Author: Joheily Rodriguez

STUDENT BIO

My name is Joheily Rodriguez, and I am pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences at Florida International University through its Honors College. Through this class, I learned more about myself; I discovered my interest in the arts. After graduation, I am pursuing medicine and becoming a physician. I love to explore Miami and its mixed culture and dishes. Living on campus and exploring Miami has been an inspiring experience filled with spontaneity and vibrancy. This semester, I choose to focus on the Urban neighborhood of Brickell, Fl, it’s past, present, and future, hoping to highlight its authenticity so that others can see it as more than the financial center of the city of Miami.

 GEOGRAPHY

Brickell, Florida is an urban neighborhood packed with diversity and innovation in downtown Miami, Florida. The community obtained its name from one of the first few families that settled in the area and drove the improvement and development of the site. The Urban area coordinates are 25.7602° N, 80.1959° W, and it expands on an area of 0.98 square miles. This community is 10 miles from Miami Beach and 13.2 miles away from Biscayne Bay. Brickell is known as the financial center of Miami, full of luxury and style. This area is full of condominiums and places to shop. Green spaces such as a bayfront park, The Miami circle park, and the Mary Brickell Park catered to parents, pets, and children for leisure.

HISTORY

The story of Brickell started about 150 years ago, in the 1800s. The first inhabitants of this neighborhood were the Tequesta Indians, who were believed to have lived in South Florida for nearly 2,500 years. In 1871 the large Brickell family made their way down to South Florida. The Brickell’s are one of the earliest families to have ever been recorded to acquire a home and a trading post. Soon the family started to obtain thousands of acres of land through the state laws, which they sold to new families moving down South. However, the family’s vast real estate did not boom till Henry M. Flagler’s brought the Florida East Coast Railway to Miami in April 1896. After the arrival of the Railway, the Brickell’s started selling and leasing properties along what is now Brickell’s Avenue and Points East. Most families that bought land were of wealth, and soon the avenue became the “Millionaire’s Row,” full of houses with the Mediterranean and Beaux architecture styles. In 1930, the Depression struck and caused a lot of homeowners to subdivide their homes, and soon rooming houses were famous. In late 1970 the old Millionaires Row was given away to tall condominiums and skyscrapers; Brickell was changing. This paved the way for where Brickell is today, a place full of condominiums, hotels, financial services, and expensive restaurants. 

DEMOGRAPHICS

According to City-Data, the population in Brickell in 2019 was 17,991. The ethnic group comprises primarily Hispanic individuals, whose population accounts for 60.0%. The rest accounts for 20.4% white, while Asian is 2.8%, while black alone is 2.6%. The neighborhood age range is unevenly distributed. In Brickell; (11.0% )of the population was found to be over the age of sixty-five, (77%) of the population falls between the ages of eighteen and sixty-five, while (4%) of the population is between the ages of ten and eighteen years of age; lastly, (9.0%) of the population was under the age of ten. 

Interview with Solange

Joheily: How long have you lived in Brickell?

Solange: “I have lived in this area for about two years.” 

Joheily: What do you think of the area? 

Solange: “Personally, it’s a lifestyle here. People are very innovative and calm at the same time. Moving here helped me have an open mind about the things I ask and then receive because people are so giving here. I also believe they have more access than other neighborhoods.”

Joheily: What is your Favorite thing about Brickell? 

Solange: “My favorite thing about Brickell is the amenities that each building has. I enjoy how each building can look very similar on the outside but very different once inside. The architecture here is competitive and stunning.” 

Joheily: What is your least favorite thing about Brickell? 

Solange: “My least favorite thing is the constant construction on each street; it makes it hard to navigate on foot or with transportation.”

LANDMARKS

The Freedom Tower 

The Freedom Tower is a historic landmark that has been standing since 1925. This tower holds a special place in the Cuban American community, as it became a symbol of the ideals of America at the time. This tower served as a passage to those that sought freedom and liberty. From the 1960s to 1975, it served as an assistance center for Cubans and Refugees fleeing from Castro’s Communist Regime. This act caused an increase in Cubans in Miami, which led to the transformation we see today, especially in the introduction of Spanish Culture and language. 

Address: 600 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

The Torch of Friendship

The torch of friendship is a monument in Brickell, Miami, made in 1960. The city of Miami dedicated the Monument to “the everlasting friendship of our neighboring countries” this served as a friendly welcome to immigrants migrating from neighboring countries. This Monument contains another significance: the remembrance of the most beloved U.S president, John F. Kennedy, who had passed away from an unsolved attempt. An interesting thing about this site is that various peaceful and anti-war protests are held here. 

Address: 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Section of the Berlin Wall 

From 1961 to 1989, The Berlin Wall was a symbol of separation and oppression; The wall divided many families, friends, and communities that hoped to one day reunite. On November 9, 1989, Hopes became a reality when the wall was breached, and that day, democracy claimed victory over communism. Miami is a unique place with a quilt of culture and history. In 2004 Germany donated a piece of the Berlin wall to Miami-Dade College to serve as a remembrance of those who fought for freedom and unification. 

Address: 135-199 NE 3rd St, Miami, FL 33132

GREEN

Bayfront Park 

Bayfront Park is located at 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132. Bayfront Park, or its former name Royal Palm Park, was one of Miami’s first public gathering places. The park was built in 1896 and served the surrounding urban community. It is a park with a few hills and lots of greenery where you and your family can enjoy a relaxed day looking at the water or exercising. 

Miami Circle Park 

The Miami Circle Park is located in Miami, Fl, at 33133 Brickell Point. It is an archaeological site that served great importance for the first settlers, the Tequesta. It is believed to have been built between 500 BC and AD 900, where sacred ceremonies and burials were conducted in this 38-ft- 11 m circle. Now, this Historic landmark serves as a dog park. Here pets and owners can enjoy their time and interact with other pets and their owners. 

Mary Brickell Park 

Mary Brickell Park is located at 501 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida 33131. The Mary Brickell Park is classified as an archeological site and a historic site. Brickell Park is significant as it once had a pre-Columbian cemetery and village that dates back to 500 BC. There is a lot of open space and green areas surrounded by places to eat and, more importantly, a playground for the children. The Brickell family donated this small amount of land to Miami to serve as a public park. 

TRANSPORTATION

The average car ownership is 1.7 cars. Brickell’s population is considered a commuter community, with 18% of its workforce traveling out of the community for about 30-35 Minutes to work. The area of Brickell’s most common commute in 2019 was Driving alone, which accounted for (64.8%), followed by Walking(16.1%), those that worked at home (9.6%), taking the subway (5.9%), carpooling (3.5%) and lastly those that use bicycles were (2.9%).

FOOD

Brickell is full of luxurious restaurants full of authenticity and fusion of cultures. During this project, I tried to focus on small local restaurants. 

Holy Moly Mac 

Holy Mac is one of the few restaurants in Brickell that is local and black-owned. This restaurant is located at 100 S Biscayne Blvd Miami, Fl,33133. Due to the Pandemic, this restaurant unfortunately only takes pick up orders through telephone, Doordash, and Ubereats. Even though I could not enter the space, I enjoyed viewing the menu, and there were a variety of choices and amusing combinations. The staff was very kind, it has no reviews as of now, but it seems like a place worth giving a chance. 

Bonding: Thai, Noodle, and Sushi Bar 

Bonding is a Taiwanese Restaurant located at 638 S Miami Ave, Miami, Fl 33130. This is a small but modern family business. Their most popular dishes include gyoza, pad sees ew, rec curry, and Bonding Fried Rice. They had been at their original location since 12/12/12, and they are loved by the local community, with 303 reviews on google of happy customers sharing their wonderful experience. 

Brickell Soul by First Miami 

Brickell Soul is located at 609 Brickell Ave, Miami, Fl 33131. Brickell Soul is right next to Mary Brickell Park, and it is organized by a presbyterian church that pushes for community outreach. The area is full of food trucks open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I enjoyed the Italian street food; the menu seemed very interesting and affordable. I enjoyed seeing all the varieties and options that they provided. I would recommend checking this place out!

BUSINESSES

Brickell Psychic 

Brickell Psychic is a business that helps adults and children heal through alternative practices. Various services are offered; some are physical palm, tarot cards, astrological charts, past life regression, handwriting analysis, and more. Individuals of all walks of life are welcome to understand themselves better and hopefully reach a positive outcome. Brickell Psychic is located at 640 South Miami Ave Miami, FL, 33130. 

The Grand Lion Real Estate Group. 

The Grand Lion Real Estate Group is located at 630 South Miami Ave #630 Miami Fl, 33130. Its mission is to provide a different experience in real estate through close contracts and personalization of services. They say that when you buy or rent a home, you have to imagine yourself investing and living in the neighborhood. They take pride in the multicultural team that can input a variety of perspectives. 

PureRoast Coffee

PureRoast Coffee is a business located at 632 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL, 33130. The Coffee shop is rated 4.5 stars with 291 reviews describing their excellent coffees and pastries. Aside from having their coffee shop, PureRoast also sells their own coffee roasted beans to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Their story started in Venezuela with a cup of coffee by their host, the coffee grower; in 1986, long before Starbucks and baristas were a thing. These Growers do not focus on quantity but rather on the quality of their coffee. 

SUMMARY

Brickell is a vast Urban neighborhood filled with history, entrepreneurship, culture, and drive. This beautiful neighborhood is often compared to Manhattan, an area in New York City, but in my opinion, the atmosphere cannot be compared. One thing that Manhattan does not have is the care that goes into this city and the kind of residents Brickell has. Brickell was destined to be a city full of wealth, culture, and history from the very start. Many historical events happened in this neighborhood that helped shape Miami into what it is today. While walking through the streets of Brickell, I felt like the people were very welcoming and helped me whenever I could not find a specific location. While on this trip, I used electric scooters, which made exploring Brickell a sensational experience. 

Brickell has a strong community where people here treasure family moments. For the most part, Brickell is an excellent and friendly place to live in and visit. Something concerning to me was all the construction. I feel like the area is constantly under development. More development could weaken the community in Brickell, especially when green regions are removed. The people of Brickell should push for more Parks to increase connections. Overall, I will recommend classmates and viewers visit Brickell, Miami, FL, to experience these iconic businesses and restaurants.

Citations: 

1, and Anonymous. “The History of the Brickell Neighborhood in Miami.” Miami Condo Investments, 10 Apr. 2021, https://www.miamicondoinvestments.com/brickell/brickell-the-history-of-miamis-manhattan.

“30 Years since the Fall of the Berlin Wall, Miami Holds onto a Piece of Its History.” WLRN, https://www.wlrn.org/show/sundial/2019-11-07/30-years-since-the-fall-of-the-berlin-wall-miami-holds-onto-a-piece-of-its-history.

“About the Freedom Tower.” MOAD, https://moadmdc.org/freedom-tower/about-the-freedom-tower.

“About Us.” Brickell Psychic, https://brickellpsychic.com/about-us/.

“About Us.” The GRAND LION REAL ESTATE GROUP, https://www.thegrandlionrealestategroup.com/aboutus.

“Bonding Miami.” Bonding Thai Miami, 21 Nov. 2021, https://bondingthaimiami.com/.

“Brickell (Manhattan-of-the-South) Neighborhood in Miami, Florida (FL), 33129, 33130, 33131 Detailed Profile.” Brickell (Manhattan-of-the-South) Neighborhood in Miami, Florida (FL), 33129, 33130, 33131 Subdivision Profile – Real Estate, Apartments, Condos, Homes, Community, Population, Jobs, Income, Streets, https://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Brickell-Miami-FL.html.

“Brickell Avenue Neighborhood.” Miami History Blog, 12 Mar. 2022, https://miami-history.com/brickell-avenue-neighborhood/.

“Brickell Demographics and Statistics.” Niche, https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/n/brickell-miami-fl/residents/.

“Brickell Soul.” First Miami Presbyterian Church, 5 Apr. 2022, https://www.firstmiami.org/brickellsoul/.

“Brickell, Miami .” Niche, https://www.niche.com/.

“Holy Moly Mac and Cheese – Miami, FL.” Yelp, https://www.yelp.com/biz/holy-moly-mac-and-cheese-miami-4.

Mary Brickell Park – Historicpreservationmiami.com. http://www.historicpreservationmiami.com/pdfs/Mary_Brickell_Pk_Dsg_Rpt_FINAL.pdf.

“Mary Brickell Park.” Clio, https://www.theclio.com/entry/41166.

“Miami Circle Park.” Foursquare, https://foursquare.com/v/miami-circle-park/4d6538ef897a224bdece29cf.

Park, Bayfront, and Zoom. Bayfront Park Management Trust, https://bayfrontparkmiami.com/.

“The Signature Segment of the Berlin Wall – National Museum of American Diplomacy.” U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, 10 Sept. 2021, https://diplomacy.state.gov/exhibits/the-signature-segment-of-the-berlin-wall/.

“The Story.” Puroast Coffee, 15 Jan. 2021, https://puroast.com/the-story/.

Torch of Friendship – Miami Attractions and Sights, https://americanbutler.ru/en/tours/city/miami/what-to-see/miami-attractions/torch-of-friendship. 

Student Bio

Joheily Rodriguez is a third-year student working towards a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in chemistry at Florida International University (FIU) and is part of their Honors College. Passionate about medicine and the Environment, she is looking to pursue a role in medicine as a physician. She enjoys painting, playing music, and hanging out with friends in her free time.

WHO

I had the opportunity to volunteer at two environmental sites. The Bills Baggs Cape Florida State Park is an area that conserves a variety of restored ecosystems. The state park houses one of the top 10 beaches in the United States and offers a variety of activities for all sizes and ages, where you can enjoy swimming, bird watching, Biking, and more. During this opportunity, I worked on improving the park aesthetically, where we spread mulch along the entrance to the light-house. 

The second Location I volunteered was with the Deering estate located on Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida. The Deering Estate is a recognized museum in Miami, miles off the coast, that preserves Miami’s native fauna and flora and is home to eight different native ecosystems. I specifically participated in a clean-up of the Historic Mangrove Trail found at the Deering Estate, which had been destroyed by Hurricane Irma. According to the Deering Estate, the Coastal Trail pre-dates Charles Deering around 1918. Mr. Deering stabilized the Trail with material dredged from his boat basin and channel. Professor John Bailly and his teaching assistant Claudia Martinez organized the Trail’s clean-up and park improvement. 

The Deering Estate and The Bills Baggs Cape Florida work extremely hard to preserve and educate the people of Miami, Florida. Both areas preserve the native ecosystems of Florida. However, this conservation and preservation are even more crucial now due to overpopulation and overdevelopment in Miami, which led to the endangering and destruction of these ecosystems.

WHY

I was part of this opportunity through the Honors College in my class Miami in Miami. This class focuses on teaching its students the history of Miami through excursions and experiences, showcasing the highlights and the unfortunate events that had to take place to bring Miami where it is today. This class takes students in an immersive experience a step further than the classroom allowing its students to see Miami as more than just a busy luxurious city. 

This relates directly to my major as a student pursuing a major in Biology and chemistry. Even though I am following the medicine route of science, I am very interested in sustainability and helping the environment. The health of an individual and their environment is very dependent on one another. If one lives in a healthy area with clean air and water, that individual is less likely to suffer from illness. Other factors play a role in whether an individual gets sick, but the basics are essential. Having clean air and water is vital for human health and necessary for other fauna and flora to coexist. The food we consume and the quality are dependent on the environment. If the rate is lower, humans are more predisposed to getting sick; that’s why it is crucial for sustainable practices and to learn how to keep the environment clean and safe from development. 

While cleaning up around the mangrove trail, I was sad to see all the plastic in the mangrove forest. Plastic is hazardous for marine life as marine life can confuse it for food and asphyxiate, the most dangerous of all microplastic. It was an experience, and it brought me great joy to make a small positive change in the world. 

HOW

I connected with this opportunity through the Miami in Miami course. Because the reality of a pandemic is still present, Professor John Bailly provided the class with these two fantastic opportunities. We were able to positively impact the community in two different locations that are very much appreciated by the public. While at the Deering Estate, we were able to go to a restricted area to pick up debris in the mangrove trail, while at the Bill Baggs park, we were able to improve the park by spreading mulch around the palm trees. 

WHERE & WHAT

On April 6th at 10:00 AM, we met at the front gate of the Bill Baggs park lighthouse. We started picking up the mulch to the entrance area with the park ranger. The ranger explained that we would spread mulch all around the entrance leading to the lighthouse. In the beginning, I was wondering how this could help the park, but I realized making the park aesthetically pleasing would encourage more people to come to the park. This will then bring more awareness and more money to the park, which they can use to preserve and conserve the areas they oversee.

We met at the Deering Estate entrance at 10:00 AM on April 20th. Once we got there, professor John Bailey informed us that the winds were too high for us to go out to chicken key, so instead, we did a clean-up of the mangrove trail. Before going in, we all took a moment to reflect since it was the last time we were meeting. Shortly after, we walked to the Historic Mangrove trail, which was in awful condition due to Hurricane Irma. Professor Bailey warned us of the unstable structure and the loose screws around it. I was a little concerned about going into it because of the bridge and all the spiders. It helped me to stick to a group and together maneuver our way through the spider webs without disturbing them. I chose to focus on the microplastic while I was doing the cleaning. Microplastic is very important to remove, even more than the big pieces of plastic, because young marine life can confuse it for food and die. After two hours, we took a break and ate, and I enjoyed eating with students that I felt I did not know well in the class. 

After the small break, we went back into the Mangrove forest to do more cleaning. We went deeper into the woods this time since we figured our other classmates had gotten what was closer to the entrance. We found many exciting things, from a cooking pot to an illegal Lobster Trap. Maneuvering back to the entrance proved tricky because we did not notice how far we went into it. It proved to be a great experience and reward once we got back. 

WHEN

SUMMARY

This experience was exciting, and it helped me feel more like one with nature. Some moments were more difficult than others. It was tough not to be discouraged by the spiders, crickets, and crabs I encountered. Slowly, I realized that they are part of this ecosystem and needed in many different ways. For example, the spiders around were responsible for fewer mosquitoes, which helped us navigate the mangrove. 

It also proved to be challenging to walk through certain areas of the mangroves. Some of the holes we stepped on were a knee-deep, which was very intimidating to me; what helped me get out of that fear was grouping up with other students so that if I got stuck, I would be able to ask for assistance.

We struggled a lot to get in and out of the Trail. Something that worked was teamwork; for example, liza was perfect for navigation, while Leticia used her stick to move the spiders. These different jobs helped us navigate and pick up debris while still feeling safe. It was uplifting to be around people that were willing to help. 

Overall, I think this experience was rewarding in itself. There were spiders, and there were snakes. But in the midst of that, there was a team effort and connections, but most importantly, we made our mark to make the world a better place, not only for ourselves as humans but for the animals we share this space with. 

CITATIONS

Bailly, John. “Miami in Miami Destinations.” Miami in Miami, 26 Aug. 2021, https://miamiinmiami.com/miami/destinations/.

“Campfires Archives.” Deering Estate, 1 Nov. 2021, https://deeringestate.org/tag/campfires/.

“History.” Florida State Parks, https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bill-baggs-cape-florida-state-park/history.

“Conservation.” Deering Estate, 2 Nov. 2021, https://deeringestate.org/conservation/.

STUDENT BIO

My name is Joheily Rodriguez, and I am pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences at Florida International University through its Honors College. Although my professional goals are to go into the medical field and become a doctor, I love to explore new places, cultures and try new dishes. Living on campus and exploring Miami has been an inspiring experience filled with spontaneity and vibrancy. I choose to focus on the small census-designated place of Naranja, Fl, it’s past, present, and future, in the hopes of making it shine and highlight its authenticity.

GEOGRAPHY

Rest of the photos Taken by Joheily Rodriguez// CC 4.0

Naranja, Florida is a small census-designated area packed with nature and diversity in Homestead, Miami-Dade County, Florida. The community obtained its name from the Spanish word “Orange” because many orange groves were once located. The suburban area coordinates are 25°31′25.6174″N 80°25′W-80.42, and it expands on an area of 1.7 square miles. This small community is 25 miles from the Everglades National Park and 34.0 miles from the city of Miami. Naranja is an up-and-coming community, mainly a residential and rural area where much of the landscape is underdeveloped and filled with empty lots of green. There are different green areas such as the Naranja Park, Naranja lakes park, and Modello Park, catered to parents and their children for leisure. The site has many schools and new buildings up for sale; you may actually come across many religious buildings and small businesses that bring vibrancy and authenticity to Naranja

DEMOGRAPHICS

Photo retrieved from city-data// CC by 4.0

According to the 2019 census, the population in Naranja was 11,816. The ethnic group is made of primarily Hispanic people, which their population accounts for 59.6%. The rest accounts for 30.3% being African American, while White alone, not Hispanic or Latino accounts 4.7% while Asian alone being 2.1%. The neighborhood age range is unevenly distributed. In Naranja; (5.9% )of the population was found to be over the age of sixty-five, (47% )of the population falls between the ages eighteen and sixty-five, while (37%) of the population is between the ages of five and eighteen years of age; lastly, (14.1%) of the population was under the age of five.

Interview with Diana Diaz

*Translated from Spanish to English.” 

Joheily: How long have you lived in Naranja?

Diana: “I have lived in Naranja for about 8 months. I moved here with my family.” 

Joheily: What do you think of the area? 

Diana: “I think the area is very calm and quiet. I like it very much so far.”

Joheily: what is your Favorite thing about Naranja?

Diana: “I like the people, everyone is very kind and friendly, especially to people who just recently moved to the area, they are always lending a helping hand as well, another thing is that it is very calm not a lot happens here.” 

Joheily: what is your least favorite thing about Naranja? 

Diana: “My least favorite thing is that it is away from the city; it feels like we are in our own little world. I feel like other individuals that live here like that it is so away from the noisy city, but personally, I don’t.

LANDMARKS

The Coral Castle Museum and Garden. 

1st and second photo taken by Joheily Rodriguez, 3rd photo courtesy of the Coral museum// CC by 4.0

The Coral Castle Museum and Garden was built by one man, Edward Leedskalnin, from 1931 to 1951. Mr. Leedskalnin made this mysterious master masterpiece through an unknown process and without any help from hand labor. Ed would say that he knew “the secret of how the pyramids were built” unfortunately, his secret died with him. Their doors have been open for over 50 years to show this majestic work of art. This is definitely a landmark that should be in your top five when visiting Miami, Florida. 

Address: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, Fl 33033 U.S

St. Martin De Porres Catholic church 

The Catholic Church was founded on July 1, 1990. Pastor Father Luis Rivera founded it, who led services at St.Ann Mission in Naranja. Initially, the church rented a storefront at a plaza in Naranja. They served the community until Hurricane Andrew destroyed it on August 25, 1992. Now St. Martin Serves the community through their religious practices and the help they extend to the community through programs for young children and hosting food drives. 

Address: 14881 SW 288th St, Homestead, Fl 33033

The Historic Town Hall of Homestead

The town of the homestead was incorporated on January 27, 1913. The historic town hall was built after the need of having a town-owned municipal building where people could come together to discuss ideas and build a community. Its construction was final on August 16, 1917. After 60 years of this hall serving the community, it was vacated. The building found use as a senior citizens center and a state of Florida Department of Corrections, Bureau of probation and parole. The building faced demolition, but community members came forward and opposed it; this led to an effort of protection. The opposition quickly raised funds to protect and celebrate the town hall. Thanks to their efforts, we can visit and explore this historical landmark. 

Address: 41 N Krome Ave, Homestead, Fl 33030 U.S

GREEN

Modello Park 

Modello Park is located at 2840 SW 152nd ave, Homestead, FL 33033. Modello Park serves the surrounding suburban area. It is a park with a lot of free space that allows various sports. Its empty lots of green definitely leave everything to the imagination. The park provides out-of-school and Afterschool programs and a summer camp for young children and adolescents. 

Naranja Park 

Naranja Park is located at 14160 SW 254 Street, Naranja, FL 33033. It’s a 10-acre public park known for its fantastic community pool developed in late 2012. The pool was built to allow people of the community to have a place to have fun and relax while encouraging healthy movement. The park also offers swimming lessons and other multipurpose amenities. 

Naranja Lakes Park

Naranja Lakes is located at 14410 SW 272 Street, Homestead, FL. Naranja Lakes Park serves the suburban community. It’s a very spacious park, filled with playgrounds. The park has a pond that allows for residents of Naranja to fish recreationally. Lastly and one of the most important is their memorial of MartinLuther king that, in my eyes, ties and brings purpose to the community. 

TRANSPORTATION

The average car Ownership is 1 car. Naranja’s population is considered a commuter community, with 45% of its workforce traveling out of the community to work. The area of Naranja’s most common commute in 2019 was Driving alone, which accounted for (72%), followed by carpooling (16.3%), lastly, for those that worked at home (6.29%). Naranja has also opened a new segment on the South Miami-Dade Busway Busway to decrease the traffic problems, the extension to the bus-only runs from Southwest 112th to 264th street in Naranja.

FOOD

Sak Pase 

Sak Pase is a Haitian Restaurant which goal is to serve authentic and cultural food. It is located at 27156 S Dixie Hwy, Naranja, FL in the Naranja Plaza. When entering the space, it felt very traditional and comfortable. The staff was very kind and welcoming with 4.2 stars on google, and 400 reviews of customers talking about how delicious and cost-effective this restaurant is, definitely a place to visit. 

Shiver’s BBQ 

The Shiver’s BBQ is located at 28001 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033. Shivers is the heart of Naranja; with its bright LED red sign, it is pretty hard to miss. Shiver’s BBQ has been offering its fantastic food since 1950. Shivers specializes in slow-smoked meats, many items as the pulled pork, have been smoking for 12 hours or more. Shiver’s BBQ is definitely a restaurant to stop by for a quick bite, as well as to fully experience an authentic southern BBQ.

Elote Lovers 

The Elote lovers Restaurant is located at 28838 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033. This is a small family own business that actually began as a Miami roasted corn food truck. With hard work and determination for 8 years, they went from having a food truck to having their restaurant in an establishment. Their vision is to ensure a happy and delicious experience. 

BUSINESSES

 La Mexicana Market 

La Mexicana Market is local produce and small grocery store Located at 27861 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL. It is known for its exceptional sweet bread and homemade tortillas. Once you enter the store, you get an immediate comfortable, familiar feeling. This shop offers many everyday items and delicious food at an affordable price while at the same time providing excellent customer service. 

Plat It Again Video Games 

Play it again retro video game is located 27064 S Dixie Hwy. Naranja FL U.S. has been serving its customers since 2009, selling, repairing, buying, and trading retro video games and electronics. They have a vast collection of P.S. games and many retro electronics like the Gamecube or Gameboy. When entering the store, you feel complete nostalgia and find yourself reminiscing about your childhood.  

True Color Tattoo 

True Color Tattoo Located at 27148 S Dixie Hwy is a local tattoo parlor that caters authenticity and edginess to its customers. The Tatto shop is rated with 5. o stars on Yelp. It has six reviews sharing their fantastic experience on service, communication, and how clean the establishment is. If looking for a place to get art done, this place could be for you; many also mentioned that they always return with joy and excitement.

SUMMARY

Naranja is a small neighborhood filled with history, entrepreneurship, and drive. The beautiful rural area is definitely very different from what you are used to, primarily if you are used to the city environment. Even though of all the destruction and hardships Naranja has gone through, it has successfully overcome its adversities. I found the people to be very welcoming for the most part. However, most were concerned with my questions and only allowed a couple of images to be taken. Still, to me, it proved how protective the community is of their members and their businesses. 

Even though Naranja has a strong community, I noticed how underdeveloped the area is in the present day compared to other neighborhoods in Miami; a lot of the main roads do not have sidewalks. Individuals without a car would have to walk long distances to find a convenience store or a small market to buy food and other day-to-day items. Another factor that doesn’t work is the roads; the road is also very underdeveloped, which can be an issue for individuals who drive and are afraid of damaging their car. The small neighborhood is no stranger to crime, and the majority of the population in Naranja do come from humble backgrounds. Overall I will recommend classmates and viewers to visit Naranja, FL. To experience these iconic businesses and spaces for themselves, and who knows, you might find another hidden gem. 

CITATIONS

“About Us and Menu.” Elote Lovers, 11 Dec. 2019, https://elotelovers.com/about-us/.

“About: Shiver’s Bar-B-Q Homestead, Fl: Miami BBQ Menu.” B, https://shiversbbq.com/home/about-us/.

“Adom :: St. Martin De Porres Church :: Main.” ADOM :: St. Martin De Porres Church :: Main, https://www.miamiarch.org/CatholicDiocese.php?op=Church_531417225118_main.

Coral Castle Museum, https://coralcastle.com/.

Google Maps, Google, https://www.google.com/maps/place/Naranja,+FL+33032/@25.5208152,-80.431137,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x88d9dca33110d6b5:0x2d0d46acaf20c497!8m2!3d25.5181647!4d-80.4228332.

Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum, http://townhallmuseum.org/history/.

“Naranja Park.” Https://Www.southfloridafinds.com/, https://www.southfloridafinds.com/park/fl/miami-dade/naranja/naranja-park.html.

“Naranja, Florida.” Naranja, Florida (FL 33032) Profile: Population, Maps, Real Estate, Averages, Homes, Statistics, Relocation, Travel, Jobs, Hospitals, Schools, Crime, Moving, Houses, News, Sex Offenders, https://www.city-data.com/city/Naranja-Florida.html.

“Play It Again Retro Video Games: Retail – Electronics: Electronics Store.” Retail – Electronics, https://www.webpagedepot.com/play-it-again-retro-video-games-5098.

“Sak Pase Restaurant, Naranja – Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews.” Tripadvisor, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1882307-d4952382-Reviews-Sak_Pase_Restaurant-Naranja_Florida.html.

Services, Miami-Dade County Online. “Modello Park.” Untitled Document, https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/modello.asp.

“True Color Tattoos – Homestead, FL.” Yelp, https://www.yelp.com/biz/true-color-tattoos-homestead.

U.S. Census Bureau Quickfacts: Homestead City, Florida … https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/homesteadcityflorida,floridacitycityflorida,princetoncdpflorida,naranjacdpflorida,leisurecitycdpflorida/POP645219.

STUDENT BIO

Joheily Rodriguez is a junior working towards a B.A. in Biological Sciences with a minor in chemistry at Florida International University (FIU), as a part of their Honors College. Passionate about medicine and the environment, she is looking to pursue a role in medicine as a physician.  In her free time, she enjoys painting, playing music, and hanging out with friends.

WHO

I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Deering estate located on the Biscayne Bay campus in Miami, Florida. The Deering Estate is a recognized museum in Miami,  miles off the coast that preserves Miami’s native fauna and flora and is home to eight different native ecosystems. I specifically participated in a clean-up of an uninhabitable island a few miles offshore that is protected and preserved by the Deering Estate. According to the “Deering estate campfires archives”, the Chicken Key is a seven-acre mangrove island and a bird rookery. The Chicken Key clean-up was organized by Professor John Bailly and his teaching assistant Claudia Martinez. 

The Estate preserves the native ecosystem of Florida, however, this conservation and preservation are even more crucial now due to overpopulation and overdevelopment in Miami which led to the endangering and destruction of these ecosystems. The Deering Estate works extremely hard to not only preserve but to educate the people of Miami, Florida.

WHY

I was able to be part of this opportunity through the Honors College in my class in Miami. This class focuses on teaching its students the history of Miami through excursions and experiences, showcasing the good and the bad that had to take place in order to make Miami what it is today. This class is an eye-opener and allows its students to see Miami as more than just a busy luxurious city. 

This relates directly to my major. As a student pursuing a major in Biology, I can relate this to the many classes I take on fauna and flora. This semester, I especially took a Plant Botany class where we focused a lot on the native flora of Florida. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience personally to learn about the native plants and animals of Florida and be able to observe them in their natural ecosystem, thanks to the Chicken Key clean-up, I was able to experience such an event. This has helped me to excel in my Plant Botany class because I can connect the content to experience. Aside from that unique experience, I have always been interested in climate change as well as marine life conservation. It brought great sadness to see all the plastic on the island knowing how much of a negative effect plastic has on marine life. Microplastic in particular is very dangerous for marine life as it disturbs the food chain structures set in place for marine life to drive. Having microplastic in a mangrove island brought great concern as the island serves as a nursery for young marine life.

HOW

I connected with this opportunity through the Miami in Miami course and  Because the reality of a pandemic is still present, Professor John Bailly was able to provide the class with this fantastic opportunity. We were able to make a positive impact on the community while still keeping our distance from crowds. While at the Deering Estate, we were able to go to the uninhabitable island Chicken Key and pick up debris without putting ourselves at risk to contract Covid-19.

WHERE & WHAT

We met at the Deering estate entrance at 10:00 AM on October 6th, 2021. From there,  we picked up our paddles and life-vests and headed to the Deering Estate bay dock. Shortly after, we started our one-mile journey to Chicken Key. In the beginning, I was a little concerned because,  even though I have kayaked before, I have never canoed and I have always heard that it is easier to flip on a canoe. It was really reassuring to have someone on the canoe with me that had previous experience and soon enough all three of us were working beautifully. I have never been out in the open water but it was a daring and peaceful experience. 

While making our way to the Chicken Key, we made one stop where we entered a mangrove forest. After talking about the importance of mangroves and their preservation we continued our journey to Chicken Key. Once on the island, we ate lunch and some of us decided to get in the water for a quick soak as it was a very sunny day. 

After our small break, the clean-up started. According to the professor and classmates that took this class previously, Chicken Key seems cleaner than in previous times. Even then there was a lot of debris, microplastic was present in a decent quantity, lots of bottle caps and random items from shoes to rags and large pieces of wood. This was a new experience for me as well. I never have done a clean-up before so I decided to focus on finding as much microplastic as I could.

After all the garbage collection, we mounted all debris onto our canoes, as much as we could, and headed back to the Deering Estate. The trip to Chicken Key was nice and a peaceful trip. However, my group and I struggled to paddle back to the mainland due to high winds and water movement. After our difficult journey back, we unloaded the debris onto a truck, followed the truck and, helped empty out the trash. I’m sure we all felt accomplished and proud to help in our own little way. 

WHEN

SUMMARY

This experience was very unique and helped me move out of my comfort zone, but there were a few parts that were more difficult than others. 

Something that was challenging was canoeing, personally, I feel like there were a couple of experienced individuals, but for the most part, a lot of us were inexperienced when it came to canoeing. Making our way to the Chicken Key was manageable, however, making our way back to the Deering estate was very frustrating and tiring for me as someone who is new to the sport. Perseverance was definitely key during this experience. I also struggled and was intimidated by, being isolated in the wild. I was freaking out and uncomfortable, however, I quickly realized that I was not here to sit by the sand and watch the sunset while I sip on a nice drink.  I was here to help this struggling ecosystem and make my own little change in the world. 

It was uplifting to be around people that were willing to help.  Some of us struggled to keep our canoe straight. Thanks to helpful advice from experienced individuals and encouragement, my team and I were able to persevere. One thing that worked, and that I was personally proud of, was the use of reusable bags to pick up debris. Instead of getting big black plastic bags to just toss in the trash, we collected the trash with reusable sandbags, which will be reused when going to Chicken Key again. 

Overall, I think this experience was rewarding in itself. There was dirt and there were hardships. But in the midst of that, there was teamwork, fun and most importantly, we made our own mark to make the world a better place, not only for ourselves as humans, but for animals with who we share this space.

CITATIONS

Bailly, John. “Miami in Miami Destinations.” Miami in Miami, 26 Aug. 2021, https://miamiinmiami.com/miami/destinations/.

“Campfires Archives.” Deering Estate, 1 Nov. 2021, https://deeringestate.org/tag/campfires/.

“Chicken Key in Miami-Dade County Chicken Key (in Miami-Dade County, FL), https://florida.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map.

“Conservation.” Deering Estate, 2 Nov. 2021, https://deeringestate.org/conservation/.

Joheily Rodriguez is a junior majoring in Biological sciences with minor in chemistry at Florida International University. Passionate about art, medicine and connecting with new cultures and individuals. She is involved in numerous leadership opportunities at FIU including Resident Assistant at the University level, and holding leaderships roles in numerous clubs such as students care. Students care provides help to the local community and connects college students to medical exposure.

Downtown as Text

“A Stranger In A Not So Strange place”

by Joheily Rodriguez of FIU at Downtown, Miami.

A conversation of community and belonging is happening in downtown Miami; however, the volume is relatively low. At the same time, walking through the streets of Miami and heard about those that were in this land; the Tequesta, the Bahamians, and slaves. I could not stop thinking of how I have walked these streets many times with friends and family and not once thought about the history and the sacrifice it took to the city to get where it is today; there was sadness, destruction, and bloodshed. Miami is known for its diversity, for its ability to thrive and be beautiful in the chaos. Chaotic, just like the sculpture “ Dropped Bowl with scattered slices and peels by Claes Oldenburg & Coosje van Bruggen, this sculpture describes the diversity of Miami; it showcases the falling of fruit, so chaotic yet so majestic to watch. However, I feel like this sculpture also conveys that some pieces of fruit tend to fall and catch dust and mold under the refrigerator.

These pieces that were hidden and left to deal with their own are communities that have been displaced, strangers in a place that is not so strange. Although the Tequesta have no known ancestors, Bahamians are well concentrated in the coconut grove. Many undernourished communities also pushed into Overtown, or how it used to be known, colored town. This community survived in its little niche, but following that, they were misplaced once more by building bridges and highways to allow the privilege to drive downtown Miami and escape from the hardships happening right under their noses.

Overtown Text

“Displacing and erasing”

by Joheily Rodriguez of FIU at Overtown, Miami.

The conversation on belonging that was previously discussed can be heard in some places more than others. This week in Overtown, I listened to the community, their anger, and sadness on the displacement in Overtown or how it used to be known as “Colored-town.” During this evening, we visited many churches like Greater Bethel and Historic Mount Zion Baptist Church. These Churches are were very important to the community as it was a place where people gathered, grieved, and celebrated. In these churches, many of the greats pushing for changes in civil rights spoke, ranging from martin L. King Junior, Muhammid Ali, among others. It was an indescribable feeling, talking to individuals that have been here during the thriving Overtown era, that spoke to inspiring figures that have influenced our culture and politics in very positive ways. 

While walking through these historical places, It was evident the way the community felt about the displacement that has been occurring in the area lately, and by that, I mean gentrification. Gentrification is a process where low-income communities go through significant changes done by individuals in higher communities; this causes many individuals originally living there to lose their homes and culture, and history. One of the reasons construction of high-end housing and business is happening is because of the environment, with high sea level we see the wealthy people moving further and further from the beach area, this causes a displacement of people who were already affected by the construction of I95 and also the destruction of what they hold dear their culture and history. 

Viscaya As Text

“A World In A World: An Isolated Quilt” 

by Joheily Rodriguez FIU at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

While driving through Coral Gables, it is easy to miss the hidden gem Vizcaya is, nevertheless when driving past the two beatifically symmetrical stones engraved with the name “Vizcaya,” it is with no doubt, a new world has been entered. A world that accepts no rules and believes in the power of now. These beliefs were instilled by James Deering, which are prevalent and vital in the perfectly imperfect city of Miami.

 At the entrance, visitors are greeted by two critical figures; to the north side, Bel Vizcaya, and to the south, Ponce De Leon, who were important figures in conquest and settlement in Florida. James Deering related and admired Bel Viscaya and Ponce De Leon; Viewing himself as a conquistador that is here to enlighten by bringing mixtures of European culture and art to Biscayne bay.

 The fusion of different European cultures can be seen throughout the entire estate. Soothing and cascading fountains greet guests at the entrance that guide them into the main house. As guests walk down the aisle, their eyes immediately descend into the place due to the symmetrical arrangement of sprays and the descending water pressure, giving a prime example of how James Deering used his knowledge of various cultures. The use of Islamic fashion fountains to instill calm and grounding with a mixture of Spaniard fashion fountains blend and bring a balance and exciting anticipation as to what is to see in the house. 

It is essential to focus on the external details just as much as the internal details; by entering Vizcaya, Millions of visitors can experience vast cultural and architectural knowledge. 

South Beach As Text

 “Behind luxury“

By Joheily Rodriguez of FIU at South Beach

Many tourists when looking for an adventurous and unforgettable experience set their destination to Miami Beach, Florida. South Beach or (SoBe) was originally a barrier island filled with mangroves to protect Florida from hurricanes and other natural disasters as well as nurture young marine life, so how did Miami Beach go from being this natural habitat, filled with swamps and mosquitos to a luxurious adventurous place filled with fun and nightlife? The paradise that we know Miami as today, is all thanks to Carl Fisher who envision that swampy barrier island as the perfect gateway vacation destination. He slowly bought the land and became to clear the mangroves, this was gonna be his safe haven.

 The building of this paradise however came at a huge expense, It did not only damage the natural habitat of the area, which today has caused many problems for the city including flooding but it segregated and separated more communities; before this huge development Fisher set forward,  both people of color and whites joined together on Ocean beach (Miami beach) on Sundays to have boat trips, lines were drawn and people of color were not allowed to come to ocean beach anymore, taking away the little interactions these two communities had. Jews were also segregated and were not allowed access to certain areas of Miami Beach. Even though carl fisher did indeed bring innovation and lusciousness to Miami beach Florida, let us not forget also the damage and the disruption that comes with economical and social development, which is damage to communities and natural habitat.

Deering As Text

“Before the concrete Jungle” 

By joheily Rodriguez of FIU at Deering Estate

Before innovation and development came to Miami Florida, It was thought to be filled with swamps, mosquitos, and dangerous creatures. Even though this was one of the ecosystems found in Miami before 1492, it was not the only one. Walking through downtown Miami, Hialeah, or coral gables, it can be hard to imagine that once these areas were filled with mangroves and forests filled with faunal and floral diversity.

Thanks to Charles Deering who saw the importance of preservation, guests who enter the Deering estate are able to explore and get a feel of what Miami was like in the 1400s.  The Deering estate’s mission is to teach and preserve, natural habitats and their species as well as architectural and archeological artifacts. To name a few of the ecosystems Miami had before development we have tropical hardwood hammock, this ecosystem is characterized by the slight shade it gives, and for its higher elevation compared to the surrounding area, there are others like seagrass beds, coastal dunes, salt marshes, mangrove forest, pine Rocklands and others that are declining at alarming rates.

 The high rise in populations, as well as constant development in order to meet demands, is causing an extreme decrease in these natural habitats, that are dear to Miami and that would bring severe consequences to Miami socially and economically. Some of the consequences of these decreasing habitats can be seen already, where flooding and high tide are more prominent in Miami, bringing house insecurities and big costly damages.

Rubell As Text

“The house of Mirrors”

The Rubell Museum is a Contemporary Art Museum that was originally a private collection by Don and Mera Rubell; they fell in love with the art of collection and have been collecting for over 50 years. The Rubell’s opened their doors for the public in 2019 in the Allapattah neighborhood of Miami-dade. When entering the Museum and walking around and viewing the art, you can’t help but think you are walking in a house of Mirrors. When looking through all the thought-provoking and commentary art, you can’t help but find some of yourself in it.

The Museum has two very reflective art pieces created by the iconic artist Yayoi Kusama. Kusama’s galleries are top-rated and are experienced worldwide by people who wait hours to see her artwork. The first one is named “where the light in my heart goes, 2016,” and the second is the “infinity room- let’s Survive Forever, 2017”. Both Art pieces can be interpreted in many ways, but in my eyes, they both are reflective pieces that allow us to see the artist who she is and her vision, but it also allows us to see ourselves, who we are, and what we are we want for ourselves. The pieces are majestic and incite emotion out of anyone that has the opportunity to experience them.

Another piece that caught my attention was a piece painted by Kehinde Wiley, who glorifies black people and culture through his art. It portrays a black man covered by a white silky rope, the god-like posture and greek detail highlight the beauty of the black man, which is very rare to see and to be celebrated. The Museum was exciting and captivating, definitely a must to visit.

Everglades as Text

” A Place More than Mangroves and Alligators”

The Everglades National Park was established in 1947; Thank you to the incredible efforts of scientists and conservationists that saw the immense diversity and uniqueness this ecosystem holds. The Everglades contains many fauna and flora, each in its unique niches, such as Palm Trees, marshes, cypress trees, vultures, turtles, fishes, owls, and much more. Even though of what we have learned in early education, The everglades is not only home to mangroves and alligators. 

Our Class, “Miami in Miami,” took on this trip to discover the natural Everglades; this trip was led by Ranger Jennifer, Ranger Dylann, and Professor John Bailly. We came across many different florae; however, I was shocked to learn about periphyton, which was present in vast quantities. Periphyton is a combination of algae and bacteria which act as a filter for the everglades. This material can process thanks to photosynthesizing algae by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Despite the everglades seeming like a place full of muddy water, you can see the wonder this material is doing once inside. The water in the everglades was clear, and throughout it, you could see the many aquatic plants that call this place home. During our slough slog, we also went into an alligator hole. There we did not only see what the Ranger described as the pack’s male but also an owl who was resting from its probable nocturnal activities. 

Overall the Everglades is a fantastic place, full of life, magic, and, believe it or not, fun! If you enjoy nature and getting dirty, check out the everglades and sign up for a slough slog, you won’t regret it!

Coral Gables As Text.

“More than meets the eye”

By Joheily Rodriguez of FIU at Coral Gables.

George Marrick had a clear vision of how Coral Gabels will look and feel. To make his dream a reality, he knew he had to paint the same picture through the use of imagery to those that would inhabit Coral Gables. In 1899, George E. Merrick came from Duxbury, MA, to Miami in search of his oasis. Merrick drew inspiration from Spanish architecture. The city of Coral Gables was incorporated on 29 April 1925.

Interestingly, Marrick had never been to Spain; instead, he pulled inspiration from trips to Central America and the Caribbean. While walking through the sidewalks of Miracle Mile and Alhambra circle, I noticed a mixture of cultures. While observing the Giralda Tower and commenting on its influence by Spanish architecture, an older man spoke in french, and our professor responded in french. The interaction between the man and my professor reminded me once more of the diversity in not only Coral Gabels but just in Miami. 

During our walking tour, we visited many places. First, we saw the Coral Gables Museum, which Phineas Paist and Harold Steward designed in 1939. An interesting fact about this historical destination is that it used to be the old police and fire station during the Great Depression. The Police and Fire station was created as part of a program to keep Americans at work to alleviate the effect of the Great Depression. They use local materials and local artists and workers to make this place reality. 

Two Historic Places in Coral Gabels that appealing me the most were the Colonnade Building and the Coral Gables Elementary School. While walking on miracle Mile, you see busy cars and busy streets. It seemed to stop when entering the Colonnade Building; it was almost as if you were in church, a quiet and majestic place, where time seemed to stop. The Coral Gables Elementary school, like many buildings in Coral Gables, employs the Mediterranean Revival style. I liked how much sunlight is around and how students can be around fresh air and sunlight while walking from class to class, which I feel should be implemented more in Public schools around Miami. 

If you want to learn more about Miami, Coral Gables is a crucial point to stop by. Its history is a significant point for delicious foods and luxurious stores.

River of Grass as Text

All other photos taken and edited by Joheily Rodriguez// CC by 4.0

Reflection and Balance in the Everglades.

By Joheily Rodriguez of FIU at Everglade National Park, Feb 16th, 2022.

The everglades is a popular spot in South Florida where people can become one with nature. Many are searching for a bit of adrenaline and others to learn about Florida’s native fauna and flora before development and innovation. I have been to the Everglades before during a previous class with professor John Bailly. Even though I have been here before, I was taken on a different journey. 

We, as a class, drove a couple of miles into the Everglades, parked on the side of the road, and began our adventure. We hiked for miles into territory that not many individuals trail; it was just nature and us. At first, I was a little concerned, but I enjoyed this experience. Society has made us feel how uncomfortable being in nature is and how ugly it can be if we do not modify it. 

Undisturbed, I thought the area would be more dangerous than anything else. After just a couple of steps in, I noticed that nature is breathtaking all by itself, especially when left untouched. We visited an old structure that was about a hundred years old during this trip, left to deal with nature. What was left of it was nothing but cement blocks and rusty pieces of metal for windows. Who would have believed that we would find this tomato farmer’s house standing after walking for miles away from society and seeing nothing for miles in the everglades? We entered the structure and even climbed it. To me, it seemed like a glimpse of hope that perhaps we could find balance with nature. 

Wynwood As Text

“ what is art.”

By Joheily Rodriguez of FIU at Wynwood, March 9th, 2022.

While walking through the streets of Wynwood and visiting private collections of art,  I became very interested in the question: what is art, and who gets to decide what art is. Wynwood is a mesh of different artists who have other ideas of what art. During our time in Wynwood, the In Miami in Miami class explored contemporary art through two private galleries. 

We visited Arte Povera, post-Italian art from the Margulies collection. One had a stretchable and flexible material in which the Artist placed spices. I enjoyed it since it added sight and smell.

Next, we visited De La Cruz Collection. The De La Cruz collection was fascinating; Two pieces by the same artist sparked my interest. Both pieces are named “untitled” by Felix Gonzales-Torres. The first is two stacks of papers; one says “nowhere better than this place,” and the other says “somewhere better than this.” the second piece is an endless supply of white mint candies against a corner. I enjoyed how Felix Gonzales changed the way we interact with art now, you cannot only view the art and appreciate it, but now you are taking a piece of it with you; you can touch it like the stacks of papers or even taste it in the case of the white candies. 

Contemporary art breaks barriers and changes our perspective on what art is. I encourage you to check out the Margulies and De la Cruz collection for a pleasant and perhaps new experience

Coconut Grove As Text

“A place full of fun and History”

By Joheily Rodriguez of FIU at Coconut Grove, March 23th, 2022.

Coconut Grove is a neighborhood of Miami older than the city of Miami,  incorporated in 1896. In the 1880’s it was a predominantly Bahamian community after the relocation of the Tequesta and the Seminoles. In the class Miami In Miami, we took a lovely journey through the streets of the coconut groove, appreciating and discovering its most iconic sites. Two places, in particular, were intriguing and full of History to me. 

The first place is the Barnacle. It was built in 1891 by Ralph Middleton Munroe, who had come down from upstate due to his wife deteriorating disease. Sadly his wife came to pass a year later. Munroe loved to build boats. He came up with the perfect idea of a house by the water and made a boathouse in 1887. In 1894 he re-married and had children. The Barnacle is the oldest home in Dade County that is still standing on its original site. An interesting fact about this house is that the second story was added after Munroe added the first story by raising the house with boat parts and constructing it to keep his roof which he grew fond of.

The second site was the Mariah Brown House. In 1851 Mariah Brown migrated to the United States from the Bahamas. As a single mother of two, she purchased this land from Joseph Frow for $50. This is a  very inspiring story of how a single black mother was able to become a homeowner when segregation was still very much active. 

Next time you are in Miami, check out the real Coconut Groove 🙂

Key Biscayne As Text

“A Place With a little Bit of Everything”

By Joheily Rodriguez of FIU at Key Biscayne, April 6th, 2022.

The Bills Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a relaxing conserved area filled with history and activities for all ages and sizes. The Park is known for having one of the 10 top beaches. The park/beach is home to a small town known as Key Biscayne, where those who reside seem to enjoy a tranquil life on the city’s outskirts. In the class Miami in Miami, we explored the history of the state park and played a role in improving it. 

The Park contains activities such as Boat camping, enjoying the beach, Picnics, Paddling, Fishing, Biking, bird watching, and much more. While driving through the Park to get to the beach area, I noticed the difference between this beach and South Beach. Key Biscayne’s beach seemed more environment-friendly and aware. Aside from providing activities for everyone to enjoy, it also conserves species/ecosystems in danger and history. According to their website, the lighthouse located in this Park is the oldest building in south Florida; built-in in 1825, it served as a guide to those traveling by boat at night to find their way to south Florida. Ponce De Leon touched ground in the Park and named the area the Cape of Florida, leading to his first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513. Interestingly, this island served as a secret meeting place for enslaved people and Black Seminoles to meet sea captains to flee to the Bahamas and enjoy a life of freedom. (Key Biscayne Chamber)

I recommend you visit Key Biscayne Beach if you are looking for a day full of fun and history