Miami Rapper Flo Rida is giving back to his hometown through investment

Miami Herald

17-03-2025

In an industry where feuds and flashy displays of wealth often make headlines, rapper and entrepreneur Flo Rida is setting a different example. Born Tramar Dillard in Miami Gardens, Flo Rida has chosen to invest in his community in a way that fosters real economic empowerment. That's something worth celebrating.
His recent $10 million purchase of the Cloverleaf Plaza in his old Miami-Dade neighborhood is more than just a business move — it's a statement about reinvesting in Black entrepreneurship and creating sustainable and generational wealth where it's needed most.
Flo Rida's purchase of the Cloverleaf Plaza, now the city's first entirely Black-owned shopping center, was completed two years ago but officially unveiled at a Miami Gardens city hall ceremony and news conference in February, which happened to be Black History Month.
Many may not realize that Miami-Dade ranks fifth in the nation for Black-owned employer businesses, with Miami-Dade's Black consumer market valued at $5.5 billion — making it the 14th largest in the country, according to county figures. The county already celebrates Black Business Month every August.
In Miami-Dade, Black-owned businesses account for 51,285 of the county's 468,185 private businesses, representing 11% of all businesses. They generate more than $2.3 billion in annual sales and employ over 12,000 individuals., the county says.
Obviously, Flo Rida and his partner in the purchase, childhood friend Lee Prince, recognize the importance of small businesses. And so does Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava who recently hired Manny Cid, the former mayor of Miami Lakes, as Senior Advisor for Economic Opportunity in the county's Office of Innovation and Economic Development, with a focus on strengthening small businesses. We think that's a solid investment.
In Flo Rida's case, creating a hub for Black entrepreneurs — including hair salons, restaurant, florist, smoke shop, along with other small businesses — at the 28,000-square-foot strip mall may help create an incubator of opportunities for others in a minority neighborhood.
Beyond the financial benefits, his investment strengthens community security and may help preserve cultural identity. These Black-owned businesses serve the Black community, ensuring that money remains local.
Flo Rida's vision for the plaza, as reported by Miami Herald reporter Raisa Habersham, includes fostering a sense of pride and ownership among residents. This is critical in a county where gentrification is rapidly displacing residents of historically Black neighborhoods like Overtown, Liberty City and Brownsville.
The revitalized plaza is expected to serve as a catalyst for more community-driven investments. 'We are definitely proud of the fact that we had some of our local people decide to invest back into Miami Gardens,' said Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris at the city hall ceremony.
Rather than allowing outside investors to take control, Flo Rida is ensuring economic benefits remain within the neighborhood. That deserves a tip of the hat. When celebrities and billionaires commit resources to their hometowns, they inspire a culture of reinvestment that can create lasting transformation and economic stability.
Flo Rida's investment could have broader impact. Black-owned businesses in Miami-Dade employ thousands and support a combined payroll exceeding $320 million. As these businesses grow, they create jobs, circulate wealth within the community and inspire future entrepreneurs.
And we must note that Flo Rida's dedication to his hometown and home state go beyond typical celebrity philanthropy. He isn't just donating money — he is actively shaping the future of Miami Gardens with a real estate investment.
Flo Rida's championing of the Cloverleaf Plaza is a strategic move toward economic empowerment within the Black community where he grew up.
Flo Rida's investment is a form of giving back. And that's something we could use more of in Miami-Dade County.
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