Latest news with #Cuban-American
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
How resorts are changing in South Florida. See what's new and what's coming
South Florida How resorts are changing in South Florida. See what's new and what's coming South Florida resorts are changing with major projects and upgrades. The Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key will close for demolition and return as two sleek towers focusing on luxury residences and an updated hotel experience. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is undergoing a $100 million renovation, temporarily laying off workers as it makes updates. In Fort Lauderdale, the opening of the new Las Olas Marina brings superyacht facilities and high-end dining to the waterfront. Meanwhile, new legislation makes it easier for historic coastal hotels, particularly in Miami Beach, to be demolished, paving the way for further development. View of the piece titled 'Patria y Vida' by Cuban-American artists Antonia Wright and Rubén Millares, a large-scale light sculpture that celebrates people's right to peacefully protest including Cuba where many were sentenced to prison after the anti-government protests that took place on July 11th, 2021. This project is part of the City of Miami Beach's A No Vacancy Project in partnership with Faena Art, for the Miami Art Week 2022, on Tuesday November 12, 2022. By Pedro Portal NO. 1: DESANTIS SIGNS BILL THAT MAKES DEMOLISHING HISTORIC FLORIDA BUILDINGS EASIER Bill proponents have said the changes are crucial to ensuring that buildings are up to code near Florida's coast. | Published March 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alexandra Glorioso The Las Olas Marina is officially open after eight years of planning and negotiating. NO. 2: SUPERYACHTS AND HIGH END RESTAURANTS: FORT LAUDERDALE UNVEILS NEW $130 MILLION MARINA It includes spaces for superyachts. | Published October 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Amanda Rosa The Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key will be demolished for two new resort and condo towers. By PATRICK FARRELL NO. 3: A SIGNATURE MIAMI LUXURY HOTEL IS CLOSING AND WILL BE REPLACED BY TWO NEW TOWERS What we know about the plans. | Published December 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by vsreeharsha@ Sreeharsha The Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne opened in 2001. By Chuck Fadely NO. 4: A MAJOR MIAMI HOTEL IS CLOSING FOR A $100M REMODEL THAT WILL LAY OFF HUNDREDS OF WORKERS Here's the timeline for the changes to a signature resort. | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vinod Sreeharsha The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Florida Chamber Orchestra spotlights opera's next generation
The Florida Chamber Orchestra, led by conductor Marlene Urbay, is giving audiences a glimpse into the future of opera with up-and-comers from South Florida. The nave at St. Dominic Catholic Parish in Miami will resonate with their powerful voices in 'Echoes of Tomorrow' at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Part of the Miami-Dade County Auditorium's 'Away From Home' series—an initiative bringing the arts to unexpected venues during the auditorium's renovation—'Echoes of Tomorrow' will feature vocalists from the studio of tenor and vocal coach Manny Pérez. The performers—Josue Brizuela, Claudia Céspedes, Ana Collado, Mayara García, London Gutiérrez, Dalila Lugo, Silvio Plata, and Isaac Rodríguez—represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds, stories, and ambitions. They'll be performing selections from 'Rigoletto,' 'La Bohème,' 'Così fan tutte,' 'María La O,' 'L'elisir d'amore,' and 'Cecilia Valdés.' Plata, a 21-year-old tenor born in Nicaragua and raised in Miami, this performance is deeply personal. 'Classical music became my greatest passion,' he says. 'It started as a hobby, but everything changed when I was offered a full scholarship to the University of Miami. I felt like life was giving me a sign.' The young singer who lost his sight as a child due to retinal cancer, feels music as a lifeline and a new way of perceiving the world. 'I was just a year or two old when my parents had to make the decision to remove both of my eyes. We had no resources, and the community came together to help us. Music gave me a way to give something back—something that brings peace, joy, and comfort.' He describes music as a sixth sense. 'Every song, every opera tells a story. It's how I understand emotions, how I understand my surroundings. Even though I lost my vision, music gave me a new way of seeing.' Also taking the stage is a 20-year-old Cuban-American soprano currently studying at Juilliard. 'Opera wasn't something I grew up with,' Lugo admits. 'My parents are not musicians—my dad, Blas Lugo, is actually a former international chess master. Music just wasn't part of my heritage.' Still, she recalls singing constantly as a child. Her parents encouraged it, even if they didn't always understand it. 'I was humming and singing in the car all the time. When I was seven, I started voice lessons with an opera singer, and it completely changed my path.' Along with a fierce commitment to mastering her voice, her love of opera deepened through years of study with Cuban-American colatura soprano Eglise Gutiérrez, also a student of Perez's. Now a student at one of the most prestigious conservatories in the world, Lugo finds opera to be more relevant than ever. 'People think opera is old-fashioned or inaccessible, but it tells real stories about real people. It's more relatable than people realize.' She also sees her participation in 'Echoes of Tomorrow' as a way to bridge generations. 'This concert makes opera accessible. It invites people in without intimidating them. And that's how we keep this art form alive.' Her performance of Ernesto Lecuona's 'Siboney' promises to be a highlight. 'I love coming back to Miami to sing songs in Spanish. In New York, I rarely hear zarzuela or Latin American art songs. Here, it feels like home.' At the heart of it all is Urbay, whose artistic leadership has shaped the Florida Chamber Orchestra into one of the few fully professional chamber ensembles in South Florida. As the orchestra approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, 'Echoes of Tomorrow' is also a reflection of her enduring legacy. The daughter of acclaimed Cuban conductor Jose Ramon Urbay, Marlene came to Miami in 1991 as a political refugee with a distinguished international résumé but few professional prospects. She graduated from the University of Miami in the mid-1990s, rebuilding her credentials in a new country. 'None of the doors opened for me,' she recalls. 'So I did the only thing I knew how to do: I started my own orchestra.' Now 61, Urbay has led the Florida Chamber Orchestra for nearly three decades. Made up of 30 local musicians who also perform with the Florida Grand Opera and Miami City Ballet orchestras, Palm Beach Symphony and the Naples Philharmonic, the orchestra's programming often blends classical repertoire with Latin American and Cuban music to reach wider audiences. 'One thing that makes us different,' she says, 'is that we don't only perform Beethoven—we also play Lecuona.' Her mission has always included creating space for new generations of musicians. 'I've presented talented young performers every season,' she explains. 'Whether it's a pianist at age eleven or a young singer just starting out—these are the future voices of music.' But running a professional orchestra hasn't been easy. 'They don't teach you how to be an entrepreneur in music school,' says Urbay. 'I had to learn how to raise money, how to build an audience, how to keep going even when resources were scarce. And being a Latina woman in this field? That's another challenge altogether.' Still, her resilience and vision have endured, as she explains: 'We've carved out our own identity. Our audience knows who we are. And this concert is proof that the future of opera isn't just alive—it's thriving.' If you go: WHAT: 'Echoes of Tomorrow' by the Florida Chamber Orchestra as part of the Miami-Dade County Auditorium's 'Away From Home' series. WHERE: St. Dominic Catholic Parish. 5909 NW 7th St., Miami WHEN: 8 p.m. Sunday, June 1. COST: $40, general admission, $50 VIP for first to fifth row. INFORMATION: 305-993-9855 or visit is a nonprofit media source for the arts featuring fresh and original stories by writers dedicated to theater, dance, visual arts, film, music and more. Don't miss a story at
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Herald endorsement: Miami City Commission District 4 special election
A special election to fill the District 4 seat left vacant after the death of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes has become a heated battle for the control of the majority of votes on the City Commission. The race has sparked a flurry of accusations between the candidates. On June 3, voters will choose between Jose F. Regalado, a former assistant building director in the city with a family name well known in politics, and Ralph 'Rafael' Rosado, an urban planner and former city manager of North Bay Village who unsuccessfully ran against the late Reyes in 2017. The winner, who will serve until 2027, may become the swing vote on high-stakes proposals before the November elections — among them, whether to move city elections to even-numbered years and whether to impose lifetime term limits on commissioners and the mayor. Our choice is Regalado. He was Reyes' chief policy adviser from 2017 to 2019. He said he was asked to run by Reyes' widow. Continuity has value, and upholding Reyes' legacy should be a key consideration in this contest. Reyes, who died in April at 80, was a calm, principled voice for transparency, strong constituent service and ethical government. Regalado pledged to keep Reyes' city commission staff. In a city often rocked by political instability, consistency matters. Regalado comes from a well-known Cuban-American political family — his father, Tomás, is a former Miami mayor and the current county property appraiser. His sister, Raquel, is a Miami-Dade commissioner and his campaign manager. He's a lifelong resident of the district. He said he understands how to make city services work in District 4, a working-class area with a large elderly population. He named public safety and flood prevention as top issues; he was co-chair of the city's Sea Level Rise Committee. 'I originally started working in the city as a civil servant that understood politics, and now I'm running for for this seat hopefully to be an elected official that understands civil service,' he told the Editorial Board. Regalado, who resigned to run, emphasized neighborhood-focused solutions: improving Miami police coverage and handling flooding and storm drainage in neighborhoods like Flagami. He said flood calculations need to be updated in the city, and that he would push for 'legislation to update and ensure that the infrastructure that is built today can last for tomorrow.' This is Regalado's first race. He acknowledges he has room to grow; we agree he needs to catch up. His answers during the Board interview were sometimes vague — he wasn't sure if he would back an idea to expand the number of seats on the five-member commission. But we think he would bring knowledge of the city and, importantly, the right temperament to sometimes dysfunctional commission meetings. Rosado, a longtime resident of Miami and former city manager of North Bay Village, was the more polished of the two. He said code enforcement needs to be improved, a jab at his opponent, and that the building department 'is failing the residents.' Rosado has been linked to controversial Commissioner Joe Carollo, though Rosado downplayed that support in his interview. Carollo's PAC, Miami First, has been funding anti-Regalado mailers and ads. Rosado also dismissed a video posted by the Political Cortadito blog that showed Carollo seemingly directing a campaign video for Rosado at a park, saying Carollo 'stopped by' and was not directing the video. Rosado resigned as North Bay Village city manager in 2024. He blamed politics for his resignation, but the village commission discussed terminating his employment in April of 2024. Rosado resigned in August. Regalado no doubt benefits greatly from his last name. That will not be enough if he wins; he will need to increase his engagement on important issues, such as whether to expand the number of seats on the city commission. The race for District 4 isn't just about replacing a commissioner; it's about protecting the kind of leadership Reyes brought to the district. In the special election to fill the Miami City Commission District 4 seat, the Miami Herald Editorial Board endorses JOSE F. REGALADO.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Cuban-Americans no longer protected as Trump deportation policy bites hard
In March 2025, federal agents detained 71-year-old Tomás Hernández outside his residence in the Miami area. Authorities allege that Hernández, who previously held senior positions within Cuba's foreign intelligence agency, concealed his affiliations with the Communist Party during his US residency application process. Cuban-American community reacts to deportation measures The apprehension of Hernández and other former Cuban officials has elicited mixed reactions within South Florida's Cuban-American community. While some view the actions as necessary for national security, others perceive them as a betrayal, especially given the community's historical support for Republican policies. Also read: Donald Trump's immigration crackdown backfires as key Republican voter base feels the heat from program's termination Revocation of humanitarian protections for Cuban migrants In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration revoked temporary humanitarian parole for approximately 300,000 Cuban migrants in March 2025. This move has left many individuals vulnerable to detention and potential deportation, disrupting the lives of those who had previously been granted protection under earlier immigration frameworks. Live Events Among those affected is Eliéxer Márquez, known as El Funky, a Cuban rapper recognized for his anti-communist anthem "Patria y Vida." Despite his vocal support for President Trump, Márquez received notice in April 2025 to depart the US within 30 days, underscoring the broad reach of the administration's immigration policies. Since the enactment of the Cuban Adjustment Act in 1966, Cuban immigrants have benefited from expedited pathways to US residency. This preferential treatment distinguished them from other migrant groups, fostering a sense of security that is now being challenged by recent policy changes. Also read: Trump touts immigration crackdown despite concerns about due process The intensified deportation efforts have sparked political debates, with some Republican leaders advocating for stricter enforcement against former Cuban state agents. Conversely, grassroots organizations and Democratic figures have criticized the measures, arguing they undermine the trust and contributions of the Cuban-American community. Despite policy intentions, logistical hurdles persist. The US currently conducts one deportation flight to Cuba per month, accommodating approximately 60 individuals. Given the estimated 500,000 Cubans who arrived during the Biden administration without protected status, the deportation process faces significant delays and complications. Also read: US Immigration Crackdown | 350,000 Venezuelans face deportation risk as Trump gets SC nod Activists like Luis Dominguez have taken proactive roles in identifying former Cuban state agents residing in the US. Through platforms like Represores Cubanos, Dominguez has compiled lists of individuals allegedly involved in past human rights abuses, sharing this information with federal authorities to aid enforcement actions.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Trump's immigration crackdown unnerves Cuban exiles long shielded from deportation
MIAMI: Immigration officials said Tomás Hernández worked in high-level posts for Cuba's foreign intelligence agency for decades before migrating to the United States to pursue the American dream. The 71-year-old was detained by federal agents outside his Miami-area home in March and accused of hiding his ties to Cuba's Communist Party when he obtained permanent residency. Cuban-Americans in South Florida have long clamored for a firmer hand with Havana and the recent apprehensions of Hernández and several other former Cuban officials for deportation have been extremely popular among the politically powerful exile community. 'It's a political gift to Cuban-American hardliners,' said Eduardo Gamarra, a Latin American expert at Florida International University. But many Cubans fear they could be next on Trump's list, he said, and 'some in the community see it as a betrayal.' Some pleased among Trump fans, others worried While President Donald Trump's mass deportation pledge has frightened migrants from many nations, it has come as something of a shock to the 2.4 million Cuban-Americans, who strongly backed the Republican twice and have long enjoyed a place of privilege in the U.S. immigration system. Amid record arrivals of migrants from the Caribbean island, Trump in March revoked temporary humanitarian parole for about 300,000 Cubans. Many have been detained ahead of possible deportation. Among those facing deportation is a pro-Trump Cuban rapper behind a hit song 'Patria y Vida' — 'Homeland and Life' — that became the unofficial anthem of anti-communist protests on the island in 2021 and drew praise from the likes of then Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State. Eliéxer Márquez, who raps under the name El Funky, said he received notice this month that he had 30 days to leave the U.S. Thanks to Cold War laws aimed at removing Fidel Castro, Cuban migrants for many decades enjoyed almost automatic refugee status in the U.S. and could obtain green cards a year after entry, unlike migrants from virtually every other country. Support for Trump among likely Cuban-American voters in Miami was at an all-time high on the eve of last year's election, according to a poll by Florida International University, which has been tracking the Cuban-American community since 1991. Trump rarely mentions Cubans in his attacks on migrant targets including Venezuelans and Haitians. That has given many Cubans hope that they will remain immune to immigration enforcement actions. Politics of a crackdown Democrats, meanwhile, have been trying to turn the immigration crackdown to their advantage. In April, grassroots groups erected two giant billboards on Miami highways calling Rubio and Republican Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar and Carlos Giménez 'traitors' to the Cuban-American community for failing to protect tens of thousands of migrants from Trump's immigration policies. The arrest of former Cuban state agents is one way to bolster Trump allies, Gamarra said. In March, Giménez sent Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a letter with the names of 108 people he said were former Cuban state agents or Communist Party officials living unlawfully in the U.S. 'It is imperative that the Department of Homeland Security enforce existing U.S. laws to identify, deport and repatriate these individuals who pose a direct threat to our national security, the integrity of our immigration system and the safety of Cuban exiles and American citizens alike,' Giménez wrote, adding that the U.S. remains a "beacon of hope and freedom for those escaping tyranny.' A mission to topple the government Giménez's target list was compiled by Luis Dominguez, who left Cuba in 1971 and has made it his mission to topple Cuba's government. In 2009, when the internet was still a novelty in Cuba, Dominguez said he posed as a 27-year-old female sports journalist from Colombia to lure Castro's son Antonio into an online romance. 'Some people dream with making money, or with growing old and going on vacation,' said Dominguez, who lives in Connecticut. 'I dream with seeing my country free.'
