South Florida News
Miami-Dade Tourism Industry Shines Brights At Great Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Published
3 years agoon
MIAMI, Fla. – The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) set the stage for an action-packed year ahead during its annual meeting on Thursday, Oct. 26 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The annual gathering of industry stakeholders brings together industry partners and community leaders to showcase plans for the upcoming fiscal year from Miami-Dade’s official destination marketing organization and shines a light on the previous year’s successes. Highlights from fiscal year October 2022- September 2023 included:
- Visitors to Greater Miami and Miami Beach contributed $20.2 billion to the local economy in 2022-2023, a 3% increase in revenue.
- Overall visitation noted a 3.5% upswing, driven by a 4.4% surge in international visitors and a significant 25.3% spike in visits from Florida residents.
- A strong indicator of future hotel performance comes from the robust success the organization has had in securing meetings and conventions in FY 2022/2023 fiscal year. The GMCVB sales team generated 3,280 leads for its hotel partners and a remarkable 56% surge in confirmed bookings, projected to generate 446,000 rooms nights, an impressive 48% jump.
“We’re seeing record-breaking revenue growth as we promote our diverse and inclusive community on a global stage,” said GMCVB President & CEO David Whitaker. “We saw a resurgence of Greater Miami and Miami Beach as a top destination for conventions, securing an impressive 14 new major event bookings to convene at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Our marketing teams helped fuel substantial successes, including the launch of Find Your Miami and Miami Beach – Find Your Wave campaigns. And our international travel trade sales team’s tireless efforts, spanning 42 countries, have helped drive international visitor recovery.”
The GMCVB’s annual meeting formally introduced new Board Chair Julissa Kepner, general manager of the Miami Biscayne Bay Marriott, and nine new members bringing a diverse range of experiences and strategic insight to the GMCVB’s board of directors:
- Wayne Brackin, president & CEO, KIDZ Medical Services
- Silvia Camarota, senior director, North America Expedia Group
- Eduardo Jose Garcia, Jr., partner, Treo Group
- Amy Johnson, general manager, The Confidante-Hyatt Hotel Corp.
- Paul Lowenthal, chairman of the board, Camillus House
- Jonathan Plutzik, owner, The Betsy-South Beach
- Eric Poms, CEO, Orange Bowl Committee
- Olga Ramudo, senior vice president, Florida and Latam, Express Travel
- Lee Schrager, chief communications officer, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
The event also served as a platform to introduce “Brought to You by Tourism,” an initiative aimed at highlighting the benefits the visitor industry brings to Miami-Dade County and its residents, with locals getting a chance to tell their tourism stories about how they and their families have benefitted. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, was on hand to mark the effort’s launch and celebrate the industry’s influence, proclaiming October 26, “Brought to You by Tourism Campaign Day.”
“We create dynamic campaigns that tell the vibrant story of our destination,” noted Whitaker. “With ‘Brought to You by Tourism,’ we are heralding a new era of impactful storytelling that will resonate with Miami-Dade residents. Tourism tax dollars bolster public transportation, fund healthcare and advance education, significantly improving the everyday lives of our community members.”
He continued, “Through this initiative, we’re directly engaging residents, showcasing how our industry supports these essential county amenities. There is an indelible link between meeting the needs of our culturally vibrant community – and the economic benefits that tourism brings.”
The annual meeting gathered more than 750 attendees who gained valuable insights into several other new initiatives, including the GMCVB’s expanded sustainability goals and the destination’s overall commitment to a sustainable tourism industry. The event also honored the legacy of outgoing City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber for his unwavering commitment to the visitor industry and steadfast championing of Miami Beach as a thriving arts and cultural destination.
For additional insights and to explore the GMCVB’s official Year in Review Report and comprehensive 2023-2024 Marketing Plan, visit the official GMCVB website here. To learn more about “Brought to You by Tourism” and discover the stories of the people behind Miami-Dade’s thriving visitor industry, visit www.broughttoyoubytourism.com.
Business
Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker
Published
2 minutes agoon
July 6, 2026BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute (FEMI) and Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center (MRSE) have announced the addition of optometrist Dr. Anna Walker to their medical teams, expanding comprehensive eye care services for patients across Palm Beach County.
Walker provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, specializing in primary eye care, ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Her practice focuses on preventive eye health through comprehensive examinations, advanced diagnostic technology and individualized treatment plans.
“Dr. Walker brings excellent clinical training and a compassionate approach to patient care,” said Omayra Alvarado, practice administrator for FEMI. “We are confident she will help further our mission of delivering exceptional eye care across South Florida.”
Walker earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Stonehill College. She completed her residency at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, where she specialized in comprehensive optometric care with an emphasis on ocular disease management and specialty contact lenses.
Her clinical training also includes refractive surgery co-management, IPL therapy and advanced diagnostic techniques. Walker is certified in laser procedures and injections through the New England College of Optometry.
According to the practices, Walker combines advanced clinical expertise with a personalized approach to patient care, focusing on preserving long-term eye health and improving patients’ quality of life.
Walker will see patients at Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute’s East Boynton Beach office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center in Boca Raton on Mondays and Fridays.
Patients interested in scheduling routine eye examinations or establishing ongoing eye care with Dr. Walker can learn more by visiting Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute or Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center.
South Florida News
Uruguay, Saudi Arabia Play to 1-1 Tie as World Cup Atmosphere Electrifies Miami Gardens
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 16, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hard Rock Stadium felt more like Montevideo than South Florida on Monday as tens of thousands of Uruguayan supporters packed the venue for Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
A crowd of 62,764 fans created a vibrant international atmosphere, with Uruguay supporters draped in giant blue-and-white flags and chanting “U-ru-guay! U-ru-guay!” throughout the match. Despite the passionate backing, Uruguay was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.
The stadium was awash in light blue as Uruguayan fans filled much of the venue, transforming Miami Gardens into a home-away-from-home for La Celeste. Meanwhile, a spirited contingent of Saudi supporters occupied sections of the south stands, waving green flags and providing energetic support for their national team.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
WORLD CUP ATMOSPHERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA
The match showcased South Florida’s growing reputation as an international soccer destination, drawing fans from across the globe and creating a World Cup-like environment inside Hard Rock Stadium.
Both teams battled evenly throughout the contest, with neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough. The result leaves Uruguay and Saudi Arabia with a point apiece as they continue their tournament campaigns.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
FANS DELIVER MEMORABLE SCENE
While the match ended in a draw, the atmosphere was among the day’s biggest highlights. The sea of blue-and-white and the nonstop chants from Uruguay supporters were matched by the enthusiasm of Saudi fans, producing a memorable international soccer showcase in Miami Gardens.
Florida
Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones Will Not Seek Re-Election, Fuels Speculation About Congressional Run
Published
1 month agoon
May 31, 2026MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to Florida Senate District 34, ending a 13-year tenure in the Florida Legislature and fueling speculation about a possible run for Congress.
Jones, who has represented Senate District 34 since 2020, shared the decision in a video posted on social media.
“After a lot of prayer, reflection, and honest conversations with the people closest to me, I’ve decided that I will not seek re-election to the Florida Senate,” Jones said.
13 Years in the Florida Legislature
Jones was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, where he served until his election to the Florida Senate in 2020. During his legislative career, he emerged as one of South Florida’s most prominent Democratic lawmakers, advocating on issues including education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and civil rights.
His decision not to seek another term marks the end of more than a decade of service in Tallahassee.
Speculation Grows About Congressional Bid
Jones’ announcement comes as political observers speculate that he may be preparing a campaign for Florida’s 24th Congressional District.
The seat is expected to become open following Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s decision not to seek re-election in 2026. Wilson has represented the district since 2011 and remains one of South Florida’s most influential Democratic leaders.
Although Jones did not formally announce plans for another office, he acknowledged public interest regarding his political future.
“I know there’s been a lot of conversation about what’s next for me,” Jones said. “And there will be time to talk about that at a later date.”
Open Congressional Seat Draws Attention
Wilson’s departure is expected to trigger a competitive race to succeed her in Congress, with several current and former elected officials reportedly considering bids for the seat.
Jones’ decision to leave the Florida Senate immediately places him among the names being discussed as a potential contender for the congressional district, which includes portions of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.