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Summer initiative to help Miami Beach homeless, city to enforce laws against sleeping in public

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Summer initiative to help Miami Beach homeless, city to enforce laws against sleeping in public


MIAMI – Relief may be on the way for people in Miami Beach who are going through homelessness.

City leaders announced a summer initiative Monday that encourages people in the vulnerable population to accept services and shelter. However, critics say it comes with a harmful ultimatum: Accept help or face arrest.

The mayor, commissioners, police chief and leaders of Miami Beach homeless outreach said Operation Summer Relief will deliver an extra boost of resources offered, including access to shelters,             

“I think it’s horrifying,” Kat Duesterhaus, an activist, said.  “I was homeless at the age of 16 and if it weren’t for the kindness of someone putting me up in housing I could have been arrested here in Miami Beach.

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“I’m not leaving,” Rodrick, a man who says he lives on the streets and in public places in Miami Beach, said. 

The 54-year-old from Liberty City who walks with a limp said he is too disabled to work, cannot afford a mortgage or rent, feels at home in various places on the barrier island and has no plans to move to a shelter, even if forced. 

“Ever hear Papa was a rolling stone?” he said laughing. “That was a joke.  I have my spots that I like.  I don’t like crowds.  I’m basically always by myself.”

However, he knows the initiative brings change.

“Do not mistake our compassion for weakness,” Mayor Steven Meiner said.  “There is a strong enforcement element.”

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The plan is to “compassionately” encourage people experiencing homelessness to accept room at shelters, mental health care and support delivered by increasing numbers of outreach teams, non-profits, city staff and volunteers.

Those who refuse help face police armed with the authority to move people out of parks and off beaches and sidewalks.

“Public spaces are for the public, period,” Meiner said. “There should not be a person sleeping on public property.”

“We don’t focus on arrests like people are saying,” Chief Wayne Jones said as three protesters shouted at him during a press conference Monday.  “(What) we focus on is connecting with people to approach it through a position of empathy.”

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Miami, FL

Woman found dead on roadway in SW Miami-Dade

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Woman found dead on roadway in SW Miami-Dade


A woman was found dead on the roadway in Southwest Miami on Friday morning, deputies said.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, just before 6 a.m., deputies arrived at the 9800 block of Southwest 170th Street after receiving reports of a person who was unresponsive and lying on the roadway.

Once at the scene, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue pronounced the woman dead.

Her identity has not been released.

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A death investigation is underway, and the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the woman’s cause of death.

MDSO said there are no suspects at this time.



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Miami, FL

Hollywood residents warn e‑bikes are making Broadwalk more dangerous

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Hollywood residents warn e‑bikes are making Broadwalk more dangerous


Residents in Hollywood are raising concerns about electric bikes and scooters on the city’s popular Broadwalk, despite local ordinances banning motorized devices in the area.

CBS News Miami observed several riders using e‑bikes and scooters along the path on Friday, even though signs clearly prohibit them. Human‑powered bicycles remain common, but residents say the growing presence of e‑bikes makes the area more dangerous.

“It just seems like they are going pretty fast, and it’s amazing that we haven’t had a tragedy,” said George Pancol, who lives nearby.

City rules limit motorized devices

City rules allow only human‑powered devices on the Broadwalk, and riders must operate them safely. Hollywood police told CBS News Miami that violators can receive civil citations.

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“It’s tough to enforce it. It would be nice if we could, but you just can’t have someone here 24/7,” Pancol said.

Some riders acknowledge restrictions

Some e‑bike users acknowledge the restrictions.

“I believe we cannot be here, but I know that, and I don’t do that,” said Erika Eias, who rides an e‑bike elsewhere.

Residents like Michel Desilets worry authorities aren’t doing enough.

“I think the authorities accept it. To me, they don’t care too much,” he said.

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Accident data shows rising injuries

Hollywood Fire Department data shows there have been 136 bike‑related accidents on the Broadwalk this year.

While the department doesn’t distinguish between traditional bikes and e‑bikes, a source told CBS News Miami that many of the trauma injuries involve electric bikes.



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Miami, FL

The team behind a very popular NYC pizzeria is opening a new spot in Miami

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The team behind a very popular NYC pizzeria is opening a new spot in Miami


New York has never been shy about sending heavy hitters south for the winter and a new concept from the team behind Roberta’s—the cult-favorite Brooklyn pizzeria—just landed in North Beach. Ezio’s is the first new venture for the team, and it’s on track to be a hit.

Photograph: Brandon Harman

Roberta’s is a bona fide NYC institution. The hip pizzeria known for its wood-fired, blistered Neapolitan-style pies has earned nods from critics and diners alike as one of the best and most influential restaurants in America. Roberta’s has outposts in Nashville, Culver City and even Singapore.

Although the pizzeria is clearly no stranger to expansion, Ezio’s is an entirely new concept. It was introduced in 2024 as a pop-up inside the original Roberta’s in Bushwick, and now it will have a permanent location right here in Miami.

Ezio's food
Photograph: Brandon Harman

Opening December 19 on the ground floor of North Beach’s sleek new 72 Park tower, Ezio’s reimagines Italian hospitality through a Miami lens. Co-owners Brandon Hoy and chef Carlo Mirarchi (the latter naming the restaurant in tribute to his father) have traded pizza ovens for white tablecloths and upscale food.

A raw bar featuring locally-sourced seafood anchors the menu with stone crab claws and wild-caught fin fish crudo. Luxe starters include wagyu carpaccio with husk cherries and caviar and honey mango wrapped in prosciutto. House-made pastas include linguine cacio e pepe with winter truffle, and pappardelle with braised veal and parmigiano Reggiano.

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Ezio's food
Photograph: Brandon Harman

But the showstopper is the custom dry-aging program, which includes a 55-day dry-aged Kansas City steak and a 90-day dry-aged bone-in wagyu strip. The lineup calls out for meals of celebratory excess.

The cocktail program is just as impressive, with tableside martinis customizable with caviar or oysters, of course. Signatures like the Honeydew Spritz and Alpine Italian Boulevard are bright but grown-up, while a 110-plus-label wine list covers Italy, France, Portugal, Argentina and California.

The setting is glamorous, with dark woods, velvet, burgundy banquettes and moody lighting. This isn’t the casual vibe of Roberta’s, but it’s set to be something just as buzzy, and North Beach is ready to welcome the team.

Read more:

• The best Christmas Markets in the USA

• The best ice skating rinks in the USA

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• The most festive holiday restaurants in America



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