The Olga M. and Carlos A. Saladrigas Gallery at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School proudly announces the opening of The Light of the World, a Christ-centered art exhibition exploring the depiction of Jesus Christ across centuries and cultures. The exhibition will be on view from March 12 through May 6, 2026. A Journey Through Sacred Art For nearly two thousand years, artists have interpreted the figure of Jesus Christ—shaping some of history’s most profound and visually stunning masterpieces. The Light of the World invites visitors to experience this rich tradition, featuring paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the 16th century to today. The exhibition brings together Russian icons, Renaissance works, paintings from the Cuzco School, late 19th- and early 20th-century Latin American art, and contemporary works by local and international artists—including icons created as prayers in the 21st century. Curated by Carol Damian, Ph.D., and Adriana Herrera, Ph.D. , the exhibition offers an immersive journey through the story of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of artists from Europe, Russia, South America, and the United States. Exhibition Highlights What: The Light of the World” Exhibition curated by Carol Damian, Ph.D. and Adriana Herrera, Ph.D. Where: Olga M. and Carlos A. Saladrigas Art Gallery, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, 500 SW 127 Avenue, Miami, FL 33144 When: March 12 – May 6, 2026; Opening Reception -  Thursday, March 12, 6:00–9:00 PM Gallery Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 AM to 4 PM and by appointment. For appointments, contact: ifont@belenjesuit.org Admission: Free Anonymous, Cuzco School, Peru,St. Joseph with the Christ Child, late 17th century. Oil on canvas. 55 x 43 in (109.2 x 81.2 cm) (framed). Collection, Florida Cultural Heritage Center, Corpus Christi Church, Miami. Credit : Carol Damian, Curator By ML Staff. Jean Blackwell Font, Photo Credit Carol Damian

Marco Grazzini has spent over two decades captivating audiences with a rare blend of emotional depth, effortless charm, and international appeal. Best known to global viewers as “Mike” on Netflix’s beloved hit series  Virgin River , Grazzini brings nuance and heart to every role he takes on – from gripping dramas to lighthearted fan favorites. Born in Toronto to Italian and Filipino parents, fluent in multiple languages, and shaped by a life that spans cultures and continents, his journey to the screen is as compelling as the characters he portrays. Off camera, he’s a devoted father, creative spirit, and advocate for mental well-being in an increasingly digital world. As  Virgin River  prepares to return for its highly anticipated seventh season, Miami Living sits down with Marco to talk love triangles, life behind the scenes, and the path that led him exactly to where he’s meant to be. Miami Living (ML): Marco, welcome – we’re so excited to have you with us! How are you feeling in this season of life and career right now? Marco: Happy to sit down and chat with you! First and foremost, I feel excited and humbled to experience the world as co-pilot to my wife and 2 and a half-year-old daughter. Career-wise, I’m feeling renewed curiosity, determination, and gratitude. I am a Virgo in every sense of the word, so I’m constantly trying to negotiate my pragmatism and OCD tendencies while favoring my more creative and intuitive side. ML: Your background is incredibly rich and multicultural: Italian and Filipino roots, raised in Toronto, fluent in multiple languages. How did that upbringing shape who you are today as a person and as an artist? Marco: Growing up in a multicultural household and city meant I was exposed to an eclectic mix of languages, food, music, and perspectives. I was also lucky enough to grow up in the time before social media where there didn’t seem to be as much tribalism and friction amongst people as there is nowadays. I think I understood very early on that there is never one way to see the world, and that curiosity is always a good thing. As an actor, that naturally lends itself to empathy, which is really the core of what we do. You’re constantly stepping into someone else’s shoes and trying to understand where they’re coming from. My upbringing normalized the idea that culture and identity can be layered and fluid. ML: Many people know you from Virgin River, but for someone who hasn’t watched the show yet, how would you explain what makes the series so special, and who your character Mike is at his core? Marco: So many elements combine to make Virgin River special - the breathtaking landscapes of where we shoot in British Columbia, the tense cliff-hangers peppered throughout, and of course Virgin River wouldn’t be Virgin River without a handful of tastefully shot scenes of sexy times! Having said that, I feel that the main reason Virgin River resonates so profoundly with so many is because it speaks to the fundamental human ideal of living in a small community, surrounded by friends and family. We’re very lucky to have a fanbase that feels a deep connection to the characters on the show, and the fans truly want what’s best for them - so that’s a testament to the talent of our writers and cast. My character Mike is a good man, he is selfless and empathetic, maybe to a fault. Being a cop, he is unrelenting in his desire to uphold justice and to do the right thing. The fun stuff to watch is when there’s conflict between Mike’s very defined moral compass and his personal relationships with other characters on the show. In love, Mike falls hard and fast, he’s a hopeless romantic. ML: Mike is at the center of one of TV’s most talked-about love triangles this season in Virgin River. What do you think he understands about love that maybe the audience, or even Brie, is still figuring out? Marco: “Love is patient, love is kind” - Mike might have that tattooed somewhere on his body. He definitely operates from a place of emotional maturity, knowing that sometimes two people getting together is a delicate dance of will and fate. I think Mike sees the bigger picture and understands the context of where Brie is in her life - she’s got a lot of baggage. Mike sees through the mess and is willing to accept and love her, faults and all. The heart wants what it wants for everyone involved in this triangle - and that’s what makes it so engaging for the audience. ML: Your path into acting sparked while working on a toothpaste commercial. Was there a specific moment in that experience when you realized, “This is what I’m meant to do”? Marco: So the commercial was filmed over 3 days in the blazing hot desert, we worked 12 hour days and I was crammed into a VW combi van with no air conditioning for the majority of the shoot. Not the most optimal conditions for having a blast, but I absolutely did! It was a goofy “Dude, Where's My Car” ripoff - but it was the most transformational moment for me at that time in my life. I was 100% certain that I needed to pursue acting and the freedom and fire that it had created in me. I had always been a closeted creative, and that experience was an immense catalyst in finding the bravery to pursue my dreams. ML: You balance filming, travel, and fatherhood to a toddler. Has becoming a dad changed the way you approach your work or the kinds of stories that resonate with you now? Marco: Becoming a dad kind of recalibrates your priorities pretty quickly. Suddenly, the work you do isn’t just about personal fulfillment or career momentum — it’s also about building a life that your kid can grow up around. It’s definitely challenged me to be more present when I’m home and more efficient when I’m working, because time feels a lot more precious now. All the feelings - love, fear, frustration, joy - they all vibrate on a totally different level now. Hopefully, that seeps into my work and the kind of characters and moments I connect with. And at the very simplest level, being a dad to a toddler serves as a constant reminder of the value of play and the power of imagination, invaluable things for an actor. ML: You’ve spoken about mental health in a world that’s increasingly tech-driven. What simple, real-life habits help you stay grounded and present when everything around us moves so fast and is so hyper-connected? Marco: I have anxious tendencies, and am too eager to balance too many things, and usually that plays out in over-thinking, feeling overwhelmed or being short-tempered. I’m getting better at realizing you don’t have to say yes to everything. I try to keep the habits pretty simple and analog whenever possible. Cooking is a big one for me — it forces you to slow down and actually use your senses and intuition. While filming, I’ll incorporate breathwork, stretching, and if all else fails I find a tree or a patch of grass and make contact - actors and the weirdo things they do I tell ya! ML: When you picture the next chapter of your life and career, what creative dreams are you quietly working toward that fans might not know about yet? Marco: I’m working on a couple scripts with my writing partner who’s an old roommate of mine. We pretty much have identical worldviews and comedic sensibilities, and are great friends on top of that - which is an awesome dynamic to have in an industry that can be at times turbulent and isolating. We’re both huge fans of the comedy and science fiction genres and love the ability to sneak bigger ideas in through humor. The idea of producing it and actually bringing it to life is definitely intimidating, but also exciting. At that point, it becomes about trusting other people and leaning on your networks. You can follow Marco on Instagram By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Kayla Rocca

Mexican sportswear retailer Culto Fútbol has opened its second U.S. flagship store at 744 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, expanding into one of South Florida’s busiest retail corridors as the region prepares to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The new location places the brand in the center of the pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road, a high-traffic retail destination that attracts both international visitors and local shoppers. The expansion reflects growing global attention on Miami as a major soccer hub ahead of the tournament, which is expected to generate billions in economic activity and bring millions of visitors to the region. Soccer Apparel and Global Club Merchandise The Miami flagship features a curated assortment of soccer apparel, footwear, and accessories for fans and players. Merchandise includes official jerseys from clubs such as Inter Miami CF, Los Angeles FC, Real Madrid, Club América, Tigres UANL, and C.F. Monterrey. The product mix is anchored by major sportswear brands including Nike, Adidas, and Puma. Among the featured items are national team jerseys for Brazil and the United States, along with Adidas away kits and other international club merchandise. Grand Opening and Fan Programming The store’s grand opening is scheduled for March 13 and will include the unveiling of official FIFA uniforms and Adidas kits. The event will feature music, refreshments, and product giveaways, marking the brand’s entry into the Miami retail market. Culto Fútbol plans to use the space for community-driven programming tied to soccer culture and the upcoming World Cup. Planned activities include fan events and themed activations leading up to the 2026 tournament. Part of the Emerging Lincoln Road The property housing the store is owned and redeveloped by Michael Comras, founder and CEO of Comras Company. The site is part of the a 150,000-square-foot mixed-use area that combines boutique retail, dining, wellness, and lifestyle concepts. The district includes several recent retail additions, such as Uniqlo, Alo Yoga, Prince Street Pizza, Myka Froyo, and HOKA. Ongoing Investment in Lincoln Road The opening comes amid public and private investment along Lincoln Road. The City of Miami Beach is currently implementing a $29.4 million Phase II improvement project that includes upgrades to Meridian and Drexel Avenues. Planned changes include expanded sidewalks, improved lighting, landscaping, and shaded seating areas designed to enhance pedestrian activity and retail visibility. With new retail tenants and infrastructure upgrades underway, Lincoln Road is positioning itself as a global-facing retail and cultural corridor in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Contacts Website: us.cultofutbol.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/culto.futbol.us Facebook: www.facebook.com/culto.futbol.us Twitter (X): x.com/cultofutbolus By ML Staff. Photos courtesy of Culto Fútbol.

I’ve watched Miami quietly transform. Once a balmy refuge for retirees and seasonal vacationers, the city has, over the past several years, become home for billionaires, including founders, hedge fund titans, private equity leaders, and technology executives. Many of these individuals once called New York or California home, but Florida’s lack of state income tax, expanding financial infrastructure, and waterfront real estate, drew them south. In fact, South Florida is home to roughly 50 confirmed billionaires: 23 in Miami-Dade County, 23 in Palm Beach County, and four in Broward County. Below is Miami Living’s ranking of the region’s billion-dollar residents, some of whom live just steps from our modest homes in neighborhoods like Indian Creek Village and Miami Beach. Jeff Bezos Net worth: approximately $215 billion Source of wealth: Founder of Amazon, founder of Blue Origin Jeff Bezos at Amazon Spheres Grand Opening in Seattle - 2018. Photo by Seattle City Council With a net worth estimated at approximately $215 billion, Jeff Bezos is not only one of Miami’s most prominent residents but one of the wealthiest individuals in modern history. As the founder of Amazon , he fundamentally reshaped global commerce, building a logistics and retail infrastructure that most of us are familiar with. His aerospace company, Blue Origin , represents an equally ambitious attempt to expand humanity’s reach beyond Earth, positioning Bezos at the intersection of technological, commercial, and scientific transformation. Jeff Bezos, founder of private space company Blue Origin and Amazon.com , visited the Los Angeles Air Force Base, Space and Missile Systems Center, and spoke to the Commanders and Leaderships of Air Force Space Command at Ft. MacArthur, San Pedro, Calif., Oct 25, 2017. Date Taken: 31 December 2011. Photo by the Space Systems Command. His decision to establish residence in Indian Creek Village, the ultra-private island enclave often referred to as the “billionaire bunker,” reflects Miami’s growing appeal among the world’s most influential figures. Beyond real estate, Bezos’ presence carries symbolic weight, helping attract even more billionaires to the city. Ken Griffin Net worth: approximately $42 to $43 billion Source of wealth: Founder and CEO of Citadel Portrait of Kenneth C. Griffin. Date Taken: 13 September 2017. Photo by Citadel Enterprise Americas LLC Ken Griffin , the founder and CEO of Citadel , commands an estimated fortune of between $42 and $43 billion, built through one of the most successful hedge funds in financial history. Citadel’s sophisticated trading strategies and global reach have made it a dominant force in modern markets, managing tens of billions in assets and influencing financial ecosystems worldwide. Griffin’s relocation of Citadel’s headquarters to Miami marked one of the most significant institutional shifts in the city’s modern history. More than a personal move, it represented a transfer of financial gravity, bringing with it talent, infrastructure, and credibility. His investments in local real estate and philanthropic initiatives have further deepened his connection to the city, helping to position Miami as a legitimate rival to traditional financial centers like New York and Chicago. Josh Harris Net worth: approximately $9.9 to $14.1 billion Source of wealth: Co founder of Apollo Global Management Josh Harris photographed at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland, Nov. 19, 2023. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zach Sheely) Josh Harris, whose net worth is estimated between $9.9 and $14.1 billion, built his fortune as a co-founder of Apollo Global Management, one of the most influential private equity firms in the world. Apollo’s investments span industries ranging from technology to infrastructure, reflecting the expansive reach of modern private capital. Sports team owner Josh Harris meeting with United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner Harris maintains a significant presence in Miami Beach, where his investments and residential footprint reflect the broader migration of private equity leadership to South Florida. His influence extends beyond finance into professional sports ownership and institutional investing, underscoring the increasingly interconnected nature of global wealth. Orlando Bravo Net worth: approximately $9.8 to $11.9 billion Source of wealth: Co-founder of Thoma Bravo Orlando Bravo, founder and managing partner of Thoma Bravo. Date Taken: 10 June 2021. Photo by Thoma Bravo Orlando Bravo , with an estimated net worth between $9.8 and $11.9 billion, is widely regarded as one of the most successful technology investors of his generation. As the co founder of Thoma Bravo , he helped build a private equity firm specializing in enterprise software, an industry that quietly powers much of the modern corporate world. Orlando Bravo, founder and managing partner of Thoma Bravo. Date Taken: 27 November 2018. Photo by Thoma Bravo Operating from Miami in Brickell, Bravo has contributed to the city’s rising prominence within the technology investment community. His firm’s acquisitions and strategic investments have shaped the software landscape, influencing companies whose platforms underpin global business operations. Micky Arison Net worth: approximately $8.7 billion Source of wealth: Chairman of Carnival Corporation, owner of the Miami Heat Micky Arison and Louis Sola at Port Canaveral. Date Taken: 4 June 2021 Unlike many of Miami’s newer billionaire arrivals, Micky Arison represents a legacy deeply rooted in the city itself. With an estimated net worth of approximately $8.7 billion, Arison serves as chairman of Carnival Corporation , the world’s largest cruise operator, a company that helped establish Miami as the cruise capital of the world. His ownership of the Miami Hea t further cemented his role in shaping the city’s cultural and economic identity. Through decades of leadership in both global tourism and professional sports, Arison’s influence has extended beyond business into civic life, philanthropy, and the city’s international image. Peter Thiel Net worth: approximately $6.3 billion and growing Source of wealth: Co-founder of PayPal, early investor in Facebook Peter Thiel speaking with attendees at the 2022 Converge Tech Summit at The Waste Management Phoenix Open at the Skybar at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo by Gage Skidmore Peter Thiel , whose net worth exceeds $6.3 billion, has long occupied a unique position in the technology and investment world. As a co-founder of PayPal and one of Facebook ’s earliest investors, he played a critical role in shaping Silicon Valley’s modern trajectory, backing companies that would go on to define entire sectors. Peter Thiel speaking with attendees at the 2022 Converge Tech Summit at The Waste Management Phoenix Open at the Skybar at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo by Gage Skidmore Thiel’s connection to Miami is particularly significant because of its timing. He was among the earlier wave of prominent technology investors to establish a presence in the city, helping to legitimize Miami as an emerging alternative to traditional tech hubs. His investments helped Miami to be a growingncenter for entrepreneurial and technological innovation. Carl Icahn Net worth: approximately $18 billion Source of wealth: Icahn Enterprises, activist investing Carl Icahn, circa 1980s Carl Icahn , with an estimated fortune of approximately $18 billion, is one of the most influential activist investors in corporate history. Through Icahn Enterprises , he built a reputation for acquiring stakes in companies and aggressively pushing for structural and strategic changes, often reshaping industries in the process. His ties to Miami, particularly through Indian Creek properties and regional investment activity, connect the city to decades of financial activism that have shaped corporate governance globally. David Tepper Net worth: approximately $22.8 billion Source of wealth: Appaloosa Management Image of David Tepper of Appaloosa Management. Date Taken: 8 May 2006. Photo by Appaloosa Management David Tepper , whose net worth is estimated at approximately $22.8 billion, built his fortune through Appaloosa Management , one of the most successful hedge funds of the modern era. Known for his ability to navigate volatile markets and identify distressed investment opportunities, Tepper has long been regarded as one of the most skilled investors in finance. While primarily associated with Palm Beach, Tepper remains part of the broader South Florida billionaire ecosystem, contributing to the region’s growing concentration of financial influence. Larry Page and Sergey Brin Combined net worth: well over $200 billion Source of wealth: Co-founders of Google Left to right, Sergey Brin and Larry Page of Google. Date Taken: 20 May 2008. Photo by Joi Ito Larry Page and Sergey Brin , the co-founders of Google, are among the most influential figures in modern technological history. Together, they built a company that fundamentally transformed how information is accessed, creating a platform that serves billions of people worldwide. Their combined net worth exceeds $200 billion, placing them among the wealthiest individuals on Earth. Their growing investments in Miami real estate signal a strategic and personal connection to the city, aligning them with a broader migration of technology leaders seeking new geographic bases. Norman Braman Net worth: over $1 billion Source of wealth: Auto dealerships, real estate, philanthropy Norman Braman and Knight Foundation Miami Program Director Matt Haggman. Date Taken: 28 November 2011. Photo by Knight Foundation Norman Braman , whose net worth exceeds $1 billion, represents a different dimension of Miami’s billionaire landscape. As a successful auto dealership magnate and real estate investor, Braman built his fortune locally, contributing directly to the city’s economic and cultural development. His philanthropic efforts and support for the arts have played a significant role in shaping Miami’s cultural identity, reinforcing the idea that wealth’s influence extends beyond business. Braman’s legacy illustrates that Miami’s billionaire story is not solely defined by recent arrivals but also by longstanding figures whose impact helped lay the foundation for the city’s current prominence. By ML Staff

Body sculpting treatments continue to grow in popularity across Miami, where patients increasingly seek ways to contour their shape without undergoing traditional surgery. Thanks to advancements in aesthetic technology, it’s now possible to reduce stubborn fat deposits, tighten skin, and enhance natural contours through minimally invasive or fully non-invasive procedures. But not all body sculpting procedures are created equal. Each treatment comes with its own trade-offs in terms of recovery time, effectiveness, and level of invasiveness. Below are five of the most widely offered body sculpting procedures available in Miami, along with what prospective patients should consider before booking a consultation. Image by DepositPhotos 1. Awake Liposuction (Offered by Squlpt) Best for:  Targeted fat removal with precision and shorter recovery Awake liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to remain conscious during treatment. This approach enables practitioners to contour areas in real time while avoiding general anesthesia. Clinics such as Squlpt specialize in this method, positioning it between traditional surgical liposuction and non-invasive treatments. It’s often chosen by patients who want noticeable fat reduction in stubborn areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs without extended downtime. Pros Immediate fat removal Shorter recovery compared to traditional surgery Precise contouring Cons Involves small incisions 2. Non-Invasive Laser Body Contouring (Offered by Vitality Laser Spa) Best for:  Gradual fat reduction without incisions Laser body contouring uses heat-based energy to break down fat cells beneath the skin. Over time, the body naturally eliminates these cells. Vitality Laser Spa offers laser-based sculpting treatments designed for patients who prefer a completely non-invasive option. While comfortable and convenient, laser contouring typically requires multiple sessions to achieve visible changes. Pros No needles or incisions Minimal to no downtime Comfortable treatment experience Cons Gradual results Multiple sessions required 3. Radiofrequency Body Sculpting (Offered by Seduction Cosmetic Center) Best for:  Fat reduction combined with skin tightening Radiofrequency (RF) treatments deliver controlled energy beneath the skin to stimulate collagen production while targeting small fat deposits. Seduction Cosmetic Center incorporates RF technology into its body sculpting offerings, often pairing it with other aesthetic treatments. RF sculpting is typically best suited for patients looking to improve mild skin laxity along with subtle contouring. Pros Non-invasive Improves skin firmness Can complement other treatments Cons Limited fat removal capability Results vary by skin type and treatment plan Image by DepositPhotos 4. Traditional Surgical Liposuction (Offered by Spectrum Aesthetics) Best for:  Larger-volume fat removal in one procedure Traditional liposuction remains a widely performed surgical method for removing significant fat deposits. Spectrum Aesthetics provides surgical contouring options for patients seeking more dramatic body reshaping. Although highly effective, surgical liposuction typically involves anesthesia, compression garments, and a longer recovery timeline compared to minimally invasive alternatives. Pros Significant fat removal Long-lasting results Cons Requires downtime Higher procedural risk 5. Air-Assisted Fat Removal (Offered by AirSculpt) Best for:  Minimally invasive fat extraction with skin-tightening benefits AirSculpt offers an air-assisted fat removal technique designed to permanently remove fat through small incisions using specialized cannulas. The method aims to reduce trauma while enhancing precision. This approach sits between surgical liposuction and non-invasive contouring in terms of invasiveness and recovery. Pros Permanent fat removal Smaller incisions than traditional liposuction Skin-tightening effects Cons Requires an incision, though small Typically higher cost than non-invasive options Image by DepositPhotos Final Thoughts Miami offers a wide range of body sculpting procedures, each designed for different goals and comfort levels. The best procedure ultimately depends on how much fat reduction you’re seeking, your tolerance for downtime, and whether you prefer non-invasive or minimally invasive solutions. A consultation with a qualified provider can help determine the most appropriate approach for your body and goals. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

Albury Landing  is now open in the Florida Keys, offering a new oceanfront estate in Tavernier's Old Historic District. Designed exclusively for full buyouts, the property combines the privacy of a residence with the amenities of a five-star resort. The estate features five accommodations designed by architectural firm D'Asign Source and interior design team Studio IDC in a contemporary "Hemingway Chic" style. The collection includes the four-bedroom Albury House, the one-bedroom Ocean Villa, the two-bedroom Bay Villa, and the one-bedroom Garden and Palm Villas. In total, the property can accommodate groups for milestone celebrations, family reunions, weddings, and corporate retreats. Amenities at Albury Landing include a heated and cooled pool, a large hot tub, and two private peninsula beaches. The property also features a deep-water boat basin and ramp, providing privileged access to the waters surrounding Tavernier Key for fishing, diving, and watersport excursions. Additional facilities include outdoor living spaces, fitness and yoga rooms, on-site spa services, a fire pit, and flexible event spaces. A dedicated concierge team is available to manage every aspect of a stay and curate bespoke experiences for guests, ranging from saltwater fly fishing and offshore sport fishing to seaplane adventures. To celebrate its opening, Albury Landing is offering a "One More Night On Us" promotion, providing a complimentary fourth night with the booking of three consecutive nights. The estate is located between Key Largo and Islamorada, approximately 90 minutes by car from Miami International Airport. By ML Staff. Photos: Albury Landing.

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami will host an adults-only NightLAB: Forces of Nature program on Thursday, April 2, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., inviting guests to explore weather science after hours. The 21+ evening will feature high-energy experiments and interactive programming focused on wind, waves and extreme weather, along with a special showing of Wildest Weather in Our Solar System in the Frost Planetarium. NightLAB will also offer a final opportunity to view the exhibition Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius before it closes on Sunday, April 5. Advanced rate tickets are available for a limited time, and attendees can buy tickets through the Frost Science website. By ML. Photo(s)/Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Miami Music Project will host its 2026 Spring Concert Series in March, featuring free performances by beginner, intermediate, and advanced student ensembles at venues across Miami-Dade County. Intermediate and advanced student orchestras will perform on Saturday, March 14 at 2:00 pm at the University of Miami Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, Florida. Beginner student ensembles will appear at Miami Music Project chapters throughout the week, starting Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 pm at the Little Havana Chapter at Citrus Grove K-8 Center, 2153 NW 3rd Street in Miami. Additional concerts are scheduled for Friday, March 13 at 5:30 pm at the Miami Beach Chapter at Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center, Monday, March 16 at 5:30 pm at the Miami Springs Chapter at Miami Springs Elementary School and at 5:30 pm at the Homestead Chapter at Gateway Environmental K-8, Tuesday, March 17 at 5:30 pm at the Little Haiti Chapter at Toussaint Louverture Elementary School, Wednesday, March 18 at 5:30 pm at the Miami Gardens Chapter at Carol City Elementary School, and Thursday, March 19 at 5:30 pm at the Liberty City Chapter at Henry E. S. Reeves K-8 Center #4491. The organization notes that the Little Havana Chapter concert time has been moved from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm because of auditorium availability, and admission is free for all performances. By ML. Photo(s)/Miami Music Project

Bam Adebayo delivered an 83 point performance for the Miami HEAT, setting a new franchise scoring mark and registering one of the most prolific individual outings in league history. The 83 points stand as the second highest single game total in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 point game in 1962. Adebayo’s scoring night established a new benchmark for the HEAT and added a notable chapter to the NBA’s record book. The performance came in Miami and featured efficient shooting and sustained offensive production across four quarters, underscoring Adebayo’s expanded role as a primary scorer for the HEAT. Fans can watch highlights of Adebayo’s 83 point game on the Miami HEAT’s official website. By ML. Photo(s)/Miami HEAT

Imagine you’re at the grocery store, standing before a selection of snacks. Seemingly without thinking, you skip over the rice crackers to pick out a bag of chips. Photo/Jeff Siepman/Unsplash These types of choices are called dietary decisions. It’s how we consider many different aspects of a food – including tastiness, healthiness and price – in order to decide what to buy and what to eat. It’s not well understood how our brains use all these different bits of information when making food choices. When does information about each aspect of the food become available to our brains to consider? That’s what we set out to investigate. In our new paper published in the journal Appetite , we show how, just hundreds of milliseconds after we have seen a food, many different attributes are reflected in brain activity. This happens extremely fast, long before a person can consciously decide whether or not to buy or eat the food. Peering inside the brain Naturally, how fast our brains process the different aspects of foods will affect our dietary decisions. For example, studies have reported that we may process how tasty we find a food more quickly than how healthy it is. This quirk can bias our choices toward foods that taste better over those that are healthier. Junk foods – tasty but not necessarily good for us – have an edge here. To investigate how quickly we process different aspects of foods, we used electroencephalography, a method that allows us to record electrical brain activity with millisecond precision. Brooke Lark/Unsplash We recorded people’s brain activity while showing them images of various foods, such as snack items, meats, fruits and sweets. We also asked people to rate each food on many different aspects, such as healthiness, tastiness, calorie content, familiarity, and how much they would like to eat the food. An example of a food item presented in the study. Chae et al., 2025 We then used machine learning techniques to compare patterns of brain activity (how different the brain responses were to different food items) with the patterns of ratings (how differently those foods were rated). This allowed us to test whether foods that had the largest differences in ratings also had the largest differences in brain activity. In other words – was information about food attributes actually reflected in people’s brain activity? As it turned out, it was. Information about different aspects of foods, such as healthiness, calorie content and familiarity, were reflected in the brain activity as early as 200 milliseconds after the food image was presented on the screen. These rapid brain responses occurred before people could be consciously aware of the food they were seeing. Other aspects of foods, such as tastiness and willingness to eat the food, were reflected in the brain activity slightly later. Choosing before choosing These findings suggest that various aspects of foods may grab our attention early and help guide our dietary decisions. The brain assesses many different aspects of foods automatically and with similar timing, shaping our food choices before we’re even aware of them. Surprisingly, we found that the healthiness of foods was represented in the brain activity earlier than tastiness. While this contradicted some previous findings, our machine learning techniques may have been more sensitive to detect subtle patterns of brain activity associated with each attribute. There were also similarities in the way people judged different aspects of a food. For example, foods that were less familiar were also rated as being less tasty. From these patterns of similarity, we identified two key food dimensions that may be particularly important when our brains evaluate foods. The first is the “processed” dimension: how natural or processed a food is. The second is the “appetising” dimension, which taps into how tasty and familiar we find a food. Both were reflected in patterns of brain activity very rapidly, about 200 milliseconds after seeing a food item. There’s more than the eye can see Our findings are most relevant to situations where we only rely on the visual features of foods, such as when ordering groceries or meals online, or using a picture menu at a restaurant. They shed light on how people make snap judgements at the supermarket or on food delivery apps. Our brain imaging approach can also be used to test if certain strategies, such as deliberately focusing on the healthiness of foods, might change how foods are rapidly appraised and help us improve our choices. While we used food images in this study, other senses are also important for dietary decisions. Smelling a mango or hearing the sizzle of a frying burger patty are likely processed quickly by the brain as well. The next step will be to look into these other sensory features of foods, to see how the brain processes not just images of food, but the real deal when placed in front of us. Words by Violet Chae, PhD Candidate, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne; Daniel Feuerriegel, ARC DECRA Fellow, The University of Melbourne; and Tijl Grootswagers, ARC DECRA Senior Research Fellow in Cognitive Neuroscience, Western Sydney University. Special thanks for The Conversation . Support and donate today.

BOL Hospitality Group  (BHG),  the South Florida hospitality company behind Bae Korean Grill, The BŌL Asian Cuisine, Seminole Cigar Landing, Davidoff of Geneva Cigar Lounge at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Social Room in Hollywood, has executed a lease for  Zhō , a new pan-Asian restaurant slated to open at Dania Pointe in Q4 2026. The 6,700-square-foot concept will be located on Pointe Drive adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale Improv. The groundbreaking is anticipated to take place in Q2 2026.    Named after the Chinese word for a boat used for travel, Zhō is conceived as a culinary vessel guiding guests on a contemporary journey across Asia. The concept will be rooted in Chinese culinary tradition and refined through Japanese technique, presenting distinct regional identities with precision and restraint. Rather than blending cuisines into fusion, Zhō will highlight the integrity of each culinary influence while offering a cohesive, experience-driven menu.   “We have been developing this concept for years with a clear vision,” said Eric Douglas, co-founder of BOL Hospitality Group. “Today’s guest expects more than a meal. They expect intention, craftsmanship and an environment that reflects the quality of what is on the plate. Zhō is designed to meet that expectation with depth, discipline and atmosphere.”   The culinary program will feature refined interpretations of regional specialties from China and Japan, complemented by rotating influences from other Asian regions. The beverage program will follow a similarly deliberate approach, incorporating Asian-inspired ingredients and techniques into a contemporary cocktail experience designed to elevate the overall dining environment.   Designed by architect RJS and interior designer P2 Interiors, Zhō’s interior design will emphasize warm woods, layered textures and architectural restraint to create a setting that feels both contemporary and immersive. Zhō will accommodate approximately 210 guests and feature inviting patio seating, a dynamic open kitchen anchored by a sushi bar as an experiential focal point.    Located just off I-95 between Griffin and Sterling Roads, Dania Pointe continues to establish itself as one of South Florida’s most dynamic mixed-use destinations. Zhō is expected to further elevate the property’s culinary profile and contribute to its continued evolution as a regional dining and entertainment hub.   Founded in 2013 by Eric Douglas and Hai Nguyen, BOL Hospitality Group has built a portfolio of high-energy, experience-driven concepts across South Florida. The group is best known for Bae Korean Grill at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, which has become a destination for interactive Korean barbecue dining, as well as Social Room, a nightlife-forward lounge concept in Hollywood recognized for its curated music programming and premium cocktail offerings. BOL Hospitality Group also operates The BŌL Asian Cuisine, Seminole Cigar Landing and Davidoff of Geneva Cigar Lounge at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, reinforcing its longstanding relationship with the Seminole Hard Rock campus.   Hai Nguyen oversees operational strategy and concept execution, while Eric Douglas leads brand development and long-term growth initiatives. Together, the partners have established a reputation for delivering design-forward venues that balance culinary quality with strong atmosphere and guest engagement. By ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of BOL Hospitality Group.

Fine jewelry brand Frank Darling has opened a new showroom in Miami, marking the company’s first physical location in the Southeast as it continues expanding its retail presence across the United States. The showroom, located at 2700 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 201, introduces the digitally native brand’s in-person consultation model to a market that has long supported the company through online sales. Founded as a modern alternative to the traditional diamond industry, Frank Darling focuses on custom engagement rings and bespoke fine jewelry. Clients work directly with designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces using ethically sourced diamonds. The company emphasizes transparency in pricing and sourcing while offering a personalized design process. The Miami showroom reflects the brand’s current retail concept. The space features a contemporary interior with high-contrast design elements and accents in the brand’s signature blue. The layout supports Frank Darling’s consultation-driven approach, where visitors can review a curated selection of diamonds and collaborate with designers to create custom pieces. Miami has been one of the brand’s strongest online markets for several years, making it a strategic location for its next stage of retail growth. The opening also represents Frank Darling’s first showroom in the region. With the Miami location, the company now operates a network of 12 showrooms across the country as it continues to blend digital retail with in-person design experiences. For more information or to book a consultation, visit: frankdarling.com . By ML Staff. Photos/ Frank Darling