Jamaica this week. Another cargo filled with pallets containing hundreds of items — including food, water, generators and batteries — arrived in the storm-ravaged island on Friday.

“We’re going to be sending two more planes over the next two days. Also, we’ve sent eight 40-foot containers. Next week, we’ll be sending another 10 containers and possibly more plans, but we’re still assessing the situation over in Jamaica,” said Billy Richardson, GEM Director of US warehouse.

One of those items is a “Dignity Kit” which includes sunscreen and skincare and aims to bring some relief to Jamaican women across the island.

Additionally, the veteran-led nonprofit Project DYNAMO sent nearly 4,000 pounds of critical aid — including baby formula, medical kits, hygiene items — to Key West. These items will be loaded into jets and delivered to Jamaca.

Catholic Charities of Miami also announced a relief fund hoping to help those in the Caribbean rebuild.

“They’re really impacted and we help all four,” said Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO of Catholic Charities.

For more information on Melissa donations to GEM, click here. For information on community volunteering at GEM, click here.

For more information about Project DYNAMO’s relief efforts, click here.

“I haven’t had any income now, this will be my second missed check, so I’m definitely tightening up and if there’s free assistance, I’m going to take it,” said Stephen Dotoratos.

Dotoratos was one of the federal workers lining up early at the United Way in Fort Lauderdale waiting to receive supplies, including canned food and prepared meals.

He said the ongoing shutdown has been tough for his family.

“I’ve been off work for, is it 30 days now? So 30 days, just sitting at the edge of my seat at home, waiting, watching the news and hoping that I hear a resolution soon so I can go back to work,” he said.

Dotoratos is joined by millions of other federal workers across the country stuck in limbo, waiting for an end to the shutdown or working without pay.

On top of the layoffs, many Americans are now facing the increasing likelihood of those SNAP benefits not being funded for November, making it even harder for many families to buy groceries. Federal data reveals one in eight Americans rely on these benefits.

The United Way of Broward County has stepped up to meet those demands, supporting as many of these families as they can.

“A lot of families here in Broward County will be impacted for not being able to access basic meals for their children and part of this is to address those needs,” said United Way’s Maria Hernandez. “So we feel the need to do this every week.”

Overall, the federal government spends about $6 billion on SNAP benefits but has said that money will be reserved for emergencies, such as natural disasters.

In Broward County, 13% of residents receive SNAP benefits, with another 26% receiving those benefits in Miami-Dade County.

“Most Americans are only one or two paychecks away from a crisis,” said Sarah Katzenstein, the director of communications for Jewish Community Services of South Florida

At Miami International Airport, Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Patrol workers were also lined up to receive supplies from several nonprofit organizations offering meals, including The Salvation Army and Global Empowerment Mission.

The Jewish Community Services also distributed an additional 800 gas gift cards worth $20 to help those workers as they continue to wait to see what happens next with the federal government.

“We really deserve that everyone needs to have food on the table, gas in their cars and the ability to help their families even when they’re working without receiving pay,” said Katzenstein.

On Thursday, a federal judge suggested the Trump administration should partially fund SNAP benefits across the country as part of a ruling in a lawsuit attempting to keep the program operating.

In the video, you see the family’s 10-year-old French bulldog, named Lola, outside in the backyard when the coyote suddenly charges right at her, Tuesday afternoon.

The dog’s owners, Daniella and Vicente, spoke with 7News hours later.

“She comes here, he creeps up, and he runs at her,” said Vicente.

“She flips upside down and then we made a noise and he let her go, he was probably going to drag her back there,” said Daniella.

Daniella told 7News if she and her boyfriend didn’t hear Lola’s desperate cries for help and rush outside, things could’ve gone much worse.

“If we weren’t here, he probably would have taken her; that’s what I think,” she said.

Daniella’s mom, Denise, was also home and heard the commotion. She said she saw a terrified Lola running back inside and quickly realized something was wrong.

“I saw the dog running in, and I said, ‘OK, she’s OK.’ Then I saw the blood on the blanket, and then we started looking at the cameras,” said Denise.

“I saw the video. I was traumatized, it was so scary,” said Daniella.

The family rushed the French bulldog to the vet, where she was treated for wounds on the back of her legs and given shots.

Hours later, Lola’s back home with her family, who said they’re relieved.

“She fought back. In a way, she saved herself. She’s a tough one; she has more lives than a cat,” said Denise.

Officials for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission say coyotes are in all of Florida’s 67 counties and, while coyotes rarely pose a threat to humans, they can and do prey on domestic cats and small dogs.

Lola’s family chimed in to remind others to take extra caution and always remain vigilant.

“Don’t leave your dogs out by themselves, just watch them,” said Daniella. “We didn’t think there was coyotes in Pinecrest and there is.”

“I just want people to be aware that it’s going on, that these wild creatures are around, and just take care of your pets, take care of your kids,” said Denise.

The family said they reported the coyote attack to the Village of Pinecrest and the FWC.

The agency recommends people make themselves look big and to make noise if they ever come across a coyote. They also say to keep any small dogs on a short leash while out on a walk, especially early in the morning and late in the evening.

The Category 5 storm is barreling toward Jamaica after wreaking havoc in Hispaniola. Heavy rain and landslides are sweeping the region, destroying homes, uprooting trees and knocking out power.

The system, which has already claimed at least three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, is expected to make landfall in Jamaica Tuesday afternoon.

Jamaicans are preparing for the worst, as the storm surge is forecast to reach up to 13 feet.

“I worry about, you know, the Caribbean. This might be the worst one,” said a fisherman.

“I just take things easy. I don’t worry myself. As long as I have food, can eat, that’s the most important thing,” said another resident.

Homes across Jamaica are now boarded up. This past weekend, grocery store shoppers scrambled to grab essential items.

“I was hoping to get some bread; the shelves are empty,” said a shopper.

“There’s still a lot of people who, like, got paid late, so they’re rushing now to get items, food items,” said resident Gabrielle Maurice. “Lots of people really don’t have the financial means to get all that they would need.”

Miami resident Nicole Doyon said her girls trip to Jamaica with her friends has turned into a travel nightmare. Now she’s forced to hunker down.

“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions, especially when, like, everybody’s kind of panicking, trying to get on a flight, like every man for himself,” she said.

While Melissa is expected to be the strongest hurricane to impact Jamaica in more than 35 years, hundreds of miles away in South Florida, help is already on the way.

In Miramar, the city is collecting supplies at all its fire and police stations.

Over at the Global Empowerment Mission’s headquarters in Doral, volunteers spent the past several days filling boxes with necessities, including nonperishable food, hygienic items and water.

“The impact will be so difficult, with persons having to be without the necessary essential items, these family necessity kits will at least help them get through a few days,” said lead volunteer Marlon Hill.

At GEM, at least 5,000 relief boxes will go from its headquarters to those most impacted.

“Right now, our team’s gonna be out there, and then we are prepping to see what’s gonna happen after the impact,” said Billy Richardson, GEM’s Director of U.S. Warehousing. “After the impact, we’ll send some more people over, as well as our first plane load, which should be about 50,000 pounds of aid, followed by about six 640-foot containers by sea.”

Richardson said the supplies will be in the sky and on the way by the middle of the week.

“We have hygiene kits, food, water, laundry detergent, and all these things kind of help people when that first initial response is needed right after the storm,” he said.

Kanniga Anderson, who has his family back in Jamaica, said he’s concerned, but any help will go a long way.

“I don’t really feel good, but they got to take what they get, ’cause it’s a natural thing, right?” he said.

Bob Grant, owner of Hot Off The Grill, a Caribbean restaurant in Pembroke Pines, said he has family on the island and expects Jamaica to be hit hard by the storm.

“This is the first time a Category 5 has hit Jamaica, and there’s a lot of rural places where the infrastructure is not that great,” he said. “We are a praying country, and we pray, my family prays, everyone I know is praying for no loss of life and as least damage as possible.”

Grant’s restaurant highlights the beauty of Jamaica, a beauty that he hopes survives the powerful hurricane. He showed 7News several photos he has taken from the island that are hung on his restaurant’s walls.

“I call this the windows to Jamaica. That’s like Ocho Rios,” he said.

Fire and police stations in the City of Miramar are collecting items like tarps, flashlights and water bottles. If you would like to help, click here.

One volunteer, who did not want to be identified, told 7News said she’s helping those impacted because she’s gone through these storms in the past.

“I am from the Caribbean, and I have gone through a hurricane where I lost everything. It’s life-changing, you never forget,” she said.

In Lauderhill, city officials have launched a relief drive to support Caribbean residents in need. Their drop-off locations for essential supplies are as follows:

• Lauderhill City Hall – 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Veterans Park – 7600 NW 50th St., Lauderhill, FL 33351
• John Mullins Park – 2000 NW 55th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Westwind Park – 4550 NW 82nd Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33351
• Lauderhill Historical Museum – 1080 NW 47th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Joy’s Roti Delight – 1205 NW 40th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313

For more information on Melissa donations to GEM, click here. For information on community volunteering at GEM, click here.

Here is a list of the items GEM is collecting.

Nonperishable foods:

• Canned protein/vegetable/fruits/beans
• Snacks like dried fruits, protein bars, crackers, chips and beef jerky
• Cereals
• Ramen
• Meals ready to eat
• Cases of water

Temporary household needs:

• Generators
• Chainsaws/rotary rescue saws
• Tarpaulins/tarps
• Wheelbarrows
• Multi-use yard tools
• Cleanup kits/shovels/rakes/large industrial trash bags
• Bug repellent/mosquito repellent
• Work gloves (new)
• Sleeping bags (new)/military cots/cots (new)
• Air mattresses (new)
• Flashlights
• Batteries – AA/AAA/D
• Portable radios
• First aid kits
• LifeStraw water filters
• Solar-powered lightweight portable lanterns/portable emergency lighting/solar-powered devices
• Power banks (solar power)
• Gas cans for generators – all sizes

Speaking with 7News on Thursday, Diego Garcia said he and his husband have rented out unit 7078 from the Public Storage in Little Havana for years but was shocked to find it ransacked and destroyed.

“It’s been two years. I haven’t had a problem. I come back and after not coming in for six months, making my payment and making my payments for my unit to be destroyed. Completely destroyed,” said Garcia.

Garcia said personal belongings, which many of them had sentimental value, were tossed while other items are gone.

“Over $10,000 of stuff that we can see are missing. We don’t even know what is missing because we haven’t even been able to go in yet,” he said.

Some of the missing items include three TVs, a projector and designer vintage pieces.

“This is my life. This is 27 years of my life destroyed,” said Garcia.

7News cameras captured a pile of items outside of the storage building. Garcia says many of these items are family treasures.

“And so we came and looked over and you could see a picture of me and my best friend at the fair from 10 years ago, pictures from my cousin’s wedding, pictures of me and my friends in college, of my trip to Coachella,” he said.

Miami Police detectives combed the storage unit for fingerprints and any clues that could lead them to the culprit behind the storage mess.

Now, Garcia hopes to find out how this occurred.

“So you can only click on my floor. You can’t click on other floors. [The elevator light] goes away as soon as you go because you have to put in three codes just to get into the elevator,” he said.

And he said he feels betrayed and is looking for justice.

“Oh I feel extremely robbed. I feel wronged and I feel violated. My biggest priority is that justice is served because I don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” said Garcia.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

According to an arrest report, 50-year-old Carlos Francisco Gottberg Marquez was taken into custody Monday on a felony charge.

“You got arrested for theft of trade secrets,” said Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer.

Police said the thefts occurred at Mordisco Miami, a restaurant known for its Venezuelan-style steaks, appetizers and handmade arepas, located at 10355 NW 41st St.

Cesar Gonzalez, the restaurant’s owner and chef, said he felt betrayed.

“It’s the heart of the restaurant,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said one of the stolen books shared how exactly to prepare the restaurant’s signature meals.

Speaking in Spanish, he said the instructions inside were detailed, from showing temperatures, to which spices to use and several other components to prepare each meal.

Authorities said the trade secrets were valued very highly.

“Recipes are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez.

According to police, Gottberg Marquez had been working at Mordisco for about a month.

Investigators said surveillance video showed the suspect removing two of the restaurant’s recipe books from the kitchen without authorization on Oct. 12, followed by a third book on Oct. 19.

According to the report, police caught Gottberg Marquez in possession of the cookbooks at a second job at a smoothie and sandwich shop, just a few blocks away from Mordisco.

“We don’t know if he was sent by another criminal enterprise to take this for a fee, but this person was in possession of these cookbooks,” said Lopez. “He did it on two separate occasions. Through CCTV cameras, the owner of the restaurant immediately notified law enforcement officers.”

Gonzalez said he’s relieved his restaurant’s secret recipes were safely returned.

Gottberg Marquez was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and faces one count of theft of trade secrets, a third-degree felony.

He has since bonded out of jail.

The highly anticipated season began with fishermen catching more than 1,800 pounds of stone crabs from Marathon, early Thursday morning.

The trucks delivered the stone crabs to Joe’s Stone Crab, where their executive chef and staff began working on preparing each crab is made to perfection.

“My secret is the team, really,” said Jim Pastor, the executive chef.

Joe’s Stone Crab expects to serve more than 800 pounds of stone crab in its first night of the season.

“It’s prepared simply. They’re boiled, we serve our mustard sauce, it’s been a legacy mustard sauce. You let the sweetness of the crab do all the talking,” said Pastor.

The famous restaurant has been cracking the coveted claws and feeding customers since 1913.

Stephen Sawitz, the restaurant’s chief operating officer, says he hopes to make his great-grandfather Joe proud.

“A Harvard ichthyologist, or marine biologist, was studying what was a stone crab. He said, ‘I wonder if they’re edible.’ So he brought them to the only seafood restaurant around on Miami Beach and this guy named Joe happened to cook them,” said Sawitz. “This is when Joe’s went from black and white to color.”

He says opening day each season is always frightening.

“A little bit of fear just because you want everything to go perfectly,” said Sawitz.

After an entire day of preparation, the dining room was packed with some of Joe’s most faithful customers.

“I am a regular for about 70 years,” said a customer.

The famous South Beach restaurant delivered another successful start to the season as customers left with glowing reviews.

“It’s delicious, yeah we loved the stone crab,” said a customer.

Others even showed up to enjoy some of Joe’s other menu options.

“I come here for the chicken,” said another customer. “I love their chicken.”

Stone crab season runs through May 1.

The ship will operate out of South Florida for a full season, embarking on a slew of voyages from short Caribbean getaways to transatlantic crossings.

“It was wonderful, I give them a 12 out of 10,” said cruisegoer, Donna Davis Lofley.

7News spoke with the last group of passengers onboard before the ship prepares for its new season.

“My gosh, they had so many activities, we had so much fun. We lined danced, we played cards, we did exercises, we ballroom danced,” said Lofley.

“Wonderful it was very, very good. We had the best experience,” said Cruisegoer, Becky Palmer.

The boat will be based in Miami until April.

Thursday, 7News got an inside look of the spacious cabins, dining rooms and luxury spaces.

Each voyage spans between nine and 28 days, featuring hot-spot destinations including Montego Bay, St.Lucia, Barbados, and Puerto Rico.

“It looks very brand new but she’s got this timeless luxury elegance that we just all love from her,” said cruise representative Elizabeth Fettes. “She has a wellness pavilion, curated menus from Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea so they can have a relaxation rejuvenation side of it. She also has art deco style and decor that illuminates throughout the ship.”

The boat, which holds just over 2,000 people, is known for its art deco appeal, blending old-time class with modern luxury and classic charm.

“We just had a great time and all of a sudden three weeks are up. I can’t believe it,” said Lofley as she joyfully reflected on her experience. “We had cocktails every night at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m., our maître d’Alvin, oh he was wonderful.”

The Queen Elizabeth is set to depart on its inaugural trip from Miami for a 12-night Caribbean voyage Thursday.

For information on the destinations offered, click here.

Visitors will be able to explore and learn about the building, its history, and connection to the Cuban American community.

General admission tickets became available Wednesday, and people who lined up inside to take a tour said they are there to learn the history of their families while for others, it was the first time they stepped foot inside the tower since fleeing Cuba.

“I came with my mom, I was 8-months-old. I came in 1962. I don’t know Cuba but this brings back the history of my family,” said a man. “It’s a beautiful place, believe it or not.”

The 100 year-old landmark, first opening in 1925 as a printing facility for a Miami newspaper, was used by the U.S. government to process Cuban refugees who fled Cuba’s dictatorship decades later.

On Wednesday, it opened to the public after undergoing a two-year, multi-million dollar renovation. The iconic reopening gives visitors a fresh look at new exhibits that include “Libertad”- freedom, “Languages of Migration,” “We Carry Our Homes With Us,” and “Unidad,” meaning united.

Some like Marcos Carasa stood in line on the first day, hoping to find photos of their families from when they first arrived.

“My grandfather immigrated here from Cuba so it’s good to see the culture of everything where I come from and, you know, how he immigrated over here,” said Marcos. ” How he came here, you know the history behind, because I don’t really understand how he came here, how everybody came here, so it’s good to just find out how everything happened.”

For Orlando Zamora, entering the tower was an emotional experience.

“It was beautiful. The work that they did is class. I was here in ’62 when I came from Cuba and it was very emotional,” he said.

7News cameras captured people walking around the exhibits and finding the stories of their family that is stored in what was once called the Ellis Island of the South.

Exhibits also include hundreds of antique items like guayaberas and treasured photos.

To purchase tickets for the Freedom Tower, click here.

The event took place at Ocean Drive and 13th Street on Monday morning where Gloria was accompanied by her husband, Emilio, to take in the big moment.

“I am just so honored to get my own way and not just at home,” said Gloria.

The group held a ribbon cutting in front of the Cardozo Hotel for the sign that read “Gloria Estefan Way.”

“I feel blessed to have been able to share our music with the world!” said Gloria.

The Queen of Latin Pop is well known for hits such as “Turn the Beat Around,” “Words Get in the Way,” and “Conga.” She reminisced on her start in music and how Miami became her launch point.

“We were formed in Miami. I don’t think we could have sounded like we sound anywhere else in this nation. There was an audience for it here in Miami that gave us acceptance and love and told us, ‘Yes, we like this,'” said Gloria.

Emilio said that as a little girl, Gloria would often visit Miami Beach with her father, dreaming of one day where she could experience the American dream.

“Today is the day you told your father you would buy this hotel. You were 6 years old. You bought the hotel and now who is to say that, dreams come true,” he said. 

“I think visualization is an important part of all our lives,” said Gloria.

Other local officials also came out to show support to the music legend.

“More than anyone, you are the sound of Miami,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

“Emilio, Gloria, thank you for what you have given us,” said Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle.  

The global superstar said she was honored by the event.

“I never thought I’d like to be stepped on so much as now and you will be walking all over me and I’m [going to] love every minute of it and I thank you, each and everyone of you,” she said.  

7News on Sunday spoke with guests who wanted to make sure to stop by for one last visit to the Virginia Key attraction.

“It’s bittersweet. This is a landmark for Miami, and it’s been here my whole entire childhood,” said a woman.

The marine park was packed Sunday with family and friends who came to bid a fond farewell.

“It’s the culture of Miami, man. Man, leave Miami Seaquarium alone,” said a guest.

“It’s actually really cool to see the dolphins there,” said another guest.

Hours later, Collin Simpson was the last visitor who exited the seaquarium.

“I was the last guest to set foot outside those gates. What can I say? It’s surreal,” he said.

Inside the park, Simpson, it was an emotional occasion.

“A lot of trainers were hugging and crying; some did dives with the dolphins and seals,” he said. “The shows had an extra emotional feel to it, like saying, ‘This is the last one, but we are gonna stay here with our dolphins.”

While the seaquarium became famous for the shows starring Flipper and killer whales Lolita and Hugo, animal advocates said its closure was long overdue.

For years, animal group activists raised their concern for the health and treatment of the animals, and this weekend was no exception.

Demonstators who spoke with 7News said they finally feel heard.

“PETA is celebrating that after 50 years imprisoning animals in crumbling concrete tanks, denying them veterinary care and forcing them to perform demeaning and often painful tricks, the Miami Seaquarium is finally closing down,” said PETA spokesperson Amanda Brody.

When Lolita died in 2023, the killer whale’s home went into its own decline The seaquarium battled animal rights accusations and staffing issues; it also faced scrutiny over poor park conditions.

“The life they lead, the miserable life [these animals] lead, and the public is becoming aware of it,” said a demonstrator.

So what will happen to the animals? The company that owns the seaquarium said the safety of their animals is their main concern, as they sadly say goodbye to their home.

While no announcement has been made about how they will transfer the animals out, the company does own other marine parks. The dolphins and sea lions could be relocated to those parks.

Developer Terra Group plans to take over the property and develop a marina, retail spaces, restaurants and an accredited aquarium without marine mammals.

“It’s hard, you know. It’s bad in both ways,” said a park visitor.

After 70 years of being a landmark in the Magic City, the seaquarium is coming to an end.

7News on Saturday captured demonstrators outside the theme park.

“We have been fighting for these animals for decades, and it’s about time,” said a protester using a bullhorn.

But concerns remain about the relocation plan and the condition of the animals at the facility, which has long since been a magnet for controversy.

When the killer whale Lolita died in 2023, her home went into its own decline. The seaquarium battled animal rights accusations, as well as staffing issues, and faced scrutiny over poor park conditions.

“We still mourn for the animals that have died here,” said Holly with the group SoFlo Animal Rights.

For years, groups like SoFlo Animal Rights raised concerns over the health and treatment of the animals

Holly told 7News that they finally feel heard.

“Relief, but yet there is still immense sadness. We don’t know what’s going to happen with the animals inside,” she said.

They’ve been torturing animals for decades, and they deceive the people by telling them lies and saying that they use these animals for educational purposes. That’s not true,” said Lana Montalban with SoFlo Animal Rights.

So what will happen to the animals? The company that owns the seaquarium said the safety of their animals is their main concern, as they sadly say goodbye to their home.

While no announcement has been made as to how they will transfer the animals out, the company does own other marine parks. The seaquarium’s dolphins and sea lions could be relocated to those parks.

Developer Terra Group plans to take over the property and develop a marina, retail spaces, restaurants and an accredited aquarium without marine mammals.

“We want to make sure that the redevelopment plans for this project do not include any kind of captivity of animals,” said a demonstrator.

While concern still remains, many parkgoers are sad to see it go.

The marine theme park opened in 1955 and quickly became famous with shows starring Flipper and killer whales Lolita and Hugo.

They were an attraction that some will never forget.

“Yeah, I would come when I was a kid. Yeah, like in the 1970s,” said a park visitor.

“It’s a beautiful park. It looks like it’s in great condition, and very sad to see it go,” said another park visitor.

The Miami Seaquarium will shut its doors on Sunday.

Located on Virginia Key, the Seaquarium opened in 1955, before Disney World, and had become a staple in Miami.

Parkgoers say the park’s famous animal shows, including Flipper and killer whale Lolita and Hugo, made them return to the park.

Now, facing bankruptcy, the park will sell its lease for $22.5M to a developer to transform it into a new waterfront destination that will have a marina, retail, restaurants, and an accredited aquarium without marine animals.

Ahead of the Sunday closure, and despite its recent controversy, parkgoers said they are sad to see it go.

“We come all the time and I’m very sad to see it going,” said a woman. “He came–his family is from Cuba–so his family would come…”

“When I was a kid, around the 1970s,” said a man.

Despite the gloomy weather on Friday afternoon, guests still passed by to say goodbye.

“Oh God, that’s very unfortunate. We got to see the sea lions and dolphins show. It’s very sad,” said a woman.

“We’ve come here since he was born,” said a man.

“Yeah, for over 20 years,” said a young man.

Over the years, the park faced scrutiny for its animal care practices. Protesters would line up outside the park to call for the release of animals like Lolita before she died in 2023.

“Over 250 marine animals have died since this park opened, so today is a funeral,” said a protester in a recent protest.

A federal inspection at the time of the whale’s death cited animal, staffing, and park condition issues.

But others say the park was a landmark.

“It’s a beautiful park. It looks like it is in great condition. It’s very sad to see it go,” said a man.

As for the marine animals, the company that owns the seaquarium said they have other parks where the sea lions and dolphins are expected to be transferred to.

Margate Fire, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs-Parkland and North Lauderdale Fire Rescue units responded to the 5500 block of Southwest Sixth Street on Thursday afternoon.

7Skyforce hovered over the home, capturing flames and heavy smoke billowing from the back area of the home. A hole was seen on the roof.

Fire crews were seen working in the back area where the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom were engulfed in flames.

Family members confirmed to 7News that a child was found dead inside the home.

Firefighters also pulled a deceased dog from the home.

The medical examiner was captured at the scene.

Neighbors told 7News the child was 13-years-old and had special needs.

“I witnessed the grandma and a friend of hers were in the driveway. She said her grandson was inside the house because he had just gotten off the school bus and he said, ‘Grandma, I’m going to take a shower.’ She said he’s of special needs,” said a neighbor who did not want to show her face.

That neighbor went on to detail the sad turn of events to 7News.

“I just saw the fire blazing, and I said, ‘Oh my God.’ It’s so sad because you’re going to lose everything,” she said. “When I saw the black, thick smoke, I just said to myself, ‘This is just so real.'”

She said she will never forget the horror that took place in her neighborhood.

“We were all running toward [the house] to see,” she said.

She shared cellphone video with 7News capturing the heavy smoke and flames as she alerted others of the burning home. She said she was devastated as she learned of the tragic news.

“Just imagine as a 12-year-old special needs child, you’re in the shower and you come out to see blazing smoke. You wouldn’t know what to do. It was so sad when we heard he passed,” she said.

The flames downed several power lines, causing the power to go out in the neighborhood. A Florida Power & Light crew responded to the residential area.

7News spoke with the child’s father off-camera Friday morning, who confirmed the boy had Down Syndrome. He was seen salvaging what he could from the burnt structure.

It remains unclear what started the fire.

7News cameras showed a crew from the Florida Department of Transportation as they used bulldozers to remove the Pride-themed crosswalk on Ocean Drive and 12th Street, Sunday evening.

“It’s a slightly colored sidewalk! Come on, grow up, whoever is doing this,” said a passerby.

“It is wrong. It is a misuse of public tax dollars what they’re doing, and I hope that future government rights this wrong,” said former City Commissioner Michael Gongora.

While the workers removed the rainbow pavers from the street, there was anger and frustration.

Two drag performers who voiced their disapproval of the crosswalk’s removal spoke with 7News.

“Our Pride is getting erased just like that. It’s very painful,” said one the performers.

“This represents blood, sweat and tears. I literally worked so hard on this sidewalk for mahy years and struggled to come out here and perform and share art, share my craft, so it tears my heart to see it go away, but we’re going to fight, we’re not going anywhere,” said another performer.

The crosswalk’s removal comes after FDOT ordered local governments — including Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Key West — to remove any pavement associated with social, political or ideological messages, or risk losing state funding.

In August, the rainbow crosswalk located near the site of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub mass shooting in Orlando was erased.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said FDOT crews have removed street art from all sides of the political spectrum.

They had to remove a ‘Back the Blue’ [display], they had to remove some of these other things, so it spans different things,” he said, “but we’ve made the policy decision to in Florida, you know. We’re not going to use the roads fpr that purpose; the roads are there for either pedestrians to cross or cars to go, and that’s what it’s going to be.”

Miami Beach city officials have long fought for the city’s colorful crosswalk to remain.

Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez said that despite this removal, Pride isn’t going anywhere.

“This is one of the safest crosswalks in all of Ocean Drive. It feels wasteful, but we won’t let the state of Florida keep Miami Beach from being visible as an inclusive city,” he said.

Officials with FDOT didn’t immediately respond to 7News’ request for comment.

Sparkles is being teated for her wounds at Deer Run Animal Hospital in Deerfield Beach after she was found shot in Pompano Beach, according to I Heart Animal Rescue.

“I got a phone call from my girlfriend who’s a police officer, and she said there was a dog shot and that they needed help,” said Cindy Mucciaccio with I Heart Animal Rescue.

When they came to rescue the pit bull mix, near the 100 block of Northeast 17th Court, she was barely moving, with her two puppies shaking by her side.

“Very sad that the dog was just laying there, with blood all over, and supposedly she was laying there for 10 hours,” said Mucciaccio. “Polie told me that they think it might be the neighbor, because the neighbor didn’t like the dog, supposedly warned them that he was going to shoot the dog, and I guess he did, but we don’t know that for sure.”

Dr. Sara Gangadin, a veterinarian at Deer Run Animal Hospital, showed 7News where Sparkles was injured.

“Mother wounds are right here, there’s another one right here,” she said as she pointed at the dog’s chest and front legs. “And it looks like the bullet must have went like that [through her leg], but she’s really [in pain] along her front here.”

While Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives investigate who shot Sparkles, the staff at Deer Run are focused on her recovery.

“She had lost a lot of blood . She actually wasn’t picking up her head,” said Gangadin. “When I came in I gave her, I placed an IV catheter, I gave her some pain meds.”

And even while she’s in excruciating pain, Gangadin said, Sparkles gives nothing but love.

“She’s been really nice, sweet. She actually was giving Cindy kisses so, especially in such a poor condition and for what happened to her, she’s an amazing dog,” she said.

A day later, caregivers say it looks like her leg may not be able to be saved, but that her prognosis is good.

“It’s just so sad that she has to go through this situation, and thank God right now that she’s alive,” said Mucciaccio.

Now, Sparkles’ caregivers said, she needs a lot of help to get her back on her feet.

“We just feel that the people who did this should go to jail,” said Mucciaccio.

If you would like to help I Heart Animal Rescue with Sparkles’ treatment, click here.

Funeral services for two of the three people killed in the Aug. 12 crash on the Florida Turnpike were held at Princeton Church of the Nazarene on Saturday.

It was a heavy, emotional day for family and friends of 30-year-old Herby Dufresne and 37-year-old Faniola Joseph.

The victims’ families said they were guiding stars to them and were adored by everyone, describing them as two young family members who were taken too soon.

“Her daughter found strength in tenderness,” said a speaker during the service.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, all three victims were killed when commercial semi-truck driver Harjinder Singh made an illegal U-turn on the highway.

Loved ones said the victims, who were riding in a minivan, were visiting South Florida, where they had once lived, and were returning home to Indiana.

FHP troopers said Singh, an Indian-born Sikh, was in the U.S. illegally.

“So you had a car coming, run into it, and it ended up killing three people,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

But as for Dufresne and Joseph, loved ones said they will never be forgotten.’

Members of the humanitarian organization Sikhs for Justice spoke to the press on Saturday.

“We depart in a final prayer,” said one of the members spoke with reporters.

“Our deepest sympathies go to the family of the victims,” said another member.

Singh faces three counts of vehicular homicide. He has pleaded not guilty.