South Florida is known for many things. Beautiful weather, multiculturalism, hot nightlife and soul crushing public transportation that literally makes you want to die. (You don’t see that last part in the Chamber of Commerce brochures.)
One group of high achieving young people are trying to revolutionize the way South Florida gets around by bringing a radical form of public transportation here.
Two brothers—Darius and Demetrius Villa—and their friend, Aleksandr Khalfin, founded the High Speed Rail America Club (HSRAC) at Florida International University last year and they have found some success in spreading their message.
The club researches and promotes high-speed rail trains, also known as bullet trains, in America. Bullet trains, which average more than 150 mph, don’t exist in our country, and it’s a fuel-efficient and quicker way to travel, Demetrius told RISE NEWS in an interview last year.
They say that they are the leading high-speed advocacy group for millennials.
The group believes that Miami should build up an ambitious system of Maglev transportation that would eventually connect the Magic City to Miami Beach and FIU.
With a healthy amount of grassroots support now at their back, the HSRAC wants to get some political muscle on their side.
They plan to do this by presenting a Miami Maglev Forum on April 7th from 10 AM-12 PM on the FIU campus. And they hope that local political leaders will show up to learn about the proposed idea and to interact with young transportation activists.
They tried and failed at this once before.
“Last September, the group partnered with American Maglev Technology, the FIU Honors College, and All Aboard Florida to host the first Miami Maglev forum,” a press release from the HSRAC read. “While the forum itself had students and FIU community leaders in attendance, a grand total of zero representatives came from the leadership of Miami, Miami-Dade, and Miami Beach. Students were highly upset of the lack of leadership from their elected officials, and grew further disenchanted with the infrastructural direction of the community.”
The release goes on to say that transportation directors, commissioners, and mayors of all three municipalities (Miami-Dade County, City of Miami, Miami Beach) were emailed, and no responses were received from them.
“To make amends to both the citizens and their elected officials, we are hosting a 2nd Maglev Forum to be able to discuss ideas, the direction of the community, and towards finding a solution that the populace agrees with,” the release reads.
If you want to learn more about the group or the event, you can follow them on Facebook.
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in public affairs. Anyone can write for us as long as you are fiercely interested in making the world a better place.
Cover Photo Credit: Thomas Lok/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
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FIU Cancels Meeting With North Miami Councilman So Lawyers Can Attend
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-A meeting between a North Miami City Councilman and a high ranking FIU official was canceled after the university requested that lawyers be present to prevent “misunderstandings” between the two sides.
-Councilman Scott Galvin and FIU Vice President for Government Affairs Michelle Palacio planned to meet at Galvin’s work office in Overtown to discuss the Arch Creek East Environment Preserve situation.
-Palacio canceled the meeting in a email to Galvin on late Tuesday night.
From Palacio’s email to Galvin:
“…you have stated publicly that you are exploring legal options against FIU. To avoid any further misunderstandings, I would like to postpone tomorrow’s meeting and ask that it be rescheduled to a future date, in City Hall, and that the City Manager, the City Attorney and an FIU attorney attend as well. As always, we’ll be glad to meet with you and your fellow City officials.”
-Galvin said during a protest last Saturday that North Miami was actively at looking at legal remedies to stop FIU from building a road through the preserve.
North Miami Councilman Scott Galvin speaks to gathered protestors during an anti-FIU event on Saturday. Photo: RISE NEWS
-Galvin told RISE NEWS that he thought the meeting was going to be an informal way to air out differences between the city and FIU. Now, he doesn’t think the meeting will happen.
Galvin also told RISE NEWS:
“…having attorneys present turns it into a deposition and ruins much chance for progress. Putting a caveat like that on a meeting probably means it won’t happen. Even our respective attorneys would likely advise we not attend it.”
-Galvin has been the most vocal city leader in opposition to FIU’s plan to reopen a road through the preserve.
-FIU claims that the road, which will open a second entrance to their North Campus via 135th St, is needed for student safety.
–The city of North Miami has opposed the plan for years because they say it would damage the preserve.
–FIU spokesperson Maydel Santana said that the university intends to meet with the appropriate North Miami city officials and “will reach out to the residents at the appropriate time.”
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WATCH ANOTHER STORY- Is This The Happiest Place In Miami?
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Ken Russell: How This Yo-Yo Champ Plans To Be One Of Miami’s Next Congressmen
What’s News In This Story?
-Ken Russell is a City of Miami Commissioner who is one of the leading Democratic candidates for Congress in the 27th District.
-The seat is currently held by retiring Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump in the district by nearly 20 points and is considered one of the most likely Democratic pick ups in the 2018 Midterms.
-Russell has been on the City Commission since he ran in 2015. He ran after getting angry about the city’s response to a toxic park near his house. On the commission, he has been a reliably progressive voice.
-Russell used to be a professional yo-yo player and he traveled the world as an ambassador for the sport. He also ran a kiteboarding company before getting into politics.
WATCH THE STORY:
This story is part of a series on the 27th Congressional District race.
WATCH MORE ABOUT THIS RACE:
David Richardson Would Be The First Gay Congressman Ever Elected From The South. Will He Also Be Trump’s Nightmare?
RISE NEWS is South Florida’s digital news magazine. Follow us on Facebook to make sure you never miss a story!
Have a news tip about this topic or something completely different? Send it on in to [email protected]
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Meal Planner: The Virtues Of Slow Food, Grilled Cheese And Lots Of Wine This Week In Miami
This piece was originally published by our partner MIAbites.com and is produced by them.
Each week, MIAbites features a curated listing of the upcoming week’s best food happenings in Miami. The listing is subject to change and details should always be confirmed ahead of time.
Tuesday April 12th- Slow Food Miami, local Miami chapter of non-profit supporting the use of fresh and organic ingredients in food, will hold the latest in its series of monthly “Snail Social” Happy Hours on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 from 6PM-8PM at Essensia Restaurant + Lounge, the farm-to-table restaurant at The Palms Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach, featuring Executive Chef Venoy Rogers, winner of Food Network’s Chef Wanted. Attendees can look forward to savoring appetizers featuring such ingredients as kale, cilantro and arugula from the Chef’s organic garden. What you see is what you get (to eat)! In true farm-to-table fashion, take a garden tour with Chef Venoy before sunset to get a peek at where your ingredients are grown. Each guest will receive one complimentary glass of wine, and drinks are half-off until 8PM. Guests are invited to stick around for dinner afterwards to savor more of Chef Venoy’s specialties. Slow Food attendees wishing to stay will receive 20% off dinner at the restaurant. Essensia at The Palms Hotel and Spa 3025 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140. 305 908-5458. NOTE: And SAVE THE DATE for the “Snail of Approval Tasting Event” on Friday April 29th at the 1 Hotel and hosted by Chef Tom Collicchio.
Tuesday April 12th- National Grilled Cheese Day is not just for kids. Get your cheesy fix at Ms Cheezious, at it’s original location at 7418 Biscayne Blvd, Miami and also stop in for it’s Grand Opening brand new location at 1915 Ponce de Leon Blvd in Coral Gables. Everyone who purchases a “Must Have” grilled cheese on that day from their new Coral Gables location or the MiMo restaurant will receive a free Sixpoint beer as well. Hours are from 11 AM to 11 PM. And if you are on Miami Beach make sure you visit Radio Bar at 814 1st Street Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.397.8382 for their spicy crunchy nacho grilled cheese delight.
Wednesday April 13th- StarChefs, the restaurant industry trends magazine, announces its 2016 South Florida Rising Stars Awards Gala on Wednesday April 13th at Marlins Park, honoring up-and-coming chefs and hospitality professionals, who represent the vanguard of the contemporary American dining scene. Beginning with an awards ceremony at 6:30pm and followed by a tasting gala from 7:15 pm to 9:30 pm, guests will experience 20 of South Florida’s most exciting restaurants with beverage pairings and cocktails by the winning sommeliers and bartenders, in one location for one night only. Tickets are $95 pp with 10% off discount through MIAbites code RSBLOG. For listing of Rising Chef winners and more information and to take advantage of this offer see MIAbites link here.
Thursday April 14th- Quality Meats Miami Beach is firing up the grill on their patio for an epic THREE DAY STEER ROAST. Executive Chef Patrick Rebholz, fresh from receiving the People’s Choice award at SOBEWFF Meatopia is partnering with Chef Norberto “Negro” Piattoni for a three-day whole steer cookout/extravaganza. Rebholz, an expert in whole animal butchery, and Piattoni, a former employee of renowned Argentine Chef Francis Mallman, will collaborate to create three separate dinners – on Thursday 4/14 hosting an asado BBQ for $59 pp, Friday 4/15 a family-style feast for $79, and on Saturday 4/16 a more formal dining experience at $99, all complete with wine and beer pairings. The dinners will take place Thursday, April 14 through Saturday, April 16, 2016. A 900-lb. steer along with side dishes, bread and even desserts, will be cooked in a specially constructed “fire kitchen” on Quality Meats’ expansive terrace. For reservations and more details visit: qualitymeatsmiami.com/wholesteerdinners Quality Meats Miami Beach 1501 Collins Avenue 305-340-3333
Do you like this? Read more awesome restaurant reviews, tips and event listings at MIAbites.com.
Thursday April 14th- The Fontainebleau’s Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series 2016 season continues with a lavish dinner on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Scarpetta at 8 p.m. with Napa Valley’s legendary Opus One Winery – hosted by France Posener, sales director for the winery. Diners will enjoy a decadent five-course menu, prepared by Scarpetta’s chef de cuisine Neil O’Connell,complemented by Opus One Wines. Opus One was created in 1979 by the most iconic partnership in wine history between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Opus One quickly became America’s first ultra-premium wine as well as the first-ultra premium California wine to be sold in France, The United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland. Priced at $350 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity, the luxurious evening will begin at 8 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting: https://www.nightpass.co/e/np/tq0YXX8ysw. Scarpetta at Fontainebleau Miami Beach 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140. 877 326 7412
Monday April 18th- Alleviate the pain of Tax Day this year with a beer (or two) on the house. Keeping with its theme of celebrating minor holidays, Mignonette and Blue Collar declare Tax Day, Monday, April 18th to be Taxes Schmaxes Day! Mignonette and Blue Collar will ‘refund’ every-other bottle of beer or glass of wine on 4/18 – just declare your order to your waiter and your second MegaMix or glass of red will be free!
New and Ongoing:
Driftwood Room at Nautilus, South Beach invites guests to enjoy a $45 Rosé Brunch on Sundays from 11:30-4 pm with a special four course prix-fixe brunch menu prepared by Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and Chef de Cuisine Lucas Marino. Guests can enjoy items from the appetizer buffet, the savory cavery, and dessert platter in addition to choosing one entrée for $45 per guest. The entrée selections include signature dishes such as the Cuban Benedict, Avocado Toast, Guava & Tamarind BBQ Ribs, Lobster ‘Mac & Cheese’ and Prime Steak Tartare. Those looking to take their brunch to the next level can add on upgrades such as the Cabana Club Seafood Tower for Two, the Triple Layer Chocolate Cake Sundae and for $25 extra unlimited Whispering Angel Rosé. Driftwood Room at Nautilus, a SIXTY Hotel 1825 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.503.5700
Komodo, Brickell’s new Pan-Asian hotspot, has launched its weekday ‘Lucky 9’ happy hour menu, featuring an assortment of its best specialty cocktails and appetizers priced at $9-. Named after the Chinese lucky number “9”, guests can sip on Cucumber Basil Martinis, Lemongrass Mojitos, or Rhubarb Mules, while enjoying Tuna Tacos, the famed Grutman Pastrami Egg Roll, the Komodo Roll as well as a variety of other favorite menu items Monday-Friday 4-7 pm. On Friday nights, Komodo turns it up a notch with a DJ spinning cool vibes all night on the outdoor terrace. The happy hour is offered at the outdoor garden and bar and inside bar. Komodo Miami 801 Brickell Avenue Miami, FL 33131 305.534.2211.
Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, Lincoln Road’s destination for authentic regional Italian cuisine, is introducing Bacco Night, a new Monday night special that is sure to delight oenophiles. All bottles of wine on La Bucca di Bacco – Quattro’s impressively diverse wine list – will be 50% off every Monday during dinner service. Quattro Gastronomia Italiana 1014 Lincoln Road on South Beach Telephone: (305) 531-4833.
Bazi in the Marlin Hotel invites you to kick back and enjoy classic Asian staples every Sunday beginning on April 10th. The special Shanghai Nights menu will offer guests a delectable way to indulge in some of their favorite dishes for only $10 each including Lo Mein (chicken, beef or shrimp), Beef and Broccoli, General Tso Chicken, and Mu Shu Pork.Bazi’s Shanghai Nights menu will be available every Sunday. Bazi at The Marlin Hotel, 1200 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. (305) 695-0101.
( Information provided by various sources and subject to availability. Always make reservations and check ahead to confirm details.)
The above was produced by MIAbites, one of the leading sources for food news in South Florida. Be sure to visit their website for more great information.
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