Marco Rubio Not Backing Down From Possible Presidential Run

It’s January 1, 2015 — which means it’s the perfect time to ramp up speculation about the presidential race that’s now only 677 days away! In Florida, of course, that means we’re talking primarily about two Republican heavyweights, the former governor and conservative family dynasty torchbearer Jeb Bush and his…

Jeb Bush to “Actively Explore” Presidential Run

Jeb Bush has spent the better part of the last eight years denying that he was going to run for president. Now he’s finally confirmed what everyone has long suspected. He’s thinking about making a run. In a Facebook message posted today Bush announced that he will “actively explore the…

Beer Growlers May Finally Be Legalized in Florida Next Year

For the past two years, efforts to legalize beer growlers, the 64-oz. jugs that are container of choice for the craft beer movement, have faltered in Florida’s legislature. One problem is that the change has often been tied up in bills that concern other beer distribution proposals. This year, supporters…

At Miami Beach’s Tallest Condo, Board Elections Get Nasty

There aren’t many buildings in Miami Beach more iconic than the Blue Diamond Condominium and its sister, the Green Diamond, the tallest structures in town. With a 16,000-square-foot clubhouse, 24-hour valet service, and private tennis courts, the condo is also among the Beach’s most exclusive residences — capped by a…

Miami-Dade Passes Transgender Inclusive Human Rights Ordinance

More than 35 years after Anita Bryant’s crusade to have gays and lesbians denied basic rights in Miami-Dade and following a more recent political battle that saw a once powerful county commissioner defeated earlier this year, the county’s Human Rights Ordinance now finally protects citizens on the basis of gender…

Florida GOP Official Tweets Ferguson “Thugs” Should Be Firehosed

Back in 1963, Birmingham Commissioner of Public Safety Bull Connor turned firehoses on African-Americans who were protesting his virulent segregationist policies. Those tactics, along with the use of attack dogs on protestors, were considered so violent that they actually helped turn public opinion against segregation and lesser civil rights for…

Miami Bishop to Obama: “Stop Being a Sodomite”

Episcopalian Bishop Leopold Frade had some strong words for President Obama last week: “I am asking President Obama to stop being a sodomite!” Now, before jumping to conclusions, know that Episcopalians are totally down with the gays, and in 2012 Frade personally authorized the church’s first recognition of gay marriage…

Jose Javier Rodriguez: Master of the Minority

In this week’s Miami New Times, we profile 30 of the most interesting characters in town, with portraits of each from photographer Stian Roenning. See the entire Miami New Times People Issue here. After November’s Republican shellacking at the polls, you’d imagine the few Florida Democrats who emerged unscathed are…

New Rep. Carlos Curbelo Is Already In Trouble Over His Campaign Finances

As Joe Garcia desperately fought to hang onto his Congressional office this fall, we described it as the battle for “Florida’s dirtiest district.” After all, Garcia’s predecessor, David Rivera, has faced down repeated investigations from the feds and watched former colleague Ana Alliegro head to prison over an election scheme…