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Miami’s Freedom Tower reopens to public after years of renovations

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Miami’s Freedom Tower reopens to public after years of renovations


MIAMI — Miami’s historic and iconic Freedom Tower officially reopened its doors Wednesday to the public for general admission.

It comes nearly a month after a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the end of years of renovations and a century as the crown jewel of the Magic City.

The two-year, multi-million-dollar project transformed the century-old building into a living, breathing icon once again.

WATCH: Local 10 Special: ‘Freedom Tower: A New Beginning’

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Often referred to as the “Statue of Liberty of the South,” the Freedom Tower served as a processing center for Cuban exiles fleeing Fidel Castro’s regime in the 1960s.

To mark the building’s 100th anniversary, Miami Dade College, which owns and operates the tower, oversaw a $25 million renovation project, which included extensive structural repairs to the outside of the building, as well as a modernization of the inside, including updated elevators to meet today’s standards.

Crews also restored some of the tower’s original features, which had either been damaged or covered up over the years, including original tiles and lighting, to help bring the building back to its original appearance.

As the doors reopen Wednesday to the public, four exhibits will be on display, including “Libertad,” which captures the journeys of those who found refuge and began new lives in Miami.

The other exhibits are titled “Languages of Migration,” which explores the evolution of communication, migration and identity across time and place; “We Carry Our Homes With Us,” which delves into universal themes of migration, exile and home through thought-provoking contemporary works of art; and “Unidad,” which is a dynamic and interactive exhibit that celebrates soccer, or futbol, as a universal language and unifying cultural force.

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For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.



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Miami Gardens mother gets probation after her 2-year-old shot himself

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Miami Gardens mother gets probation after her 2-year-old shot himself


A mother in Miami Gardens has been sentenced to five years of probation after her 2-year-old son accidentally shot himself with a gun he found in her purse.

According to police, the incident happened last summer at an apartment complex in Miami Gardens. Authorities say the toddler grabbed his mother’s firearm from her purse and accidentally pulled the trigger, shooting himself in the leg.

Video captured at the scene showed the child being rushed to the hospital on a stretcher. The boy survived and has since fully recovered.

The child’s mother, 35-year-old Christina Monique Doyle, was arrested and charged with child neglect and culpable negligence for allowing easy access to the weapon. Prosecutors said those charges carried a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

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During a court hearing, the presiding judge, Alberto Milian, emphasized the responsibility that comes with gun ownership.

“I am a very pro-gun person, but along with the right and the privilege of having a gun comes responsibilities,” Milian said.

Doyle ultimately accepted a plea deal where she pleaded no contest, allowing her to avoid jail time. Instead, she was sentenced to five years of probation.

Her attorney, Dustin Tischler, said Doyle has no prior criminal record and described the incident as a mistake.

“She’s 35 years old, never been in trouble whatsoever in her life,” Tischler said. “She’s a very good mother, a very caring mother to several children. This has been a nightmare, and she’s happy to get it behind her.”

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Tischler also said the case should serve as a warning to gun owners about keeping firearms secure around children.

“Even though she had it in her purse and thought it was secure, the child was able to get to it when she was distracted,” he said. “If you have a firearm, it’s important to keep it locked away.”

Tischler said Doyle has completed a parenting program through the Florida Department of Children and Families and how she is allowed to have contact with her children, including her son who is now doing well after recovering from the injury.

NBC6 reached out to DCF about the case but we haven’t heard back yet.

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Miami’s own Marcello Hernandez delivers special tribute to former teacher on SNL

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Miami’s own Marcello Hernandez delivers special tribute to former teacher on SNL


Miami’s own pays tribute to former teacher on SNL Miami’s own Marcello Hernandez brought a piece of home to SNL for his latest performance, giving a tribute to his hometown and a special teacher in that classic Miami accent.

NEW YORK CITY — Miami’s own Marcello Hernandez brought a piece of home to SNL for his latest performance, giving a tribute to his hometown and a special teacher in that classic Miami accent.

During his performance, Hernandez definitely brought the character of “Mr. Fronzi” to life.

The over-the-top teacher with a big heart was a character inspired by his real-life theology teacher at Miami-Dade’s private Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Angie Fernandez.

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And Hernandez even flew her up to New York City to see the skit live in person.

“When I saw the skit, I was flabbergasted. I laughed from here to eternity. It was so good,” Fernandez said. “I am so honored that he chose to imitate me. That’s the best compliment you can give somebody!”

Fernandez said that while Hernandez drove her crazy in her classroom, he was also always humble, honest and she calls him one of her favorite students.

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.

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Jenise Fernandez

Jenise Fernandez is a six-time Emmy award winning anchor and reporter at Local 10 News. Currently, she anchors the 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. news, Monday through Friday.



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City of Miami celebrates reopening of Flagler Street as part of beautification project

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City of Miami celebrates reopening of Flagler Street as part of beautification project




City of Miami celebrates reopening of Flagler Street as part of beautification project – CBS Miami

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The beautification project is partially complete with the street reopening for pedestrians and drivers.

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