ARCTIC BLAST STILL GRIPS THE BATS AS PITCHING STARTS WARMING UP

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January 26, 2025

1737873547363blob — SCRIMMAGE: SAT 25 JAN 25

Mike Kaffee, Community News Canes Baseball reporter.

The Arctic Blast was noticeably absent as the pitching performance effectively melted away the remnants of Friday’s disappointing outing. During the initial half of tonight’s scrimmage, the pitchers showcased their skills, while the hitters struggled significantly, managing only one hit in the first four innings. As hits remained elusive, a change in pitching eventually sparked some offensive activity. With the temperature rising, pitching once again asserted its dominance.

Starting off tonight’s festivities on the mound was graduate student Reese Lumpkin opposing potential weekend starter Griffin Hugus. Reese opened the session and it appeared like we were going to see more of the same mediocre pitching from last night. After getting the initial out Max Galvin picked up where he left off yesterday with a single. As it would turn out, his solo hit would be the only hit from either side until the 5th when Max once again came through with the 2nd hit of the scrimmage which would eventually generate into a pair of runs. More about that later. Returning to the first, Max’s one-out single opened the door to a BL situation with Derek Williams following being hit and Tanner Smith walking to load the bases. What should have been a routine 5-3 ground out, resulted in a poor throw to first which Todd Hudson was unable to dig out. The Scorer’s choice of E6 or E3 but still the initial run of the evening crossed the plate giving team Orange a 1-0 lead. In Reese’s next two innings only one batter reached first via a walk. Overall, a nice turnabout from the opening inning.

With just three weeks remaining in preseason, it is critical for both aspects of the game to synchronize their efforts. Fortunately for Miami, the upcoming weeks provide ample opportunity to refine skills before facing their first true test at the end of February in a three-game series against Florida. As the weather warms, we anticipate improvements in batting and increased precision in pitching, particularly within the starting rotation. However, concerns linger regarding middle relief, and vigilance is necessary to avoid lapses in fielding performance.

Beginning tonight’s events on the mound was graduate student Reese Lumpkin, who faced potential weekend starter Griffin Hugus. Reese opened the session, and it initially seemed we might see a repeat of the previous night’s mediocre pitching. After securing the initial out, Max Galvin continued his momentum from yesterday with a single. Remarkably, his solo hit would be the only hit from either side until the fifth inning, where Max again delivered with a second hit that ultimately generated a pair of runs.

Returning to the first inning, Max’s one-out single initiated a bases-loaded situation after Derek Williams was hit and Tanner Smith walked. A routine 5-3 ground out turned into a poor throw to first, which Todd Hudson was unable to field cleanly. The official scorer had the option of marking it as an error on either the shortstop (E6) or the first baseman (E3), but the initial run of the evening crossed the plate, giving Team Orange a 1-0 lead. In Reese’s next two innings, only one batter reached first base via a walk, reflecting a commendable turnaround from the opening inning.

Griffin Hugus delivered an impressive three-inning performance that firmly secured his position as a starting pitcher for the upcoming weekend series against Niagara. With commanding presence and focus, he faced a total of nine batters, retiring each one with precision—striking out five of them in a display of remarkable skill. His dominance on the mound effectively stifled the Green team’s offense, as he showcased an impressive array of pitches that kept the opposition completely hitless throughout his outing. Each pitch was carefully placed, leaving the batters off-balance and unable to make solid contact, highlighting his exceptional talent and readiness for the challenge ahead.

The pitching approach was notably different with Ryan Ashford and AJ Ciscar taking the mound. AJ demonstrated exceptional control, effectively keeping the hitters in a state of uncertainty, preventing them from reaching base until the sixth inning. At that point, the offense adopted a new strategy, with Michael Torres opting to shift from swinging to successfully bunting his way on base. Unfortunately, subsequent batters failed to capitalize on this opportunity, allowing Torres to advance only to third base, aided by the inept throwing arm of catcher Evan Tavers, who continued to face challenges defensively. Remarkably, Tavers surprised everyone with an impressive throw to gun down Dorian attempting to steal second for his best throw of the season. Ultimately, the bunt single marked the only hit off AJ, who pitched three scoreless innings.

Ryan Ashford, AJ’s counterpart, has experienced a rollercoaster preseason. Initially, it appeared his chances for success were slim, as I had him positioned deep in the bullpen, seemingly requiring a miracle to emerge as a viable option. Remarkably, Ashford managed to turn things around in his final outings, concluding the preseason on a positive note and generating optimism for his potential contributions in the upcoming season.

However, in tonight’s performance, he struggled significantly, reminiscent of earlier performances from the fall preseason. The opposing offense came out aggressively, with unfortunate circumstances leading to a challenging first inning. While the offense didn’t score in the fourth inning (which was Ashford’s first), it included two walks and a throwing error on an attempted pickoff.

In his subsequent inning, Ryan faced difficulties akin to his earlier outings, allowing a pair of singles and a walk, which loaded the bases and led to a run scored by Ethan Puig due to a walk. An inning-ending double play opportunity slipped away as an error by the shortstop Adrian Areizaga allowed another run to score.

The defensive support continued to falter in the following inning when Bobby Marsh, attempting a shoestring catch in left field, allowed a triple. An additional error from the shortstop brought Fabio Peralta home from third base.

Overall, it was a disappointing outing for Ashford, representing a significant regression from the progress he demonstrated at the end of the fall preseason. His performance tonight will likely weigh heavily in discussions about his roster spot, especially considering he is one of only four left-handed pitchers on the team.

The offense continued to show promise, with Reese Lumpkin concluding the evening on the mound. Tanner Smith kickstarted the inning by hitting the team’s first home run of the preseason, driving the ball deep to left field. Following an error at shortstop, Brandon DeGoti recorded a single, placing runners on first and second base. However, DeJesus struck out, bringing the session to a close for the evening.

Offensively, the bats were significantly lacking throughout most of the game, but the pitching displayed a marked improvement from the prior night. Max Galvin shined once again with multiple hits, going 2-4 for the second night in a row, while Tanner Smith contributed with a solid 2-3 performance, including a home run and an RBI. Fabio Peralta added to the action with another extra-base hit, a triple. However, if we expect to be competitive this season, our hitting must make a substantial leap forward. The current performance won’t cut it. action with another extra-base hit, a triple. However, if we expect to be competitive this season, our hitting must make a substantial leap forward. The current performance won’t cut it.

Tomorrow at 11:30, we will finalize the first weekend of preseason. There’s a lot of work ahead, and we need to address every aspect of our game. While we may start with baby steps, they are essential before we can make that giant leap to becoming serious competitors. Let’s stay focused and push through!

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

ARCTIC BLAST PUTS A FREEZE ON PRESEASON OPENER

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Mike Kaffee

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January 25, 2025

IMG_20250124_182241466_HDR — SCRIMMAGE: FRIDAY 24 JAN 25

The wait is finally over—preseason has officially arrived. However, after watching today’s performance, it feels like it could have waited another day. Whether it was the weather or simply a lack of preparedness, the team did not seem ready to play. For four and a half innings, it looked like they were going through the motions. The pitching was mediocre, with only seven scattered hits, and the fielding resembled that of players handling a baseball for the first time. There were fielding errors, a lack of communication, and the hitting was subpar. They played as if they would rather be cozy in their rooms than on the field.

If JD believed he had found a closer in Jackson Cleveland, he might want to reconsider. Today he showed he was not a reliable stopper. Instead of treating today’s scrimmage as a preview of what to expect this season, let’s chalk it up to the Arctic Blast that hit the Light on Day One.

Nick Robert, who has been designated as one of our weekend starters, commenced the preseason by pitching three innings. He faced freshman Lazaro Collera in this matchup. Nick’s performance represented a decline compared to his pitching in the fall. Although he recorded two strikeouts and allowed a few hits, he initially prevented any runs from being scored. However, he ultimately conceded a run in each of his final two innings.

In the second inning, Max Galvin contributed to scoring by executing a one-out single, which set up the first run on a fielder’s choice from third base, resulting in a 5-3 score and marking the preseason’s initial run. Although there was the potential for a play at the plate, the team prioritized securing the out at first base.

In Nick’s final inning, the second run of the day was initiated when lead-off batter Derek Williams was hit by a pitch, followed by a throwing error from Jake Ogden at third base that advanced Williams to second. Renzo Gonzalez subsequently hit a single, allowing Williams to score. A passed ball further advanced the runners to second and third base, with the fifth and final batter, Dorian Gonzalez, stepping to the plate with one out remaining. Nick then issued a walk to Dorian, thereby loading the bases and concluding that half of the inning. Overall, this performance did not reflect the expectations for a prospective starting pitcher.

Lazaro Collera, a promising freshman pitcher, demonstrated impressive sharpness on the mound during the early innings of the game. He successfully navigated the first two innings without allowing a run or a hit, with the exception of a hit by pitch against Evan Taveras, who became the sole base runner in that span. However, in his final inning, a lead-off double by Adrian Areizaga initiated a sequence of events that led to a run being scored.

Fabio Peralto executed a well-executed sacrifice bunt, advancing Areizaga to third base. Unfortunately, miscommunication between the second baseman and right fielder resulted in a misplayed single by Max Galvin—his second hit of the day—which allowed Peralto to score from third. Following this, Lazaro issued a pair of walks, and a second error at third base by DeGoti concluded his outing, leaving runners on the corners with only one out.

While Lazaro had shown considerable promise up to the third inning, the defensive struggles behind him ultimately contributed to his early exit, as he reached the five-batter limit. The question of whether he could have navigated through the troubles remains unanswered for now.

In the second set of pitchers, Alex Stanyek, a redshirt freshman who did not see action last season and did not pitch in the fall, made his competitive debut. He faced Will Smith, a graduate student from Coastal Carolina. Both pitchers were limited to one inning of work. Stanyek encountered a tougher challenge, going up against Daniel Cuvet, Todd Hudson, and Jake Kulikowski. He successfully struck out two of the three batters (Hudson and Kulikowski) and induced Cuvet to fly out deep to right field, making for an encouraging performance overall.

On the other hand, Will Smith also recorded two strikeouts but allowed a single to Ethan Puig, slightly tarnishing his outing. Neither pitcher yielded any runs during their appearances.

The opening day of preseason concluded with the team’s designated “Closer.” As previously mentioned, Jackson Cleveland’s performance did not align with the traditional expectations of a Closer, particularly regarding his ability to “shut the door.” Our experience with Andrew Walter, widely regarded as “the Best of the Best,” has likely shaped our standards—for when he took the mound, the outcome felt certain. Unfortunately, Jackson’s outing did not inspire the same level of confidence. He allowed a leadoff double to Nolan Johnson, followed by an error at second base by Amaury De Jesus, which led to Johnson scoring. Overall, Jackson’s performance today did not exhibit the commanding presence typically associated with a Closer.

Offensively, the bats were fairly quiet. Just 7 hits, two for extra bases( Adrian Arezaga & Nolan Johnson), and only one person with multiple hits: Max Galvin 2-3.

The performance on the first day back was somewhat underwhelming, particularly given that the team had conducted two “unofficial” scrimmages among themselves last week. It could be attributed to the Arctic Blast, and perhaps it’s a glimpse of challenges ahead. Tomorrow presents another opportunity to demonstrate that today was merely a minor setback. The scrimmage on Saturday is scheduled to begin at 7:15 PM and will consist of 8 innings. If the conditions mirror those of today, it is advisable to bring warm beverages and appropriate attire.

SLOW BURN THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS “PARADE” AT THE BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

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Community News Releases

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January 24, 2025

Slow Burn Theatre Company presents “Parade,” a powerful and poignant musical revival based on the true story of the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, as part of its 2024/2025 Season supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale Saturday, February 8 – Sunday, February 23 in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, including an open captioned performance on Sunday, February 16 at 2 p.m. and a series of post-performance chats with an ADL representative on Saturday, February 15, at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 16, at 2 p.m.

Winner of the 1999 Tony awards for Best Score (Jason Robert Brown, who also wrote the lyrics) and Best Book of a Musical (Alfred Uhry) as well as the 2023 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, “Parade,” co-conceived and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince, follows a newlywed Jewish couple, Leo and Lucille Frank, who are struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice and devotion.

Hailed as an “an essential American musical” by Variety, “Parade” is a “phenomenal production that feels more poignant and powerful than ever,” according to Entertainment Weekly. Time Out New York writes, “What you hear at this Parade…will echo for a long time to come.”

Directed by Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director and Carbonell Award winner Patrick Fitzwater and presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), Slow Burn’s riveting and gloriously hopeful production features lead actors Justin Albinder* (Leo Frank) and Mikayla Cohen (Lucille Frank) joined by Kevin Patrick Martin* (Hugh Dorsey), Michael Hunsaker* (Britt Craig), Erik Schark* (Judge Roan/Old Soldier), Jessica Balton (Mary Phagan), Joel Hunt (Frankie Epps), Kareema Khouri* (Minola “Minnie” McKnight/Angela), Chaz Rose* (Newt Lee/Jim Conley/Riley), Michael Materdomini (Governor John Slanton), Landon Summers (Tom Watson/Detective Starnes), Ana Marie Calise (Mrs. Phagan), Nolan Montgomery (Young Soldier/Fiddlin John/others), Bridget Rose Pirrota (Iola Stover), Erica Gouldthorpe (Monteen/others), Sofie Poliakoff (Essie/others), Allyson Rosenblum (Sally Slanton), Steven Ross-Dybash (Mr. Peavy), Eli Jacobson (Officer Ivey/others), Austin Gladstone (Luther Rosser/others), Elizabeth Sackett (Nurse/others), Sam Hoffman (Mr. Turner/others) and Sara Sun Park (Nina Formby/others).

The creative team features direction and musical staging by Fitzwater joined by Music Director Travis Smith, Lighting Designer Eric Norbury, Scenic Designer Nikolas Serrano, Costume Designer Rick Peña, Technical Director Timothy Dickey, Production Stage Manager Jeffry George* and Assistant Stage Manager Jolie Rubinchik*.

Performance times vary with an open captioned performance on Sunday, February 16 at 2 p.m. Following the performances on Saturday, February 15, at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 16, at 2 p.m., an ADL representative will present a 15-minute talk with a Q&A.

Single tickets to Slow Burn Theatre’s 2024/2025 season are on sale now. Supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale, the season continues in the new year with “Something Rotten!” (March 29 – April 13) and “The Bodyguard The Musical” (June 7 – 22).

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at BrowardCenter.org, or Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information visit BrowardCenter.org, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BrowardCenter and Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BrowardCenter, subscribe to our channel at YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with #BrowardCenter.

Major support of Slow Burn Theatre Company is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Sponsored in part by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale. Student and community complimentary tickets are subsidized and underwritten by the Salah Foundation and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation.

The Broward Center 2024/2025 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.

* Member of the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA).

About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University, and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.

About Slow Burn Theatre Company

Founded in 2009 by Patrick Fitzwater and Matthew Korinko, Slow Burn Theatre Company is one of South Florida’s leading professional musical theater organizations, celebrated for its bold productions and fearless creativity. With a mission to bring high-quality, thought-provoking, and entertaining performances to life, Slow Burn has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries and delivering dynamic interpretations of beloved musicals alongside lesser-known gems.Based at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Slow Burn Theatre Company offers an extraordinary theatrical experience that combines impeccable artistry, live music, and an unparalleled commitment to storytelling. The company has grown exponentially over its history, evolving from an ambitious grassroots effort to a cornerstone of South Florida’s cultural scene, thanks to the dedication of its founders, talented artists, and loyal supporters. Now in its 15th anniversary season, Slow Burn Theatre Company celebrates a legacy of innovation, resilience, and community connection. From intimate stages to grand productions, Slow Burn continues to inspire audiences with its passion for the arts and commitment to making theater accessible to all.For more information, visit Slow Burn Theatre Company’s website at http://slowburntheatre.org/.

AHF Receives MLK, Jr. Social Justice Award

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Community News Releases

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January 24, 2025

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest nonprofit AIDS service organization, is honored to have received the MLK, Jr. Social Justice Award this past weekend during The King Center’s annual Beloved Community Awards celebration in Atlanta, Georgia. The Social Justice award is the Center’s highest recognition for an organization leading work in the social justice arena, and The King Center CEO Dr. Bernice A. King, youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, presented AHF with this prestigious recognition. She was joined by NBA legend and philanthropist Norm Nixon, who has worked with AHF on numerous community partnerships.

Founded in 1987, AHF began as a network of hospices committed to “fighting for the living and caring for the dying.” Since then, AHF has expanded, turning hospices into healthcare centers and building a new paradigm for HIV care both in the United States and around the world. AHF currently serves more than 2.2 million individuals living with HIV in 17 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and worldwide in 47 countries. Taking a holistic approach, AHF generates new, innovative ways of treating and addressing barriers to care for clients through a network of non-profit pharmacies, thrift stores, health and wellness centers, affordable housing locations, and food service programs.

“We recognize AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s transformative work in advancing health equity, combating HIV/AIDS, and championing the rights and dignity of underserved communities worldwide. For decades, AHF has exemplified what it means to serve with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. By providing access to lifesaving care, advocacy, and education to millions of individuals globally, AHF has become a beacon of hope and a powerful voice for those most marginalized by systemic inequities. The values at the heart of your mission—compassion, equity, and a steadfast belief in the worth of every human being—align so powerfully with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community. Your organization’s efforts remind all of us that justice is not merely an ideal but an action, and that a healthier, fairer world is possible when we center the needs of the most vulnerable. In addressing the intersection of health, social justice, and human rights, AHF has transformed lives and communities, and we are deeply inspired by the enduring impact of your efforts,” stated Bonita Hampton Smith, Chief Operating Officer, The King Center

“No honor means more to me and to AHF than for the inheritors of Dr. King’s legacy to recognize AHF’s contribution to the continuance of his work,” stated AHF president Michael Weinstein in a heartfelt video message. Weinstein was unable to attend in person as he was overseeing AHF’s wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.

Longtime AHF board member and current board secretary, Cynthia Davis, accepted the award on AHF’s behalf.

The Japanese Consulate in Miami Welcomes Junya Nakano as New Consul General

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Community News Releases

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January 24, 2025

The Consulate General of Japan in Miami is pleased to announce the arrival of Junya Nakano, who was appointed by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as new Consul General in December 2024. Mr. Nakano replaces Mr. Kazuhiro Nakai, who was appointed to the post in 2021.

Consul General Nakano began his impressive diplomatic journey as Second Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Russia after graduating from Tokyo University’s Faculty of Law in 1991 and later obtaining an MSc (Master of Science degree) at the London School of Economics in 1994. Before arriving in Miami, Mr. Nakano served as Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), where he made significant contributions towards the enhancement of bilateral relations in both countries.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Nakano has held pivotal positions with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including serving as Economic Counselor at the Embassy of Japan in Australia and as Minister of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations. With extensive diplomatic experience in both Japan and abroad, Mr. Nakano brings invaluable expertise to his current role in Miami.

Currently, Florida hosts over 100 Japanese companies, and, in terms of property, facilities, and equipment, these companies are among the largest investors in the state. With his proven track record, Consul General Nakano expressed great enthusiasm on fortifying these standing relations, and thus the Japan-Florida relationship, through his new position by stating, “I am deeply honored to represent Japan as the new Consul General in Miami. It is my priority to make best efforts to ensure that our diplomatic and trading relationship with Florida will be further enhanced.” Consul General Nakano’s qualifications and notable career experience will be instrumental in guiding this relationship between Japan and Florida towards continued success and expansion.

Recognizing Florida as a dynamic powerhouse, Mr. Nakano is determined to continue cultivating opportunities between Japan and Florida through various fields to ensure an ever-growing and influential relationship. As the newly appointed Consul General, he looks forward to working with Government Officials, entrepreneurs, and power influencers in the state of Florida towards this common goal.

For more information about the Consulate and its mission, please visit www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp

Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum FIU opens new photography exhibition Path of the Panther

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Florida International University

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January 24, 2025

PIC_Path of the Panther — Carlton Ward Jr., New Hope, 2018, Photograph, 30 x 45 inches, Courtesy Wildpath and Carlton Ward Jr.

This exhibition underscores the critical connection between art, science,
and activism while highlighting the importance of environmental conservation

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum-FIU announces the opening of Path of the Panther, a showcase of the striking work of National Geographic Explorer and conservation photographer Carlton Ward Jr. This exhibition celebrates the Florida panther as a symbol of resilience, hope, and a call to action for the preservation of Florida’s natural heritage.

Florida’s state animal and FIU’s mascot, the Florida panther, stands as the last big cat surviving east of the Mississippi River. Once nearly extinct with fewer than 20 panthers remaining in the 1980s, the species has rebounded to nearly 200 today due to dedicated conservation efforts. However, the biggest obstacle to the panther’s continued recovery is access to enough of its historic territory throughout Florida and adjoining states.

Path of the Panther is the culmination of Carlton Ward’s six-year endeavor to document the panther’s life, environment, and journey through the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This network of public and private land connects the panther’s current range in South Florida to suitable habitat throughout the state and beyond. Ward has spent nearly two decades advocating for the Florida Wildlife Corridor and in 2015 moved his Airstream trailer to the Florida Everglades to launch this project. The images on view in this exhibition were captured using camera traps during Ward’s extensive time in the Everglades and are also featured in the April 2021 issue of National Geographic Magazine and the new National Geographic book of the same title.

“Inspired by FIU researchers and scientists’ enduring commitment to the survival of the Florida panther, the Frost Art Museum is proud to present Path of the Panther. Through the lens of National Geographic photographer Carlton Ward Jr., this remarkable exhibition raises awareness of the panther’s plight and compels us to reflect on our shared responsibility to protect the Everglades and its inhabitants,” said Miriam Machado, interim director of the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum FIU. “The Florida panther, a powerful symbol of resilience and strength, holds a special connection to FIU as our university mascot. This exhibition not only highlights the beauty and perseverance of these endangered creatures but also serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the critical role we play in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems.”

Path of the Panther is on view through August 24, 2025. Funding for this exhibition is provided by the Green Family Foundation. For more information on the exhibition, please visit the Frost Art Museum’s website here.

Savor, Sip, and Celebrate the Month of February at Varsol Sushi Bar

By

William Kress

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January 24, 2025

Searching for your next favorite lunch spot or a relaxing happy hour destination? Look no further than Varsol Sushi Bar in Coconut Grove, now celebrating its third anniversary! With irresistible lunch deals and happy hour specials, this local gem delivers big flavors without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re craving fresh sushi, savory bites, or creative cocktails, Varsol has you covered.

Get Happy in the Grove

Varsol Sushi Bar’s renowned happy hour is the magical window where the drinks are colder, the bites are tastier, and guests stay happier. From 4 to 7 p.m. daily, Varsol offers unbeatable food and drink deals perfect for unwinding with friends or colleagues. Prices on bites range from $4 to $11 and include some delicious menu highlights. Snack on mouthwatering menu highlights like Tuna Tartare or Ceviche for just $9 or savor a Sashimi Trio (9 pieces) for $11. Prefer something warm? Edamame and gyoza are happy hour favorites, too.

Craving a fun and spicy option with a bit of fruit? The Good Neighbor Marg is Varsol’s version of a classic margarita with house tequila, passionfruit, fresh pressed lime juice and Tajin. If you’re seeking a more refreshing whisky drink, the Highball 4 3 2 1 has Suntory Toki Whisky, Fever Tree soda water and orange flair mixed together for a zesty, yet classic flavor. Varsol Sushi Bar also offers classic cocktails during its happy hour for $10, wine for $8, sake for $7 or beer for $5. Unbeatable prices for good drinks and good food in the Grove

Need a midday recharge? Varsol’s lunch menu is just as enticing. From Monday to Friday, 12 to 3 p.m., indulge in their $15.95 Lunch Bento Box, complete with your choice of protein, fried rice, fried gyoza, edamame, a 6-piece California Roll, and soup or salad. Or you can choose between a Sashimi Three Nigiri special (tuna, salmon, hamachi), or a salmon, chicken or steak teriyaki option or one of the Sushi Rolls like Spicy Tuna Roll, Alex Roll or Bagel Roll.

Three-Year Anniversary Celebration

A restaurant’s three-year celebration marks a significant milestone, symbolizing stability, resilience, and the ability to thrive. For Varsol Sushi Bar, this milestone reflects not only its success but also the deep connection it has built with the Coconut Grove community. As a beloved dining spot, Varsol has fostered loyal patrons and become an integral part of the local culture.

To show its gratitude to the customers who made this journey possible, Varsol is hosting a fabulous anniversary celebration featuring a delectable Tasting Menu paired with exceptional drinks. Take a look:

VARSOL 3-YEARS FLY (served as a trio, supported by each alcohol brand):

Clover 1: Roku Gin, fresh raspberries, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white.
Passion 2:Patrón Silver, passion fruit, lime juice, firewater bitters, Tajín.
Espresso & Strong 3: Grey Goose, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, fresh espresso, mole xocolat bitters.

And what’s a celebration without special perks? Guests with reservations will enjoy exclusive gifts. while everyone in the house will be eligible to win one of three $50 gift cards in an exciting giveaway. And to top it all off, a live DJ will set the mood on the terrace with incredible entertainment from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

In Other Hot News

The news just keeps on rolling with an enticing set of permanent new menu items, appropriately timed to launch during the restaurant’s anniversary weekend, February 1.

HOT APPETIZERS:

Udon soup: wheat noodles, veggies steamed, miso broth
Shrimp tempura

KITCHEN SPECIALS:

Fish Katsu-Milanesa: Breaded white fish, white rice or fried rice
Filet Mignon Katsu-Milanesa: Pounded and breaded Filet Mignon, white rice, fried rice or french fries

February is Also for Also Lovers

Love is in the air this February at Varsol Sushi Bar, where romance takes center stage! The restaurant is inviting sweethearts to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with an unforgettable experience. Guests will enjoy a romantic dinner ambiance, sip on expertly crafted signature cocktails, and dance the night away to live DJ music. They won’t want to miss the exclusive Valentine’s dessert, Sweetheart Blis – a decadent chocolate heart filled with artisanal vanilla ice cream and raspberry, made to share with someone special. The celebration lasts all weekend, Feb. 12 to Feb. 16.

With its high-quality ingredients, affordable prices, and inviting atmosphere, Varsol Sushi Bar is a must-visit in Coconut Grove. Stop by for a delightful meal or unwind with happy hour drinks and discover why it’s a local favorite!

ABOUT VARSOL

Located in the heart of Coconut Grove, and each area of Varso Sushi Bar is meticulously designed to create an enjoyable environment for its guests. Its beautiful and modern green-house patio, terrace and bar are the perfect spaces to delight in lunches, dinners, or crafted cocktails. Furthermore, the restaurant is a great place to host social or corporate events. Visit Varsol for a traditional Japanese culinary experience and a flawless hospitality.

Varsol Sushi Bar is located at 3423 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For information, visit varsolsushibar.com or call 305882-9549.

January 26

By

Gerald Varela

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January 24, 2025

CasaCuba a step closer to realizing its signature campus building

By

Florida International University

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January 24, 2025

Designs will be unveiled next week for a public gathering place around Cuba’s past, present and future.

FIU will soon move nearer to creating a vibrant, brick-and-mortar home to celebrate the culture and history of Cuba.

In 2017, FIU established CasaCuba to share with the public the university’s expertise and resources related to the small island nation that has exerted an outsized influence on the world – and certainly changed the trajectory of South Florida forever.

With renowned scholars on the subject working at the university and collections of historic and artistic value within its walls, FIU has always taken seriously its role as a both an active producer of impactful research and a repository of documents and objects associated with the Cuban and Cuban American experience, its leaders say. CasaCuba serves to bring it all together in a dynamic and accessible way for the community as it highlights and preserves the stories of the diaspora.

“We want to amplify all that FIU already has here, in terms of the significant studies being conducted, in terms of the stewardship of important artwork, cultural artifacts, family ancestry records and so much more that speaks to a proud and vital heritage,” says CasaCuba Executive Director Lydia Betancourt Space MS ’00. “Our focus is on the resilience of the Cuban exile population and the achievements of the business leaders, artists, writers, musicians, entrepreneurs and others who have made meaningful contributions. CasaCuba will honor all of that to ensure it is never lost.”

Next week, renderings for a dedicated physical space on campus will be revealed. The global firm HKS Architects has completed designs for the privately funded, $40 million building, to be named for donor Benjamín León Jr., the chairman and founder of Miami-based healthcare provider Leon Medical Centers and the new U.S. administration’s nominee for ambassador to Spain.

“With this gift, our story lives on for generations to come,” León said last year. He arrived in Miami, at age 16, shortly after the Cuban Revolution, to escape an oppressive Communist regime that confiscated everything. “Like many exiles, my family had to start anew, and they succeeded through hard work and perseverance. It is a great privilege to be able to contribute to the preservation of this American story.”

The 43,000-square-foot complex will be located at the main 107^th Avenue entrance to the Modesto A. Maidique Campus and is projected to begin construction later this year for completion in 2027. It will feature a gallery wing in support of exhibitions as well as a digital archive and oral history collection room. Classrooms, conference rooms and a library will support educational and research activities. A meeting space and landscaped plaza will support formal and casual events.

The much-anticipated venue will augment CasaCuba’s ability to collaborate with various areas of the university, which it has done since its inception. Among other activities over the years, it has sponsored a pair of shows at the Frost Art Museum on campus around the works of the late Cuban painter Agustín Fernández – with one opening next month – and a concert of Cuban orchestral works mounted by the school of music. New possibilities for joint programming in its own space include displaying hand-annotated musical scores, original album covers, promotional photographs and other documents from the 150,000-piece Diaz-Ayala Cuban and Latin American Popular Music Collection, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind, held by the FIU Libraries Special Collections department.

Additionally, FIU’s longstanding research and education centers dedicated to Cuba, Latin America and the Caribbean produce scholarly work that touches upon current realities on the island and offers the opportunity for public presentations as part of nonpartisan forums. The Cuban Research Institute within the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, for example, for more than three decades has studied Cuban society and the diaspora, politics and economics in addition to contemporary literature, art, music and more. And the Kimberly Green Latin American & Caribbean Center investigates Cuban trade and migration, Cuba-U.S. relations and more.

“CasaCuba is all about delving into history, both glorious and difficult, understanding the present and looking ahead, as our own professors have long done,” FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell says. “The building will serve as the contact point for a research institution and a community eager to engage in ongoing dialogue. It will be both a welcome center and a place of learning and lively exchange.

“It will be anything but quiet.”

Betancourt Space, the director, agrees. “This is about actively participating in the larger conversations taking place in South Florida and beyond as we reach across institutions and individuals to develop a complete and meaningful picture in light of a diaspora that now spans the globe,” she says. “We are committed to that.”

Additional critical support has come from prominent Cuban American entrepreneur Jorge Más, Bacardi USA, Bustelo Café and Pilon (brands in The J.M. Smucker Co. portfolio), the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Florida (through a cultural facilities grant) and the Knight Foundation.