The 44 percent: Trick Daddy, Lil Jon, Jamaica elections and more

I have always been terrified of dogs, and truly, I have only felt comfortable around one dog.

So, I can imagine the fear that overcame Doreen Richards Broadbelt, who was walking to work Monday morning when dogs in her Miami Gardens neighborhood attacked and killed her. It’s left her community reeling and in fear of dogs that roam the neighborhood.

Residents reported dogs behind fences jumping over them or barking at them. It’s a terror no one should deal with.

But Black people’s fear of dogs, even those that have owners, isn’t new: Dogs were used during slavery as “slave hounds” to hunt and find Black runaways and during the Civil Rights Movement against Black protesters.

While Miami Gardens is a predominantly Black community, the fear of dogs and their vicious attacks persists nonetheless, and is likely an issue ongoing in other communities in South Florida and beyond. The Miami Herald is looking to tell the story of those who have had experiences with dangerous unleashed dogs. Simply fill out this form and let us know how we can get in contact with you.

INSIDE THE 305:

Trick Daddy opens second restaurant in Broward: ‘We are still for our people’

Trick Daddy pulled up in a red Tesla Cybertruck ready to greet patrons who lined the block to get a taste of Sunday’s Eatery in Fort Lauderdale. The rapper opened a second location along the historic Sistrunk corridor six years after his Miami Gardens locale had taste buds buzzing, including the likes of Rihanna.

Deadly dog attack leaves Miami Gardens neighborhood grieving, demanding safety

Doreen Richards Broadbelt was on her way to work at a nearby Walmart in Miami Gardens when she was mauled and subsequently killed by at least one dog in her community. Neighbors are reeling in the wake of her death.

Florida wants to remove vaccine mandates. What does that mean for Miami-Dade schools?

Florida’s surgeon general Joseph Ladapo announced the state is going to be working to eliminate all vaccine mandates, Miami Herald education reporter Clara-Sophia Daly and health reporter Michelle Marchante reported. As they write: Ladapo, who made the announcement at a press conference Wednesday, said forcing vaccine mandates is “wrong and drips with disdain and slavery.” He did not offer specific policy information but promised to end “every last one of them.”

OUTSIDE THE 305:

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness poised to make history with consecutive third term

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness is projected to win a third term, Miami Herald Haiti correspondent Jacqueline Charles reported. This would mean Holness would win a historic consecutive third-term in office after a tightly contested general elections that pitted his Jamaica Labor Party against the People’s National Party, Charles wrote.

Lil Jon, 53, Wins 3rd Place in Muscle Beach Fitness Competition

Whether you grew up listening to the brashly loud sound of “Bia’ Bia’” or the smooth sounds of “Lovers and Friends,” Lil Jon isn’t just a man that yells “YEAH!” and “WHAT!” into a mic. In fact, he is now becoming known for his amazing physique having placed 3rd in a fitness contest.

HIGH CULTURE:

‘These stories are the truth’: New exhibit about slavery opens in Broward County

This Saturday, the African American Research Library and Cultural Center is debuting a traveling exhibit showcasing the domestic work during slavery. Author and journalist Margaret Seidler and South Carolina Senator Mia S. McLeod will be in conversation about the exhibit Saturday. Seidler’s book “Payne-ful” Business: Charleston’s Journey to Truth” chronicles her ancestors who once enslaved McLeod’s ancestors. The exhibit runs through Dec. 27.