Latest news with #Brickell
CBS News
21-05-2025
- CBS News
Lawsuit filed after woman attacked in Brickell apartment closet ambush, lawyer says
An attorney representing a woman who was attacked inside her Brickell apartment said a lawsuit has been filed against the building's management, following what he describes as a terrifying and preventable crime. "An intruder jumps out of the closet and attacks a woman in her sixties. It's just almost unimaginable," said Curt Obront, a partner at Obront, Corey Schoepp Law. "Why did this happen in Brickell?" According to police, 46-year-old Jose Ortega entered the Soma Apartments on Southwest 13th Street on May 5 through an unlocked door. Investigators said he walked into a unit, hid in a closet and later attempted to rape the 62-year-old resident. Police said she was able to fight him off, but Ortega allegedly held her hostage for hours before fleeing. Lawsuit claims management failed to fix broken security Obront said the lawsuit targets Soma Apartments' management, alleging negligence in maintaining basic security features like functioning doors and perimeter gates. "In February… over three months before this incident, people were coming in the unlocked broken doors — basically from the outside, the perimeter doors," Obront said. "Hobos actually [were] sleeping in the hallways inside the building in front of people's apartments." When reporters visited the property, they found both the exterior gate and a door into the building unlocked — the same issues the lawsuit claims were reported but not addressed. Suspect caught in second unit after falling asleep Ortega was arrested after allegedly entering another apartment in the same building, where two women live. Police said he fell asleep on their couch before they called 911. "Just was on our couch so we called the cops," one of the residents said. Residents demand accountability Studio apartments at Soma start at $2,400 a month and residents said that level of rent should come with reliable safety measures. "It's an expensive area and we need more security," said Maria Monro, a resident. "Every six months, something's not working again and we're very considerate and forgiving, but you know, it reached a breaking point," said another resident. Obront said the civil action aims not only to secure justice for his client but to push for stronger protections for residents throughout the Brickell neighborhood. Property managers have not yet responded to a request for comment.
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Actor Michael Cudlitz to Host Fireside Chats at Luxury Speakeasy, Red Phone Booth, in Atlanta, Dallas and Miami
Exclusive Three-Night Event Series Featuring Rare Meet-and-Greets, Craft Cocktails and Curated Cigars with Star of The Walking Dead and Band of Brothers 'I'm thrilled to share stories, cigars and memorable moments at these special events.'— Michael Cudlitz ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, May 14, 2025 / / -- Red Phone Booth, the acclaimed Prohibition-era speakeasy renowned globally for exceptional craft cocktails and premium experiences, proudly announces an exclusive three-night VIP series with actor, director, and producer Michael Cudlitz, May 20 - 22, 2025. Best known for unforgettable roles in The Walking Dead, Band of Brothers, Southland and Superman & Lois, Cudlitz will personally host intimate fireside chat evenings at three select Red Phone Booth locations: • Tuesday, May 20: Buckhead (Atlanta, GA) • Wednesday, May 21: Brickell (Miami, FL) • Thursday, May 22: The Colony (Dallas, TX) These exclusive, members-only evenings begin with private fireside chats featuring curated cocktails paired with personal behind-the-scenes stories from his remarkable film and television career. At 8:00 p.m. each evening, doors open to the public for rare meet-and-greet opportunities with the acclaimed actor, allowing fans a unique chance to connect with Cudlitz in one of America's most sophisticated speakeasy atmospheres. A longtime patron and enthusiast, Michael Cudlitz became an investor after Red Phone Booth emerged as one of his favorite destinations while filming in Atlanta. He will also appear on the upcoming cover of Cigar Aficionado Magazine. 'Red Phone Booth quickly became one of my favorite places during my time filming The Walking Dead in Atlanta — fantastic people, exceptional cocktails, and an unmatched atmosphere,' said Michael Cudlitz. 'I'm thrilled to share stories, cigars and memorable moments at these special events.' Red Phone Booth sets the industry standard for elegant ambiance, expertly handcrafted cocktails and premium hospitality. Known for exclusive, memorable experiences, these intimate VIP evenings underscore Red Phone Booth's commitment to delivering extraordinary guest experiences in sophisticated settings. 'This is more than a celebrity appearance — it's an intimate, unforgettable evening that offers guests unparalleled access to one of television and film's most respected talents,' said Stephen de Haan, Founder of Red Phone Booth. 'Michael's passion and appreciation for our unique venues create a perfect synergy that elevates these exclusive events.' Red Phone Booth continually strives to exceed guest expectations, focusing on meticulous details from seating comfort and staff expertise to premium air quality, creating a truly exceptional luxury experience. NOTE: This is a 21 and over event. Appropriate dress code will be in effect. Public password at the door for this event will be 'Aficionado.' ABOUT RED PHONE BOOTH: Red Phone Booth is a luxury speakeasy concept featuring an interior reminiscent of an exclusive, clandestine hideaway, with vintage-inspired décor, plush seating, and dimly lit ambiance, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Known for its world-class mixology program curated by expert bartenders, Red Phone Booth boasts an extensive selection of 400+ spirits, including rare bourbon, whiskey, scotch, tequila, and premium Japanese whisky. Exceptional cocktails crafted from 100% fresh-squeezed juices — including lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, and cranberry — complement an extensive collection of 200+ products maintained in a temperature and humidity-controlled walk-in humidor. Access to this unique Prohibition-inspired lounge is through a restored antique London red phone booth, requiring a secret phone number obtained via membership or hotel concierges, offering an unparalleled, memorable experience. For more information about the event and Red Phone Booth's dress code, please visit See full press release here: Tresa Halbrooks LEGACY PR [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
CBS News
10-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Brickell, Downtown residents call for break from Miami DDA over "double taxation"
Homeowners in Miami's Brickell, Edgewater and Downtown neighborhoods say they want out of the Miami Downtown Development Authority, an appointed group tasked with boosting economic development and public safety in the city's urban core. "It takes a bite out of my pocketbook," said James Torres, a downtown resident and president of the Downtown Neighbors' Alliance. The Miami DDA levies a special tax on area homes and businesses to fund its operations. But Torres and others believe the costs far outweigh the benefits, especially for residents already burdened by skyrocketing living expenses. "Miami has a condo crisis," Torres said. "In my tower, we had a $21 million assessment just for that tower. My piece of that is $12,000." What stings most, he says, is the additional money many homeowners are required to pay the DDA. "They're double taxing us," Torres said. Residents question spending and oversight The DDA board is made up of 15 appointed members who oversee programs aimed at strengthening the business community and improving neighborhood safety. According to the agency, more than half of its budget — 58% — is funded by residential property owners, many of whom are also coping with rising insurance premiums, maintenance fees, and large building assessments. "I'll describe to you what the DDA is for us: it doesn't do anything for Brickell," said Ernesto Cuesta, president of the Brickell Homeowners' Association. "Nowhere in the city does this happen other than downtown and Brickell," Torres added. "This is a problem." A recent survey by the Downtown Neighbors' Alliance found that most residents want to leave the DDA district. Of those surveyed, 58% said they did not believe the DDA improves their quality of life. Torres believes the authority spends taxpayer money irresponsibly. He pointed to a $450,000 contribution the DDA made to FC Barcelona to help the Spanish soccer club move its New York City offices to downtown Miami. Torres wrote a letter to Mayor Francis Suarez complaining about the deal. DDA defends role, but residents push for exit The DDA defended the move. "As an economic development agency, the Miami DDA works on attracting companies and events that deliver a tangible economic impact," the agency said in a statement. "A recent example is FC Barcelona. The Miami DDA secured their move to downtown Miami from New York City, comprised of an office and the first official Barca store in the U.S., which is expected to be a major draw for the area." Other DDA-funded initiatives include downtown's free circulator trolley, grants for local business, and dozens of new security cameras and license plate readers connected to the city's real-time crime network. "While our main focus is economic development, we have increasingly allocated resources to support quality of life including funding additional police services, implementing a security camera network, expanding our downtown enhancement team, adding mobility options and supporting events hosted by our community partners," a DDA spokesperson said. Still, Torres says most residents want out. "We want the divorce," he said. "They can clearly be very successful in doing what they're wanting to do by creating a business development district." Cuesta says many Brickell homeowners agree. "Brickell is not downtown. Downtown is not Brickell," he said. "(This is) taxation with no representation. We don't see the services. DDA is supposed to be taking care of the redevelopment of downtown, not Brickell. Brickell does not need marketing." Residents have submitted a petition to Miami city commissioners requesting to be removed from the DDA tax zone.
CBS News
09-05-2025
- Science
- CBS News
Record seaweed surge at South Florida beaches
A record-breaking seaweed bloom is threatening to sour beachgoers' plans across South Florida as thick mats of sargassum continue to wash ashore, bringing foul smells, murky water and frustration to coastal communities. Seaweed turning tourists away "It brings a lot of animals from the sea and when they get here, it's rotten, so the smell is really bad," said Maria Rioscco, who frequently visits Hobie Island Beach Park with her husband. But this week, the mounting piles of seaweed along Key Biscayne have kept them away. Sandra Artiles, who lives in Brickell, said the problem is just as bad inland. "We have all this seaweed every day. Actually, we used to have an alligator after the seaweed had been sitting there for days and the smell is horrible. We cannot be by the pool — that's why we're here at the beach now. And here we come and there's all this seaweed," Artiles said. Scientists warn of more to come Dr. Chuanmin Hu, professor of Oceanography at the University of South Florida, said 13 million metric tons of sargassum were measured in April across the tropical Atlantic and eastern Caribbean — a figure signaling what could be one of the largest influxes yet. "It could be a large amount in late June or July, but it's too early to predict," Hu said. He noted the exact cause of the bloom is still unknown, though warmer ocean temperatures and stronger winds may be contributing factors. While fresh seaweed poses little risk, rotting sargassum can harbor bacteria and attract insects. "The rotten sargassum will attract insects just like anything rotten will attract insects and grow bacteria. That's why you want to avoid that," Hu said. "That is bad. The water quality is bad and you don't want to swim or dive in that brownish water," he added. Residents call for action Some residents are calling on local officials to address the growing problem. "I really hope that we can establish some program to clean it up," said Artiles. "I don't see why they can't clean the beaches. We do pay enough money for that," Rioscco said. CBS News Miami has reached out to Miami-Dade County officials for comment but has not yet received a response.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ethereum just feels ‘unloved' right now, says Lido DAO contributor
David Brickell, Head of International Distribution at FRNT Financial, and Kean Gilbert, Head of Institutional Relations at Lido DAO, unpacked the sentiment surrounding Ethereum's lagging performance — even as major institutions bet big on its future. Brickell kicked off the discussion on Deribit's podcast by pointing out Ethereum's recent underperformance. 'Do you have thoughts around Ether? And obviously it's underperformed,' he asked Gilbert. Ethereum is down 46.8% over the past year and is currently trading at $1,584.56. The 24-hour range sits between $1,551.41 and $1,607.12. Gilbert acknowledged the challenge but pointed to deeper structural issues, 'A big part of the feedback we'd heard from meeting the issuers and the big asset managers in New York is that they just felt like the BD [business development] effort had become fragmented,' he explained. Lido DAO is a decentralized autonomous organization that provides liquid staking solutions, allowing users to stake assets like Ethereum while still using them in DeFi. It eliminates the need to lock up tokens, offering stETH (staked ETH) in return. Lido is one of the largest staking platforms in the crypto ecosystem. 'Solana effectively did that really well. They were the tip of the spear… It was quite this unified BD effort where it kind of felt over the past couple of years, Ethereum never really had that.' However, Gilbert believes this is starting to change. 'Given that kind of positive transition phase I think ETH is in right now, you have the Ethereum Enterprise Alliance doing terrific work. I definitely think the EEA is kind of transitioning away from just doing protocol or standards, focusing more on the BD effort,' he said. 'You obviously have Etherealize now ramping up and doing excellent work. So I think again, it's a matter of time. It's this maturity that the BD effort needs to really ramp up if ETH doesn't want to lose its position.' Brickell then likened Ethereum's current situation to the early 2000s post-dotcom bubble. 'It reminds me a little bit of the dotcom bubble, and when that all crashed and Bezos was saying about Amazon, it was like the price wasn't doing anything… but yet the internal kind of metrics of the business were going continues to improve,' he said. 'And I sometimes think about that with ETH.' Gilbert agreed, noting the involvement of giants like BlackRock as a bullish signal, 'If BlackRock chooses your network or chain or whatever it may be, it's a terrific endorsement,' he said. 'These guys are not foolish. They place big bets and they place winning bets.' Still, he admitted the market isn't reflecting it yet. 'Yeah, it's hard to know… ETH is just a little bit unloved,' Gilbert concluded. 'There's probably a lot of money sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what happens over the next couple of months.' Sign in to access your portfolio
