Miami, FL
South Florida cities take proactive measures ahead of Helene
MIAMI – Helene may not be impacting South Florida directly, but some cities are being proactive ahead of expected heavy rains and possible flooding.
The City of Hollywood is managing water levels, with a backup plan to redirect excess water and Miami is clearing storm drains to prevent flooding. Additionally, sandbags are being made available for free in select cities.
Michael Sloan lives off North 14th Avenue in Hollywood, an area known for flooding.
“I don’t rely on other people to get things done for me. I rely on myself first,” he said.
He knows when we get a big rain, he could be facing rising water and he’s ready.
“All my sandbags are all sitting back here if I decide to use them,” Sloan said.
He also constructed homemade flood barriers to block potential flood water from getting into his home.
Just steps away from his home, Hollywood is working on a project to pump water off the road and into nearby Eco golf course. They’ve been cleaning out and expanding trenches and swales.
“We’ve seen tremendous success with the levels of water coming in for storms. So, we already know that what we’re doing is working. So, we just want to make sure it continues to stay in that direction,” said Hollywood spokesperson Arlene Borenstein.
With the ground already saturated from recent rain, there’s a backup plan if needed.
“We’ve had a lot of water the last couple of days. So, what we might do if need be is shift and redirect the water onto the golf course,” Borenstein said.
In Miami, like many cities, crews are clearing out storm drains, making sure they can handle heavy rain if it comes our way.
“It’s obvious that there are some debris that keeps falling into there, and that’s what we do just to clean it up. And it is extremely important so that then the water can flow and avoid those big floodings that we have seen in the past,” said Miami Spokeswoman Kenia Fallat.
And they’re paying close attention to areas known for flooding.
“We have areas in Miami that tend to flood along the Biscayne Boulevard corridor. So in anticipation of that, we have our temporary and our permanent pumps already on standby, in the event that we do see some flooding,” Fallat said.
Hollywood, Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale are offering free sandbags to residents.
Hollywood is also allowing residents to park in city garages for free if they’re concerned about flooding.
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.
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
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.
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