Holiday hosting looks effortless right up until you’re calculating how many bottles of wine to buy, arranging flowers that refuse to cooperate and wondering whether your charcuterie board looks artfully abundant or simply overcrowded. This season, Plum Market Aventura is taking some of the guesswork off the guest list with “The Art of Hosting a Dinner Party,” a new four-part series of free, hands-on workshops beginning November 4. Led by experts from the specialty market’s floral, wine, culinary, cheese and deli departments, the series covers the details that can take a holiday gathering from thrown together to thoughtfully hosted. Photo Credits: Plum Market Held every other Wednesday through December 16, the one-hour classes tackle a different piece of the entertaining puzzle, including seasonal floral arrangements, wine pairing, holiday appetizers and charcuterie board styling. Each class pairs expert guidance with hands-on practice and practical takeaways designed to make holiday entertaining feel a little more effortless at home. The series begins on Wednesday, November 4, from 6 to 7 p.m. with Build Your Own Floral Arrangement. Plum Market’s floral team will break down the fundamentals of winter floral design, including proper stem care, proportion and how to arrange focal blooms, fillers and greenery. After the demonstration, guests will create a seasonal arrangement of their own in a Plum Market Mason jar to take home, along with tips for keeping their centerpiece fresh longer. Photo Credits: Plum Market On November 18, attention turns from the centerpiece to what’s being poured. The Holiday Wine Pairing Seminar features a guided tasting of four wines paired with four bites while covering the fundamentals of acidity, tannins, sweetness and body. The class also gets into the practical questions every host eventually faces, from ideal serving temperatures to how much wine to buy for a gathering and the proper way to open a bottle. Guests will leave with a printed pairing guide and Plum Market wine key. Just in time for December entertaining, Holiday Canapé Assembly arrives on December 2. Plum Market’s Director of Culinary will show guests how to turn premium ingredients into polished appetizers using approachable techniques and entertaining shortcuts. Participants will prepare Truffled Herbed Ricotta & Fig Tartlets, Seared Ahi Tuna Cucumber Bites and Prosciutto, Pear & Hot Honey Skewers, while picking up piping, garnishing and plating techniques along the way. Recipe cards and a Plum Market tea towel go home with each attendee. Photo Credits: Plum Market The series wraps on December 16 with Charcuterie & Cheese Board Building & Styling. Plum Market’s cheese and deli team will cover how to select and pair meats, cheeses and accompaniments before demonstrating three charcuterie folds and the “anchor-river-fill” styling method for creating a balanced board. Guests will then build their own board to take home, complete with a Plum Market spreader and recipe card. The workshops are an extension of Plum Market Aventura’s specialty-market approach. The family-owned retailer carries more than 27,000 organic, gourmet and locally crafted products with no private labels, instead putting an emphasis on its curated offerings and the expertise of the teams behind them. “We want Plum Market to be a place where our guests can come for more than what’s on their shopping list,” said Marc Jonna, Co-founder and President of Plum Market. “These workshops give us a chance to share our team’s expertise with guests in a completely different way.” Attendance is free, but advance registration is required and available here. Guests can also enjoy complimentary parking in Plum Market Aventura’s on-site lot. By ML Staff. Photo Credits: Plum Market

PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary will host a screening of the documentary 25 Cats of Qatar at Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. Tickets for the event are available for $15. Following the film, attendees can participate in a meet and greet reception with the director, Mye Hoang, and members of the PURRR team. Documentary Overview Directed by Hoang, the film examines the street cat population in Qatar, a nation experiencing rapid growth where disease and extreme heat affect the feline population. The narrative follows an American flight attendant and cat cafe owner who orchestrates a rescue mission to transport 25 cats to Milwaukee for adoption. The documentary highlights broader animal welfare issues and international rescue efforts. 25 Cats From Qatar PURRR's Mission and Adoption Process Founded in 2018, PURRR is a Fort Lauderdale nonprofit focused on cat rescue, adoption, and spay and neuter initiatives. The organization currently houses over 150 adoptable cats and uses a matching system called "Find Your One" to pair felines with adopters based on personality profiles. PURRR | For The Love of Cats The adoption process involves an initial application, followed by a scheduled meet and greet within 48 hours. The team then conducts a 15-minute in-home consultation to facilitate integration. Before a cat is placed, the staff performs a medical examination and bloodwork. The organization follows up after one week to monitor the transition and provides ongoing support to owners. Event Details When: Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. Where: Savor Cinema, 503 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Cost: $15 RSVP: info@purrr.org By ML Staff. Photos: PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary.

West Palm Beach-based GOLDLAW served as the Advocate Sponsor for the Guardians for New Futures, Inc. (GFNF4Kids) 2026 Treasure Coast Child Summit. The two-day educational event took place on Sept. 23 at the Indian River State College Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex, bringing together over 200 professionals, community leaders, and child advocates. Board Appointment and Summit Focus In conjunction with the firm's support for GFNF4Kids, GOLDLAW Chief Legal Officer Spencer T. Kuvin was appointed to the organization’s Board of Directors. Kuvin will help advance the nonprofit's mission to support the unfunded needs of abused children and underserved youth across the Treasure Coast. "Protecting children requires more than responding when harm occurs. It requires education, awareness and a community committed to recognizing risks and taking action," said Kuvin. "I am honored to join the board and support an organization that is doing critical work to equip professionals, families and the community with the knowledge and resources needed to better protect children." The summit provided a platform for law enforcement, mental health experts, legal professionals, and child advocates to discuss issues affecting youth. Topics covered included autism, artificial intelligence, online exploitation, grooming, and emerging threats to child safety. Legal Insights on Child Exploitation During the event, Kuvin led a presentation titled "Epstein & Beyond," sharing his legal experience representing survivors of sexual abuse. Having litigated against Jeffrey Epstein for nearly two decades and represented nine survivors, Kuvin discussed the realities of child exploitation and the importance of vigilance and advocacy. GOLDLAW Litigation Director Michael H. Kugler delivered a keynote address detailing the prosecution of sexual predators in both criminal and civil courts. Drawing from his background, Kugler examined offender pathology, the schemes used to cultivate trust, and strategies for building stronger prosecution cases. The event underscored that protecting children is a shared responsibility that requires proactive education and cross-sector collaboration. By ML Staff. Photos: GOLDLAW.

Author and podcast host Peter Iglesias officially launched the Men on a Mission Foundation during a Sept. 30 kick-off event in Fort Lauderdale. The foundation starts with $20,000 in committed funding to support its mission of advancing men’s mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The initial funding includes a $10,000 contribution from The Scott Family Foundation, supported by board member and physical health pillar leader Doug Scott, owner of 4Ever Young locations in Delray Beach and Weston. That donation was matched with an additional $10,000 through a donor-advised fund with the National Christian Foundation. Launch Event and Book Release The launch event, held at Sakana Nikkei in downtown Fort Lauderdale, also marked the release of Iglesias’ book, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. The gathering introduced attendees to the foundation’s goals of changing how men address mental health, identity, faith, purpose, and seeking assistance. "This support means so much because it shows there is a real need and a community that believes in what we are building," said Iglesias, founder and CEO of the foundation. "Men need a safe space where they can have honest conversations, find resources and know they do not have to navigate difficult moments alone." Four Pillars of Health The organization centers its programming around four interconnected areas: Mental Health: Led by Daniel Rubin Physical Health: Led by Doug Scott Spiritual Health: Led by Pastor Neal Graham Community Health and Connection: Led by Patrick Neeley Connected Ecosystem The foundation operates alongside the Men on a Mission Podcast, which features conversations on mental health, leadership, and resilience with over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. While the book shares Iglesias' personal journey across 25 years in executive leadership, the podcast expands on these themes, and the foundation works to convert those discussions into community programming. A portion of proceeds from It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, available through Amazon, directly benefits the foundation's suicide prevention and educational initiatives. By ML Staff. Photos: Men on a Mission Foundation.

City officials, project partners, and community leaders gathered Tuesday, October 6, to celebrate the official groundbreaking of Ocean One, a class A mixed-use development set to expand residential and retail offerings in Downtown Boynton Beach. Developed by Hyperion Group, Winter Properties, WREP, and Silverstein Properties, the project is backed by equity funding from affiliates of Cantor Fitzgerald and Silverstein Properties, along with construction financing provided by Madison Realty Capital. Ocean One represents a major investment in the city’s urban core, featuring 371 luxury rental residences and 25,500 square feet of curated retail space designed to create a walkable environment. Design and On-Site Amenities Miami-based architecture firm Arquitectonica led the architectural design for the project. Ocean One will offer a range of resident amenities, including: A resort-style pool deck A fitness center Resident lounges and coworking spaces Outdoor recreation areas Secure package and mail facilities On-site management services Public-Private Partnership The City of Boynton Beach and the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) partnered with the development team to advance the project. The CRA approved up to $11.5 million in Tax Increment Revenue Funding over a 14-year term. As part of the agreement, Ocean One will provide 90 public parking spaces and 20 on-street public parking spaces in perpetuity to support downtown accessibility. "Ocean One is more than a development—it’s a commitment to Boynton Beach’s future," said Robert Vecsler, CEO of Hyperion Group. "Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of a project that will bring new housing, new jobs, and new energy to the city. We are grateful for the City’s partnership and shared vision." City officials highlighted the project as a model for public-private collaboration that expands local housing availability, enhances public infrastructure, and drives economic momentum. By ML Staff. Photos: Hyperion Group.

Craig Goldenfarb, founder and CEO of GOLDLAW, announced the "GOLDEN 100," a $100,000 donation distributed across 65 Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations. The presentation took place on Oct. 1 during the Nonprofit Chamber of Palm Beach County's Nonprofit Leadership Summit 2026 at Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach, Florida, where GOLDLAW served as the presenting sponsor. During the event, Goldenfarb presented a $20,000 grant directly to the Nonprofit Chamber of Palm Beach County Board of Directors. Four additional organizations—Resource Depot, Bella’s Angels, Child Rescue Coalition, and Inner City Innovators—were each awarded a $5,000 grant. The remaining 60 attending nonprofits received $1,000 each. The funding aims to provide resources to support local initiatives across Palm Beach County. Community Engagement On-Site GOLDLAW’s Sweet Justice Ice Cream Truck was present at the venue to serve complimentary treats to attendees. The vehicle operates throughout the year, delivering free ice cream to local first responders, community events, and residents from Palm Beach County through the Treasure Coast to Port St. Lucie. "If you make money and help the world, to me that’s a meaningful life," said Goldenfarb. "Palm Beach County nonprofits show up for our neighbors every single day, often with limited resources and unlimited heart. The GOLDEN 100 is our way of investing directly in the people and programs that make this community stronger." Summit Leadership and Focus The annual summit functions as a professional development gathering for nonprofit executives, board members, and regional stakeholders looking to enhance leadership skills and build sector partnerships. "The Nonprofit Chamber is so grateful to Craig Goldenfarb and the entire team at GOLDLAW for this investment in our membership organizations," said Board President Michelle Gonzalez. "By supporting nonprofits serving diverse missions across Palm Beach County, GOLDLAW is helping to strengthen our entire community." The event program featured speaker Ana Sasmiresan, founder and chief leadership officer of Transformation Through Conversations, who delivered a address centered on executive leadership, authority in communication, and organizational trust. Recipients of the $1,000 Grants The list of organizations receiving $1,000 grants includes: 211 Palm Beach, Treasure Coast, Inc. Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse Alzheimers Community Care, Inc. American Association of Caregiving Youth Andrea C. Cameron Foundation Arc of Palm Beach County Best Foot Forward Better Together Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach County Boca Helping Hands Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, Inc. Caridad Center Catholic Charities Diocese of Palm Beach Center for Child Counseling Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County Children's Bereavement Center Children's Case Management Organization, Inc. DBA Families First of Palm Beach County Christians Reaching Out to Society, Inc. DBA CROS Ministries Clinics Can Help College for Kids Take Stock in Children Palm Beach Community Partners of South Florida El Sol Els For Autism Faith Hope Love Charity, Inc. DBA Stand Down Florence Fuller Child Development Center Inc. For The Children Friends of Foster Children of Palm Beach County Genesis Community Health Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, Inc. Habilitation Center for the Handicapped, Inc. DBA HabCenter Boca Raton Holy Ground Shelter for Homeless, Inc. Jack the Bike Man Jeff Industries, Inc. Leeds Foundation Legal Aid Society Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches Milagro Center Morningday Solutions Mothers Against Murderers Association NAMI North Palm Beach County CAP (Club 100) Opportunity Inc. of Palm Beach County Palm Beach County Food Bank Palm Beach County Medical Society Services Paws Be With You Inc. Pediatric Oncology Support Team People of Purpose Rhonda's Promise, Inc. Speak Up For Kids Spirit of Giving Network Stoked On Life Palm Beach Stop Bullying Now The Arc of the Glades The Children's Place at Home Safe, Inc. The Glades Initiative The Lord's Place, Inc. Wayside House West Jupiter Community Group YWCA Palm Beach County Goldenfarb and his firm maintain ongoing community contributions through sponsorships with groups including Urban Youth Impact, Wounded Warriors of South Florida, American Heart Association, TOPsoccer, RDK Foundation, MS Society, and the Palm Beach County Food Bank. By ML Staff. Photos: GOLDLAW.

October: a month booked for your favorite spooky movies, pumpkin spice, scheming an elaborate Halloween getup and… truffles. Yes, truffles. Truffle season officially begins in October, when the prized ingredient makes its way onto menus in all its earthy, aromatic glory. But these days, truffle is hardly reserved for white-tablecloth dining rooms and ceremoniously shaved over plates tableside. It has escaped the confines of fine dining, working overtime on everything from fries and mac and cheese to burgers, aioli's and even infiltrating the grocery store snack isle. So, with truffle season upon us, we must ask the burning question: Has truffle become more comfort food than luxury? Or is the real issue that much of what we call “truffle” today isn’t the coveted delicacy at all, but truffle-flavored oils, salts and snacks borrowing its luxurious reputation? Florida chefs are divided. Some say overuse has dulled truffle’s luster, while others argue fresh truffle still commands its top-shelf appeal. One thing almost everyone agrees on? Fresh, seasonal truffle and ubiquitous “truffle flavor” are two very different things. Photo Credits: R House Wynwood Elizabeth Brousseau, Director of Culinary at Plum Market, believes truffle can be both luxurious and accessible. “Truffle still carries a sense of luxury, but it has become much more approachable as consumers see it across everything from fries and pasta to cheeses, sauces and snacks. Today, people do not need fresh truffles to enjoy that distinctive flavor. At Plum Market, we offer products like truffle oils, salts and dips that can add a little indulgence at home and make familiar foods feel special.” “Truffle is still absolutely a luxury ingredient when it’s real,” says Laurent Tourondel, Director of Culinary at LT Steak & Seafood. “The problem isn’t truffle itself, but the overuse of pastes, oils and artificial essences that can create an overpowering, imitation flavor. Fresh truffle should be seasonal, and its origin matters. When I see truffles on a menu, the questions I ask are: Is it actually fresh? Is it being shaved or grated onto the dish? Where does it come from? Used properly, truffle should complement a dish rather than dominate it. At LT Steak & Seafood, we shave fresh truffle over our Beef Tartare and Truffle Aioli Crispy Nigiri because the earthy flavor works naturally with the raw beef without masking the other ingredients.” Photo Credits: LT Steak & Seafood For Yohsy Hernandez of Novotel Miami Brickell, whether truffle belongs on a dish comes down to a simple test. “Truffle still carries a sense of prestige, but its value increasingly depends on how it is used. Diners are more familiar with it today and can recognize the difference between an authentic experience and a dish that simply includes the word ‘truffle’ on the menu. At Novotel Miami Brickell, our standard at Vista and UVA is simple: If removing the truffle causes the dish to lose depth, aroma or identity, then it serves a genuine purpose. If the dish remains essentially unchanged, the truffle was probably unnecessary. It is most effective when used with restraint and paired with ingredients that respect its delicate character rather than overwhelm it. Today, truffle sits between the familiar and the exceptional. It can elevate a simple dish and make it memorable, but that does not mean it belongs everywhere. True luxury is not about abundance; it is about authenticity, seasonality and precision.” Dale Talde has a decidedly different take. “Truffles have gone mainstream. It’s not necessarily a good or bad thing; it’s simply the reality,” says the Executive Chef at Tigress Restaurant & Rooftop Bar. “They’ve become so normalized on menus that guests don’t even think twice when they see truffle in a dish. Truffles are 100% overused, but my mentality is simple: If truffle genuinely makes a dish taste better, then we use it. It should serve a purpose beyond simply making something sound more expensive or luxurious. At Tigress Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, for example, we serve our sizzling vegetable fried rice with black truffle, which adds an earthy depth to the dish and complements the other flavors. The exception to truffle becoming more commonplace is white truffles from Alba when they’re in season. They remain the holy grail of truffles and, in my opinion, a true luxury ingredient.” Photo Credits: Tigress Restaurant & Rooftop Bar “Diners continue to see truffle as a luxury ingredient,” says Adrian Deacon, Director of Food & Beverage at The Goodtime Hotel. “Similar to caviar in that it has been considered a delicacy, guests rave about it anytime it’s on the menu. Given its distinct and powerful flavor, balance is key; too much can easily overpower a dish, but the right amount improves the overall flavor profile of the dish. Truffle has also become much more popular in recent years. Once primarily associated with fine dining, it can now be found across a wide range of restaurants and dishes. While it still carries a sense of luxury and indulgence, its growing popularity has made it a more universal and approachable ingredient.” “Truffles are like any other great seasonal ingredient. We love them when they’re in season, but then we move on to the next great thing,” says John Engle, Executive Chef at Ovide. “For me, truffle should add something meaningful to a dish rather than simply make it feel more luxurious. On Ovide’s new menu, we shave about four grams over roasted scallops with Brussels sprout leaves, crispy country ham and winter squash. The truffle isn’t the star; it adds an earthy element and a touch of indulgence. Truffle burgers, fries and mac and cheese can work in the right setting, but I’m very happy with our mac and cheese and smashburgers as they are, and truffles wouldn’t add anything to either.” Photo Credits: Ovide Carlo Mirarchi, Executive Chef at Ezio’s, is less convinced by truffle’s ubiquity. “Truffle is 100% overused. The timing and quality of the season varies year to year, depending on the weather, so it doesn’t make sense to treat it as something that should be on menus every year, let alone year-round. I stay away from truffle oils, salts and infused products entirely, but when fresh truffles are genuinely good, and the price makes sense, they can add real depth to the right pasta.” For Mitchell Hesse, Executive Chef at Delilah Miami, accessibility and luxury aren’t necessarily at odds. “Truffles have become a staple of kitchens and homes alike globally. The access to truffles via zest, salts and oils has given everyone the ability to enjoy a little piece of opulence while staying budget-friendly. When dining at restaurants, the luxury hits when you receive a dish with seasonal truffles shaved to order. The aroma and taste are undeniable. For me, adding freshly shaved truffle to soft scrambled eggs or mushroom risotto is the best way to experience the flavor. I recommend avoiding truffles in the summer unless they have come from Australia, New Zealand or Chile, but make sure they specify winter truffles. Using a truffle at the peak of a cold snap (when its aroma is at its peak) is when it will really elevate a dish.” “I don’t think it’s the ingredient itself that makes something feel luxurious or overused. It comes down to the chef and how they choose to work with it,” says Brian Nasajon, Executive Chef at Mottai. “Truffle can still feel incredibly luxurious when it’s used with restraint and in a dish that allows it to shine. While seeing truffle on everything from fries to burgers has certainly made it more accessible and familiar to diners, that doesn’t mean it has lost its ability to surprise. In the hands of the right chef, truffle can still feel fresh and unexpected. Ultimately, guests continue to respond to truffle as something special, but the execution is what determines whether it actually feels luxurious.” Photo Credits: Mottai At Uchi Miami, Chef de Cuisine Diana Martinez sees room for truffle on both sides of the dining spectrum. “I definitely think truffle still carries a sense of luxury, but the way guests experience that luxury has changed. For me, truffle has to have a purpose. I don’t want to put truffle on something just because we know it sells or it makes the dish sound more expensive. It has to actually make the dish better. Truffle can live in both worlds. It can still feel luxurious while also being approachable and fun. For chefs, it’s just about making sure we’re using it with intention.” “I think diners still associate real, fresh truffle with luxury, but the word itself has become much more common,” says Daniel Roy, Executive Chef at Vilebrequin La Plage Miami. “When guests see real truffle shaved over a dish, there is a sense of occasion. For me, truffle should never be used simply to make a dish sound more luxurious or justify a higher price. The ingredient has to make culinary sense. I think it can be both. There is something very satisfying about adding a small touch of luxury to a familiar dish.” Rocco Carulli, Chef-Owner of R House Wynwood, sees that familiarity as part of truffle’s evolution. “Truffle still carries an association with luxury, but diners now see it as a more accessible indulgence rather than something reserved for fine dining. At R House, we use truffle oil and Parmesan on our yucca fries, where the earthy aroma of truffle complements the yucca’s slightly sweet flavor and creamy interior. For me, truffle should make a dish taste better, not simply make it sound more expensive. The dish still needs to stand on its own. When used with purpose, truffle can take something familiar and comforting and make it feel a little more special.” Photo Credits: R House Wynwood At Oceans 234, Executive Chef Duvan Marin points to an element of truffle that begins working before diners even take a bite. “Truffle still carries a sense of luxury, but what makes it so powerful is that guests experience it before they even taste it. At Oceans 234, when a special with freshly shaved truffle moves through the dining room, people at neighboring tables look up. The aroma creates that sense of indulgence before the plate even lands. We use truffle in everything from fries and truffle honey to mushroom truffle paste and freshly shaved truffles, but for me, the test is always whether it actually makes the dish better. Truffle fries can be an easy indulgence, while fresh shaved truffle can create a true luxury moment. It’s the same ingredient, but the intention and experience around it are completely different.” “Truffle still has that sense of decadence, but today’s guests are just as comfortable enjoying it on familiar, comforting dishes as they are in a fine dining setting,” says Patricia Lara, Owner of Casa Sensei in Fort Lauderdale. “In many ways, that contrast is part of the appeal. It can make something simple and familiar a little more special without making it feel overly formal. For me, truffle has to add something meaningful to the dish, not just make it sound more luxurious. It should complement the other ingredients and bring another layer of flavor and aroma without taking over. The goal is for it to feel like a natural part of the dish, where you would actually miss it if it were taken away.” Photo Credits: Casa Sensei “The general perception of truffle has probably been diluted a little in recent years due to overuse and the increased affordability of the product,” says Luca Lomonaco, Owner of dōma Wynwood. “However, the key aspect to consider is: what quality of truffle are we talking about? Truffles range in quality from bad to exceptional, and there are also many aromatized truffle products on the market. A high-quality white truffle or black tuber is still, and always will be, a luxury ingredient. In the past 10 to 15 years, technology has facilitated the production of lower-quality truffle products and byproducts, making them more affordable and increasing their use outside of fine dining. But truffle is the epitome of delicacy. When you pair a high-quality truffle with delicate, high-quality ingredients, you have something that really shines. Despite its popularity, I believe educated diners still see the right truffle as a true luxury ingredient.” By ML Staff.

Automated license plate readers like Flock cameras have been quietly appearing on roadsides all over the U.S. Flock cameras have popped up all over Florida, particularly in metro areas. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Florida is no exception: Over the past several years, law enforcement agencies across Florida have signed contracts with Flock Safety, one of the largest purveyors of these technologies. Crowdsourced mapping projects currently show nearly 10,000 cameras in Florida, with concentrations around major metropolitan areas. This is likely an undercounting, as these are the units observed by the public, not an official tally. But in the summer of 2026, reports of widespread abuse of this technology – both in Florida and nationwide – began to surface. In late August, Florida banned Flock cameras from state highways. But questions about these technologies, the networks they link to and the safeguards surrounding them remain. As a Florida-based economist who has spent the past 15 years working at the intersection of economics, politics, surveillance and civil liberties, I think such conversations are long overdue. Improving technology Automated license plate readers are not a new technology. Often mounted on patrol cars, these have been used to capture license plate information since the 1990s. But the current version of this technology goes well beyond an officer looking up a plate number. According to Florida Department of Law Enforcement guidelines, readings from these devices potentially contain not only a plate number, but also images of a vehicle’s license plate, date and time information and geographic location. Companies like Flock allow users to conduct searches based on characteristics like vehicle make, model and color, as well as other distinctive vehicle features like dents and stickers. So even though these technologies generally do not contain the vehicle owner’s name or other personal information, the data they collect can easily be used to find that information by running queries in other systems, such as Florida’s driver-and-vehicle database. Police have used automated license plate readers to search for missing persons since the 1990s. Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The use of automated license plate readers has also expanded significantly in scope. Since the early 2000s, Florida agencies have used them to identify and track stolen vehicles and find wanted or missing persons. For example, they can be used after an Amber alert about a missing child or a silver alert about a missing senior citizen is issued. But more recently law enforcement has used these readers for immigration-related searches and tracking drivers’ movements over time. Data is often shared or accessed across jurisdictions. These broader uses, combined with cases of misuse – for example, repeated searches for former romantic partners, false investigative rationales and off-duty searches – have led to serious questions about privacy, safety, government overreach and accountability. Networks of law enforcement This widening in scope is related to perhaps the least understood aspect of the current automated license plate reader technology: the network to which these devices are connected. The existence of thousands of cameras reveals only a partial view of the broader surveillance apparatus. For example, while the St. Petersburg Police Department reportedly operates only about 50 Flock cameras, its officers can search data collected by Flock cameras operated by more than 1,000 other agencies nationwide – from Florida Fish and Wildlife to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. In fact, Florida law encourages information sharing between law enforcement and other government agencies. With access to this network of cameras, law enforcement agencies don’t need to happen upon a car to conduct a search. Authorized users can potentially reconstruct where a car has been and when across multiple jurisdictions – regardless of whether the vehicle is possibly connected to a crime. While Flock says it doesn’t partner directly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Community News Collaborative has documented evidence that Florida officials have used Flock data repeatedly for immigration-related searches. New license plate reading technology allows law enforcement officers to track cars across jurisdictions. Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images) Guidelines, not laws Under Florida statute, license plate records, images and other related data collected by automated readers are subject to the state’s record retention schedule. This means agencies can retain records as long as they are possibly valuable to law enforcement, but generally no longer than three years after they’re recorded. There are exceptions, however. This three-year rule may be superseded if the records are “to be retained under another record series.” For example, data could be retained longer if it’s part of an active criminal investigation. In 2024 the Florida Department of Law Enforcement revised its guidelines to recommend that agencies using these technologies adopt policies governing the operation and use of these readers. Suggested guidelines include allowing access based on an employee’s role and developing parameters related to legitimate use of data, record dissemination, controls against unauthorized disclosure and maintaining logs of searches. But these are guidelines, not laws. To require specific policies or changes, state lawmakers would need to step in. Florida does not currently have comprehensive statutes that regulate how law enforcement agencies or officers may use license plate databases. While data collection and sharing between government agencies is broad, opportunities for public scrutiny of these contracts and adopted guidelines for data collection and use are severely limited. Images and data collected via automated license plate readers that contain or provide personally identifying information is confidential and exempt from Florida’s generally broad public records laws. Public awareness of many of the uses and abuses of this technology is largely the result of dedicated, time-consuming work by journalists and watchdog groups. By requesting and analyzing records of adjacent nonconfidential documents, such as internal memos and disciplinary files, they have pieced together information about how law enforcement is using these technologies. Problem solved? Many people welcomed the announcement by the Florida Department of Transportation that it was revoking license plate reader permits for units installed on state highways. But this represents the removal of a subset of cameras, not an immediate, systemic change. Florida did not ban these cameras statewide. These license plate readers – and the systems to which they connect – are still operating on municipal and county roads, and they remain in use by homeowner’s associations and other private property owners. Given current pushback from the public, legislators across the country are feeling pressure to create or amend laws governing these technologies. From Florida and California to Connecticut and Texas, lawmakers in red and blue states are rolling out a host of new guidelines and policies related to Flock cameras and similar technologies. But in my research I’ve found that policymakers often face strong incentives to adopt, and continue using, technologies that allow them to claim they’re tough on crime. In fact, some South Florida mayors are already pushing back against DeSantis’ restriction of Flock cameras. Policymakers also face intense lobbying pressure from Flock and other technology companies to keep using their products and systems. When it comes to surveillance oversight, policymakers often make large announcements or publicly commit to increasing accountability. But the devil is in the details. Statements about accountability or policy changes may look significant on the surface but lack substance. The real question is whether these policies are more effective than they are performative. For example, will the removal of Flock cameras from Florida highways meaningfully change how remaining cameras operate? No. The policy does, however, help policymakers avoid blame in the event of a data leak or another incident of abuse. Zooming out Floridians aren’t the only ones considering the implications of the widespread use of license plate readers and their integrated networks. Across the U.S., lawmakers and ordinary citizens are questioning the marked expansion in the scale and scope of government surveillance and asking why safeguards are only now being seriously considered. Florida’s widespread data collection, permissive statutes related to data retention and sharing, and lack of preemptive safeguards and oversight informs a much broader conversation about surveillance, privacy and government accountability. Removing Flock cameras from the state highways was just a conversation starter – there’s much more to discuss. Words by Abigail Hall, Professor of Economics, University of Tampa. Special thanks for The Conversation. Support and donate today.

Miami Living's picks for sports events from October 7–14, featuring FIU Panthers football, Miami Heat preseason basketball, Inter Miami CF, Miami FC, Florida Panthers hockey and Miami Dolphins football. Here are the top games and sporting events to catch across Miami and South Florida this week. FIU Panthers Football FIU Panthers vs. New Mexico State Aggies — October 7 Purchase Tickets FIU opens Conference USA play at home against New Mexico State, giving the Panthers an important early test in league action. The matchup also carries some recent history, with FIU having beaten the Aggies 34-13 in their last meeting in 2024. Miami Heat New Orleans Pelicans vs. Miami Heat — October 8 Purchase Tickets The Heat return to Kaseya Center for their preseason home opener against the Pelicans. Miami's revamped roster features Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and Klay Thompson, making this an early look at how the new-look group comes together before the regular season begins. Inter Miami CF Inter Miami CF vs. D.C. United — October 10 Purchase Tickets Inter Miami heads into another important MLS home date with D.C. United, with Lionel Messi leading a side that recently added the 2026 Campeones Cup to its trophy collection. Messi also reached 100 goals for the club this season, while Casemiro has emerged as another major attacking contributor since arriving in Miami. Miami FC Miami FC vs. Loudoun United FC — October 10 Purchase Tickets Miami FC enters this late-season home match with its playoff push gaining momentum. The club followed a three-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory over Tampa Bay on October 3 that moved Miami above the USL Championship Eastern Conference playoff line, making the meeting with Loudoun especially important with the regular season nearing its end. Florida Panthers Minnesota Wild vs. Florida Panthers — October 10 Purchase Tickets The Panthers open their 2026-27 home schedule against the Minnesota Wild in Sunrise. Florida has won each of its last seven home openers, while Saturday's game is expected to mark Brady Tkachuk's first regular-season appearance for the Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena after his blockbuster offseason move from Ottawa. Miami Dolphins Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins — October 11 Purchase Tickets The Dolphins return home looking for their first victory of the season after falling 15-10 to Minnesota and entering Week 5 at 0-4. Cincinnati arrives at 2-2 behind Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, giving Miami a demanding matchup and a chance to reset its season in front of the home crowd. By ML Staff. Photos courtesy of the featured teams and event organizers

The sustainable harvesting of the Florida stone crab is a unique tradition where only the claws are carefully removed before returning the living crustacean to the ocean. The season runs from October 15 through May 1, signaling the peak of South Florida dining and bringing intense local demand. Photo resource: Depositphotos To help you navigate where to enjoy these delicacies, Miami Living curated a definitive tiered ranking of the state's finest claw purveyors. Editor's Note: While these establishments have a proven track record of serving stone crab during the season, daily catches depend heavily on ocean conditions. We highly recommend calling ahead to confirm the current stock and available claw sizes of the day. S-Tier: Michelin & Elite Sanctuaries Joe's Stone Crab Photo: Joe's Stone Crab An undisputed pioneer of the industry since 1913, this Miami Beach establishment anchors the local culinary scene. The landmark venue functions as the state's largest single buyer of stone crab, securing priority access to premier yields. Chilled claws are paired with their legendary mustard sauce inside a historic, white-jacketed dining room. It remains an unmatched economic and cultural heavyweight at the apex of the market. Address: 11 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone: (305) 673-0365 Website: Official website. Instagram: @joesstonecrab Stubborn Seed Photo: Stubborn Seed Chef Jeremy Ford guides this South Beach destination holding both a Michelin Star and a Green Star for sustainability. Stone crab appears selectively within multi-course, chef-driven tasting menus utilizing strict farm-to-table sourcing. Modern culinary techniques replace traditional boiling to highlight the delicate natural sweetness of the meat. Expert in-house sommeliers curate precise wine pairings to elevate the experience. Address: 101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone: (786) 322-5211 Website: Official website. Instagram: @stubborn_seed The Surf Club Restaurant Photo: The Surf Club Restaurant Thomas Keller's venue inside the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club exudes mid-century glamour and uncompromising luxury. The kitchen treats seasonal stone crab with absolute reverence, targeting the rarest colossal claws available for high-net-worth patrons. Holiday tasting experiences frequently merge the delicacy with premium caviar inside an exclusive setting. Price sensitivity is entirely absent in this sophisticated coastal sanctuary. Address: 9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154 Phone: (305) 768-9440 Website: Official website. Instagram: @thesurfclubrestaurant Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann Photo: Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann The opulent Faena Hotel houses this Michelin-recommended establishment channeling Argentine fire-cooking traditions into local dining. A dramatic, art-forward environment offers a striking sensory backdrop for enjoying seasonal stone crab. Robust wine programs complement the offerings, reinforcing the venue's elite status. Diners experience an unforgettable visual presentation alongside world-class hospitality. Address: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140 Phone: (786) 655-5600 Website: Official website. Instagram: @faena A-Tier: Premium Seafood Specialists Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab Photo: Truluck's Close relationships with independent fishermen allow this upscale destination to bypass traditional supply bottlenecks and secure steady claw inventories. Sophisticated Brickell spaces feature live lounge entertainment and rigorous corporate hospitality standards. Celebratory milestones and business transactions find a reliable, high-end environment here. Address: 777 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 579-0035 Website: Official website. Instagram: @trulucksrestaurant Lobster Bar Sea Grille Photo: Lobster Bar Sea Grille Surgical precision defines the seafood handling at this Las Olas Boulevard staple. White-tablecloth interiors cater heavily to corporate diners and yachting enthusiasts seeking pristine Key West claws. Casual beachside shacks find a refined, highly consistent alternative in this establishment. Address: 450 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: (954) 772-2675 Website: Official website. Instagram: @lobsterbarseagrille B-Tier: Mid-Market Waterfront Staples Coconuts Photo: Coconuts Waterfront vistas over the Intracoastal provide a relaxed, approachable atmosphere for casual diners at this dog-friendly venue. Garlic scampi crab claws bring widespread fame, while reliable seasonal stone crab rounds out the menu. Shared ordering options with the adjacent G&B Oyster Bar expand choices, although premium grade consistency can occasionally fluctuate. Address: 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Phone: (954) 525-2421 Website: Official website. Instagram: @coconuts_benice Quarterdeck Restaurant Photo: Quarterdeck Restaurant A hybrid sports bar layout combined with seafood house offerings introduces accessible entry points for seasonal flavors. Stone crab chowder lets patrons experience regional delicacies without committing to luxury platter prices. Neighborhood locals frequently utilize this destination as a practical dining hub. Address: 1035 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Phone: (954) 524-6163 Website: Official website. Instagram: @quarterdeckrestaurants C-Tier: Tourist-Centric Spots Rustic Inn Crabhouse Photo: Rustic Inn Crabhouse Operating since 1955, this Fort Lauderdale institution leans heavily into a chaotic, mallet-smashing novelty. High visitor volumes and steep price increases over decades alter its overall value proposition. Historical charm remains intact, but escalating costs for modest yields tend to frustrate local diners. Address: 4331 Ravenswood Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Phone: (954) 584-1637 Website: Official website. Instagram: @rusticinncrabhouse CJ's Crab Shack Photo: CJ's Crab Shack Heavy pedestrian foot traffic on Ocean Drive draws visitors searching for classic seafood platters to this South Beach spot. Premium real estate costs pass directly to consumers, resulting in inflated prices relative to overall sourcing quality. A functional tourist purpose is served here rather than deep culinary innovation. Address: 600 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone: (305) 604-5951 Website: Official website. Instagram: @cjscrabshack X-Tier: Value Champions & Hidden Gems Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market Photo: Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market Family-run operations utilize private fishing vessels to champion trap-to-table logistics along the Miami River. Daily catches unload directly onto docks where patrons enjoy retail pricing undercutting luxury steakhouses. Quintessential Old Miami waterfront experiences await value-focused purists here. Address: 398 NW North River Dr, Miami, FL 33128 Phone: (305) 375-0765 Website: Official website. Instagram: @garciasseafood By ML Staff. Selection by Camila R. S. Azeredo. Photos: Featured Venues / Provided by each featured venue in this story.

FAO Schwarz has opened The Jewel Box at Nordstrom Aventura, bringing the toy retailer’s products and interactive experiences to South Florida through a new store-within-a-store concept. The Aventura location is one of eight Nordstrom stores nationwide introducing The Jewel Box as part of a broader partnership between Nordstrom and FAO Schwarz. The collaboration is expanding FAO Schwarz products and experiences across Nordstrom stores and online, with select locations featuring hands-on activities and exclusive toy launches. At Nordstrom Aventura, visitors can take part in several interactive experiences. FAO Doll allows children to select a swaddle and sign a birth certificate for a new baby doll, while FAO-Abulous lets guests design and accessorize a custom handbag. The Brio Personalization Station offers hands-on play and the opportunity to customize wooden trains as keepsakes. The space also features exclusive toy launches along with toys, apparel and other products. To celebrate the opening, Nordstrom Aventura will host a family event on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with treats, immersive activations and entertainment for guests of all ages. The Jewel Box rollout follows the opening of FAO Schwarz’s second New York City location at the Nordstrom NYC Flagship earlier this year, marking the toy retailer’s first additional New York City location in more than 100 years. The partnership includes specialty products, exclusive collaborations and interactive retail experiences designed to bring the FAO Schwarz experience to more Nordstrom customers nationwide. By ML Staff. Photos/Nordstrom

A property rental can look perfect during a daytime tour. But it could feel very different when you walk home after dark. So, before signing on the dotted line, take the following simple steps. Evaluate Neighborhood Safety With Local Crime Data These days, it’s easy to search for the right accommodation. For example, if you’re looking for rooms for rent in Los Angeles, you can use a solution like Roomster. But, while you can evaluate specific properties using filters on online platforms, how do you evaluate neighborhoods for safety? Well, you should start by finding reports from local law enforcement. For Los Angeles addresses, the LAPD Crime Mapping and COMPSTAT page offers tools for exploring reported incidents by area and crime type. For Miami, you can access the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office crime incident map. It will show you which crimes have been committed near your location. Other cities and districts have similar accessible solutions. Look at the specific blocks around the rental, nearby transit stops, and the routes you expect to use. Pay attention to incident types and dates, and look for patterns over time instead of drawing a conclusion from one event. A cluster of vehicle break-ins may matter more if you plan to park on the street, while reports along your regular walking route may deserve closer attention. Visit at Different Times of Day A neighborhood’s feel can shift between a weekday afternoon and a late evening. So, visit the rental area more than once, if you can, and include the times you expect to come and go. Notice lighting, foot traffic, open businesses, traffic speed, and whether the walk from parking or transit feels comfortable. Walk the route you would actually use, not just the block in front of the building. Check sidewalks, crossings, bus stops, and the path from the curb to the entrance. If you plan to return home after, say, a class, try to see that route around the same time, while following sensible personal safety precautions. Street lighting can play a key role in how safe a place feels, but it is only one part of the picture. The 2024 study on street lighting and perceived safety, published by Springer Nature, will tell you more. The study used simulated virtual reality technologies to investigate the relationship between street lighting and the fear of crime in narrow residential streets. Check the Everyday Routes You’ll Use A neighborhood may feel different when you’re carrying groceries, walking a dog, or getting home late. Test the routes that matter to you, including the walk to transit, a grocery store, or a place to park. Notice whether you can see clearly, cross streets without rushing, and find a route that feels practical after dark. Use this short checklist during your walk: Check whether sidewalks and crossings are easy to use Notice lighting on the route from transit or parking Look for open businesses and active public spaces You may also want to check pedestrian and bicycle crash records for intersections you would cross. A route may look manageable while a fast arterial, confusing signal, or missing curb ramp can create a hazard. Also, city transportation departments may publish collision maps or street-safety plans you can review. And you could check whether your usual transit line runs often enough during your commute hours, including evenings and weekends. A long wait or an early last trip can leave you relying on a farther stop or a backup ride. So, compare schedules and consider your options before choosing the location. Talk With People Who Know the Area People who live or work nearby can offer useful details that a map may not show. Ask current residents, nearby shop owners, or building staff what the block is like at night and on weekends. Keep questions open-ended, such as, “What should a new renter know about getting home after dark?” Also, ask the landlord or property manager about building access, exterior lights, locks, package delivery, and how maintenance concerns are handled. Pay attention to whether answers are specific and whether you can see the features during your tour. A well-lit entry or secured door can improve the building experience, though neither can tell you everything about neighborhood conditions. Listen for repeated, concrete concerns, but don’t treat one person’s impression as proof. People may have different routines and comfort levels, so compare what you hear with your own visits and public information. If answers are vague, make a note and ask follow-up questions before committing. Making Confident Decisions To evaluate neighborhood safety, combine local crime data with firsthand visits, route checks, and practical questions about the building. No single map, statistic, or conversation can predict every experience, but the above steps can help you spot concerns that matter to your routine. Before signing, review your notes and decide whether the area feels workable at the times you’ll use it most. If key questions remain, request another visit or clarification from the property manager before you commit to the lease. Has this post been helpful? If so, explore some of our other useful articles. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Pexels.