Latest news with #MiamiDadeCounty
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Florida man wanted for child molestation arrested during Indiana traffic stop: sheriff
The Brief Yohan Ponce Riera, 39, of Ocala, Fla., was stopped by a Lake County Sheriff's officer for following too closely and failing to maintain the lane of travel on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. The officer later learned Riera was wanted by Miami-Dade County in Florida for sexual battery of a minor and child molestation. Officers also found 16 kilos of cocaine and 50 pounds of meth in a cooler and suitcase inside the vehicle. WESTVILLE, Ind. - A Florida man wanted for child molestation was arrested during a traffic stop in Lake County, Indiana, authorities said. What we know Yohan Ponce Riera, 39, of Ocala, Fla., was stopped by a Lake County Sheriff's officer for following too closely and failing to maintain the lane of travel on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on eastbound I-90 near Westville, IN. The officer later learned Riera was wanted by Miami-Dade County in Florida for sexual battery of a minor and child molestation, according to the sheriff's office. Officers also found 16 kilos of cocaine and 50 pounds of meth in a cooler and suitcase inside the vehicle. What we don't know Further details of the former offense are unknown at this time. What's next Federal charges are still pending.
CBS News
6 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Crews work through holiday to stabilize Coconut Grove Playhouse after partial collapse
Construction crews spent Memorial Day working to secure the Coconut Grove Playhouse after a partial collapse last week caused by a contractor's mistake, according to Miami-Dade County officials. Beams were installed along the outer walls in an effort to stabilize the historic structure, which is now at risk just two years ahead of its planned 100th anniversary reopening. Former employee reflects on sudden closure Brooke White knows the playhouse well. She shared memorabilia from her time as the Playhouse's "house manager." White says she worked there for about a year and a half and was given about a week's notice when the playhouse closed in 2006. "They pretty much locked it up and wouldn't let anyone else in," White said. "It was very abrupt." "That was where the offices were. Where the apartments were that actors stayed while they were doing their performances," White said. White was startled by what she saw happen to her old workplace. "It looks like the whole third floor just kinda caved in there," White said. Collapse raises concerns about preservation Last month, Miami-Dade County announced it had approved renovations for a reopening. But last Wednesday, the county says the permitted contractor accidentally removed a load-bearing wall on the second floor, causing part of the third floor to collapse. A county spokesperson says no historic architectural elements were damaged. We reached out to the contractor, but did not hear back. The county says the incident will be addressed with the contractor. White says she is glad that the playhouse is coming back but isn't sure if she will recognize it after this partial collapse. "Seeing them put up these beams. I'm very worried that they're not gonna be able to preserve the historic facade. Which was what they were originally going to save," White said. CBS News Miami brought her concerns to the county, but did not hear back. In the meantime, Main Highway will remain closed off as officials stabilize the building. A City of Miami official tells CBS News Miami Main Highway is expected to open up June 5.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Partial collapse of historic Coconut Grove Playhouse prompts road closures, safety concerns
A partial collapse at the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse has led to road closures and safety concerns just ahead of the busy holiday weekend, after a structural mishap caused the third floor to give way earlier this week. According to a city official, the collapse occurred on Wednesday when a wall on the second floor was mistakenly removed, triggering a partial failure of the third floor. Engineers determined that other parts of the structure could also be at risk, prompting the closure of Main Highway as a precaution. The city expects the building to be stabilized within eight days. The Coconut Grove Playhouse, built in 1927, has been closed for nearly 20 years. Just last month, Miami-Dade County announced it had awarded a renovation permit to a contractor for a planned reopening. CBS News Miami reached out to the contractor for comment on the collapse but did not receive a response. Community impact and frustration Local residents, including Rafael Palacios and his wife Rose, said they were warned about traffic delays the night before their grandson's graduation at nearby Ransom Everglades School. "The reason why is because the Coconut Grove Playhouse partially collapsed down the street," they said. They decided to take an Uber instead of driving. "We know better. When you see that? Where are you gonna park?" Rose said. Rafael expressed frustration about the state of the building. "It's an embarrassment that it is like that. They should have knocked it down or rebuilt it or do something with it. Not just have that old building standing there," he said. Preservationists and locals react Many in the community are saddened to see further deterioration of the beloved landmark. "It's fabulous. Fabulous place. Big part of Grove history. So it's a shame to see it in the shape that it's in," said Andy Griffith of Coconut Grove. Miami-Dade County has stated that the playhouse is expected to reopen in 2027, its 100th anniversary. CBS News Miami reached out to the county to ask whether the recent collapse could delay those plans, but has not yet received a response.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- CBS News
Judge allows supervised visits for father caught on camera kicking toddler daughter at Sunny Isles Beach condo
A father who police way was caught on camera kicking and dropping his 2-year-old daughter at a Sunny Isles Beach condo will have to wait a little longer to see if he will be released from jail. Andrei Sevastianov is facing charges of aggravated child abuse with great bodily harm, child abuse, and resisting arrest with violence. On Wednesday, he appeared before Miami-Dade County Judge Mindy Glazer, who found probable cause for the child abuse charges and resisting arrest charge, ordered that he be held without bond. She issued a no-contact order with the child and granted one-time access to the condo to collect his belongings. Sevastianov, speaking through an interpreter, told the judge, "We are tourists" and mentioned they had a flight scheduled for June 12th. On Thursday, Sevastianov and his attorney learned that their hearing before a division judge for a final hearing for the state's motion pretrial detention will be held June 10. Also on Thursday, a family court judge ruled on who would get temporary custody of the girl, and her sibling, while the legal process plays out. During the hearing, the judge asked about the girl's safety along with that of her younger sibling. The judge then granted a shelter petition, allowing the two children stay with their mother while Sevastianov remains in jail. Technically, the state has emergency custody of the children so that means she and the children can't travel. Once the stay away order is lifted, Sevastianov will be allowed to have supervised visits twice a week. The judge asked about their financial situation and whether he could afford a private attorney. Sevastianov informed the judge that they bring in $30 thousand a month with their business back in Russia. Anonymous tip led to disturbing behavior The investigation in Sevastianov began after an anonymous tipster urged authorities to review surveillance footage from the La Perla condominium at 16699 Collins Avenue. "Basically, a 2-and-a-half-year-old child was manhandled, for lack of a better word, by her father. Her hair was pulled, her arm was yanked on, she was kicked, dropped, just things that you don't expect to see happen to a child, especially at the hands of someone that they trust most in the world, their father," Sunny Isles Beach Police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schnell said. Surveillance footage shows series of violent acts Video allegedly shows Sevastianov and his daughter initially in the pool area of the condo. At one point, police say he wrapped a towel around her neck and appeared to tighten it. The girl is seen flailing her arms before he lets go, turns her toward him and slam her head into his shoulder. "The defendant then begins to walk inside of the lobby, carrying the victim. As he was walking in the door, he drops the victim from chest height, and knees her on the way down as she hits the floor. The defendant then kicks her on the right side of her head," the arrest report states. Authorities say Sevastianov dragged the girl by her hair as they moved toward the elevator where she collapsed. "The defendant picks up the victim and violently shakes her causing her head to uncontrollably snap back and forth several times," according to the report. While waiting for the elevator, he is seen wrapping her tightly in a towel as she kicks her legs. "The defendant then backs into the wall slamming her into it, pinning her between the wall and his back. The defendant then whips her around to the front, letting her fall to the floor. The two then leave out of camera view," the report continues. After reviewing the video, Sevastianov was taken into custody after a confrontation with officers in which he resisted arrest. The girl's mother took her to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital where doctors did not find any serious injuries.
Travel Daily News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Miami International Airport to expand passenger capacity
Miami-Dade approves $600m. Concourse K at Miami International Airport, adding six gates and infrastructure upgrades to meet rising passenger and cargo demand by 2040. MIAMI, FL – The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners approved the construction of new Concourse K at Miami International Airport (MIA), a transformative infrastructure project marking a significant milestone in MIA's ambitious $9 billion Future-Ready Modernization in Action plan. With an investment of $600.6 million, this expansion will deliver six new gates, a ground support equipment maintenance facility, enhanced baggage handling systems, and critical upgrades to airfield infrastructure – all designed to meet the growing demand for passenger traffic. The Modernization in Action plan positions Miami International Airport to accommodate 77 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo by 2040. The project includes: Design and construction of six new contact gates Construction of an associated aircraft apron and jet fuel hydrant system A ground support equipment maintenance facility Installation of two new baggage make-up carousels Upgrades to the existing baggage handling system to connect the Central and South Terminals Envision LEED Silver certification for sustainable infrastructure 'MIA has not seen a terminal expansion since 2007, making this a truly transformative milestone for our airport. The launch of Concourse K will not only increase capacity and create thousands of new jobs but also reinforce MIA's role as a premier Global Gateway. With the unwavering support of the Board of County Commissioners and the dedication of Director Ralph Cutie, his team, and our airport partners, we are making visionary, future-ready investments that will build a stronger, more vibrant airport – one that uplifts our community, welcomes the world, and powers our economy into the future.' said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. With nearly 56 million passengers and more than 3 million U.S. tons of freight recorded in 2024 alone, the demand for additional space and improved efficiency at MIA continues to grow. Concourse K is a key part of Miami-Dade County's historic investments to modernize the airport's facilities and meet record-breaking demand while improving service, safety, and operational flow. Construction of Concourse K is set to begin following a ceremonial groundbreaking this summer and is scheduled for completion by Spring 2029. Lemartec-NV2A JV, LLC has been awarded the general contractor contract, with Perez & Perez Architects Planners, Inc. serving as the lead architect.
