Grammy-winning music artist and Law & Order: SVU twenty- seven season mainstay, Ice-T, sits down with Allison Kugel for an in-depth discussion reflecting on five decades in entertainment, his controversial lyrics, this thoughts on (the other) ICE, his love of the late Jimi Hendrix, and how he has evolved, both, as a husband and father. Ice-T also discusses his newest venture, a free streaming network, The O.G. Network, which he co-founded and curates along with his business partner, Courtney “Big Court” Richardson II. On his early hit O.G. Original Gangster and the Birth of Gangster Rap: “I didn’t think I was going to be big, because there was no one big yet. Now a kid can say, ‘I wanna be a rapper, because they can look at Drake and go ‘Look at that.’ But who was I to look at? Grandmaster Flash and Furious Five were still struggling. Hip hop wasn’t big enough. We’re talking about 1982. Original Gangster was way later. That was three albums in. “O.G. is a term used by the L.A. gangs for the first generation of a particular set. But also in L.A., the term just means ‘The Original.’ I brought it to the forefront when the press decided to name what we did ‘Gangster Rap,’ and they named it Gangster Rap because of Ice Cube. They didn’t have a name for [the genre] when we first started. They were calling it ‘Reality Rap,’ but I was like, ‘Well, this is not everybody’s reality. This is just some particular kids’ reality.’ So, Ice Cube did Straight Outta Compton and he said ‘Straight Outta Compton; crazy mother*cker named Ice Cube; from the gang called n*ggas with attitude.’ And the press said, ‘Oh, he referred to his rap group as a gang . They’re gangster rappers.’ That’s where the media gave us that name and I said, ‘Okay, if this is gangster rap, I’m the Original Gangster . I tagged myself on the tag they gave us, so I was, like, claiming my terrain.” On “O.G.” making its way into pop culture from his 1991 hit song O.G. Original Gangster : “I shoulda trademarked it. But Rakim says, ‘I’ll take a phrase that’s rarely heard, flip it; now it’s a daily word.’ A lot of terms come from Hip Hop, but yeah, I put ‘O.G.’ into the game.” On parting ways with Warner Brothers Music in the ‘90s after 1991’s Cop Killer : “What happened was Cop Killer came out. I had done five or six albums with Warner Brothers. Everything was cool until we did Cop Killer . Sh*t hit the fan, Charlton Heston went after Warner Brothers. I got caught in the crossfire. Warner Brothers was concerned with the next album I was putting out, which was called Home Invasion , which was saying that Hip Hop was invading white families; we’ve invaded white kids’ minds with Black rage. They were nervous about putting the record out. I just went to Warner and said, ‘Look, you’re all taking a lot of heat from me. I’m the one that’s causing this problem. You guys loved the Cop Killer album. You didn’t block it, but now it’s hot. Let me go.’ I asked to go and they gave me a release, and I did my next record at Priority.” “I don’t dislike cops. I dislike racism and I dislike bullies. If you wear a badge or not, it doesn’t matter. When I was a criminal I didn’t hate the cops. Any good criminal, the cop is the opponent. He’s not the enemy, he’s the opponent. If I’m a drug dealer, we need the cops because the cops create the margin. If the cocaine becomes legal, there’s no money for us. We need it to be illegal. Me, myself, I’m not a cop killer and I’m not a cop. I’m acting in both of them. I didn’t kill no cops, and I’m not a policeman. I cannot arrest you.” On the controversy surrounding ICE (the other ICE) : “I’m on the right side of proper law enforcement, but what we’re seeing now in America with ICE, what is law enforcement? What is it, and who draws what line and where? They don’t need warrants. So if ICE decides they want to come in my house without a warrant, does the Second Amendment permit me to shoot them? If they’re out there behaving illegally, what makes them legal, cause they got a badge? Unfortunately, their name is ICE, so I’m taking the heat, regardless? But as far as doing Cop Killer (his 1992 heavy metal song with his group Body Count) , Cop Killer was a protest record about brutal cops. The fact that he became a hero to some, that lets you know how some people feel about the police.” On refusing to watch the Diddy docu-series on Netflix: “I didn’t watch it. I’m not into gossip. That’s not my stuff. I purposely avoid all of it. I’m not a woman. Coco might have watched it, but I don’t do that. I don’t do gossip. I’m a man. I was not involved in that [stuff]. I wasn’t there and I don’t care.” On doing Law & Order: SVU for 27 seasons: “Everyone is wonderful on the show. The environment is so cool. Mariska is so dope, and so nice and easy to work with. I couldn’t do it if it was a hostile work environment. But it’s like a team. Everyone’s like, ‘Ice is here, we’re getting ready to go and do it!’ I love that energy. I also know there’s not many better jobs than acting. It’s grown up make believe. How could you find a better job. I’m still able to do music. I tour with Body Count (his heavy metal band) on every vacation. All my artistic itches are being scratched. And it doesn’t hurt to have a solid job. Body Count, Ice-T. Photo by Andreas Lawen, Fotandi On his SVU character, Fin Tutuola, being the longest running male TV character in history: “Somebody said Homer Simpson, and I’m like, ‘He ain’t real. Homer doesn’t have to get up in the morning and do a call time (laughs) . After Season 21 we beat Gun Smoke ; that was James Arness. Mariska has me by a few episodes, because I came on in the beginning of the second season, so she has twenty episodes on me. But in order to get that, you have to be on the longest running show. It’s a Catch 22. When I went on that show, I went on to only do four episodes, and now it’s twenty-seven years later. In this business, the only way you know if you’re good is if you get called back. I’ve been getting called back, so I must be doing the job. And when this thing is over, which all good things will come to an end, there’s still a lot of acting left for me. I see Liam Neeson out here doing action movies. I see Denzel, and he’s seventy. Like I always say, I’m Black. I don’t jump off a boat while it’s floating (laughs) . This boat is still floating, so why would you jump off (laughs) . I’d like to take it for the full ride. ” On being more present for daughter Chanel than he was for his two older children: “My first daughter, I was in the streets, still. So it was more presents over presence. She had all the new sneakers and cool stuff that I could give her, but I wasn’t there. I was in the streets hustling. I didn’t really reconnect with my daughter until she was 16, when she came to live with me. Little Ice, he was born right when I was becoming Ice-T, like right when this star sh*t was starting to happen. I, once again, was not home. I was on the road. I was doing what it takes, you know. You’re trying to become whoever the f*ck you’re supposed to be. The grind that it takes to hit a certain cruising altitude where now you’re known and you got options and people offering you things, it’s difficult to do in a relationship, or with kids. By the time I had Chanel I was at that altitude. Me and Coco had been married at that point fifteen years. At thirty she didn’t want to have kids. At thirty-five she got the bug. She said, ‘I want to have a baby.’ We decided to have Chanel. I was with Coco every day of the pregnancy, I took her to the hospital, I saw Chanel being born and Chanel still sleeps in the bed with us. I’m extremely present. I’m taking Chanel to school and to kung fu. I’m here and present for this child, totally, and it’s the most wonderful thing in the world.” On how his marriage to wife Coco has evolved over 25 years: “When you’re twenty-five years into marriage you go through hard times; you go through all kinds of different things, but you love the person more every day because when you’re married, you’re married to somebody who can deal with your flaws. The first thing you have to realize is you’re not perfect, and the person who can accept your imperfections is usually the person you connect to. The problem why people can’t connect is because they don’t believe they have anything wrong with them, and that it’s everyone else. Coco puts up with me. She puts up with my hours, she puts up with my behavior. And I love her. I love her idiosyncrasies.” “Coco is an extrovert. She’s just out there, she’s fun. I needed that. I need someone exciting. I’m very low key. So we work off each other, but I think when you first get together you’re excited but you don’t know why. You’re just basing it off of lust and the excitement of a new person. I think when you’ve been with somebody a long time, you know why now. Maybe you made a mistake and she stayed down with you or vice versa, and that locks you in. When I got with Coco, I’m twenty years older than Coco, and when I got with her, I was like, ‘This is for the rest of the way out,’ in my mind. When you’re in a relationship, you only know what you think. You don’t know what the other person is thinking, so you hope they feel the same way.” On the career advice he gave his wife, Coco: “I think she was the first influencer. I told her, ‘I can’t be your manager; I can’t be your agent. I can be your consultant if you want to ask me a question, but you need your own accolades. You need to win on your own. That’s gonna build character; your wins and your victories. I got a lot of accolades. Get your [own] accolades. But, if you come to a point where you want to ask my opinion, do it. You see people sitting around waiting hours to talk to me, to ask for my opinion. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of it?’” On the one famous historical event he wishes he’d been there to witness: “Oh, Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock. I am a big Jimi Hendrix fan. That’s what got me into [rock] music. My cousin thought he was Jimi Hendrix and would walk around playing the air guitar. And to never have been able to see Jimi Hendrix live… I would have loved to see him. I’ve studied and watched his interviews, and I just think he’s the coolest mother*cker.” On Co-Founding The O.G. Network with Courtney “Big Court” Richardson II: “Court is a brotha that I became aware of because he was, like, Master P’s righthand man. He had a podcast called Holding Court , and I noticed he had an Ice-T poster in the background. When I met him he told me, ‘Ice, I’ve studied you. Every record you’ve put out; I know what you’re talking about. I did his podcast a couple times and we became friends. He called me and said, ‘Ice, I’ve got an idea, I want to start a network. Once I understood it, I said the only way I want to get involved is if we can’t be taken down. You could have a YouTube channel with 500,000 subscribers, wake up tomorrow and you’re red flagged. I knew we had to have control over it, and we need to build it straight up to where it’s our network. So that’s what we did. It’s called The O.G. Network . You can get to it at theognetwork.net. We filled it full of O.G. stuff, classic stuff. We’ve got Blaxploitation movies, we’ve got Ice-T movies on there, Master P movies on there, karate movies. The end result is, really, we’re mimicking Tubi.” Ice-T along with co-founder Courtney “Big Court” Richardson II launched The O.G. Network , a FAST Channel Streaming Network available through Roku, Apple, Google Play and Fire TV. The free streamer focuses on urban storytelling. Learn more at theognetwork.net . By Allison Kugel

Because what most homeowners don’t prepare for is what happens after the storm—when the real cost of disruption begins to surface. In Miami, hurricanes are not surprises. They are seasons—tracked, named, and anticipated. Homeowners board up with shutters, stock flashlights and bottled water, and fill their gas tanks. And yet, every year, once the skies clear, the same realization sets in: “We thought we were ready.” The air conditioning hums back to life, still strained by extreme heat. Hidden damage begins to surface days later. Contractors are booked weeks out, delays compound, and temporary lodging becomes necessary. The stress of recovery quickly eclipses the storm itself. That’s where Omnio steps in—coordinating repairs, confirming coverage, and reimbursing eligible homeowner insurance deductibles—so recovery feels managed, not overwhelming. Omnio is a luxury, concierge-level home warranty built specifically for Florida living, with hurricane realities at its core. It’s designed not just for what might break, but for what homeowners actually experience before and after major weather events. Before the storm, Omnio provides something invaluable: certainty. Homeowners know they have higher coverage limits, no deductibles, no service fees, no age limits on appliances, and no long-term contracts. They know exactly who to call—and that a vetted professional will arrive. That confidence alone changes how people approach hurricane season. After the storm, the difference becomes even more tangible. What sets Omnio apart isn’t just the scope of coverage—it’s the experience. Traditional home warranties often leave homeowners navigating delays, fine print, and capped payouts at the worst possible moment. Omnio replaces that friction with a concierge model backed by vetted professionals who understand Florida construction, Florida systems, and Florida timelines. In Miami, homes aren’t basic. They include pools, outdoor kitchens, advanced HVAC systems, and whole-home generators. Omnio was built to protect the way people actually live here—not the way policies are written elsewhere. The most important distinction, however, is timing. Home protection only works if it’s in place before the storm. Waiting until after the damage is done is like trying to buy peace of mind when you need it most—and finding out it’s unavailable. Omnio exists so that when the forecast changes, homeowners don’t have to panic about what comes next. They already know. Hurricane season will come either way. The question is whether you’ll enter it hoping for the best—or protected for what’s real. To learn more about Florida’s only luxury home warranty built for before and after the storm. Visit omnio.com or call 888-GO-OMNIO today. By ML Staff. Photos/iStock

As part of our legal advice series, Regina M. Campbell, Esq. , Managing Partner of The Campbell Law Group P.A. (TCLG), offers practical insight into key employment law issues affecting Florida businesses. She outlines major developments heading into 2026, including wage increases, overtime compliance, and the growing use of AI in the workplace. Read on and learn how proactive legal guidance can help employers reduce risk and plan effectively. Image source Depositphotos . Miami Living: What are the most significant employment law updates impacting Florida businesses in 2026? Regina M. Campbell: In our work with Florida employers, one of the biggest updates heading into 2026 is the final scheduled increase in the state’s minimum wage. On September 30, 2026, Florida’s minimum wage is set to rise to $15.00 per hour for non-tipped employees under the voter-approved constitutional amendment. For many businesses, this is far more than a simple payroll change. It calls for careful budgeting, updated payroll practices, and a full review of compensation planning. We have seen how quickly wage issues can escalate when employers fall behind. Claims under the Florida Minimum Wage Act can involve back pay, liquidated damages, and attorneys’ fees, and intentional violations may also trigger civil penalties. For organizations with large hourly workforces or tight margins, those exposures can become costly in a very short period of time. Beyond wage updates, employers should also pay attention to the compliance side of onboarding and verification. Noncompliance can lead to fines, increased scrutiny, and, in some industries, even licensing consequences. Businesses benefit from documented onboarding procedures and dependable vendor systems that consistently capture and retain verification steps. We are also watching developments, such as the 2025 CHOICE Act, particularly those education-related provisions that may influence employer obligations and workforce planning in the coming year. Miami Living: How should employers prepare for evolving federal overtime and wage regulations? Regina M. Campbell: Federal overtime and wage rules continue to shift and, in our experience, the businesses that do best are the ones that treat compliance as an ongoing process, not a one-time project. That starts with having the right guidance in place. Many employers benefit from working with trusted legal advisors—whether outside employment counsel or in-house general counsel—so that they receive steady updates as rules and interpretations evolve. From an operational standpoint, we often recommend building and maintaining a clear internal list of employees who regularly work overtime, along with periodic classification audits to confirm who is truly exempt and who is non-exempt. Job titles alone are not enough. Employers need to review job duties, salary levels, and hours worked to reduce misclassification risk, as the Department of Labor’s guidance and enforcement priorities change, including potential shifts in salary thresholds. Timekeeping is another common source of preventable risk. Employers should upgrade systems and processes to capture all hours worked, including remote work, training, travel time, when applicable, and small pre- and post-shift tasks that can easily be overlooked. Payroll systems should also correctly and consistently calculate and report overtime premiums. We also encourage regular updates to written policies and handbooks to reflect current federal standards on work time, overtime approval, and off-the-clock prohibitions. Just as importantly, managers and HR teams should be trained periodically on overtime rules, documentation requirements, and how to respond to employee questions consistently. Finally, employers should monitor developments from the Department of Labor, the IRS, and Florida courts— including opinion letters and wage-related reporting issues—and schedule periodic check-ins with employment counsel so they can adjust their practices before any changes to the laws take effect. Miami Living: What legal risks are emerging from AI-driven hiring, monitoring, and workforce analytics tools? Regina M. Campbell: We are seeing more Florida companies adopt AI tools for hiring, employee monitoring, and workforce analytics. While these tools can improve efficiency, they also introduce new legal risks that leadership teams should take seriously. A major concern is the lack of human oversight. When businesses rely on AI to screen applicants, flag performance issues, or guide employment decisions without meaningful review, they increase exposure to discrimination claims, privacy concerns, and regulatory scrutiny. We are also seeing situations in which people simply accept the tool’s output without questioning the outcome, even when the decision does not line up with what a reasonable person would conclude. Vendor relationships add another layer of risk. Contracting with an AI provider does not transfer responsibility to the vendor. In fact, using third-party tools can increase litigation exposure if rights and duties are assigned without a clear accountability structure. Without careful due diligence and well-drafted agreements, businesses may find themselves defending decisions tied to flawed systems, poor data inputs, or inadequate oversight, often at significant cost. We also caution clients not to underestimate the broader legal environment around AI. Courts and regulators are paying closer attention to how AI is used, and the consequences for misuse can be serious. In some contexts, professionals have even faced court sanctions for improper reliance on AI-generated work. For employers, the takeaway is simple: AI can support decision-making, but leadership still owns the outcome. Thoughtful implementation, documented review processes, and ongoing monitoring are essential. Photo/Sofia Rivas Miami Living: How can companies reduce exposure to wage and hour claims and collective actions? Regina M. Campbell: Wage and hour matters remain among the most common sources of employment disputes, and when they develop into collective actions, exposure can grow quickly. In our experience, prevention starts with time tracking. Employers should implement reliable clock-in and clock-out procedures and require employees to record all hours worked accurately. Policies should also spell out expectations for breaks, overtime approval, remote work, and after-hours communications. Recordkeeping is equally important. Employers should maintain detailed, up-to-date records of hours worked, wages paid, classifications, and break practices. Strong documentation can discourage claims and provide meaningful defenses if a dispute arises. We have seen situations where the lack of records created unnecessary vulnerability even when the employer believed it was paying employees properly. We also recommend reviewing pay practices to confirm employees are paid for all compensable time at the correct regular and overtime rates. That includes time that can slip through the cracks, such as training, certain travel time, remote work, and after-hours emails or messages that effectively require employees to work off the clock. Finally, employers should create internal channels for employees to raise concerns about pay or scheduling without fear of retaliation. When businesses respond early—by correcting errors, paying back wages when appropriate, or updating policies—issues are far less likely to turn into group claims. Miami Living: What are the most common mistakes employers make when classifying workers as independent contractors? Regina M. Campbell: Misclassification remains a major risk area, especially as remote and flexible work becomes more common. One of the most frequent mistakes we see is assuming that working from home, part-time schedules, or flexible hours automatically signal independent contractor status. In reality, classification turns on factors such as who directs the work, who bears risk, and how integrated the role is within the business. Another issue is documentation. Employers sometimes fail to properly document contractor work and hours, which can become a major problem if the relationship is later challenged. We also see businesses use remote engagements to bypass payroll and benefits systems without fully evaluating whether the arrangement still meets contractor standards under the law. Classification should also be revisited over time. A business may categorize someone as a 1099 worker during onboarding and never revisit that decision, even as the scope and duration of the work expand. Short-term projects can turn into long-term, employee-like roles, and managers may gradually increase control and responsibilities for convenience—often without legal review—until the relationship clearly resembles employment in hindsight. The best approach is to document classification decisions, revisit them periodically, and seek guidance before work arrangements evolve into something riskier than originally intended. Miami Living: How can proactive legal guidance help businesses prevent employment disputes before they escalate? Regina M. Campbell: Over the years, we have found that businesses reduce risk most effectively when they treat employment law as a proactive part of running the company, rather than something they address only after a complaint is filed. That begins with employee handbooks and policies that reflect current state and federal law. Well-drafted policies give managers, Human Resources, and leadership a consistent playbook, reduce on-the-fly decision-making, and put the business in a stronger position if a dispute later arises. Proactive guidance also includes periodic audits that review wage and hour practices, classification decisions, and performance documentation. Regular reviews of employee performance and internal procedures help businesses identify problems early and address them before they escalate into formal disputes. When issues do surface, companies with strong documentation and an established legal strategy are often able to resolve matters earlier and on better terms, avoiding protracted litigation. In today’s environment, prevention is often the smartest investment a business can make. The Campbell Law Group (TCLG) 2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 540 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Phone: (305) 460-0145 Fax: (305) 675-3973 tclgfirm.com By Markin Abras.

Thousands of men and women serving in the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, and other branches of the military transition from military to civilian life every year. When they do, they become eligible for a wide range of federal and state benefits that can assist with their transition and lives afterward.  Image by Sydney Rae / Unsplash For many, these benefits are crucial when they face challenges related to their mental and physical health, employment, education, and housing. However, despite the many benefits available, not all veterans know what they can access or how to access them. Awareness and improved access are crucial for ensuring veterans can get the help and support they need and deserve.  Available Benefits  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has developed a broad range of programs to support veterans and their families. For example, under healthcare, they can access primary care, specialized treatment, mental health services, and prescription coverage.  Veterans can also be eligible for a Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits  if they were exposed to asbestos during their service and developed an asbestos-related illness. If they were injured or became ill as a result of their service, they may receive monthly tax-free compensation, depending on the severity of their disability.  There are also education and training programs to help pay for college and further training, and VA-backed home loans to help eligible veterans purchase, build, or refinance a home with favorable terms. Finally, veterans or their spouses can apply for pension benefits, employment services, and life insurance and survivor benefits. All veteran benefits  have different eligibility criteria, often based on income, disability status, type and length of service, and discharge characterization.  Barriers to Accessing Benefits While multiple benefits and programs exist for veterans, they still encounter many major obstacles when accessing them:  Complexity of the Process Many programs involve extensive paperwork, documentation requirements, and long wait times. When veterans are already managing health issues or financial stress, trying to navigate a complicated benefits process is often beyond what they’re capable of.  A Lack of Information Upon being discharged, not all veterans are made aware of their rights and support options. Some may also believe they aren’t eligible for specific programs or benefits, even though that isn't the case.  Mental Health Challenges When a veteran is facing a mental health condition, such as PTSD , anxiety, or depression, a complicated system can be too difficult to navigate.  Improving Awareness and Access  Understanding that eligible veterans aren’t always accessing the benefits they deserve and are entitled to, many agencies and organizations are working hard to close the information gap. For example, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has developed transition assistance programs , outreach programs, and online tools to educate service members before they leave active duty.  A number of groups have also made education and information their priority. Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion are among the many organizations that can help with filing claims and navigating appeals.  If you’re a veteran who isn’t aware of the programs and benefits available to support you in everyday civilian life, connect with a group, charity, or organization that can help. You may be surprised by the entitlements available to help with the transition from military to civilian life.  By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash

Miami Living sits down with Lofty Style founders Camila Ortiz and Wander Cordeiro , a husband-and-wife duo behind one of Brazil’s most successful fashion brands, with more than 60 stores nationwide. Rooted in Brazilian culture and guided by purpose, Lofty Style reflects a shared vision of meaningful, timeless design shaped by personal experience. The founders share their entrepreneurial journey, the values that define their brand, and why now is the right moment to expand into the U.S. market. Miami Living:  Tell me about your career as an entrepreneur. What motivated you to create Lofty Style? Camila:  My journey began long before Lofty Style existed. I entered the fashion world at a young age, selling clothing in shopping malls. It was there that I learned how to truly observe people, to understand their needs, their desires, and what made them feel confident. That’s when I realized that, for me, fashion was never just about aesthetics; it was about connection. During that time, I met Wander, who began as my manager and later became my greatest partner in both life and business. He is my husband, my daily support, and the person who believed in me when everything was still just a dream. Together, we opened the first Lofty Style store with almost nothing. No prior experience, no capital, just faith, a deep desire to serve, and the determination to build something that could truly make a difference in women’s lives. Lofty Style was born from that sense of purpose: the desire to bring meaning to fashion and to create pieces that make women feel seen, respected, beautiful, and comfortable all at once. Miami Living:  What was the most important lesson you learned when transforming Lofty Style into what it is today? Camila:  The most important lesson I’ve learned is that purpose sustains you through any obstacle. Throughout our journey, we had to redefine the brand more than once, especially during challenging periods such as the pandemic. It was during those moments that I understood even more clearly that when a company is built on authentic values and refuses to simply sell fashion, it finds resilience, creativity, and solutions. Leadership is not only about strategic decisions; it’s about having the courage to protect the soul of the brand, even when the market feels uncertain. Miami Living:  What sets Lofty Style apart from other brands in the same segment? Wander:  Lofty Style stands out because we create fashion with people at the center, not just products. Every collection, every fabric selection, and every design decision is inspired by real women and their real lives, rather than seasonal trend reports. Our DNA is timeless and guided by meaning: pieces designed to be worn, lived in, and remembered. Miami Living:  What are you best known for? Wander:  Lofty Style is known for delivering natural elegance without compromising comfort. We are recognized for creating a smart wardrobe, pieces that fit beautifully, function effortlessly in everyday life, transcend seasons, and build a genuine emotional connection with the women who wear them. Miami Living:  Can you describe your design or product philosophy? What influences your creative process? Camila:  My design philosophy is simple: intention before trend. I don’t create based solely on what’s currently trending. I first think about the woman who will wear the piece, what she experiences, what she needs, and what may be missing from her wardrobe. I find inspiration in everyday life, in conversations, personal experiences, and the real challenges women face. My creative process begins with sincere listening and ends with pieces that tell stories, carry meaning, and have soul. Miami Living:  You are launching your online store in the U.S. this year. Why is now the right time for Lofty Style to enter the American market? Wander:  Expanding into the United States feels like a natural evolution of our journey. For years, Lofty Style has been built on a strong foundation, developing products with a distinct identity, strengthening our internal culture, and nurturing a loyal community in Brazil. We never rushed growth; we built it intentionally. Today, the brand has reached a level of maturity that allows us to enter the international market without needing to reinvent ourselves. The American consumer is sophisticated and discerning and values exactly what we believe in: well-constructed pieces, functional elegance, genuine quality, and design that does not rely on trends to exist. Entering the U.S. market now means opening a new dialogue with women who appreciate authenticity. It’s about bringing our vision of structured, timeless, and intentional fashion to a space that celebrates strong identity. This is not an impulsive move. It is a natural next step in who we’ve become. Miami Living:  How do you plan to adapt or localize the brand for American consumers while remaining true to your origins? Camila:  For us, adaptation does not mean losing identity. We want to listen, learn, and connect with the American consumer while staying true to our foundation of connection, meaning, and purpose. We will respect local habits, climate, lifestyle, and specific needs while proudly maintaining our Brazilian essence. We see this expansion as a cultural dialogue, not a reinvention of who we are. Miami Living:  You travel to Miami often. What are your favorite places and activities in the city? Camila:  Miami inspires me with its unique blend of design, art, and multicultural energy. I love walking through the Design District, observing the architecture, the details, and how different cultures express themselves visually. Whenever possible, I spend time near the ocean. There’s something about the immensity of the sea that brings clarity, organizes my thoughts, and reconnects creativity with purpose. Miami expands horizons, and as an entrepreneur, that kind of inspiration is always welcome. By ML Staff. Photos/Lofty Style

Miami and South Florida are known for sunshine, active living, and vibrant communities always on the move. For residents juggling work, workouts, family time, and everything in between, eating well shouldn’t be the part of life that gets sacrificed. That’s where  Fitlife Foods  steps in — transforming how locals approach nutrition with convenient, chef-crafted meals that support fitness goals, everyday wellness, and delicious living right here in our backyard. Fitlife Foods in Miami   brings healthy eating straight to your home with streamlined delivery options and meal prep solutions that fit your schedule. Whether you’re preparing for a race, balancing calories for weight goals, or simply want nutritious meals without the hassle of planning and cooking, Fitlife Foods delivers consistently fresh, ready-to-eat dishes designed with real ingredients and real taste. Home Delivery That Keeps Pace with Your Day Gone are the days of spending hours grocery shopping or cooking after a long day. With  healthy meals available for delivery in Miami ,  Fitlife Foods makes it easy to stay on track without stepping foot in the kitchen. From lean proteins and balanced macros to whole-food sides and vibrant produce, every meal is portioned and prepared so you can eat with intention and convenience. Delivery is simple, flexible, and tailored to you. Choose your meals online, set your delivery schedule, and enjoy fresh, fully prepared food right when you need it — whether that’s before a sunrise workout or after a long shift. Meal Prep Done for You Meal prep is a cornerstone of success for many fitness enthusiasts, busy professionals, and health-conscious families. Fitlife Foods takes this concept further by offering weekly selections that remove planning stress and streamline progress toward your goals. Opt for protein-packed entrees, carb-conscious dishes, or balanced combinations that support muscle recovery, weight management, and sustainable eating habits. With rotating menus and chef-inspired selections, your meals never feel repetitive — they feel exciting, fresh, and aligned with your personal lifestyle. Supporting Fitness Goals and Healthy Living Fitlife Foods aligns perfectly with the active South Florida lifestyle. Whether you’re training for your next race, maintaining strength training cycles, or prioritizing long-term health, Fitlife Foods provides the nourishment your body needs. Many customers report improved energy, better workout recovery, and increased consistency in meeting their nutrition targets after integrating Fitlife Foods into their routines. Eating well shouldn’t be a luxury or a chore. In Miami, it’s now a seamless part of life, thanks to a service that champions wholesome ingredients, expert preparation, and effortless delivery. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Fitlife Foods

Celebrating academic excellence and civic engagement, the Broward League of Cities invites eligible Broward County high school seniors to apply for its scholarship program. Students pursuing college studies that benefit municipal government professionalism are eligible to apply for one of four $2,500 scholarships. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, February 25, 2026.   Felicia Brunson, Mariana Robayo, Alan Naranjo, Nicole Hennesy, Alana Karam (L to R) “Providing these scholarships is a privilege and an honor for our organization,” said Councilmember Denise Horland, President of the Broward League of Cities. “By supporting students today, we are helping cultivate the next generation of leaders who will lead our ONE Broward County toward a stronger, more resilient future.”   To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must: be a 2026 graduating senior in a Broward County high school, and a permanent resident of Broward County; be pursuing a major in public administration, political science, or a government-related field at any accredited college, university, or trade school in the United States; and have a minimum cumulative unweighted grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), verified by a school transcript. For over a decade, the Broward League of Cities has supported Broward County students in pursuing higher education through its Scholarship for Government Studies program. To date, the program has awarded more than $55,000 to exemplary students residing in cities across Broward County who have showcased strong leadership, communication, and judgment skills throughout their high school careers.   To learn more about the Broward League of Cities Scholarship for Government Studies and to apply, visit https:// bit.ly/BLOCScholarship .   ABOUT THE BROWARD LEAGUE OF CITIES Chartered in 1957, the Broward League of Cities is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and resolving issues facing Broward County’s 31 cities and municipalities. A member of the Florida League of Cities, which serves to unify local governments throughout the state of Florida, the organization’s membership is made up of elected officials from municipal governments and area businesses. The organization is committed to increasing awareness and providing resolution to issues that affect day-to-day operations of local government, including legislation at the county, state and federal levels. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Broward League of Cities

Miami teaches a specific kind of travel discipline. Plans often run on reservations, time-boxed beach windows, and a constant awareness of curb space. Hotel entrances get busy fast. Valet lines form in seconds. A short ride can stretch if the drop-off point is unclear or if traffic compresses near the water. Tunisia’s resort zones deliver a different coastline, yet the movement rules feel oddly familiar to anyone used to Miami’s pace. The beach vibe may look effortless. The day still depends on how the first hour after landing is handled and how the last mile is approached when streets tighten and hotel frontage becomes crowded. A Tunisia itinerary feels lighter when transfers are treated as part of the plan, not as filler between the good parts. Image by DepositPhotos Arrival discipline that feels familiar to Miami travelers For landing days that need to stay under control, taxi tunisia planning works best when the ride is decided before stepping into the pickup swirl, and GetTransfer supports that by letting a request go out early and showing multiple driver offers with vehicle details and reviews. That simple structure mirrors the way Miami residents protect their schedules around MIA or Miami Beach drop-offs. Decisions made in advance reduce the urge to improvise curbside. It also helps when the first destination is a resort corridor where check-in traffic and short stops can slow the final blocks. The point is not to over-plan a vacation. The point is to avoid wasting the first evening on preventable logistics, and to arrive with enough margin to keep dinner and downtime intact. Last mile rules in resort zones Resort areas have a pattern that repeats across beach cities. The closer the route gets to the hotel zone, the more the movement turns choppy. Cars pause for quick unloads. Pedestrians cut across. Drivers circle for a spot that looks usable. Tunisia’s coastal areas can have the same feel, especially during busy arrival hours. A clean approach starts with defining what “arrival” means for each stop. Sometimes it is the front door. Sometimes it is a nearby access point that avoids looping through a tight frontage. That mindset is familiar in Miami, where a smart drop point can save time and keep the approach calm. It also reduces distracted driving in the highest-friction part of the route. The last mile is where navigation prompts come fast, and attention gets pulled in multiple directions. A deliberate drop strategy keeps the final minutes predictable and keeps the day from drifting. From beach city to beach city what changes between Miami and Tunisia The similarities are useful, yet Tunisia has its own rules. Miami’s grid logic and signage can be forgiving even when traffic is heavy. In Tunisia, routes can shift more quickly as streets narrow, medina edges appear, and the most direct path is not always the most practical path for a drop-off. Parking expectations also change. In Miami, parking can be expensive and scarce, but the systems are familiar and consistent. In Tunisia’s resort areas, the issue is often time rather than cost. The search pattern can add loops that feel small until they eat an hour across the day. The most reliable habit is separating drive time from arrival time. Drive time is the route itself. Arrival time includes the final approach, any circling, a short walk, and the reset needed before stepping into the next plan. Miami travelers already do this without naming it. Tunisia simply rewards the habit more, because the last mile can be less predictable around hotel frontage and older street patterns. A compact checklist for keeping the day on pace • Build every move with two clocks: drive minutes for the route, then arrival minutes for drop-off, access, and the final blocks. • Avoid stacking a tight meeting, dinner reservation, or spa slot immediately after landing. Keep a short reset window. • Plan resort-zone arrivals away from the heaviest check-in and dinner hours when possible. Those windows amplify slowdowns. • Choose a drop point before entering dense areas. A clean handoff beats circling with luggage in the back seat. • Keep one buffer block on transfer-heavy days, especially when switching cities or moving between hotel zones. • On departure day, plan backward from the terminal time and leave earlier than feels comfortable. Delays cluster near exits and entrances. This is the same rhythm that works in Miami when a day includes Brickell meetings, a beach reservation, and an evening plan on the water. Tunisia rewards the same discipline because it keeps attention on experiences, not on solving transport in the moment. The service detail that matters without turning into a pitch Miami Living readers tend to care about time, comfort, and cost clarity. Tunisia trips become easier to manage when transport decisions are made with those priorities in mind. GetTransfer can be described as a planning layer that keeps choices visible. A ride request is set up ahead of time. Multiple offers can be compared. The vehicle can be matched to luggage and the tone of the day. Reviews provide context when the goal is to avoid uncertainty at the curb. That is enough to make the connection feel relevant without leaning on sales language. The strongest value is practical. Less curbside negotiation. Fewer last-minute surprises. A cleaner first hour after landing. That is the difference between arriving in a resort zone ready to enjoy the coast and arriving already behind schedule. Image by DepositPhotos The first evening is the luxury that counts A Tunisia coastline itinerary does not need to be packed to feel high-end. It needs to run on time. The first evening sets the mood, and it is also the moment most likely to get squeezed by airport delays and last-mile confusion. When transfers are treated as real blocks with buffers, the trip starts with control rather than scrambling. The same logic protects the final morning. A calm departure comes from a plan that respects traffic patterns and hotel-zone friction instead of betting on perfect conditions. Miami travelers already know the rule: beach city life is easier when movement stays predictable, and everything else stays flexible. Tunisia’s resort zones follow the same truth, just with new streets and a different coastline waiting at the end of the ride. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

Cartier has unveiled the latest evolution of its iconic Clash de Cartier jewelry collection, introducing new flexible designs in yellow gold for the first time. Challenging the collection’s signature geometry, the Maison has created fully articulated necklaces and bracelets that move fluidly with the body. Crafted using a combination of traditional lost-wax casting and high-precision machining, each piece is composed of up to 600 meticulously assembled components, polished by hand to ensure comfort, mobility, and a subtle tactile sound unique to the collection. The new Clash de Cartier pieces also expand in color, volume, and versatility. Colored stones such as red and green agate, pink chalcedony, and onyx bring fresh depth to the studded mesh aesthetic, while extra-large silhouettes add bold architectural impact. Highlights include flexible yellow gold designs accented with upgraded onyx studs and innovative adjustable earrings that can be worn in multiple ways. Together, these additions reinforce Clash de Cartier’s reputation for technical mastery, sensual movement, and contemporary sophistication. Learn more at cartier.com/en-us/jewelry/all-collections/clash-de-cartier By ML Staff. Photos/Cartier

Michael Kors presents the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Earthy Elegance, which centers on softness as a deliberate design choice rather than decoration. The collection explores draping and relaxed tailoring through wrapped blazers, poet blouses, and draped culottes that follow the body’s natural lines. Caftans and fluid tunics emphasize movement, allowing garments to respond to air and motion without rigid structure. Materials and surface treatments contribute to a restrained visual effect. Translucent silk voile layers lightly over fine paillettes, creating dimension without visual excess. The color palette draws from desert landscapes, combining grounded tones such as branch, espresso, and almond with lighter shades of cashew, quartz, and gold to create balance across the collection. Accessories extend the same design logic. Oversized leather clutches, knitted market bags, and statement jewelry crafted by Italian artisans add texture and material contrast, while flat and heeled sandals maintain clean, functional lines. Across the collection, structured forms transition into softer silhouettes, emphasizing wearability and quiet confidence rather than overt display. The result is a wardrobe designed for ease, longevity, and close appreciation. Learn more at michaelkors.com . By ML Staff. Photos/Michael Kors

João Fonseca and Marcelo Melo captured the doubles title at the Rio Open , presented by Claro, sealing a landmark victory on the Guga Kuerten Central Court at the Jockey Club Brasileiro . The triumph marked the third consecutive year  that Brazilian players have lifted the tournament’s doubles trophy. The champions received the title from former world No. 1 Andre Agassi . Competing together for the first time , Rio de Janeiro native João Fonseca  won his first ATP title at home  and the third of his career overall. Fonseca had previously claimed singles titles at the ATP 500 Basel and ATP 250 Buenos Aires and maintains a perfect 3–0 record in ATP finals. For Marcelo Melo , the victory represented his second consecutive Rio Open doubles title  and the 41st title of his career . Melo is the player who has reached the final of South America’s biggest tennis tournament the most times. The win carried special emotional weight, as he dedicated it to his father, Paulo Ernane, who passed away last year, one day after Melo’s 2024 Rio Open triumph. "I'm going to dedicate this title to my father, who unfortunately passed away last year, the day after I won the title here. So, Dad, this title is yours. Not to mention my mother, who is here, this title is also yours," he said emotionally. Before the awards ceremony, Melo credited Fonseca for the decisive moments of the final and highlighted the teenager’s composure under pressure. "This guy here is special, very special! A lot of people criticize him unfairly. This guy is amazing, you can see what he did now, total credit to him, today I just watched. Throughout the tournament, other matches too. 8/8 in the superset and the guy hits me a winner, then an ace, showing how much of a champion's mentality he has. Victory for him!", said Melo. Fonseca also became emotional during the ceremony, dedicating the title to physiotherapist Egídio, who recently lost his mother. He also expressed confidence about future success in singles at the tournament. "I wanted to thank Marcia and Lui, who since 2023 have given me the opportunity to play in a very special tournament for me, one that I have a really cool history with. I'm still going to win this singles tournament, I believe, but in the meantime we won the doubles and that's great," said Fonseca. "I can't help but thank Egidio (the physiotherapist) who lost his mother the day before yesterday, thank him for his professionalism, and be assured that his mother is resting," he added. The defeated finalist, Dutchman Robin Haase , praised Fonseca’s performance and thanked the crowd for its support. "Before the tie-break, I thought we needed Andre Agassi to return the serve. Then I thought maybe we needed Fonseca to return the serve. If you keep going like this, you'll definitely win in singles too," said Haase. "I've been on the circuit for 20 years and I've always dreamed of playing in front of a crowd like this in my own country, so thank you very much," he concluded. In the post-match press conference, both champions emphasized the significance of winning at home and the confidence gained for the rest of the season. "It certainly brings more confidence. I won't say it takes the pressure away; the pressure will come momentarily when you step onto the court, and you have to know how to deal with it. But I would say it brings me more conviction, more confidence. It's definitely a special week for me, one that I will take with me for life as a learning experience, because it was so special," said Fonseca. A Grand Slam champion at Roland Garros (2015) and Wimbledon (2017), Melo placed the Rio Open triumph among the most meaningful of his career. "I think it became more special because I was playing with João, the moment he came, at his house, it's a different energy, so this title is really very important to me," said Melo. "To further validate for myself the level I can still play at, the things I've been investing in, to continue on this path, which I believe I can still thrive on, but I'm putting this title, I'm going to put this title right behind my Grand Slam titles," he concluded. Fonseca highlighted what he learned from Melo’s experience, while Melo underlined the maturity shown by the 19-year-old in high-pressure moments. "It's sensational to share the court with him. We have a very special relationship off the court; despite a big age difference, we have similar ways of thinking, and our conversations are super mature and always great, benefiting both of us. So I think I've learned a lot from this partnership, the mentality he has for facing difficult moments," said Fonseca. "He's 19 years old, and what he played today and throughout the tournament, from the 8th to the 8th, playing at home, whether you like it or not, singles or doubles, you have to have something different to do what he did today. Melo was there too, but really the one who was decisive today was João, and I think he deserves to be decisive like he was today, on a packed court, at home. I know it's important for him, and it's extremely important for me too," Melo concluded. By ML Staff. Photos/Fotojump

This issue leads with Michael Kors  and his Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Earthy Elegance . Shown in New York and available in Miami boutiques, the collection focuses on soft tailoring, fluid draping, and polished ease that defines modern American luxury. Clive Christian’s Original No. 1 Perfume. Photo/Clive Christian STYLE & BEAUTY   Beyond Kors, we spotlight the latest collections from Armani , Gucci , Dolce & Gabbana , and Moschino . To complete the look, we turn to fragrance, featuring refined scents from Acqua di Parma  and Clive Christian . The Joan Collection by Poliform. Photo/Poliform HOME & REAL ESTATE   We explore design collections from Poliform , Henge , Fendi Casa , and Tiffany Home , alongside decorative surfaces by Casamonte . On the real estate side, we share insights into Miami property care through Omnio Home Concierge , highlighting the  Icon Brickell Sky Mansion  by Lourdes Alatriste , Viceroy Brickell Residences , and sophisticated pools by Diamond Spas . Taylor Fritz, the world’s No. 7 tennis player, to compete at the 2026 Miami Open. Photo/Taylor Fritz’s Instagram TRAVEL & EVENTS   At the Miami Open , we spoke with top players including Jannik Sinner , Taylor Fritz , Ben Shelton , Frances Tiafoe , and Jakub Menšík , the 2025 champion, along with Coco Gauff , Amanda Anisimova , Paula Badosa  and Tatjana Maria . We also travel to Argentina, from dining at Casa Cavia  in Buenos Aires to exploring the vineyards of Mendoza , before heading stateside for a closer look at Aman Miami Beach  and Sofitel Los Angeles  at Beverly Hills. And closer to home, don’t miss the South Florida Travel & Adventure Show on February 28, bringing travel inspiration right to South Florida. Daisy Kelliher is best known as the chief stew on Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Photo/Sarah Krick PEOPLE & CULTURE   We feature conversations with Daisy Kelliher  and Ice-T , and take a closer look at the creative work of Brandusa Niro , Raf Simons , and Stanek Gallery . Grace Surgical Arts. Photo/Oliver Johnson, Unsplash HEALTH & INSIGHTS   We close with practical guidance, featuring personalized aesthetic treatments from Grace Surgical Arts  and key updates on Florida Employment Law, with expert advice from The Campbell Law Group P.A . , to help professionals prepare for the year ahead. As always, thank you for being part of Miami Living!   Miami Living Team Cover Photo: Courtesy of Michael Kors. Michael Kors S/S 2026 collection Earthy Elegance, worn by Mica Argañaraz. Photography: Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin. Shop at michaelkors.com .