Miami-Dade County

After annexation fight, Brownsville faces new hurdle in effort to become a city

Brownsville, one of Miami’s historically Black neighborhoods, is still studying the possibility of becoming its own city.
Brownsville, one of Miami’s historically Black neighborhoods, is still studying the possibility of becoming its own city. askowronski@miamiherald.com

More than a year into an effort to become a city, Brownsville residents must do a door-to-door petition to be included in the study to become a city. As it stands, the proposed boundaries for the city do not include all of Brownsville.

Only a portion of the historically Black neighborhood, home to the Hampton House and Georgette’s Tea Room House, are included in the study area. Efforts to become a city came after Brownsville residents staved off annexation from nearby Hialeah; the area they were seeking to annex is also not included in the study area.

A town hall is being held at 6 p.m. Thursday to address residents’ concerns and answer questions about incorporation at the Arcola Lakes Senior Center.

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INSIDE THE 305:

Historically Black Miami neighborhood’s bid for cityhood stalled by outdated map

A moral of neighborhood historical figures sits in Jefferson Reaves, Sr. Park on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in the Brownsville neighborhood of Miami, Fla.
A moral of neighborhood historical figures sits in Jefferson Reaves, Sr. Park on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in the Brownsville neighborhood of Miami, Fla. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com

Two years after staving off annexation, residents who want to see Brownsville become a city have hit a snag as it turns out parts of the historically Black neighborhood are not included within the boundaries of the area being studied to incorporate.

Miami entrepreneur launches a streaming app that gives creators more control

Ted Lucas, founder of Technoloij, is photographed at the Innovation Lab which help create at FMU. Black tech had a moment of rejoice on Thursday, January 26, 2023, when Florida Memorial University launched its Innovation Lab and Technoloij founder Ted Lucas announced his nonprofit’s launch alongside collaborator Chandler Malone in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Ted Lucas, founder of Technoloij, is photographed at the Innovation Lab which help create at FMU. Black tech had a moment of rejoice on Thursday, January 26, 2023, when Florida Memorial University launched its Innovation Lab and Technoloij founder Ted Lucas announced his nonprofit’s launch alongside collaborator Chandler Malone in Miami Gardens, Florida. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com

Ted Lucas, 50, is familiar with the entertainment industry. As the founder of the Miami-based record label Slip-N-Slide Records, Lucas helped Miami rappers like Trick Daddy and Trina become stars.

OUTSIDE THE 305:

Atlanta Dream trade a perfect fit for Angel Reese’s game and growing star power

Angel Reese scored 13 points in her opening Unrivaled game with the Rose.
Angel Reese scored 13 points in her opening Unrivaled game with the Rose. Courtesy of Unrivaled

Angel Reese is headed to the A, and I’m ecstatic. The Bayou Barbie (soon to be Bankhead Barbie) will play for the Atlanta Dream, who is having its first pre-season game against the Chicago Sky (Reese’s former team).

Mizzou’s Black Student Government Latest Casualty in Trump’s DEI Crackdown

COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 9: Students walk about on the campus of University of Missouri - Columbia on November 9, 2015 in Columbia, Missouri. University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe resigned today amid protests over racial tensions at the university.  (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 9: Students walk about on the campus of University of Missouri - Columbia on November 9, 2015 in Columbia, Missouri. University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe resigned today amid protests over racial tensions at the university. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images) Michael B. Thomas Getty Images

The University of Missouri stripped the Legion of Black Collegians, its historic Black student governing body, and at least four other minority affinity groups of all annual designated funding, Inside Higher Ed reported and student newspaper the Columbian Missourian reported.

HIGH CULTURE:

Traz Powell Stadium and its rich history takes center stage in new documentary

The Miami Northwestern football team takes the field for a game at Traz Powell Stadium, which will be featured in the documentary, “The Mecca: Legends of Traz Powell Stadium.” The film will be screened Sunday, April 12 as part of the 2026 Miami Film Festival.
The Miami Northwestern football team takes the field for a game at Traz Powell Stadium, which will be featured in the documentary, “The Mecca: Legends of Traz Powell Stadium.” The film will be screened Sunday, April 12 as part of the 2026 Miami Film Festival. Andrew Uloza for Miami Herald

For over four decades, Traz Powell Stadium has been “The Mecca” of Miami-Dade County high school football. It is now being commemorated in a feature documentary as part of the 2026 Miami Film Festival. The film, titled “The Mecca: Legends of Traz Powell Stadium,” premieres this Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at the Olympia Theater in Downtown Miami.

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