The Setai, Miami Beach has unveiled Jo’s Bar, a newly redesigned lobby bar created by Saladino Design Studios. The project follows the studio’s work on Japón at The Setai and continues the hotel’s approach to design rooted in its Art Deco heritage. Located between Jaya and Japón and facing the hotel’s central courtyard, Jo’s Bar functions as a central meeting point within the lobby. The space is named after Joe Nakash and reflects a more intimate extension of the property’s public areas, connecting dining venues while remaining accessible throughout the evening. The design centers on a sculptural back bar made of resin blocks with varied textures and gold leaf detailing. Glass shelves framed in brushed brass display the bottle collection in front of the illuminated backdrop. The bar counter is constructed from Rosso Levanto stone with rounded edges and a carved relief inspired by bamboo. Additional elements include a custom wine tower and lighting fixtures finished with hand-painted gold mesh. Jo’s Bar offers a bites menu drawing from Jaya and Japón. Selections include Tuna Crispy Rice, Hamachi Serrano, Miso Black Cod Lettuce Cups, Wagyu Sliders, Tuna Tacos, Har Gau shrimp dumplings, octopus with aji amarillo, Thai chicken, and duck spring rolls. A selection of Osetra caviar is also available. The menu is served daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The cocktail program features classic drinks alongside newer offerings, including the Gold Martini, Chili Passion Martini, Espresso Martini, Golden Accord, and Celestial Bloom. Jo’s Bar is also the only venue in Miami Beach offering Champagne from Maison Louis Roederer. The debut of Jo’s Bar adds to recent updates at the property, which has received continued recognition from Michelin, AAA, Condé Nast Traveler, and Forbes. Additional information is available on the official The Setai, Miami Beach website . By ML Staff. Photos: Aura Groupe.

February brought a diverse lineup of music, dance, and tribute performances to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center , with a full calendar that spanned classical concerts, iconic pop tributes, family-friendly productions, and Valentine’s Day weekend highlights. The month opened on February 1 with Dranoff 2 Piano Fusion: Classical Classics – The Monet of Music , featuring internationally acclaimed piano duo Genova & Dimitrov . Celebrating their 30th anniversary, the performance honored Claude Debussy with a program centered on his impressionistic two-piano works, complemented by compositions from Ravel and Rachmaninoff. On February 7, audiences embraced island-inspired nostalgia with Caribbean Chillers: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett , presented by South Florida Legends. With afternoon and evening performances, the nationally recognized tribute band delivered fan-favorite hits that captured the laid-back spirit of Buffett’s music. Valentine’s Day weekend began on February 13 with Dear Tina: My Love Letter to the Queen of Rock and Roll , presented by the City of Aventura. Performer Avionce Hoyles led a high-energy tribute celebrating the life and legacy of Tina Turner through storytelling, live music, and choreography, featuring many of Turner’s most iconic songs. On February 14, The Silhouettes: LOVE Happens brought shadow dance to the stage in both a sensory-inclusive matinee and an evening performance. Created by Lynne Waggoner-Patton, the production explored love in its many forms through visual storytelling, movement, and music, welcoming audiences of all ages. Music tributes continued on February 21 with Bee Gees NOW! The Tribute , a global touring production that revisited the Bee Gees’ catalog of ballads and disco-era hits in two performances. Classical music returned on February 22 with Alexander Gavrylyuk: Fasten Your Seat Belts , presented by the Miami International Piano Festival. The program showcased Gavrylyuk’s virtuosity and interpretive depth in a performance praised for its technical precision and emotional intensity. On February 25, An Evening with Manilow & Streisand featured Terry Davies and Sharon Owens in a dual tribute celebrating the music and legacy of Barry Manilow and Barbra Streisand, blending beloved hits with theatrical presentation. The following evening, February 26, Piano Men: Generations took the stage, led by father-son duo Terry and Nick Davies. The concert paid tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John, combining classic songs with a multigenerational performance approach. The month concluded on February 28 with Bette Midler Tribute: Bathhouse to Broadway , starring Shelley Keelor. The production traced Midler’s career from her early performances to her Broadway success, blending music and storytelling in a sold-out-caliber tribute. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, located at 3385 N.E. 188 Street, is managed by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and continues to serve as a waterfront hub for performing arts and cultural programming in South Florida. For more information, visit and follow the venue on Instagram , Facebook , and X . By ML Staff. Photos courtesy of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.

The Bass Museum of Art presented a full calendar of exhibitions and public programs throughout January, combining contemporary art, education, and community-focused events in Miami Beach. The month included both signature museum programs and large-scale cultural gatherings. The museum opened the year with Third Thursdays: Miami Beach a Million Years Ago , held on January 15. The event featured an outdoor walking talk and tour led by local historian Malcolm Lauredo, blending storytelling, projections, and archival material to explore the geological and cultural history of Miami Beach. The evening concluded inside the museum with a pop-up research display of historical artifacts and photographs. Also on January 15, We Met at The Bass took place as part of Third Thursdays. Organized in collaboration with We Met in Miami, the program combined a guided museum experience with facilitated conversations designed to encourage social connection among participants. Earlier in the month, on January 10, the museum hosted Art Cares: Diamonds and Inner Fortitude , a family-focused workshop at The Bass Creativity Center . The session explored resilience and connection through drawing and hands-on artmaking inspired by works on view, including references to assume vivid astro focus: XI. Music programming was highlighted on January 9 with South Beach Jazz Festival Society Jazz Night , featuring Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra with guest vocalist Carla Cook. The open-air concert took place in Collins Park, with a VIP reception hosted at the museum. On January 22, The Bass resumed Bass Babies , a weekly art program for children ages 2 to 4 and their caregivers, focused on early learning through sensory-based activities combining art and music. The program runs through April 30 at The Bass Creativity Center. Family audiences were welcomed on January 25 for the Family Day and STEAM+ Celebration , which connected art with science, light, reflection, and symmetry through interactive activities inspired by current exhibitions. The museum’s annual black-tie fundraiser, The Bass Ball , was held on January 29 under the theme Kaleidoscopic. Proceeds from the evening supported The Bass’ exhibitions and education initiatives. Adult audiences closed out the month on January 31 with Workshops at The Bass: In Dialogue , an immersive art and writing experience led by Neysa King. The workshop engaged participants with the exhibition Lawrence Lek: NOX Pavilion through guided viewing, writing exercises, and group discussion. Throughout January, visitors also explored major exhibitions currently on view. Lawrence Lek: NOX Pavilion remains open through April 26, 2026, presenting an immersive installation centered on artificial intelligence and speculative futures. Jack Pierson: The Miami Years , on view through August 16, 2026, examines the artist’s relationship with Miami and the city’s influence on his work. The museum additionally announced its 2026 Teen Art Exhibition , with submissions accepted through February 8. The exhibition, themed “Time,” is scheduled to open on March 19. The Bass Museum of Art is located at 2100 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Full program details and upcoming events are available at The Bass . By ML Staff. Photos: The Bass Museum of Art.

Take steps against hunger! On Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, Feeding South Florida ®,  the leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida, will host its Annual Outrun Hunger 5K Miami. Runners, walkers, families and community leaders of all ages will come together to take steps to raise funds and awareness to end hunger in South Florida at Tropical Park in Miami. Image source Depositphotos . Currently, in South Florida, there are over 1.7 million food-insecure individuals, and one in nine individuals in South Florida remains uncertain about where they will get their next meal due to inflation, the strained supply chain, rising fuel prices, and increased housing costs, among other factors.  Registration is currently open to all four counties that Feeding South Florida serves, including Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe at feedingsouthflorida.org/5kmiami .  Participants can join the event as an individual or a team. Those not participating in the race may also support the organization by creating a personalized fundraising page when they register. By ML Staff.

For Florida companies, regional travel is one of their biggest hidden costs with leaders wasting hundreds of hours on intrastate travel annually. In response, today Ascend via Makers Air announced the launch of Ascend for Business , the state’s first corporate-first private aviation program built exclusively for Florida-based businesses that need faster, more predictable ways to move leaders and teams across the state. Designed from the ground up for corporate use, the program replaces inefficient commercial flight schedules and one-off charter decisions with a streamlined, contract-based private air solution aligned to real business travel patterns. Ascend for Business service begins February 1, 2026 . The inaugural Ascend for Business service will operate on the Tampa–Fort Lauderdale corridor , one of Florida’s most heavily traveled business routes. By focusing first on this high-demand market, Ascend is addressing a clear need for reliable, time-efficient travel between two major economic centers where commercial air options often introduce delays, schedule constraints, and lost productivity. Launching via its parent organization, Makers Air, Ascend for Business is the first program of its kind offered in Florida. It is purpose-built for companies that travel frequently for leadership meetings, site visits, client engagements, and operational oversight, and need a consistent, professional alternative to traditional charter or commercial flying. “Regional business travel should be an asset, not a liability,” said Jessica Cohen, the organization's Chief Financial Officer. “Ascend for Business gives companies a disciplined way to invest in time and productivity, bringing leaders from desk to desk in 50 minutes  instead of hours wasted driving or navigating TSA and boarding at commercial airports. This is more than just a luxury experience, this is about using private aviation as a strategic business tool rather than a reactive expense.” Beyond air travel, Ascend for Business also offers ground transportation solutions  designed to eliminate friction at both ends of the journey. Car service, valet, or rental vehicles can be arranged in advance, with transportation waiting directly on the tarmac upon arrival, allowing travelers to move from aircraft to meeting without delay. “We looked closely at where time is actually lost for travelers,” said Jennifer Valencia, General Manager at Makers Air. “The flight is only part of the experience. By coordinating ground transportation to meet guests aircraft-side, we remove handoffs, waiting, and uncertainty. The result is a travel experience that is smooth, dependable, and built around how business travelers actually operate.” Ascend for Business builds on a year of investment across the Ascend platform, including the launch of a brand-new website, an enhanced booking engine, and an updated end-to-end guest experience focused on clarity, reliability, and ease of use. Ascend for Business is available to Florida-based companies beginning February 1, 2026. Additional information and inquiry details are available at CharterFlightsFlorida.com/Ascend-For-Business . By ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of Ascend/Makers Air.

I've always believed that true style is a form of clarity. It's the ease of knowing exactly who you are and what speaks to you, reflected in a wardrobe that feels like a natural extension of your life. For years, I chased the "perfect" list of essential items, only to find that a formula promising simplicity often created more noise. That’s when I had a revelation: the true power of a capsule wardrobe lies not in a universal prescription, but in its profound, beautiful individuality. My mission became to move beyond the one-size-fits-all checklist and build a personal system that truly works. The core of an effective capsule is its deep alignment with  your  reality. It’s a personal framework built on three pillars: your daily life, your climate, and your unique silhouette. A capsule for a Miami-based creative entrepreneur will – and absolutely should – look fundamentally different from one belonging to a London-based architect or a New York mother. A real capsule reflects the actual story of your days, from school runs to client presentations to weekend getaways. It starts with your truth, not a trend. This brings us to the magic of transformation. A well-conceived capsule is a living, breathing system of versatile heroes. Each piece is chosen for its ability to seamlessly shift between roles, creating an entire narrative from a curated collection. Consider the power of a single, impeccably tailored blazer. With denim and sneakers, it’s weekend casual. Over a silk slip dress, it’s evening-ready. Paired with matching trousers, it’s boardroom-sharp. This is the essence of a functional capsule: intelligent pieces that adapt, morph, and respond to your every need without requiring a constant stream of new purchases. For this system to work, every element must be flawless. The foundation is a base of modern, intentional pieces that honor your body. We’re talking about perfect cuts, exceptional fabrics, and a cohesive color story. When each item fits you impeccably and feels genuinely comfortable, getting dressed becomes an act of confidence, not compromise. These are the pieces you reach for daily – the heroes that earn their place season after season. The most impactful result of a thoughtful capsule is often psychological. It offers a profound sense of liberation. Imagine opening your closet to a collection where everything fits, everything works together, and everything makes you feel authentically  you . It erases the morning dilemma, saves precious time, and cultivates a deep sense of order and intention. For busy professionals, parents, and anyone with a full life, this clarity is the ultimate luxury. It redirects energy from  what to wear  to simply  living . A capsule wardrobe is far more than a minimalist edit. It’s a thoughtfully constructed personal ecosystem that respects your lifestyle, climate, and form. It’s a modern approach to dressing that makes life easier, defines your style with precision, and elevates your daily ritual. It’s the quiet confidence of knowing your style supports you, effortlessly. Ready to build your personal system? Let's connect and design a wardrobe that works for your unique life. Stylist: Nikolaeva Ekaterina Instagram: Katerina__nikolaeva Photographer: Olga Miljko Instagram: @olgamijkophoto Model: Zoe Gegout  Instagram: @gegoutzoe Makeup Artist: Albina Nigalchuk Instagram: albina_nigalchuk By ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of Ekaterina Nickoleava.

As the new year begins, restaurants across South Florida are refreshing their brunch menus with seasonal ingredients, updated concepts, and experience-driven weekends. From relaxed neighborhood favorites to high-energy, DJ-led affairs, these brunch destinations offer a wide range of styles for starting 2026 on a flavorful note. Avocado Grill Brunch at Avocado Grill centers on elevated comfort dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients. The menu includes a mushroom, goat cheese, and tomato omelet, smashed croissant avocado toast with arugula and peas, and a croissant sandwich with bacon, cheddar, and avocado. Heavier options such as Short Rib Benedict and steak and eggs balance the lighter plates. Details are available at Avocado Grill . Burlock Coast Located at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, Burlock Coast offers a beachside brunch served Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The a la carte menu highlights local seafood, including oysters, Florida clams, tuna poke, and seasonal stone crab, alongside brunch staples such as brioche French toast and the Bootleg Burger. The experience is rounded out with bottomless mimosas and a build-your-own Bloody Mary option. More information is available at Burlock Coast . JARANA JARANA at The Abbey at Aventura brings Peruvian flavors to brunch every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Jaraneando Brunch reworks classics with dishes like Seco Benedicto and Steak and Eggs Anticuchero, paired with seafood platters and pisco-forward cocktails. Live DJs set a festive tone throughout the service. Visit JARANA Aventura . Isabelle’s Coconut Grove Isabelle’s at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove has resumed its Garden Brunch series, running Sundays from January 18 through May 31. Set on the restaurant’s patio, brunch features an a la carte menu with tartines, wellness-focused bowls, and seasonal cocktails. The experience blends live music, garden décor, and a relaxed pace. Details are available via Isabelle’s Coconut Grove . Luma Luma at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne introduces its Dolce Vita Weekend Brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Italian-inspired menu includes baked eggs, crostatas, seafood towers, and shared plates such as branzino and bistecca Fiorentina. Aperitivo-style cocktails and tableside desserts complete the experience. More information can be found at Luma Key Biscayne . Rosemary’s Rosemary’s has expanded brunch to Fridays in Wynwood, offering a $35 two-course prix fixe alongside its regular menu. Guests can choose from salads, housemade pastas, and brunch favorites like French toast, smoked salmon focaccia, and the Rosemary’s Burger. Brunch is served Friday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit Rosemary’s Miami . Pink Steak Pink Steak’s Lobsta Disco Brunch blends nightlife energy with seafood-driven dining every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Each dish features a 1.5-pound Maine lobster, served in formats ranging from lobster Benedict to lobster linguini. A live DJ and festive crowd define the experience. Details are available at Pink Steak . Together, these brunch destinations reflect South Florida’s diverse dining scene, offering options that range from laid-back and produce-forward to celebratory and experience-led. By ML Staff. Photos: Participating Restaurants.

When it comes to home renovation projects, the cost, quality, and value of the materials used play an important role. Homeowners often wonder if buying cabinets in bulk is really beneficial and compare the differences between purchasing from retailers and wholesalers. Understanding the benefits of buying in bulk can help homeowners make the right choice for their remodeling projects. Image by DepositPhotos Understanding Wholesale Cabinets Wholesale cabinets  are units that are sold in bulk, typically directly from manufacturers or distributors. These suppliers typically cater to contractors, builders, or renovation specialists. Sometimes, these deals are also accessible to homeowners. Compared to retail, there is less overhead and markup. This generally translates to lower prices than those offered by traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. Cost Savings and Value Cost savings are another benefit of buying wholesale cabinets. But lower prices certainly do not mean that the products are of inferior quality. Wholesalers offer products made from high-quality materials that meet industry standards. Buying from these outlets allows homeowners to remain within their budgets without compromising on style or durability. Quality Considerations The quality of cabinets is always a concern for buyers. Buying in bulk does not mean you are purchasing low-quality products. Many wholesalers purchase cabinets from well-known manufacturers that use high-quality materials. Buyers must check the construction, materials, and hardware before purchasing. Make sure you choose durable materials, hinges, and finishes. Image by DepositPhotos Style and Selection Wholesale cabinet suppliers offer an extensive selection of products. Many have a wide variety of colors, finishes, and styles. Your typical designs, like shaker, raised panel, and flat, come in a range of colors. From modern minimalism to classic elegance, wholesale suppliers tend to offer options that appeal to different style preferences. Certain suppliers offer customization options as well, giving buyers an opportunity to personalize their kitchens. Installation and Assembly Wholesale cabinets are considered a more DIY option than their retail counterparts. Buyers or their contractors must build the units and put them in place. This method can reduce costs but requires a careful approach and can be more time-consuming. It is ideal for those who feel comfortable with DIY projects . Some prefer to hire professionals, which ensures correct installation but adds to the costs. Customer Support and Service Wholesale and retail outlets may offer different levels of support. Some wholesalers do not offer much support or after-sales services. It is important for buyers to determine the reputation of suppliers before making a purchase. Conducting research through reviews can help you make the right choice. Clear communication and a systematic approach can reduce stress for buyers. Delivery and Shipping Many wholesale cabinet orders need specific arrangements for transportation. Before ordering, buyers must confirm delivery timelines, costs, and insurance. Longer delivery timelines and damaged products can delay renovations. By inspecting the products soon after they arrive, you can also identify any issues that need to be resolved. Long-Term Value If you choose wisely, wholesale cabinets can last for years. They are built for durability and designed stylishly. A wholesale dealer with a good reputation backs their products with warranties and the assurance that they will provide support when needed. Taking the time to research to find the right product and supplier provides cost-effective and rewarding solutions for buyers. Image by DepositPhotos Who Benefits Most? Certain groups benefit more from purchasing cabinets in bulk. Savings are of particular assistance to homeowners considering major renovations. Buyers get wholesale prices and consistency in style across units, which helps contractors working in different areas of the house. Wholesaling benefits also extend to investors of multiple properties who are refreshing several of them at the same time. It is also beneficial for those doing just one remodel and wanting to cut costs. Final Thoughts Buyers who carefully vet products and suppliers before purchasing wholesale cabinets can achieve the results they desire. You should consider the quality of the product, understand the delivery timelines, and evaluate customer support options. With careful planning and clearly defined expectations, you can find the right cabinets that are perfect for your home. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

Another reason to book that non-stop flight from Miami  to Rio de Janeiro  this February isn’t just the beaches, the samba or the summer sun. It’s Andre Agassi and the Rio Open tennis tournament. One of the all-time greats in tennis history will be front and center at the Rio Open , South America’s premier ATP 500 tournament, adding star power to an event already known for world-class tennis set against one of the most stunning backdrops in sports. Agassi , a former world No. 1 and eight-time Grand Slam champion, will be in Rio de Janeiro  to present the Antonio Bernardo Trophy  to the tournament champion on Sunday, February 22 , the final day of the 2026 edition. The Rio Open , presented by Claro, runs from February 14–22 at the Jockey Club Brasileiro , a venue that uniquely blends elite competition with sweeping views of Rio’s  skyline and surrounding mountains. For fans traveling from the United States—especially South Florida—the tournament has become an increasingly accessible tennis getaway, pairing top-tier play with a destination experience few stops on the ATP Tour can match. Agassi’s presence elevates the moment A long-standing tradition at the Rio Open  invites legendary figures from Brazilian and international tennis to honor the champion on the iconic Guga Kuerten Court . Past presenters have included Gustavo Kuerten , Fernando Meligeni , David Ferrer  and Juan Martin del Potro . In 2026, the honor goes to one of the most recognizable names the sport has ever produced. Known for his aggressive baseline game, charismatic personality and the bold, colorful outfits that helped define an era of tennis fashion, Agassi  remains synonymous with the sport decades after his prime. His influence extends far beyond trophies, shaping how tennis was played, marketed and watched in the modern era. Few resumes compare Agassi  spent 101 weeks as the world’s top-ranked player and is one of only three men in history to complete the Career Golden Slam—winning all four Grand Slam tournaments plus an Olympic gold medal. The exclusive club also includes Novak Djokovic  and Rafael Nadal . Over the course of his career, Agassi  captured 60 titles, including eight Grand Slams, an ATP Finals  championship, three Davis Cup  titles with the United States, and Olympic gold at the Atlanta Olympic Games  in 1996. AGASSI connection to Rio Agassi  was one of Gustavo Kuerten’s  great rivals during a golden era of men’s tennis. It was against Agassi  that Kuerten  secured one of the defining victories of his career, winning the Masters Cup  in Lisbon 25 years ago—a triumph that propelled the Brazilian to world No. 1. That shared history adds extra meaning to Agassi’s  appearance on the court that bears Kuerten’s  name. For fans, the appeal is layered. The Rio Open  consistently draws a strong ATP field, passionate crowds and a festival-like atmosphere unique to Brazil. Add Agassi  to the mix, and the tournament becomes not just a stop on the calendar, but a celebration of tennis past and present. From Miami , it’s a relatively easy leap to Rio de Janeiro . On arrival, spectators can spend afternoons watching elite players battle on clay and evenings enjoying Rio’s  culture, cuisine and coastline. Few sporting events offer such a seamless blend of competition and destination. By Markin Abras/Photo courtesy of ATP

Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management has announced the release of a $70 million penthouse at Ocean House , a boutique oceanfront residential development currently under construction at 9317 Collins Avenue in Surfside. The two-level residence occupies the full top floor of the building and includes a private rooftop overlooking the Atlantic. Located between Bal Harbour and Miami Beach, Surfside has emerged as one of South Florida’s most exclusive coastal communities, marked by limited inventory and high-end residential projects. Ocean House is a 25-residence development, and the penthouse represents its most expansive offering. The duplex residence spans approximately 9,476 square feet of interior space, with an additional 5,051 square feet of outdoor terraces and rooftop areas, totaling roughly 14,527 square feet. The layout includes full-floor living with direct ocean views and a private rooftop designed for outdoor use. According to Multiplan REAM Managing Partner Marcelo Kingston, demand at the upper end of the market continues to shift toward private, low-density residences with direct access to the waterfront. The penthouse is positioned as a full-floor home designed to prioritize privacy while maintaining proximity to the ocean. The residence features wraparound balconies and a transparent façade intended to connect interior spaces with the surrounding environment. Interiors were designed by Carla Guilhem Design , with an emphasis on natural materials and open floor plans. The kitchen includes waterfall islands and Gaggenau appliances, while primary bathrooms are designed with spa-style soaking tubs and stone finishes. Amenities within the penthouse include a private cinema, fitness and training room, spa, and a game room with bar. The rooftop level includes a pool, spa, terrace lounge, and summer kitchen designed for entertaining. Sales and marketing for Ocean House are led by Gutman Development Marketing . Construction is being handled by Moss Construction , with completion scheduled for 2027. Additional project details are available at Ocean House Residences . By ML Staff. Photos: Carla Guilhem Design Studio and Binyan Studios.

Over 40 million American adults – approximately 19% – live with an anxiety disorder , according to the National Institutes of Health. Studies show this anxiety is most prevalent in young people , and social psychologists increasingly link this trend to technology use. Younger Floridians who spend a lot of time on social media tend to be more anxious on average than other adults in the Sunshine State. Pheelings Media/iStock via Getty Images Plus Maintaining a constant online presence can result in excessive social comparison , disrupted sleep , fragmented attention and increased exposure to cyberbullying – all of which can increase the prevalence of anxiety. Evidence increasingly links this type of prolonged anxiety to detrimental health issues, including weakened immune function, increased cardiovascular risk and impaired cognitive performance. In May 2025, researchers conducted a survey of 500 adults in Florida to measure the prevalence of anxiety in the state and explore whether it is related to age and social media use. The survey group was designed to match Florida’s population in terms of age, race, gender, political affiliation and geographic distribution. The researchers used the GAD-7 questionnaire , a tool developed by mental health professionals to assess symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. A score under 10 indicates minimal or mild anxiety, while scores of 10 or higher indicate moderate to severe anxiety. The survey found that roughly 1 in 5 Floridians are struggling with moderate to severe anxiety. While the average GAD-7 score was 4.74, 18.6% of participants reported symptoms of at least moderate anxiety, with nearly half of them rising to the level of severe. This suggests that nearly 3.5 million Floridians may suffer from clinically significant anxiety. Age played a significant role. Members of Generation Z , ages 18 to 27 in the sample, reported the highest rates of anxiety by a significant margin. The average GAD-7 score for this group was 8.17, compared with 6.50 for millennials, 5.32 for Gen Xers and 3.04 for baby boomers. Time spent on social media was also strongly correlated with anxiety. Those who didn’t use social media at all reported lower levels of anxiety, with an average GAD-7 score of 3.56. Anxiety scores rose consistently as time spent on social media increased, reaching an average of 7.08 among those who used social media 10 hours or more per week. The reasons for using social media also mattered. Anxiety was lowest among those who used social media primarily to stay connected with family and friends. It rose significantly among those who used it to stay up to date with current trends, pop culture, or health, fitness and beauty trends. Floridians who reported feeling social media “ FOMO ” had significantly higher anxiety scores than those who did not. Even when the analysis was limited to Gen Zers and millennials, the link remained clear. Those who reported spending less than one hour per week on social media had average GAD-7 scores of 2.89, while those who spent 10 hours or more per week reached an average score of 8.73. The researchers note that while the survey cannot prove that social media alone causes anxiety, the amount of time spent online does appear to be affecting the mental health of young people in Florida. Moderating social media use, including setting time limits or taking breaks , may help reduce anxiety for some users. Words by Stephen Neely, Associate Professor of Public Affairs, University of South Florida, and Kaila Witkowski, Assistant Professor of Public Administration, Florida Atlantic University. Special thanks for The Conversation . Support and donate today.

January closes with a night of comedy at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center as The Second City presents Laugh Harder, Not Smarter on Friday, January 30, at 8 p.m. The performance is part of the City of Aventura’s cultural programming and marks a stop for the comedy institution known for shaping generations of American humor. The show combines sketch comedy, music, and improvisation, blending established material with new scenes and audience-driven moments. The format reflects The Second City’s long-standing approach to satire, drawing on social and political themes while allowing room for spontaneity. Founded in Chicago in 1959, The Second City helped define modern improvisational comedy through techniques developed by Viola Spolin. Over the decades, the company has launched the careers of performers including Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Stephen Colbert, among many others. Today, it operates venues in Chicago, Toronto, and New York and reaches more than one million audience members annually. The January 30 performance contains adult language and content. Tickets are on sale through Aventura Center and via Ticketmaster , the venue’s official ticketing partner. Tickets are also available by phone and at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura. The venue is managed by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and serves as a hub for performing arts, cultural, and educational programming. By ML Staff. Photos: The Second City and OurCity Foundation .