Immigration Attorneys in Miami Beach, FL

Cocaine production stems mainly from South America

When many think of Florida, some of the first things to come to mind are its great weather, strong economy, and masses of retirees.

But what might not be your first thought is the copious amounts of drugs washing up on the state’s beaches.

On Monday, around $1 million worth of cocaine — 25 packages at roughly 70 pounds each — was discovered at a beach in the Florida Keys after Hurricane Debby swept through the region.

Earlier this summer, boaters found another 65 pounds of cocaine floating in the ocean near the Florida Keys, and divers came across 25 kilograms of cocaine roughly 100 feet underwater off Key West.

And that’s far from the end of it. Around 67 pounds of cocaine was seized after washing up on a beach in Volusia County back in October.

Even drugs like marijuana have washed ashore in vast volumes at places like Neptune Beach and Palm Beach.

WHERE IS IT ALL COMING FROM?

According to researchers with the United Nations, approximately 90% of cocaine consumed in North America was produced in South America.

Drug traffickers then try to smuggle the illicit substances over the water via boats or small aircraft, often over the Caribbean Sea or Atlantic Ocean.

However, traffickers will dump their hauls into the water below for fellow smugglers to pick up or to evade detection by law enforcement.

HOW DOES IT GET TO FLORIDA?

According to Scientific American, loose packages of cocaine dropped in the water may be carried by ocean currents or strong storms, which causes them to wash up on the shore.

And with Debby having just passed through, it’s no surprise that so much was discovered on Monday in the Florida Keys.

“You always hear about tropical systems unearthing shipwrecks and things like that, so if there’s something in the water — the storm can transport that, too!” News 6 Meteorologist Jonathan Kegges said.

“COCAINE SHARKS”

Aside from the obvious issues of drug trafficking, researchers have also voiced concern that these sorts of activities could be affecting local wildlife — sharks in particular.

Last year, researchers investigated the potential effects that cocaine in the water had on sharks in Florida’s waters, Live Science reports.

During the investigation, researchers dropped fake bales of cocaine into the water to see whether sharks would react. And react they did, as several sharks took nibbles from the packages or swam off with them entirely.

In addition, the researchers used a bait ball made of fish powder to cause a dopamine rush in sharks similar to that of a hit of cocaine. As a result, the sharks went wild, according to Live Science.

However, more research is still needed to determine whether this is happening en masse with the packages dropped by smugglers.

“We have no idea what (cocaine) could do to the shark,” researcher Tom “The Blowfish” Hird told Live Science. “So we can’t even say, ‘Well, this is a baseline’ and go from here.”

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND COCAINE ON THE BEACH?

“Finders keepers” doesn’t apply here.

First of all, many packages are marked with certain symbols or insignias to denote what group they came from, which can help indicate whether what you’re looking at is actually an illicit substance.

But holding onto it is a bad idea, according to Florida law firm Perlet & Shiner.

“It should go without saying that retaining possession of (a washed-up block of drugs) is an incredibly bad idea...” the law firm states. “If, for example, you intentionally retain possession of a block of drugs later valued at $100,000, you have committed grand theft in the first degree, which can carry up to 30 years in prison, plus significant fines.”

If you stumble across bricks of cocaine on the beach, you should instead immediately alert your local law enforcement agency and keep an eye on the packages.

Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:

Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

FLORIDA KEYS, Fla. – A lot of blow blew onto a Florida beach Monday, thanks to Hurricane Debby.

The storm blew 25 packages, some 70 pounds, onto a beach in the Florida Keys, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

Samuel Briggs II, the acting chief patrol agent of the U.S. Border Patrol - Miami Sector, posted on X that a Good Samaritan discovered the drugs and contacted authorities.

“U.S. Border Patrol seized the drugs, which have a street value of over $1 million,” Briggs posted.

Debby slammed into Florida as a Category 1 hurricane near the Big Bend before being downgraded to a tropical storm.

[STORY CONTINUES BELOW]

Cocaine has been found many times on and near the shores of Florida.

CBS News reported that in June recreational boaters off the coast of the Florida Keys found 65 pounds of cocaine floating in the ocean.

Earlier that month, divers found 25 kilograms of cocaine about 100 feet underwater off Key West, CBS reported.

In May, a beachgoer found about $1 million worth of cocaine washed up along the Florida Keys, CBS News Miami reported.

MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - With hurricane season in full swing and a weather system expected to bring heavy rain to South Florida this weekend, local officials are taking proactive measures to ensure residents are prepared.

The National Hurricane Center has placed all of the Florida Keys from the Card Sound Bridge southward, including the Dry Tortugas, under a tropical storm watch. Additionally, the southern coast of Florida, including the southern coast of Miami-Dade County, is also under a tropical storm watch.

The system, now expected to develop in the Gulf of Mexico, is projected to be a significant rainmaker, leading to a state of emergency for some parts of Florida.

In preparation for the impending weather, several cities have organized sandbag distribution events to help residents protect their properties from flooding.

Broward County:

As sand mounted at Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale, residents scooped their share ahead of the wet weather we are expecting in the days ahead.

“We coming to get this sand to save us from getting flooded out of our front door, from water coming in from the back and from the sides,” said Fort Lauderdale resident Nelson Rhaney.

“A little bit too much rain floods from time to time because we don’t have any storm drainage,” said another resident picking up sandbags. “It’s been a problem for a few years.”

Residents in parts of Broward County in low-lying neighborhoods are reeling from unprecedented rains and flooding in the past year.

Fort Lauderdale is giving out sandbags every day for the rest of the hurricane season.

“Seeing the forecast, I knew I had to do something, had to be active about doing something and putting something in front of my door to keep the water out,” said Sue Thomas at the sandbag distribution at Mills Pond Park. “This is something that I’m thankful that the city provides for us.”

The City of Lauderhill is also handing out sand to residents.

“Whoever comes gets five bags per person, just got to show your Lauderhill I.D.,” said Pauline Green helping load sandbags in residents’ cars.

Miami-Dade County:

And in Miami Lakes, people could receive up to 10 free sandbags. Some residents told 7News they were caught off guard the last time Miami-Dade received a few inches of rain.

“It was hectic. There was a lot of water everywhere, all the way up into the garage, so now these sandbags will help out,” said Jorge, a Miami Lakes resident.

“These sandbags help out, because when you lay them at the entryways to your home, whether it’s the garage or the doorways, once the sand comes in contact with the water, it compacts and creates a barrier to protect your property,” said Miami Lakes Councilman Josh Diéguez.

In addition to sandbag distributions, Miami Beach Public Works crews will be working to clear storm drains in anticipation of heavy rainfall. The team will be active on 44th Street from Royal Palm Avenue to Chase Avenue near Muss Park.

“When we prepare for events like this, we always have our vac trucks out there,” said Bradford Kaine, the director of Miami Beach Public Works. “We will have five of them out there working all weekend long to make sure there are no issues and our residents are safe from any kind of flooding issues.”

In Miami, temporary pumps were installed in key locations to mitigate potential flooding.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these sandbag distributions and other flood-preparation measures to protect their homes and properties from potential flood damage.

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox

MIAMI - Dozens of South Florida families are being told to move out of their Miami Beach apartments or face eviction.

"We were notified through a letter, it was posted at our doors," said Barbara Lavie. She is one of the 42 families paying low rent at the Riviera Apartments at 337 20th St. in Miami Beach. These families must be out of their units by August.

"We just don't know where to go, we have called places, but the rent is extremely high," said Zeneida Guzman, who has lived at the Riviera for 10 years.

All tenants received a letter from the law firm Roth and Scholl, dated July 2, on behalf of the landlord of the building, which they never mentioned by name.

One of the letter's paragraphs read: "… because the landlord values your tenancy, even though your lease only requires a 30-day notice for terminating your month-to-month tenancy, the landlord has decided to give you a full two months."

And continued: "Accordingly, your lease is hereby terminated effective August 31, 2024… Should you fail to vacate the premises by this date, the landlord reserves the right to file an eviction lawsuit and obtain a final judgment of eviction to remove you from the premises…"

Milagros Santos is concerned. She has lived at the building for 23 years in a one-bedroom unit, paying low rent. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and she said she feels they were not given a reason why they have less than 60 days to vacate.

"They don't say anything, everybody needs to move that's it," said Santos while holding one of the paintings she is packing.

"We see these things all the time," Fausto Rosales told CBS News. He is a real estate attorney based in Coral Gables. He said the law changed in Florida since the pandemic, when Gov. Ron DeSantis, through an executive order, established that tenants renting under a "month to month" basis only needed 30 days' notification to vacate the property and not 60, as it used to be.

"When a landlord wants to terminate a month-to-month tenancy, all they have to do is give the tenant at least 30 days' notice," Rosales said.

What options do the families who received the letter have now?

"In this situation, the tenants have all the rights to be able to speak to the landlord and try to come up to some type of resolution. Maybe, if the tenants were to approach the landlord and advise him they need a larger incentive, maybe that would give the landlord enough incentive to work with the families," Rosales added.

And that is exactly what some of these tenants are asking.

"We understand the redevelopment this area is going through, we're asking for a little compassion a little more time. The ideal time would be three to six months," Guzman said.

CBS News Miami reached out to the Law Office of Roth and Scholl, who represents the landlord of Riviera Apartments for a response to the allegations. Someone from the office said they would call back, but that has not happened as of publication.

The City of Miami Beach said the matter is private and what they did was bridged the tenants with legal services of greater Miami to receive advice about their options.

For now, the clock is ticking for more than 40 families who still do not know where to go.

Brunch is the best part of the weekend, right? But with many new brunch offerings around town, keeping them all straight is hard. So, to cut through the clutter, below is a round-up of the best new brunch offerings throughout South Florida to check out on next weekend's excursion. (For the long-standing favorites, check out the essentials map.)

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Essensia has unveiled a revamped brunch menu featuring plenty of healthy-ish dishes from new chef de cuisine Diana Tandia. Highlights include the Blue Zone bowl with kimchi brown rice, sweet potato, and avocado and the avocado garden toast with beets, hummus, and watermelon radish. The drink menu includes cocktails like Passion and Spice and a classic Bloody Mary. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with special ZenDays that offer yoga sessions, brunch, and beach cabanas, including a $45 yoga and brunch package and a $290 yoga, brunch, and beach package for two.

This new Midtown restaurant brings Latin American cuisine, with influences from Argentina, Mexico, and Peru, to its first U.S. location. With existing branches in Argentina and Tulum, the restaurant extends its reach to brunch enthusiasts with a variety of unique dishes. Options include sourdough kale toast with sumac cream cheese and soft egg, cured fish on sourdough toast with chive cream cheese, an open burrito featuring scrambled eggs, black beans, and bacon, and a health-conscious almond chia bowl with fruits and toasted coconut flakes. In-house desserts, such as the Key lime tres leches, and cocktails like the Chimba Bloody Mary and Aperol spritz, round out the menu. Brunch is available Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This new buzzy New York import is a Parisian-inspired French brasserie that won Miami diners’ hearts. If the weather allows, grab a table on the beautiful outdoor patio and enjoy brunch dishes like crêpe complète and quiche florentine paired with a spritz or two. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Casadonna, the Italian stunner in Edgewater, now serves weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For $85, opt for a three-course menu; shared starters include piatto di salumi, spring vegetable crostini, roasted beets, greens, and smoked salmon. Entrée options range from jumbo lump crab benedict and eggs shakshuka to panettone French toast and filet mignon. Drink packages and seafood towers can be added on for an additional charge.

Rose is the star at the Dilido Beach Club’s new brunch. The al fresco spot at the Ritz-Carlton, now led by the José Andrés Group, offers live music and a menu with a la carte brunch menu highlights, including brioche French Toast, lobster rolls, oysters, and Txuleburger sliders, a shareable take on José Andrés’ popular burger. Available Saturday and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Seaspice in Miami now offers a Mediterranean Tapas Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:30 p.m. The menu features dishes such as Maine lobster Benedict with creamy leeks and chervil hollandaise, gambas “Al Ajillo” with jumbo Oishii shrimp and creamy polenta, and truffle Parmesan tagliatelle with Parmigiano Reggiano. Other highlights include smoked salmon Benedict, porcini mushroom and shiitake filo crisps, lamb vol-au-vent, and short rib Benedict with crispy malanga doughnuts. Each dish can be ordered a la carte or three dishes for $49.

Zuma has refreshed its popular, longstanding brunch. The menu features several options: the Classic Menu at $98, Champagne Pairing at $128, Rosé Pairing at $148, and Dom Pérignon Pairing at $328. Each includes a welcome caviar tin, cocktails, mocktails, wine or sake, snacks, buffet access, and a hot dish. The menu ranges from edamame, rock shrimp tempura, and miso soup to grilled Chilean seabass, spicy beef tenderloin, and yakisoba noodles, with upgrades like A5 Wagyu steak. The buffet offers a sushi bar, raw bar, robata station, and a live Kamameshi Mushroom Rice Hotpot station. The meal finishes with a Deluxe Dessert platter featuring the chef’s creations, fruit, and mochi.

Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro now offers its new weekend brunch on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The menu features dishes such as the Croque Madame, Bénédicte au Crabe, and the decadent Poulet et Gaufres, made with roasted chicken, bacon-chive waffle, Crown maple syrup, and sauce Chasseur.

New York favorite turned Coconut Grove newcomer RedFarm now serves a dim-sum style brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu includes short rib banh mi, chicken lollipops, and a spicy blue-fin tuna crispy eggplant toast. New cocktails have been concocted, including the Sandia Mia, with tequila, Aperol, watermelon, mint, and cucumber, and a Nitro White Wine Kumquat Sangria, a mix of house chardonnay, brandy, gran marnier, kumquat, apple, and seasonal berries, available by the pitcher.

Essensia has unveiled a revamped brunch menu featuring plenty of healthy-ish dishes from new chef de cuisine Diana Tandia. Highlights include the Blue Zone bowl with kimchi brown rice, sweet potato, and avocado and the avocado garden toast with beets, hummus, and watermelon radish. The drink menu includes cocktails like Passion and Spice and a classic Bloody Mary. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with special ZenDays that offer yoga sessions, brunch, and beach cabanas, including a $45 yoga and brunch package and a $290 yoga, brunch, and beach package for two.

This new Midtown restaurant brings Latin American cuisine, with influences from Argentina, Mexico, and Peru, to its first U.S. location. With existing branches in Argentina and Tulum, the restaurant extends its reach to brunch enthusiasts with a variety of unique dishes. Options include sourdough kale toast with sumac cream cheese and soft egg, cured fish on sourdough toast with chive cream cheese, an open burrito featuring scrambled eggs, black beans, and bacon, and a health-conscious almond chia bowl with fruits and toasted coconut flakes. In-house desserts, such as the Key lime tres leches, and cocktails like the Chimba Bloody Mary and Aperol spritz, round out the menu. Brunch is available Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This new buzzy New York import is a Parisian-inspired French brasserie that won Miami diners’ hearts. If the weather allows, grab a table on the beautiful outdoor patio and enjoy brunch dishes like crêpe complète and quiche florentine paired with a spritz or two. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Casadonna, the Italian stunner in Edgewater, now serves weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For $85, opt for a three-course menu; shared starters include piatto di salumi, spring vegetable crostini, roasted beets, greens, and smoked salmon. Entrée options range from jumbo lump crab benedict and eggs shakshuka to panettone French toast and filet mignon. Drink packages and seafood towers can be added on for an additional charge.

Rose is the star at the Dilido Beach Club’s new brunch. The al fresco spot at the Ritz-Carlton, now led by the José Andrés Group, offers live music and a menu with a la carte brunch menu highlights, including brioche French Toast, lobster rolls, oysters, and Txuleburger sliders, a shareable take on José Andrés’ popular burger. Available Saturday and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Seaspice in Miami now offers a Mediterranean Tapas Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:30 p.m. The menu features dishes such as Maine lobster Benedict with creamy leeks and chervil hollandaise, gambas “Al Ajillo” with jumbo Oishii shrimp and creamy polenta, and truffle Parmesan tagliatelle with Parmigiano Reggiano. Other highlights include smoked salmon Benedict, porcini mushroom and shiitake filo crisps, lamb vol-au-vent, and short rib Benedict with crispy malanga doughnuts. Each dish can be ordered a la carte or three dishes for $49.

Zuma has refreshed its popular, longstanding brunch. The menu features several options: the Classic Menu at $98, Champagne Pairing at $128, Rosé Pairing at $148, and Dom Pérignon Pairing at $328. Each includes a welcome caviar tin, cocktails, mocktails, wine or sake, snacks, buffet access, and a hot dish. The menu ranges from edamame, rock shrimp tempura, and miso soup to grilled Chilean seabass, spicy beef tenderloin, and yakisoba noodles, with upgrades like A5 Wagyu steak. The buffet offers a sushi bar, raw bar, robata station, and a live Kamameshi Mushroom Rice Hotpot station. The meal finishes with a Deluxe Dessert platter featuring the chef’s creations, fruit, and mochi.

Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro now offers its new weekend brunch on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The menu features dishes such as the Croque Madame, Bénédicte au Crabe, and the decadent Poulet et Gaufres, made with roasted chicken, bacon-chive waffle, Crown maple syrup, and sauce Chasseur.

New York favorite turned Coconut Grove newcomer RedFarm now serves a dim-sum style brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu includes short rib banh mi, chicken lollipops, and a spicy blue-fin tuna crispy eggplant toast. New cocktails have been concocted, including the Sandia Mia, with tequila, Aperol, watermelon, mint, and cucumber, and a Nitro White Wine Kumquat Sangria, a mix of house chardonnay, brandy, gran marnier, kumquat, apple, and seasonal berries, available by the pitcher.

We may be two years away from the 2026 World Cup, but there’s another major soccer championship taking place in our backyard. Copa América, the oldest international soccer tournament in the continent, will have its highly anticipated final on July 14th. Whether you’re rooting for Colombia or Argentina, you can do so at these local watch parties taking place around the city. That is, if you’re not attending the match at the Hard Rock Stadium but still want to bask in the sports atmosphere! Here’s where you can watch the Copa América in Miami:

1. Clevelander South Beach

The Ocean Drive hotspot has been screening all the thrilling matchups, including July 14’s thrilling finale. But these aren’t just regular watch parties; they’ve partnered with KRÜ, the esports club of soccer legends Leo Messi and Kun Agüero. If you want to celebrate alongside former World Cup champions, celebrities and futbolers, this is the place to be!

1020 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

2. Wynwood Marketplace

Soccer fans can make it out to the official Copa América Fan Zone in Wynwood Marketplace, presented by Tamias, CONMEBOL and SWARM. The free event will culminate in the grand finale with a massive watch party on July 14th. Every game will be shown on big screen TVs throughout the venue and there will be games, giveaways, culinary delights, beverages and more.

2250 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

3. Miami Beach Bandshell

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Miami Beach Bandshell (@miamibeachbandshell)

For one of the best places to catch Copa América’s semifinals and finals, head to the Miami Beach Bandshell. Taking place on July 9, 10 and 14 for free, you’ll root for your team as you look up at their jumbo LED screen. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141

4. Bayside Marketplace

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Albiceleste AFA (@afaalbiceleste)

Dive into the heart of the action at the Fanzone Albiceleste AFA: The House of Fútbol pop-up at Bayside, open daily from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. until July 14th. Not only will you find a thrilling watch party that’s open to the public, but football enthusiasts can explore further with a trip through Argentina’s football history at the unique museum.

401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

5. CityPlace Doral

To celebrate both Copa América and the UEFA Euro 2024, CityPlace Doral is putting on a massive extravaganza on July 12. Named the Soccer Fest Summer Experience, guests of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in inflatable games of soccer and costume character performances by soccer stars Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez while enjoying live music from a DJ. You can watch the games on screens at Novecento, where there will be Jameson Irish Whiskey giveaways and specialty cocktails.

8300 NW 36th St, Doral, FL 33166

6. E11EVEN

It’s not everyday you can say you’re watching the Copa América final at a nightclub, but here we are. E11EVEN will be hosting an epic final viewing party to catch all the action in Spanish on their 30 ft and 16 ft LED screens. Plus, they’ll have happy hour food, drink and bottle specials!

29 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132

7. Biscayne Bay Brewing Co.

The locally-owned brewery in downtown Miami will show the final on their flat screen TVs that surround the wrap-around bar and on a massive projector screen. During the games, fanatics can enjoy specials such as $50 beer towers and $5 beers. You can also enjoy juicy burgers, tequeños, Margherita flatbread, 1/2 lb bucket of fries and more.

100 NE 1st Ave Third Floor, Miami, FL 33132

8. Copper 29 Bar

If you’re looking for a place to experience the thrilling match followed by an after party, Copper 29 Bar is your answer. In addition to an electrifying atmosphere, unbeatable game day specials include $10 Margaritas, $4 Beers and $4 wines to pair with bites like chili nachos and braised pork sliders.

206 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134

9. Bayshore Club

Root for Colombia or Argentina at Bayshore Club in the Grove, which will be offering $5 La Rubia’s and cocktails for $12, such as the Tom Collins, and The Landing during a watch party. Take in the scenic views, cheer on your national team and sip on the delicious cocktails!

3391 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133

10. Le Chick

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LE CHICK MIAMI (@lechickwynwood)

Catch your favorite team in action on huge surround sound screens throughout Le Chick’s outdoor bar and lounge while enjoying match day specials like wood-fired wings, $7 shots and $25 ice-cold buckets of beer!

310 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127