Miami, FL

North Miami councilman talks about cyber attack: ‘City is being extorted’

Published

2 years ago

August 18, 2024

North Miami councilman talks about cyber attack: ‘City is being extorted’

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – North Miami Councilman Scott Galvin addressed the city’s recent cyber attack on Sunday during This Week In South Florida.

There was an air of mystery after City Hall closed from Aug. 5 to Aug. 9. There was a computer network system security breach. A ransomware attack included an anonymous message claiming none of it was personal.

The city’s Information Technology team notified local and federal authorities with the support of the city’s administration. Galvin said IT has been working hard and focused on installing antipiracy software.

“They are going computer by computer, department by department,” Galvin said.

The city’s site announced the 911 call center was operational and the hack did not impact early voting for the primary elections. There were other issues with payments and online services.

Galvin said it remained unclear what data was compromised, but the ransom demand for city data was clear.

“The city is being extorted,” Galvin said.

Florida law prohibits cities from making ransom payments. Galvin said the insurance company that services the city had yet to communicate with them and the issue had yet to come up to the city council.

“I have asked to see the actual policy. I haven’t been provided a copy of it yet,” Galvin said adding he hopes to get it on Monday.

Before the disruption of operations, the city’s mayor suffered a breach himself. North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme, campaigning for re-election in November, told Axios on Wednesday that hackers had accessed his Gmail accounts and had information about his passport, bank accounts, credit cards, and even private images — that were not nudes.

“That’s something that I have never done, take nude pictures of me,” Desulme told Axios.

The city’s latest update:

“Application status updates for those previously submitted online are unavailable.”
The Neighborhood Services Department welcomes walk-in visits, phone service, and e-mail at nsd@northmiamifl.gov, but updates about historic information about properties were unavailable.
Parks and Recreation was only accepting cash payments in-person at the community center at 1600 NE 126 St.
Passport services through the city clerk were postponed

WATCH THE TWISF EPISODE

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Miami, FL

Miami Central students prepare for life changing trip to Zimbabwe amid funding challenges

Published

6 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Miami Central students prepare for life changing trip to Zimbabwe amid funding challenges

A group of South Florida students is preparing to travel more than 8,000 miles to Zimbabwe next Wednesday, though organizers say reaching their fundraising goals has become increasingly difficult this year.

Ten students from Miami Central Senior High School are scheduled to spend 18 days in the country as part of the Blindfolded International Student Cultural Exchange Program (BISCEP). The initiative aims to provide students with cultural immersion and foster global relationships.

“I’m really excited but also a tad bit nervous,” said 11th grader Shonneice Ferris.

For student Samir Rios, the trip offers a chance to engage with a new community. “The most anticipated thing that I’m looking forward to is most likely the students and the kids,” Rios said.

During the 18-day excursion, students plan to attend local schools, volunteer at an orphanage, and visit sites including Victoria Falls. “The first week we’re going to be going to school in Zimbabwe,” Ferris said.

Despite the program’s history of successful trips, BISCEP founder Edwin Sheppard said fundraising efforts have stalled. Many longtime donors have reduced their contributions due to budget constraints.

“A lot of our donors, our past donors, have not been able to donate what they’ve donated in the past,” Sheppard said. “A lot of budget cuts, and so we’re still struggling to raise all of the funding.”

Organizers confirmed the trip will proceed as scheduled despite the financial hurdles.

“This is two different schools, two different sides of the world and two different continents, and I think we’re going to do something amazing out of this,” Rios said.

The students are scheduled to depart next Wednesday. Organizers continue to seek donations to cover the remaining costs. Those interested in supporting the Miami Central Senior High students can find more information at biscep.org.

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Miami, FL

Miami ‘At the Top’ for Star In-State 2028 Running Back

Published

16 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Press Room

Miami ‘At the Top’ for Star In-State 2028 Running Back

The contact period for 2028 recruits officially opened on June 15th, and Miami has been active on the recruiting trail.

Now more than ever, recruiting players early matters, with several committing before taking their official visits in their senior season.

Miami has been high on 2028 running back Terriel Harmon for a while, and he discussed the Hurricanes with Miami Hurricanes on SI.

READ MORE: Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 Football Commitment Tracker

The Hurricanes contacted Harmon almost immediately after the contact period opened and got down to business with him.

“The running backs coach (Coach Merritt) hit me up, and we just talked about the leadership I am going to bring to Miami and the environment of Miami,” Harmon said.

Even before the contact period opened up, Harmon already had a sense of what Miami was like.

“They bring the energy,” Harmon continued. “I love the players like Javian Mallory, Malachi Toney, and Mark Fletcher.”

Mallory is an incoming freshman running back at Miami, and he played high school ball at West Boca. Harmon just transferred to the South Florida power. The two of them have a great connection, and Mallory is recruiting Harmon to join him in college.

“He’s been telling me that Miami is the place to be and that it is great,” Harmon said.

Even though it’s still early in his recruitment, the Hurricanes are still in a prime position for the local three-star running back.

“I’m still not sure where I will go to school, but Miami is for sure at the top,” Harmon finished.

More About the 2028 Class

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 2028 class will be crucial for the future of Miami. Arguably, the two best prospects of the past few years, Amir Sears and Bryson Wright, are right in the Hurricanes’ backyard, and the two could change the course of Hurricanes football if they come.

Overall, the 2028 class in Florida might be one of the best in any state ever. There is so much talent throughout the state, and Miami is looking to get a class that rivals this 2027 class, which is the top three in the country per Rivals.

Some other in-state prospects that the Hurricanes are targeting include Gabriel Player (four-star linebacker), Asher Ghioto (four-star defensive lineman), Antonio Thompson Jr. (four-star defensive back), and George Selvie (four-star offensive lineman), amongst a ton of others.

While Harmon is only a three-star now, it would not be surprising if he becomes a four-star by the end of his senior season.