RESULTS
Search this site
13449 results found
- South Florida Venues Observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Charitable Initiatives
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting communities impacted by the disease and the more than 23,000 women in Florida diagnosed annually, according to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. To support these efforts, local venues across the region are hosting dedicated initiatives and fundraisers. Featured Local Initiatives Kings Orlando: Throughout October, the venue is selling pink socks, with two dollars from every pair sold donated directly to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to support research, education, and support services. Plantation Walk: On October 17, the venue will host a charitable Breast Cancer Awareness Car and Truck Show benefiting the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. The event features free admission for spectators, a thirty-dollar show car entry fee, live music, fifty-fifty cash raffles, and access to over two dozen restaurants and shops. By ML Staff. Photos: Allied Global Marketing.
- The Little Lighthouse Foundation Announces October Events and Upcoming Gala
The Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF) has released its October 2026 newsletter, highlighting recent community successes, upcoming volunteer opportunities, and major annual events supporting children and families across South Florida. Key Upcoming Events and Initiative Children’s Halloween Party: Scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Miami Design District’s Jungle Plaza, this annual tradition brings costumes, treats, games, and entertainment to children and families. Holiday Toy Distribution: Set for Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Mana Wynwood, this annual Specialty Program delivers thousands of toys and holiday joy to children throughout the region. Hearts & Stars Gala 2027: LLF's signature black-tie fundraiser will return with an "Amalfi Dream" theme, featuring world-class entertainment, premium cocktails, and tastings from South Florida restaurants. October Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers can sign up through Bloomerang for seven recurring programs this October: Children’s Halloween Party Global Empowerment Mission Fit Club Story Hour Move and Groove Craft Night Student Volunteering: STEM Recent Highlights and Recognition Cocktails With A Cause: Held on September 24, 2026, at Earls Kitchen + Bar at Miami Worldcenter, the event brought together supporters to raise vital funds for LLF programs. Volunteer of the Month: Alejandro Barriga, founder of Books For You Miami, was recognized for his work expanding access to books and educational materials, having impacted more than 1 million families across South Florida. By ML Staff. Photos: The Little Lighthouse Foundation.
- Frost Science Opens Winter Camp Registration in Miami for December 2025
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami has opened registration for its 2025 Winter Camp, a series of science-focused programs for children scheduled from December 21 to 31. Young participants ages 5 to 11 can attend four-day camps that include hands-on experiments, talks with scientists, exhibition exploration and sessions in the Frost Planetarium. Each camp features a distinct theme designed to build STEM skills through activities and challenges across the museum. Families can register for Winter Camp online. The first session, Epic Earth, runs December 21 to 24 and focuses on aquatic biomes, tropical rainforests, deserts and tundra, with experiments on climate, biodiversity and ecosystems, including visits to the museum’s Aquarium. The second session, Space Quest, runs December 28 to 31 and covers rocket launches, lunar science and astronaut training, supplemented by visits to the Frost Planetarium. Separate registration is available for Epic Earth and Space Quest. For older students ages 12 to 15, the museum offers a Curator-in-Training Winter Camp program, where participants meet with scientists, earn community service hours and work with a museum mentor to create a scientific resource or video inspired by a Frost Science exhibition. Museum members receive discounted Winter Camp rates, and children must be at least 5 years old on the first day of camp to attend. By ML. Photo(s)/Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
- October 1 in Miami History: Selling the Everglades and Surviving the Great Hurricane
October 1 has quite a few interesting historical happenings. On this date, Yosemite National Park was established in 1890, the first modern World Series game was played in 1903, Ford introduced the Model T in 1908, future President Jimmy Carter was born in 1924, American Express introduced its first U.S. credit card in 1958, Johnny Carson began his historic run as host of The Tonight Show in 1962, and Walt Disney World officially opened in Orlando in 1971. Dredging a canal in the Everglades, Florida Florida Memory (N028658, public domain). Photo/Courtesy NPS. And here in Miami, we found an interesting South Florida historical connection. On October 1, 1909, real-estate speculation in the Everglades was beginning to take off, while 17 years later, on October 1, 1926, the aftermath of the Great Miami Hurricane revealed an economic and environmental crisis that profoundly affected South Florida. Selling the Everglades The Everglades Land Sales Company opened its Miami office on October 1, promoting Everglades land to buyers around the country, many of whom purchased property without seeing it first. The University of Miami's historical chronology specifically records the date, making the company an early example of the speculative real-estate culture that would become a defining feature of South Florida. A group of VIPs inspects Everglades dredge work, 1907 Florida Memory (N027123, public domain). Photo/NPS Based in Kansas City, the company reportedly owned about 26,000 acres in the Davie area by 1911, while its promotional literature claimed that 224,000 acres had been "disposed of under the company's auspices." The company promoted the idea that drainage would transform the Everglades into productive farmland. But drainage proved considerably more complicated than some promotional material suggested, and some purchasers encountered land that had not yet been adequately reclaimed. The company eventually commissioned hydraulic engineers to examine the drainage plans and was reorganized or merged into the Everglades Land and Sugar Company around 1913. 1909 map of South Florida from the State of Florida report Report on the Drainage of the Everglades of Florida, by J. O. Wright, Supervising Drainage Engineer. Courtesy of Dr. Gary Goforth. The Great Hurricane About 17 years later, the Great Miami Hurricane delivered another major blow to South Florida. The hurricane struck Miami on September 18, 1926, but its destruction was carefully documented from the air in photographs taken on October 1, just 13 days later. The storm reached Category 4 strength and produced a devastating storm surge, estimated at around 14 feet in parts of the Miami area. The American Red Cross reported 373 deaths and 6,381 injuries, while more than 800 people were initially reported missing. Because South Florida had a large transient population at the time, the exact death toll remains uncertain. Approximately 25,000 people were left without shelter, and the Library of Congress estimates that about 4,700 homes were destroyed. Pancoast Hotel in Miami Beach after the 1926 Hurriance Miami 1926. Photos/weather.gov One particularly frightening feature of the storm was the eye. When it passed directly over the Miami area, the winds temporarily subsided. Some people went outside believing the hurricane was over, only to be caught when the second half of the storm arrived from the opposite direction. South Beach, 1926 Haulover Bridge before and after the hurricane, 1926. Photos/weather.gov A Second Blow to Miami The Great Hurricane also hit a South Florida economy that was already in trouble. This is important: the hurricane did not single-handedly cause the collapse of the Florida land boom. The boom was already suffering from over-speculation, transportation problems, financial difficulties and a shortage of building materials. The hurricane delivered an enormous additional blow, and the National Park Service describes it as the "coup de grace" to an already weakening boom. In many ways, these two October 1 stories capture something fundamental about Miami's history: the extraordinary ambition to transform South Florida, and the equally powerful forces of nature and economics that have repeatedly tested that ambition. By ML Staff.
- PORT 32 Ft. Lauderdale Expands One-Stop Yacht Service Capabilities and Names Brian Kelley General Manager
PORT 32 – A leading owner, operator, developer, and acquirer of a growing collection of irreplaceable marina assets in premier markets – has expanded PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale’s capabilities as a comprehensive yacht repair, refit and service destination on the New River. The company has also named marine industry veteran Brian Kelley general manager of the marina and boatyard. Kelley brings more than 30 years of experience in marina, shipyard and yacht-service operations to PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale. He oversees the marina and boatyard, works alongside the operations team and remains closely involved in the property's daily activities. His leadership priorities include safety, operational reliability, consistent communication and accessible service for PORT 32 members, guests and the Fort Lauderdale boating community. Matt Domke, who has served as general manager of PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale since 2022, will transition to the role of general manager of PORT 32 Palm Beach Gardens, opening in December 2026. PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale combines an operational boatyard, upgraded wet basin and dry storage for 240 vessels with specialized marine businesses located on-site. The wet basin accommodates vessels up to 180 feet, while a 150-metric-ton Marine Travelift provides full haul-out capabilities for yachts and large recreational vessels up to approximately 120 feet. The marina’s contractor-friendly property allows captains and owners to coordinate multiple phases of maintenance, repair and refit work at one location. Its on-site providers offer bottom work, hull and topside refinishing, fiberglass and composite fabrication, engine service, marine electronics, electrical work, air conditioning, plumbing, mechanical service, detailing and other specialized capabilities. Together, the boatyard infrastructure and network of on-site marine businesses allow owners and captains to coordinate scheduled maintenance, inspections, repairs and refits without moving their vessels between multiple service locations. “We are proud to welcome Brian Kelley to the PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale team. His experience across marina, shipyard and yacht-service operations makes him the right leader to guide the team this season and beyond,” said CEO Austin Schell. “As boaters prepare for the annual seasonal migration to South Florida, we encourage them to consider PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale for their service needs. One of our biggest differentiators is that we are much more than just dockage. We have an exceptional group of on-site marine service providers offering every aspect of a refit or repair, everything from bottom work and fiberglass repair to engine service, electronics, mechanical systems and major refit capabilities.” “I am proud to step into this role as general manager and build on the strong foundation already in place at PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale,” said Kelley, general manager of PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale. “With the boatyard fully operational and a talented group of on-site marine specialists covering everything from hull work to electronics, my focus is on staying closely engaged with the team and our members. I want captains and owners to know they can count on PORT 32 for a safe, reliable and service-driven experience so they have more confidence and convenience, leading to a more enjoyable time on the water.” PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale's roster of on-site marine businesses includes A-1 Marine, which provides air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, cooling tower and package-unit services. P&S Yacht Specialists handles bottom painting, hull and topside refinishing, fiberglass repairs, composite hull extensions and composite fabrication. Grand Slam Marine provides Mercury 600-horsepower-certified service, Yamaha and Suzuki service, center-console refits, electronics and electrical service. Additional providers broaden the marina's service capabilities. Henderson Marine performs yacht refits and work involving mechanical and hydraulic systems, running gear, stabilizers, nameboards and metal fabrication. Yacht Surface Restoration provides ceramic coatings, detailing and shine restoration, while Vanquish Yachts offers factory-authorized service. Hanover Yachts provides sales and service, and Sarasota Yacht Sales offers yacht and ship brokerage services. PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale also serves as an official service center for Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale. For more information about PORT 32 Fort Lauderdale, please visit www.port32marinas.com/p32marinas/ft-lauderdale. By ML Staff. Photos/PORT 32.
- Forté Luxe in Jupiter Announces Waterfront Residence Under Contract for Nearly $8 Million
Forté Development announced that Residence 13 at Forté Luxe, its boutique waterfront community in Jupiter, is under contract. The 5,074-square-foot residence was last listed for $7.995 million, with the development approaching its anticipated completion at the end of 2026. Residence 13, located at 12450 SE Crystal Cove Place, is a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom townhome spanning 5,074 square feet. Designed by architect Alfonso Jurado, with interiors by Interiors by Steven G., the residence features contemporary architecture, premium finishes and panoramic waterfront views. The home includes a modern kitchen, private in-home elevator and expansive rooftop terrace with Atlantic Ocean views and a summer kitchen. Additional features include a whole-home Generac generator and an integrated Control4 and Lutron home automation system. Spanning three levels, Residence 13 features a private in-ground pool, an attached two-car garage and additional driveway parking. Its living and kitchen areas connect to outdoor spaces, including a covered patio, balcony and rooftop terrace. The third-floor primary suite includes a soaking tub, separate shower and walk-in closets, while the residence offers views of the Intracoastal Waterway and surrounding preserve. "With Forté Luxe nearing completion, having Residence 13 under contract marks another milestone for the development," said Marius Fortelni, founder and CEO of Forté Development. "Our vision was to create an intimate waterfront community that combines exceptional design, privacy and direct access to Jupiter's waterways. As we approach completion at the end of the year, we look forward to bringing that vision to life and welcoming our first residents." Situated on a peninsula across the Intracoastal Waterway from Jupiter Island, Forté Luxe comprises just 15 multi-level residences surrounded on three sides by water. The community offers panoramic waterfront views and resort-style amenities, including a private swimming pool, sun deck and entertainment areas. Limited private boat slips provide residents with access to the Jupiter Inlet and Atlantic Ocean without fixed bridges along the route. Seth Mansfield and Matthias Fretz of Douglas Elliman are representing sales at Forté Luxe, with Douglas Elliman Development Marketing serving as the exclusive sales and marketing team for the community. Forté Luxe is a collaboration between Forté Development and Collins Development, with architecture by Alfonso Jurado, interiors by Interiors by Steven G., and construction by KAST Construction. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing serves as the exclusive sales and marketing team. The development is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The Forté Luxe Sales Center is open by appointment at 11911 N. U.S. 1, Suite 102, North Palm Beach, FL 33408. For more information, call 561-440-6103 or visit forte-luxe.net. By ML Staff. Photos/Forté Development.
- Conservative Wealth Preservation: Understanding Miami's CD Rate Environment
Miami savers have plenty of choices when it comes to where they keep their cash. Alongside large national banks, the city has local banks and credit unions offering CDs across a range of terms. For those prioritizing stability, traditional fixed-rate CDs provide a stated rate for a set period. The key is comparing what is available locally with options from national and online institutions, rather than assuming an existing bank offers the most attractive rate. How Miami CD Rates Compare With the Wider Market There is no single Miami CD rate. Annual percentage yields, or APYs, vary by institution, term and deposit requirement, which means two savers in the same city may see very different offers. Some Miami-area institutions may offer rates above national averages, particularly when they are competing for deposits. At the same time, nationwide and online banks can add another group of options for Miami residents willing to look beyond institutions with a physical branch nearby. A Miami saver may be comparing community banks, credit unions, online banks and national institutions with a local presence. For someone holding a larger cash balance, even a modest difference in APY can make a noticeable difference in earnings over the life of a CD. The rate matters, but so do the term, minimum deposit and insurance coverage attached to it. Why Local Banks and Credit Unions Can Be Competitive Large national banks offer familiarity and convenience, especially for customers who already use them for checking, lending or wealth-management services. That does not mean they will always lead the CD market. Community banks and credit unions may offer higher certificate rates when they want to attract deposits. In South Florida, that can give savers more local options beyond the institutions they already know. Credit unions can be particularly easy to miss because eligibility requirements vary. Membership may depend on location, employer, organization or another qualifying relationship. An attractive rate still needs to be checked against those requirements before it becomes a realistic option. Miami Living has also covered how Miami’s wealthy are diversifying beyond the city’s traditional focus on real estate. That broader approach to diversification can apply to cash management too, where looking across several institution types may reveal options that are easy to overlook. Using Comparison Tools to Spot Unadvertised Local Rates Miami savers who compare only familiar national institutions may miss competitive offers from local credit unions. CD Valet is a CD marketplace that provides verified CD rates and comparison tools, helping savers explore higher-yield CD options from federally insured banks and credit unions. If you want to compare Miami CD rates on CD Valet, the platform makes it simple to review local and national offers side by side. A competitive option may come from an institution an affluent saver would not otherwise have considered. A smaller local credit union may offer a higher rate, while a national bank may have different terms or account requirements. The highest advertised APY is only one part of the comparison. Eligibility, term length and deposit protection matter too. Why Deposit Insurance Matters for Larger Balances Federal deposit insurance becomes especially important when a saver is working with balances above $250,000. The FDIC standard insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each ownership category. CDs, checking accounts, savings accounts and money market deposit accounts held in the same ownership category at the same bank are added together when the FDIC calculates coverage. That means opening several CDs at the same insured bank does not automatically create a separate $250,000 limit for each one. Credit union deposits can also receive federal protection. At federally insured credit unions, eligible deposits generally receive up to $250,000 in coverage for single ownership accounts, with different rules for joint, retirement and trust accounts. For larger balances, the amount held at each bank or federally insured credit union matters alongside the APY being offered. Evaluating Safety Across Local and National Options A strong rate can attract attention quickly, but wealth preservation calls for a broader review. Before opening a CD, consider: FDIC or NCUA insurance status, Deposit amount, Term length, Minimum deposit, Early withdrawal penalties, Maturity terms, Automatic renewal terms. The institution’s size does not determine whether a CD is appropriate. A smaller Miami-area institution may be a suitable choice when the account is federally insured and the terms fit the saver’s needs. Likewise, a national bank should not be chosen simply because the name is familiar. Insurance status, liquidity and the account terms deserve the same attention as the headline rate. Building CDs Into a High-Net-Worth Cash Strategy Some savers use CDs with different maturity dates rather than placing the full amount into a single term. For example, one CD might mature within a year while another has a longer term. Different maturity dates create separate access points as CDs mature. They also illustrate why term length matters when future cash needs are uncertain. With larger balances, deposits held across different insured institutions are covered separately under applicable federal insurance rules. Ownership category and the amount held at each institution still determine the actual coverage. The broader point is simple: APY is only one part of the picture. Access, term length and federal insurance rules matter too. Understanding the Full Miami CD Landscape Miami residents can access local banks, credit unions, online institutions and nationwide banks, so a competitive CD may not come from the provider they already use. Comparing APYs, terms, insurance coverage and access requirements across several institution types gives savers a clearer view of how local South Florida options compare with the wider market. CDs are only one part of a broader wealth strategy, but they can give selected cash a defined return, maturity date and purpose. For Miami savers focused on stability, that can make cash planning more deliberate. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash.
- AutoNation Grants $100,000 to Establish Sylvester Children's Cancer Research Fund
AutoNation has awarded a $100,000 grant to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a division of the University of Miami Health System, to establish the AutoNation Children’s Cancer Research Fund. The endowment aims to advance pediatric cancer research and fund clinical initiatives that enhance patient care and outcomes for affected children and families. The presentation took place on September 26 during the Miami Hurricanes football team’s "Pink Game." (l-r) Marilité Vazquez-Gonzalez, senior marketing director at AutoNation; Jeff Butler, president of AutoNation Finance; Dr. Stephen Nimer, director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Javier Sanchez, executive director of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. (Photo credit Ravi Kiluk) The grant is one of ten $100,000 donations being distributed to oncology organizations nationwide to mark the 10th anniversary of DRV PNK, AutoNation’s corporate fundraising campaign. Over the past decade, the DRV PNK program has directed more than $50 million toward cancer research, treatment, and support services through community events, races, and supply drives supported by employees across its 300 retail locations. Representatives from AutoNation, including AutoNation Finance President Jeff Butler and Senior Marketing Director Marilité Vazquez-Gonzalez, presented the funding check to Dr. Stephen Nimer, Director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Javier Sanchez, Executive Director of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. The gift builds upon a 20-year philanthropic partnership between AutoNation and Sylvester, which includes $1 million in support provided to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge over the last four years. The newly formed fund will support laboratory research and specialized family care services within the hospital's pediatric oncology division. To learn more about the initiative or contribute to ongoing research, visit autonation.com/our-purpose/drive-pink. By ML Staff.
- New World Symphony and Artistic Director Stéphane Denève Open 2026-27 Season
The New World Symphony (NWS), America's Orchestral Academy, and Artistic Director Stéphane Denève kick off the 2026–27 season with programs that showcase the collaborative spirit, cutting-edge digital capabilities and ambitious artistic vision that define the season. Featuring the exceptional NWS Fellows performing alongside renowned guest artists, the season-opening concerts at the Frank Gehry designed New World Center bring together beloved classics, contemporary masterworks and immersive experiences. Denève welcomes Grammy Award–winning violinist Anne Akiko-Meyers in her NWS debut on October 3 & 4, 2026, performing Arturo Márquez's Fandango, a powerfully energetic three-movement concerto for violin and orchestra commissioned by Meyers. Fandango won two Latin Grammy Awards (2024) for Best Classical Album and Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Artistic Director Stéphane Denève The program opens with Kauyumari by Grammy- and Latin Grammy-winning Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, followed by French orchestral masterpieces Debussy's Iberia and Ravel's Boléro, accompanied by custom visuals created by NWS Media featuring projections of two Miami City Ballet principal dancers, Stanislav Olshanskyi and Macarena Gimếnez, performing choreography by MCB principal dancer Natalia Arja. Ortiz's Kauyumari, which means “blue deer” among the Huichol people of Mexico, draws on a spiritual journey in which the deer transforms into peyote, connecting humans to ancestors and the invisible world. Ortiz weaves an ancestral Huichol melody into a rich orchestral texture that evolves and transforms, mirroring the mystical and hallucinatory power of the blue deer. The piece illuminates music's power to grant access to the intangible, heal wounds and connect listeners to what can only be expressed through sound. Kauyumari will be led by NWS Conducting Fellow Ziwei Ma, who holds NWS's Judith Rodin Fellowship for an Outstanding Woman Musician. NWS Conducting Fellow Ziwei Ma. Photo/NWS Completed between 1905–1908 as part of his Images for Orchestra, Debussy's Ibéria is a vivid, impressionistic portrait of Spain. Debussy captures the atmosphere through sparkling orchestration, lush harmonies, and evocative rhythms. Ravel's Boléro is one of the most enduringly popular works in the classical canon, instantly recognizable from its extensive use in countless films, television shows, and commercials. It is famous for its hypnotic snare-drum rhythm and gradual crescendo. On October 10 & 11, 2026, Denève leads the NWS Fellows, the Master Chorale of South Florida—integrated with the orchestra—and soloists Ellie Dehn, soprano; Tamara Mumford, mezzo-soprano; Sean Panikkar, tenor; and Dashon Burton, baritone, in Beethoven's epic Ninth Symphony, the composer's revolutionary celebration of equality and shared humanity. These concerts are dedicated to Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT), NWS's cofounder and Artistic Director Laureate, who died in April 2026 after nearly 40 years devoted to the New World Symphony, its Fellows and creating community in Miami Beach and beyond. The program opens with MTT's Notturno, featuring Demarre McGill on flute. Notturno was written for the American flutist Paula Robison, who introduced it with members of the New World Symphony in 2005. In MTT's words, “Notturno evokes the lyrical world of Italian music. Its shape recalls concert arias, 'études de concert' and salon pieces—creations of a bygone world that I still hold in great esteem. The piece has a subtext. It's about the role music plays in the life of a musician, and the role we musicians play (must play?) in life. It's about musicians first discovering the wonder of music and their own unique voice. Then, of course, there's the profession: the concerts, gigs, the routine, and the wear and tear that can lead you to ask, 'Why am I carrying on with all this trilling and arpeggiating?' But we play what we must play with excellence and commitment, even if it drives us nearly over the edge. The great part is, if we have the chance to take a little breath, we discover that the wonder never goes away. I composed it in tribute to Paul Renzi, who was for fifty years principal flutist of the San Francisco Symphony.” Following Notturno is Gustav Mahler's Adagietto from Symphony No. 5, a deeply moving work scored for strings and harp that moves from quiet tenderness to soaring intensity, offering a moment of reflection. The performance of this work will feature archival footage of MTT conducting, projected onto the Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall's “sails” that span the upper half of the performance space, creating a poignant visual and musical dialogue between past and present. Denève will lead the work from the podium, effectively conducting alongside his dear friend and colleague. AT A GLANCE: RAVEL'S BOLÉRO Tickets Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 7:30 PM Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM Stéphane Denève, conductor Anne Akiko Meyers, violin Ziwei Ma, NWS Conducting Fellow* Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari* Arturo Márquez: Fandango Claude Debussy: Iberia Maurice Ravel: Boléro DENÈVE: BEETHOVEN 9 *Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 7:30 PM Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM Stéphane Denève, conductor Demarre McGill, flute Ellie Dehn, soprano Tamara Mumford, mezzo-soprano Sean Panikkar, tenor Dashon Burton, baritone Master Chorale of South Florida Brett Karlin, chorus master Michael Tilson Thomas : Notturno Gustav Mahler : Adagietto from Symphony No. 5 Ludwig Van Beethoven : Symphony No. 9 By ML. Photo/NWS, Alex Markow
- Tequila Ley .925: A Toast to Tradition and Craftsmanship
Tequila Ley .925 stands as a pinnacle among premium tequila brands, encapsulating the essence and heritage of Mexico. Ley Diamante, Tequila Ley .925 bottle features 4,000 diamonds totaling 18.5 carats. Crafted in the elevated terrains of Jalisco, our tequila is meticulously fashioned from 100% Blue Weber agave, handpicked at the zenith of maturation. Through a precise process of cooking, fermentation, and double distillation in traditional copper stills, we create a tequila of unparalleled smoothness and complexity. The result is a distinctive flavor profile that artfully unveils the inherent sweetness and character of the agave. Tequila Ley .925 epitomizes true craftsmanship, inviting you to indulge in a sipping experience like no other. Bearing the hallmark of Hacienda La Capilla, a venerable establishment with roots reaching back to the 19th century, Ley .925 reflects a legacy of excellence. Upholding time-honored techniques and utilizing only the finest ingredients, our tequila has garnered acclaim for its uncompromising quality. Beyond the craft, Hacienda La Capilla is dedicated to principles of quality, sustainability, and community development. This commitment has propelled us to the forefront of premium tequila production, making Tequila Ley .925 a cherished choice for enthusiasts worldwide. Ley .925 Diamante: A Tequila that Shattered Records Crowned the priciest elixir ever sold and earning its place in the Guinness World Records, Ley 925 Diamante stands as the epitome of opulence in the tequila realm. The bottle itself is a testament to the grandeur of Tequila Ley Diamante. Fashioned from pure platinum and white gold, it is embellished with a staggering 4,000 diamonds totaling 18.5 carats. The cap, resembling the Aztec calendar, is crafted from pure platinum. Every facet of the bottle reflects an unparalleled attention to detail, transforming it into a veritable masterpiece. This exquisite presentation mirrors the exceptional quality housed within the bottle, reaffirming Tequila Ley Diamante's status as a symbol of premium indulgence. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Tequila Ley925
- Miami-Born Debbie Harry, the Icon Behind Blondie, Stars in Gucci’s “We Will Always Have London” Campaign
We take a look back at one of our favorite Gucci campaigns, “We Will Always Have London,” created under the direction of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno to spotlight the Gucci Blondie bag and last year's Cruise collection. Captured by renowned photographer and filmmaker Nan Goldin, the campaign brings together cultural icons Debbie Harry and Kelsey Lu in a cinematic portrait of London, weaving together its people, places, and unmistakable energy. There is also a fun Miami connection: Harry, the legendary frontwoman of Blondie, was born right here in Miami. Her appearance in a campaign centered around the Gucci Blondie makes the connection all the more fitting. The collection debuted in London last year, which holds special significance for the brand, as it was here that founder Guccio Gucci first encountered the elegance of the international elite while working as a liftboy at The Savoy Hotel in the early 20th century. Nan Goldin’s documentary-style photography infuses the campaign with a sense of intimacy and raw emotion, capturing the essence of its subjects. Goldin, whose work has earned her international acclaim, brings a distinctive perspective to the imagery, creating a cinematic atmosphere throughout the campaign. The story unfolds in various London locations, using nighttime backdrops to enhance the mood of the collection. Debbie Harry, co-founder of the band Blondie, and Kelsey Lu, a cellist and composer, serve as the faces of the campaign. The two artists, though from different generations, share a creative spirit that embodies the essence of the Gucci Blondie bag—a reimagined icon from the 1970s. Joining them in the campaign are models Alaato Jazyper, the face of Gucci’s Fall/Winter 2024 campaign, and Yanan Wan, who opened the Cruise 2025 runway at Tate Modern. At the center of the campaign is the Gucci Blondie bag, which originally debuted in the early 1970s. The bag’s rounded emblem and sleek silhouette have been updated for modern aesthetics while maintaining its original spirit of liberation and style. Discover more about Gucci at www.gucci.com. By ML Staff. Image Courtesy of Gucci
- Chanel Unveils Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Collection
Chanel has revealed its Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture collection, presenting a series of handcrafted looks inspired by storytelling, nature and the craftsmanship of the House’s Haute Couture ateliers. Through intricate embroidery, textured fabrics and artisanal detailing, the collection highlights the savoir-faire that continues to define Chanel’s couture tradition. The collection features floral motifs, climbing vines and decorative elements woven throughout the garments, while hidden personal details such as handwritten notes and initials are incorporated into selected pieces, offering a more intimate approach to haute couture. Among the standout looks is a tailored ensemble inspired by the Scarecrow from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Created by the Haute Couture Tailleur Atelier, the design combines raffia crafted to resemble straw, blue Lesage tweed that evokes denim, yellow feather trim and five jeweled buttons illustrating the life cycle of a sunflower. The Haute Couture Flou Atelier showcases the House’s expertise in soft construction with hand-pleated wool cheesecloth skirts and embroidery by Lesage featuring strawberries and physalis. A palette of beige, camel and oat reinforces Chanel’s signature aesthetic, while relaxed silhouettes with low-rise waists and hands-in-pocket styling offer a contemporary interpretation of Gabrielle Chanel’s vision. The Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture collection is available to explore through www.chanel.com, accompanied by behind-the-scenes films highlighting the craftsmanship of the House’s couture ateliers. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Chanel.












