Miami, FL

Wynwood artist heartbroken after vandals destroy his iconic street art

Published

7 months ago

December 4, 2025

Wynwood artist heartbroken after vandals destroy his iconic street art

As hundreds of thousands of people flock to South Florida for Art Week, one local artist says his heart is broken after vandals tore apart artwork he spent years creating.

Michael Addis, 73, is a fixture in the Wynwood community. His colorful “faces” have become a signature sight on light poles and trees throughout the neighborhood.

“I found an art that can keep my mind straight,” Addis said.

For nearly two decades, Addis lived homeless on the streets of Miami, battling a crack cocaine addiction. He credits art for his sobriety – and for saving his life.

“I invested a lot of money and a lot of time – time and ten years worth of time – well over a couple thousand dollars,” he said.

Artwork ripped apart

Over the weekend, Addis says someone ripped apart his artwork on at least three poles and trees along Northwest Second Avenue, leaving behind only remnants.

“It makes me feel empty, it makes me feel terrible,” Addis said.

Community outraged

Friends and local businesses say they can’t understand why anyone would destroy Addis’ art.

“This guy is a legend in the neighborhood,” said Skam Dust, a friend. “Now I’m seeing this, and I’m even trying to figure out why would this happen?”

ToeJam, a Wynwood business, features Addis’ art inside and outside its building.

“When they go ahead and have his artwork on one of the poles and some New Yorker comes in town, or some other business comes down here, and they take his artwork off the walls – this is what Wynwood was! This is what Wynwood is! It’s disrespectful,” said owner Judd Allison.

A message to the vandal

Addis had one emotional plea for the person responsible.

“Please – just leave me and my art alone,” he said through tears.

Wynwood Walls told CBS News Miami they have video of the man ripping down the artwork. Addis says he plans to keep creating and putting his faces back up.

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Miami, FL

Fourth of July celebrations planned across South Florida for America’s 250th birthday

Published

6 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Press Room

Fourth of July celebrations planned across South Florida for America’s 250th birthday

Updated on: July 3, 2026 / 8:45 PM EDT
/ CBS Miami

South Florida is gearing up for a Fourth of July celebration like no other, as the nation marks its 250th birthday.

On Fort Lauderdale Beach, the city’s annual Fourth of July Spectacular begins at noon. The free event includes a country concert with Walker Hayes at 7:30 p.m., a drone show and a fireworks display.

“Now that there’s a country concert, we’re definitely going to be here,” said Katherine Harrison, from Davie.

4th of July Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks in South Florida on July 04, 2023.

Arturo Jimenez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In downtown Miami, Bayfront Park is hosting a free all-day concert lineup that includes Ja Rule, Ashanti, Shaggy and Willy Chirino. The park’s FIFA World Cup fan zone is expanding for the 250th celebration.

“The World Cup is going on right now, Messi is in town, so I think the family is excited,” said Tito Harris, visiting from Fort Myers.

The Museum of Miami is hosting the Freedom Plane National Tour exhibit, where visitors can view an original engraving of the Declaration of Independence and other historic documents. The museum plaza will also hold a special celebration on the Fourth.

“I really do love our country despite all of its differences and celebrating this year is pretty cool because it’s 250 years,” said Barry Lee, visiting from Charlotte, North Carolina.

For a full list of Fourth of July events across South Florida, click here.

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Miami, FL

Miami-Dade sheriff urges residents to celebrate Fourth of July safely

Published

16 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Press Room

Miami-Dade sheriff urges residents to celebrate Fourth of July safely

Published: July 3, 2026 at 10:33 AM

(WPLG)

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — As South Florida prepares for a busy Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly.

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz joined local, state and federal public safety partners Wednesday to outline safety efforts and enforcement plans ahead of the Independence Day weekend, which coincides with the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.

During the news conference, Cordero-Stutz urged the public to avoid dangerous behaviors that can quickly turn celebrations into tragedies.

The sheriff reminded drivers not to get behind the wheel after drinking, encouraged boaters to use caution on the water and warned against firing guns into the air, noting that celebratory gunfire can have deadly consequences.

“As millions of Americans gather to mark this milestone, our shared responsibility in Miami-Dade County is to help ensure those celebrations are remembered for all the right reasons,” Cordero-Stutz said.

The sheriff’s office said deputies will be working alongside local, state and federal public safety agencies throughout the holiday weekend to help keep communities safe.

Authorities are encouraging anyone celebrating Independence Day to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, following boating safety guidelines and leaving fireworks and firearms to the professionals.

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Miami, FL

World Cup-inspired art exhibit transforms Miami’s Wynwood with interactive soccer experience

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Press Room

World Cup-inspired art exhibit transforms Miami’s Wynwood with interactive soccer experience

The world’s most popular sport is making its mark in Miami this summer — and not just inside the stadium.

As international soccer fans flock to South Florida for the FIFA Club World Cup, the Museum of Graffiti in Wynwood has unveiled “The Art of Futbol,” an interactive exhibition celebrating the connection between street art and the world’s game.

For years, Wynwood’s colorful murals have made the neighborhood one of Miami’s most recognizable cultural destinations. This summer, those artistic roots are being paired with soccer through an exhibit that invites visitors to do more than simply admire the artwork.

“You may not realize it at first, but graffiti and fútbol have a lot in common,” said David Harrah, an art consultant for the Museum of Graffiti. “Football is the sport of the world. It’s played all over the world and on the streets, really. Graffiti has that in its DNA as well. To have those two combined and elevate both makes a lot of sense.”

Harrah said the exhibition was designed to showcase the intersection of art, fashion and sports while creating a welcoming community space for visitors.

Guests can paint on an interactive mirrored wall, play custom foosball tables created by local Miami artists and even kick a soccer ball toward an interactive mural by local artist Tragic.

The exhibit has already attracted visitors from around the globe.

William Chavez, who traveled from Honduras for an Argentina match, said the museum became an unexpected highlight of his trip.

“We came from Honduras only visiting for the World Cup,” Chavez said. “I like the part where you kick the ball. Everything looks very good here. I like the place a lot, and the people are very friendly too.”

The Art of Futbol exhibit will remain on display through July 18, giving soccer fans and art lovers alike another way to experience the excitement surrounding the tournament in Miami.

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