Three hurt in Sunday fire near Lincoln Road
Plus free jazz strings tonight, a Waldorf makeover on Collins, and cumbia by the sea later this month.
Miami Beach Fire crews responded Sunday to a fire near 230 Lincoln Road, where officials said a manhole fire ignited an FPL vault in an adjacent building. Three people were taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center with minor injuries, and crews evacuated the building while FPL shut power to the surrounding area during the response; drivers were asked at the time to avoid Collins Avenue between 16th and 17th streets. (NBC 6 South Florida)
Statewide speed enforcement runs through July 18
Florida is taking part in Operation Southern Slow Down, an annual multi-state campaign running July 13 through 18 alongside Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The effort pairs stepped-up speed enforcement with public education aimed at reducing speed-related crashes. FDOT says speeding was a factor in about six percent of Florida traffic fatalities in its 2024 crash report. Its reminders include allowing extra travel time, keeping out of the far-left lane except when passing, and slowing before entering curves. (Florida Department of Transportation)
Tokyo-style pizza is coming to Meridian Avenue
Royale Pizza Napoletana plans to open in October at 1680 Meridian Avenue as a 65-seat, walk-in-only fast-casual spot serving antipasti, handcrafted pizzas, pasta, and entrees. The project brings together Japanese pizzaiolo Chef Bun, founder of Tokyo's Savoy pizzeria, and Executive Chef Albert Diaz. Savoy was founded in Tokyo in 1995, and Royale is described as Chef Bun's first U.S. restaurant collaboration. The signature dough is set to ferment for more than 30 hours before baking in an 800-degree oven. (What Now Miami)
Taquiza's North Beach taqueria closes July 31
Taquiza has announced that Friday, July 31 will be the final day for its North Beach location at 7450 Ocean Terrace after eight years, with the team tying the closure to the Ocean Terrace redevelopment project. The location opened in April 2018 as what was intended to be a temporary pop-up before becoming a neighborhood fixture. The Michelin Guide-recognized taqueria is planning a future restaurant in Little River at 8246 NE 2nd Avenue, though no opening date has been set. (What Now Miami)
FASE brings strings and percussion to Collins Park tonight
The South Beach Jazz Summer Series presents FASE, the Frost Alternative String Ensemble, tonight from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Rotunda in Collins Park, 2150 Collins Avenue, in a program hosted by Nicole Yarling that bridges classical and contemporary styles from jazz and rock to bluegrass, R&B, and world music. The event is free and open to the public, with an RSVP linked on the event page. (The Bass)
Move Your Body returns tonight as an evening of sound
Tonight's Move Your Body at The Bass runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at 2100 Collins Avenue, but the Move Your Body: Imagination film screening has been postponed to a later date. Masisi and guest DJs will still present an evening of Move Your Body sound, with complimentary admission by RSVP and limited, first-come, first-served seating. (The Bass)
Cumbia Libre lands at the Bandshell on July 25
Cumbia Libre takes over Miami Beach Bandshell at 7275 Collins Avenue on Saturday, July 25, with doors at 6 p.m. and the all-ages show at 6:30 p.m. The lineup features Bogota-based Romperayo Sound System, Miami's Sonora Tukukuy, DJ Krishna, DJ Bonita Applebumz, and the Paz y Flora dance ensemble, plus Peruvian food vendors. Proceeds are designated for We Love Foundation emergency relief in Venezuela, and the event page currently links to tickets. (Miami Beach Bandshell)
A Collins Avenue hotel is planned to become a Waldorf Astoria
Hilton and Reuben Brothers have announced plans to renovate and rebrand the existing beachfront hotel at 2201 Collins Avenue as Waldorf Astoria Miami Beach. The 20-story property is planned for 348 suites that each carry a private balcony and ocean views. The overhaul also calls for a new lobby, upgraded restaurants and bars, a redesigned spa and wellness center, a fitness center, a pool deck, and event spaces, with a reopening expected in winter 2027. (What Now Miami)