Photograph by Anik Bobbili / CC by 4.0
About the Author
Anik Bobbili is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Accounting and Business Analytics at Florida International University. He was born and raised in Miami and is proud to call this vibrant city his home. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, hitting the gym, cycling, listening to podcasts, volunteering, and learning something new every day. He looks forward to embark on this adventure and diving deep into the history and culture of Miami.
Miami Encounter as Text
“Diverse From All Aspects”
By Anik Bobbili of FIU, January 23, 2024
Photograph taken by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0
Before settling in Miami, my father has lived in Wyoming, Texas, and has visited most of the states. He’s told me stories of how risky it was to leave behind all his family and relatives and travel to an entirely new country across the other side of the world. During the 90s, the lack of Internet and smartphones meant that once he left, he virtually had no contact with anyone the moment he left India. Rather than stressing out, he thought, “How can I manage on my own?” With this attitude, he started finding ways to make money and live independently. Now I mention his background because like him (to a lesser degree), I aim to step out of my comfort zone and get in the habit of trying new experiences rather than avoiding or second-guessing them. That’s one of the reasons why I chose this course. The other was to serve as a stress reliever to balance out my other 5 classes.
Once my sister was born, my parents slowly stopped going out and basically stayed at home. The only time we’d really go out and visit downtown Miami, restaurants, and the beaches was if either relatives visited (which was once in a blue moon) or if I convinced them otherwise. When all my friends and classmates brag about the places they have or plan to visit, I could really only experience it through Google Maps or a YouTube video. However in my 20 years of living here, I certainly have experienced aspects of Miami that make me love the city and not take it for granted. For instance, our almost year long tropical climate prevents us from having to deal with brutal winter storms and shoveling loads of snow just to get to work. Every time I’m shivering from 50 degree weather in the winter and don’t feel like going to the gym, just one look in the weather app at the negative temperatures in the Midwest and that’s all the convincing I need. Even on some days where most states are freezing to death, it’s a picture perfect summer for us.
Miami’s diversity of not only people but industries, architecture, and nature is something I’ve always appreciated. It gives everyone the opportunity to try yummy food from all parts of the world thus forming a better appreciation and understanding of other cultures. The immigrant lifestyle that Miami brings makes it sometimes feel that I’m not even living in America. Living in Miami has also helped me learn how to speak some Spanish. In certain places, it’s necessary you know at least basic Spanish or else you can feel left out.
I remember back in elementary school during recess we used to play our hearts out in soccer and I used to love defending the grade’s best striker from scoring. While I lost interest playing, many of my friends still play in tournaments and follow the European and international leagues. Watching athletes at any sport play at such a locked in intensity has always been entertaining for me. I still remember witnessing live Ray Allen’s clutch 3-pointer in the 2013 Championship Finals. The crowd was roaring and I never forgot how excited I was. After all, watching the Miami Heat is what made me fall in love with the sport. Additionally, in my decade of playing both competitively and for leisure, I got to make different friends from pickup games and get to explore different sides of Miami during travel basketball season.
Ever since I’ve joined FIU, I’ve been getting to explore more of Miami, whether it’s commuting to school, visiting on-site and community service events in clubs I’m part of, or even doing UberEATS deliveries. Driving to campus and different club events has been a peaceful part of the day as I can reflect on the day and listen to my favorite podcasts and music. The only times driving can be a hassle is peak rush hour traffic whether it’s literally flooded in I-95 while the Florida turnpike is more bearable. Although most days in Miami are sunny and humid, sometimes we experience heavy rainfalls with brutal thunderstorms.
Doing UberEATS has allowed me to stop at new restaurants that I have not known of and visit different types of homes and communities and appreciate the styles and architecture. From the million dollar estates in Southwest Ranches and Coral Gables to apartments in Hialeah, Miami is also diverse by the homes.
While I am aware of the general pros and cons that Miami offers and have experienced a fair share of the urban, suburb, and rural areas, I am still far from being an expert. It’s one thing from seeing pictures and knowing basic facts about Ocean Drive and the Everglades and another to actually tour the place. One is theoretical knowledge and the other is hands-on. Personally speaking, I’ve always retained concepts better when I’m actually involved rather than visualizing from a textbook. That’s what I am hoping to gain from this course. To explore the deeper layers of Miami, known to a few and share my experiences.
Historic Miami/Overtown as Text
“Echoes of Miami”
By Anik Bobbili of FIU, January 28, 2024
All photographs taken by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0
As I looked around the dozens of photos covering the walls of the Historic Lyric Theatre, I imagined the soothing jazz of Cab Calloway and the lively performances of Aretha Franklin and other talented black artists attracting large crowds and creating a similar vibe as the “Life Could Be Dream scene” in the Pixar movie Cars. However, it was interrupted by the new music of the town: construction noises. Everywhere around the block, there was a new construction project underway of modern condominiums that simply doesn’t match the “French Quarter” resemblance that Overtown portrays. The gentrification has forced many black families to move out of Overtown and seek better opportunities elsewhere. Professor Bailly showed us a photo of the churches and homes of Overtown getting destroyed to pave way for the I-95 and I-395 expressways and pointed to the other condos and infrastructure that took over the spots.
In spite of their hardships, I respect how resilient the remaining residents are, especially Miss Godfrey of Greater Bethel Church. From the lively jazz to cruel Jim Crow discrimination, she’s experienced the ups and downs of Overtown. It’s natural for most people dealing with traumatizing events to never want to dwell on those dark moments again. However, Miss Godfrey continues to share her story and is optimistic of the future generation carrying the legacy of Overtown. Miss Godfrey pointed out that regardless of how high your status was, as long as you were of color, you weren’t allowed on Miami Beach without an ID or if you stepped out of line to place a voting ballot, you were no longer allowed to vote. It surprised me a bit how much discrimination was faced in Miami as all the textbooks and history teachers primarily highlight the Deep South States and the 13 colonies as the notorious areas for brutal segregation and often leave Florida out of the picture. If Florida was even mentioned, it was to talk about the various Native Indian tribal groups and the Spanish’s influence.
After we toured Overtown and historic places of Miami, it allowed me to connect the dots and embrace the history of my city. For instance, I wasn’t aware that Overtown played a key part in the Civil Right movement and even brought notable African American leaders such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Lewis, and Martin Luther King. In fact, the restaurant we went to for lunch, Jackson Soul Food, was where Muhammad Ali ate during his visits to Miami. The Greater Bethel church Miss Godfrey spoke to us was the same place MLK gave a revolutionizing speech on the importance of voting to achieve a triumphant democracy. That’s what I honestly find unique about this course. The chance to hear from primary sources who faced actual segregation such as Miss Godfrey and visit the very own sites which makes the historical impacts more profound and memorable over bland sentences in a textbook.
Photographs taken and edited by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0
Once we made our way to Downtown Miami, I was able to see how much the city and urbanization have grown from the railroad days of Henry Flagler. Although his railroads played a pivotal role in residential and commercial development, he poorly treated his slaves. He was responsible for the creation of “Colored Town” or now known as Overtown. He also showed no remorse towards the Tequesta Indians, the first indigenous population of Miami and didn’t mind sabotaging a burial mound if it meant advancing his developments. Furthermore, the raw sewage of his Royal Palm Hotel was discharged into the Miami River, which was once a primary source of water for the Tequesta and species of the Everglades. Its effects of overdevelopment and environmental degradation are evident but on the bright side it complements Miami’s tourist identity.
The Miami we know as today couldn’t have happened without the contribution of its founder, Julia Tuttle. It was disheartening to hear that until recently, a sign was made to commemorate Tuttle and all her accomplishments. As shown in the collage, Julia truly wanted to make Miami prosperous. With her grand visions and entrepreneurial skills, she was able to negotiate with Flagler to further expand the railroad to Biscayne Bay for oranges. This in turn not only made Florida known for oranges but also brought in more businessmen and families leading to rapid growth and urbanization. It was even the portrayal behind the dropped bowl of orange slices and peels in front of the Government Center (as shown in the collage).
Overall, the story of Overtown was truly inspiring as it shows how the black residents of Overtown changed the narrative of a “colored town” to a thriving entrepreneurial and entertainment hub that brought viable growth and a cultural identity to Miami. It was also interesting to see different pioneers such as Flagler, Tuttle, Wagner, William and Mary Brickell further expand operations and turn Miami into a hub full of employment opportunities for millions of people today. But most importantly, we got to have an open discussion about the truth of our history which allows us to follow the truth and limit inhumane acts of indoctrination.
Deering Estate as Text
“Home of Eight Ecosystems “
By Anik Bobbili of FIU, February 18, 2024
All photographs taken and edited by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0
The moment I entered Deering Estate and saw the boat basin with the assortment of palm trees, vibing manatees, and the vivid skyline, I felt I was living a dream. Turns out, this was once the property of Chicago mogul, Charles Deering. As a passionate environmental advocate and art collector, Deering was not only attracted to the natural beauty, but he also wanted to protect the 8 different ecosystems found in the area. Yes, you read that right. It shouldn’t be a surprise considering that the estate encompasses over 450 acres, or about 340 football fields! But before I explain the nature of the ecosystems, it’s important to know the nature of Charles Deering. He was someone who was business-savvy yet cared about the environment. He also represents the quintessential figure of the Roaring 20s where rich Americans grew richer and wanted to flaunt their lavish lifestyles. Despite the 1920s also being the Prohibition Era that banned alcoholic beverages, it didn’t stop Deering from building one of the largest wine cellars in the southern U.S. at the time. Inside the Stone House, we got to see Deering’s extensive gallery of artwork and his underground wine cellar that was actually disguised as a bank vault. He loved collecting art so much that there’s even an Artist in Residence Studio to honor his legacy of art patronage. The artist we met there showed us his creative paintings with a theme of nature preservation.
Speaking of nature preserves, the rest of our expedition was a 5 mile hike exploring the unique ecosystems. Starting out with the Cutler Fossil Site, Professor Bailly told us only few hundreds of people have been to the site and half of them were with his previous classes. This was my first time hiking in general, so I was eager to encounter the flora and fauna but at the same time nervous. Especially after he mentioned that we could come into contact with poison ivy, snakes, and other wildlife our bodies never experienced before so my mind panicked a bit. When we headed off trail, I felt like a ninja dodging each branch and solution hole that came my way. Forgetting my hiking shoes was a terrible mistake as I was struggling to be nimble with my loose water shoes. Other than a few spider webs, the rest of the forest was peaceful. For a moment, I forgot it was 2024 and I was living instead in prehistoric times long before civilization existed. It was interesting to learn that Paleo-Indians have inhabited the site area 10,000 years ago. At one point, it was even home to camels, mastodons, and saber-tooth tigers.
Photograph taken by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0
Due to saltwater intrusion, most of Biscayne Bay’s freshwater aquifers are being contaminated by saltwater which puts all the flora and fauna at risk. Already the tropical hardwood hammock and pine rocklands are considered endangered. Even the fresh water springs we saw had piles of plastic and other garbage. If we don’t manage our water supply properly, pretty soon there will be no clean water even for us.
As we made our way to the mangrove forests, we noticed the oolite limestone, the terrain that encompasses South Florida. Without it, Miami and this class wouldn’t have existed. We also got to imagine how the Tequesta and Seminoles lived their lives before the Europeans arrived. As we went deeper in the forest, we also saw the Freemason well and their biblical carvings. When we reached the coastal wetlands of the mangroves, we began our wet hike. I felt like Tarzan swinging from branch to branch. Unlike Tarzan, I kept on snapping branches and plunging my foot to knee-deep water. My water shoes felt like a water balloon that could burst any second. But eventually we reached the crashed airplane that had been there since the 1990s. After all, it was smuggling booze and cocaine so it made sense why it’s never been reported.
For the last part of the trip, we traversed the pine rocklands. It reminded me of a paintball park I used to go to. Honestly, it would make for a great paintball zone given how hundreds of Seminoles used the bushes to ambush British soldiers upon siege. Throughout the hike, the terrain felt similar to a cross country track I did back in high school. With the amount of branches and ankle twisters, I’m surprised I didn’t trip. For a second, I did feel I was exploring the African savannah. But it’s shocking to know that the pine rocklands exist only in Florida and there’s less than 5% left of it. Once we explored the pine rocklands, we decided to check out the oolite cave as well. When going in, I thought I would be attacked by a cave spider only to see Professor Bailly on the other side. In all seriousness, it was truly majestic and one of the many marvels of Mother Nature.
Overall, visiting the Deering Estate was an amazing experience as I got to walk in the same footsteps as the Paleo-Indians 10,000 years ago, wet-hike in the mangroves, step inside a cave, and explore all the diverse flora in the different ecosystems. Other than the manatees and vultures, I didn’t get to see all the fauna but it’s still a grand adventure in my book.
Coconut Grove/Vizcaya as Text
“Bringing La Dolce Vita to Miami”
By Anik Bobbili of FIU, March 10,2024
Photograph taken by Ivan Mago / CC by 4.0
Similar to his brother Charles Deering, James Deering aspired to showcase his amassed wealth and serve as a testament to the Gilded Age. With his love for tropical weather in Miami and the Italian Renaissance, he decided to combine both worlds forming what is now known as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
When I arrived at the entrance, I was amazed to see how many European elements I was able to recognize and later learn. It’s in these elements that you gain a better glimpse of how grand of a visionary that James Deering was as well as his rationale for these visions. For instance, I wasn’t aware of the moat filled with cacti that encompassed the villa. It served as a thoughtful addition not only as a symbol of royalty but as security from his treasured wealth. As we made our way behind the villa, we saw a Spanish caravel representing the historic vehicle that brought an influx of materials from the Old World into the Americas, causing the triangular trade of goods and slaves. Inside the villa, we were greeted with various Roman sculptures, ancient tapestries, musical instruments, and Italian furnishings that highlighted the key revival elements of the Renaissance. Additionally, the Neoclassical patterns of the tiles matching the ceiling resembled the symmetrical composition that can be seen with many government buildings in the U.S. and Europe.
Photographs taken by Anik Bobbili / CC by 4.0
I was also impressed by the advanced technology that set Deering way ahead of his time. For instance, the elevator to deliver food and beverages not only serves as an incentive to flex his wealth but also hints at his forward-thinking visionary mindset. This is the same mentality that enabled him to accomplish whatever he set his mind to, whether it was building his dream villa or as a successful businessman. If he had an elevator for delivering food in the 1920s you best believe he had a refrigerator and vacuum cleaner. Keep in mind, it would be decades later until basic appliances like these become a standard. In modern times, it’s similar to having generative AI access or owning a self-driving car before it’s available to the masses.
The other element that stood out to me was the various lengths he went to bring the European Renaissance to his villa. Imagine having thousands of people work tirelessly day and night to simply build your home. Majority of these workers happen to be the Bahamians who were unfortunately not treated fairly despite their contributions. As we would later see in Coconut Grove and most developments, Miami wouldn’t be the powerhouse it is today without the sheer efforts of the Bahamians and the Native Indians.
Photograph by Anik Bobbili /CC by 4.0
Aside from the juxtaposition of the Italian Renaissance with Miami’s diverse flora, the element that struck me the most (and my personal favorite) was the Dionysus statue, the Roman God of wine and pleasures. Standing at the entrance of the villa, Dionysus nobly welcomes new visitors, ultimately reminding them that they are still in Miami, not Europe. With his love for wild parties, sensual pleasures, and himself, Dionysus perfectly symbolizes Miami. As one of the pioneers of Miami, Deering saw no better way than to establish Miami identity early on.
Dionysus’s effect was even notable when walking in the streets of one of the oldest areas in Miami, Coconut Grove. While important elements of the Grove still remain such as the low-leveled flat homes, the Bahamian churches and a lot of peacocks, the commercial development is also prevalent. Unlike urban Miami however, it offers a fair balance of complexes and spaced out residential homes and churches. I also noticed the Mediterranean revival architecture in the churches we visited, further exemplifying Deering’s influence beyond Vizcaya.
Photograph by Anik Bobbili / CC by 4.0
Overall, my visits to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens allowed me to experience a glimpse of Europe during the Renaissance and recognize a plethora of symbolic elements. For someone who has never visited Europe, Vizcaya has definitely done a wonderful job portraying various architectural styles of it all in one place. The influence of Deering’s vision and the Bahamian and indigenous populations involved in building the villa were also seen as we explored Coconut Grove. After learning more about the history and witnessing the development of both places, I can’t help but embrace my city even more.
Everglades as Text
“South Florida’s Backyard”
By Anik Bobbili of FIU, March 24,2024
(All Photographs taken and edited by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0)
Despite being located close enough to be considered “my backyard”, the Everglades never fails to intrigue me. In fact, the school I went to for K-8, Somerset Academy, is right next to the US-27 highway that spans across the Everglades’ outskirts. Due to its proximity, it’s common to see species of iguanas, frogs, chameleons, reptiles, amphibians, and insects on the walk to class. There have even been occasions where we had to evacuate the premises as couple alligators made their way from a canal and tried to break through the school fence. The Everglades is home to 8 diverse ecosystems, a majority of which I’ve experienced in the Deering Estate and Vizcaya class excursions. Although I have seen the Everglades from an outside angle and encountered a glimpse of its diverse flora and fauna, I can’t say I really visited the inside until this trip.
As its nickname, the “River of Grass” implies, the Everglades is ultimately a network of ecosystems connected by its underground water flow. We were able to see this when we visited the various solution holes scattered across the pine rock lands. Due to the chemical weathering of the oolite limestone over time, the penetration of water leads to lower water table levels in the underground aquifers. In the two solution holes we visited, there were a variety of small fishes as well as dragonflies swarming around the vicinity.
The Everglades also has one of the largest mangrove ecosystems found in the Western Hemisphere. For the next part of our excursion, we explored a type of mangrove called a “cypress dome” where cypress trees of 100 feet formed a shape of a dome with the larger trees in the middle and the smaller trees around. To assess the depth of the submerged terrain, we would be given sticks that facilitate the navigation of the terrain. When we reached the cypress dome, at first with the cluster of trees and grass covering the terrain, I thought the water would be much farther down inside the dome (similar to the Deering Estate wet hike). However, in the opening we went through, the water welcomed us upon sight. As I stepped in and descended down, the water despite its murky appearance felt cool. The air was fresher than ever and I felt calm. Then all of a sudden there was a bellow. At first, I thought it was someone starting their car. Then the bellow sounded more like a growl. We soon realized the sound was coming from an alligator nearby. The park ranger assured us that we shouldn’t worry as we outnumber the gator, stand upright, and are “Miami” loud. One part of me just wanted to turn back and end the exploration there. But the other part thought this would perhaps be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be up close to an alligator in the wild. I’m glad I chose the latter because as we sloughed our way deeper inside, Professor Bailly showed us an alligator resting by an “alligator hole”. These holes serve not only as a storage of water but as a breeding ground to nurture fertile offspring. As gruesome as we tend to portray alligators, their alligator holes serve as an oasis for several fauna that need access to water and shelter. They serve as keystone species, or animals that are the backbone to maintaining balance and sustainability in the Everglades.
A notable moment that stuck to me was when we paused our hike and the park ranger read to us an excerpt from Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ book, The Everglades: River of Grass. We all dispersed in separate ways and contemplated the beauty and serenity of the cypress dome. During the moment of silence after, it suddenly became quiet. No more sounds of cars passing by, no more splashes of water. Everything simply became still and one with Mother Nature. We did another moment of silence as we hiked our way from the cypress dome to the prairie marshes. The transition of tall, cypress trees and calm water versus the wide open marsh with sponge-like fungi and viscous water shows how diverse the Everglades can be.
Overall, the Everglades is the buffer zone that balances out an ever growing population of residents and tourists flocking South Florida. At times, we take our basic necessities for granted and forget the clean source of drinking water and fresh air the Everglades provides to millions of Floridians each day. In return, we should be mindful of our actions and ensure we do our best to restore the land that buffers an otherwise polluted environment.
Deering Estate/ Biscayne Bay as Text
“In Honor of the Tequesta”
By Anik Bobbili of FIU, April 7,2024
(Photo taken by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0)
This week, we were expected to kayak to the island of Chicken Key and collect any trash that piled up on the coast. Unfortunately, due to the high winds, the kayak was canceled. So instead, we went deep into the Nature Preserves of the Deering Estate with the goal of picking up any plastic and other trash we found. Once everyone got their gloves and recyclable trash bags, we began our search.
As we went deep into the tropical hardwood hammock forest, I imagined myself as part of the Tequesta tribe where we used survival instincts to navigate across the tropical hardwood hammock and mangrove forests and remove any “invasive trash” that didn’t belong. The Tequesta were known to be skilled hunter gatherers and we could clearly see this as throughout our cleanup, there were several shells and crafted instruments with teeth marks, which they used as tools to hunt prey. What fascinates me about the Tequesta is how they were able to use their sharp intuition to determine whether a species is dangerous or not. While some species could be easily noted based on color and appearance such as fire ants, others such as poison ivy may take more “trial and error” to figure out. I also wonder if they navigated the forests in a single file pattern (like how we did last excursion) or split into smaller groups in hopes of finding more food and resources (like how we did this class). The first time we hiked in Deering, we were small cubs learning the environment from our pack leader, Professor Bailly. Now that we have grown a bit and earned some freedom, it enabled us to use our own instincts to navigate across the forest and better visualize how the Tequesta lived. I couldn’t imagine how the Tequesta were able to deal with getting tangled in the spider webs as every time I duck a branch I’d be covered with a spider web. But they are used to it and have bigger challenges to worry about. Despite their innovative problem solving approach as hunter gatherers and immense resilience to the wildest of predators, the Tequesta unfortunately weren’t able to decipher the minds of the Europeans who took advantage of their “live and let live” nature.
After the first part of our cleanup, we collected roughly 20 bags of garbage and decided to take a lunch break. For the second part, we moved over to the mangrove forest. Me and some of my peers decided to have some fun by crossing a creek with an array of mangrove tree roots serving as a “bridge” to cross the other side. I pictured that we were a Tequesta tribe in search of new “tools” (or plastic bottles in our case) and assess whether this new territory would be a safe relocation for the rest of the tribe. Crossing the creek was my favorite part of the trip as it was amazing to see each of us help each other out and communicate which branch to step on and which to avoid. Unlike the wet hike before in Deering and the Everglades where we walked through knee-deep water, this time our challenge was to avoid it at all costs. Sadly, my foot plunged into the water 4 times, the first two being losing my balance and the other two being accidentally snapping a thin branch. It also was more difficult as I was carrying two bags filled with plastic bottles and didn’t have a tight grip with the gloves I was wearing. It’s interesting to think that the Tequesta crossed mangrove roots like this all the time and took the risk of carrying their children on top. I wouldn’t be surprised if they let their children cross the creeks themselves as a way for them to literally think on their feet and become more risk-tolerant. It’s basically a playground for them.
Overall, while we weren’t able to kayak and clean up Chicken Key, we still got to clean up more than 40 bags of trash in tropical hardwood hammocks and mangrove forests of the estate and explore deeper into the habitat and lifestyle of the Tequesta. Whether it’s crossing the mangrove roots or determining what’s safe to touch or not, it’s small activities like these that shaped the Tequesta into successful hunter gatherers who made the most out of their resources. Their proactive mindset, creativity, and risk tolerant attitude are the qualities I like most about them and it’s something that we can all learn from.
South Beach as Text
“All That Glitters is not Gold”
By Anik Bobbili of FIU, April 21, 2024
(All Photographs taken and edited by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0)
“There’s almost nothing natural about Miami Beach, it all had to be created.” I couldn’t agree more with this quote by Frank Luca, the Chief Librarian of the FIU Wolfsonian. When I was walking to the South Pointe Pier, I was captivated by the inviting sand, pristine waters, and vibrant atmosphere that I thought was too good to be true. Turns out, a century before Hollywood filmed a million movies here, the island now known as Miami Beach was once a swampy wasteland filled with mangroves. These mangroves serve not only as a habitat for the Seminoles and other land/aquatic species, but also serve as a line of defense when hurricanes invade. Where most people saw it as a typical South Florida ecosystem, Carl Fisher saw dollar signs. He envisioned a vacation paradise where him and his car pals would have the time of their lives. After he purchased the land, he was now the “ruler” and used the Bahamians and Seminoles as cheap labor to advance his development plans. However, by cutting down hundreds of mangroves and replacing them with sand brought from northern Florida, Fisher failed to view the bigger picture. The Hurricane of 1926 severely damaged the land, killed and injured thousands, and cost millions in repairs. He continued his foolishness as the Bahamian and Seminoles who literally constructed his dream city were compensated with a lifetime ban from visiting the beaches. Without them, Fisher’s dream would never turn into fruition.
Fisher also had an aversion towards the Jews and prohibited them from living in certain areas of Miami Beach and entering certain hotel properties. What was once “a small town where everybody knew everybody-whites and blacks…became a hell-hole after the railroad arrived and Carl Fisher developed Miami Beach.” as Marvin Dunn puts it in his book “Black Miami in the Twentieth Century.” Just like how Fisher can only see through people’s outside characteristics, the same also applies when constructing his vision for Miami Beach. If he had been more empathetic and considered different people’s viewpoints, he could have easily built a more efficient, smarter city.
On the bright side of Miami Beach, I was fascinated by the city’s architecture comprising three styles: Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, and Miami Modern (MiMo). Especially when we were at Ocean Drive, the row of Art Deco buildings and their distinctive features such as the Rule of Three Stories, colorful pastel highlights, ziggurat rooflines, curved edges, and eyebrows are a sight to see. We also got to see the Villa Casa Casuarina or Versace’s Mediterranean revival style mansion. The way he was suddenly gunned down as he was entering his mansion was a historic example of Miami’s notorious reputation for crime in the 90s. One of Miami’s most popular nicknames is “Vice City” which is no surprise as it used to be the capital for drug trafficking, money laundering, and other high-profile crimes. The crime along with its attractive landscape and hedonistic lifestyle was also an inspiration for the popular video game GTA Vice City. Hollywood is also a huge fan of filming scenes in Miami Beach. In fact, we even got to see the staircase set that was used in the 1983 classic movie “Scarface”. South Beach is also famous for its yearly South Beach Wine and Food festival(SOBEWFF) that I got to take part in as a volunteer. It’s an amazing experience getting to interact with guests and celebrities from all around the globe. SOBEWFF provides economic benefits as well. In fact, all the net proceeds go towards FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality.
After walking around South Beach, I came to realize it’s not as perfect as it may appear. While it exceeds the eye test and brings significant revenue to Miami and FIU students, it’s had a rough past that must be realized so we prevent occurrences like this in the future. Regardless, it was still a fun experience getting to explore the highlights of the beach from its pier, riding on a trolley, walking around Ocean Drive, and spending a good time with friends and unofficial tour guide, Professor Bailly.
Miami Final Reflection
“One of a Kind”
By Anik Bobbili of FIU, April 21, 2024
Photo taken by Professor Bailly / CC by 4.0
To this day, Miami never fails to surprise me. From the skyscrapers of downtown to deep inside the Everglades, it’s impressive how diverse Miami truly is. But more than that, I am surprised how many first time adventures I got to experience. For instance, I’ve never gone hiking at all let alone deep into the preserves of Deering and slough slog in the cypress dome of the Everglades. I was literally 20 feet away from an alligator in its natural habitat and even got to stand right next to an asleep one at the park site. As a child, I used to be afraid of snakes, lizards, spiders, and alligators so I am glad I got to face my fears. After this class, I also noticed that I feel more comfortable exploring the outside world whether it’s nature or downtown. I think to myself, “If I was in the same waters as a gator and was in wildlife territory, I would feel confident to go on my own or show my family what I’ve learned.” I became more independent and open-minded to new experiences that my past self would have naturally avoided so I am grateful for that.
After visiting different parts of Miami such as the Overtown, Coconut Grove, Deering Estate, Vizcaya, South Beach, and the Everglades, I am better able to connect the dots of our history and the development that led Miami to the cosmopolitan powerhouse it is known as today. We got to visit the archaeological site where humans have lived for thousands of years and learn about the Tequesta, the Native Indian group who inhabited Biscayne Bay and other parts of South Florida long before the Seminoles or Spaniards arrived. We also learned that the city of Miami wouldn’t have been built without the hard work of the Bahamians. They even helped the Deering brothers out with the construction of the Deering Estate and the Vizcaya Villa, two sites our class got to explore. We got to visit and explore where the majority of Bahamians reside in, Coconut Grove. It was interesting to observe the juxtaposition between the historical sites and communities of Miami and the new commercial development. We first saw this with one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami, Overtown where the African American workers who helped Flagler urbanize Miami were relocated to. Even when we are there, the buildings that once attracted famous black artists and iconic figures such as Muhammad Ali are slowly being washed up by the highway expansion and condo construction. A similar occurrence happened with South Beach as Fisher destroyed the natural mangroves and kicked the Bahamians and Seminoles out after they helped build his developments.
History, although important, has been a relatively boring subject for me. But how it’s done in Miami in Miami, where Professor Bailly lectures each place and we get to observe the history ourselves has made me see for myself the truth. After all, most of the history is written by the victors so we only learn from the past what they wrote and their perspective. In our case, we get to walk through the very own forests the Native Indians inhabited and after gaining knowledge of each place, we can effectively connect the dots and map out a better visual of our past. I mentioned this before, but after learning so much about the Tequesta, Seminoles, Bahamas, African Americans, and interactions with the Spanish and British, I learned so much about our state and city’s history that my previous textbooks never even mentioned.
Most importantly, I am glad I got to grow out of my shell and embark on this journey with my peers and professor. I am also glad I got to make friends outside a traditional classroom setting and got to know their authentic selves. The countless memories we made is one to cherish.
Miami in Miami 