South Florida News

Miami Heat Fans Eye NBA Finals

Published

3 years ago

May 25, 2023

Miami, Fla. (FNN) – The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics meet Thursday for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat lead 3-1. Tip-off from TD Garden is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (TNT).

After losing 3-straight games, the Celtics rode forward Jayson Tatum‘s 33-point Tuesday night to keep their season alive. No team in NBA history has ever come back from being down 3-0 in a series.

The Heat will be without a usual starter Thursday night when they try to win the 2023 NBA Eastern Conference finals.

Gabe Vincent will not be available for Miami in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics due to a sprained ankle, according to multiple reports. Vincent sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of Tuesday night’s Game 4 when he awkwardly landed on his left ankle after leaping for a blocked shot. The 26-year-old went to the locker room to tend to the injury but eventually returned to the game, which the Heat lost 116-99.

Miami Heat Fans
Dr. Rudolph Moise and his family are among tens of thousands Miami Heat fans hyped up for another NBA championship. The Miami Heat are one game away from defeating the Boston Celtics in the playoffs to advance to the 2023 NBA finals. The family of four, comprised of Dr. Moise, his wife Mirjam (pronounced MEER-ee-yam), his daughter Maya and son Rudy Jr., has floor seats every season with the Heat and has been diehard supporters for over 10 years now.

When asked about the impact it’s had on his children in a recent phone interview, Dr. Moise told FNN News it inspired his daughter Maya to play basketball at American Heritage High School, where her team won the national championship and got a ring. She so loves sports that she created a sports club at her school for her fellow students to train and improve themselves. The club earned the Miami Herald’s prestigious Silver Knight Award in the Sports category. She now does power lifting at Rice University in Texas and wants to go into Sports Management. Rudy Jr. also got the sports bug and went on to play football at American Heritage High School. He’s also in college now and, according to his father, maintains his fitness.

The children recently reunited with their parents after being away at college for a while. Dr. Moise loves that they can enjoy the Heat’s postseason together this year. “It’s a whole complete experience,” said Dr. Moise. “They get to see old friends at the arena, they get to meet people. It’s a great experience.”

Dr. Moise gave FNN News his prediction for Thursday’s game, saying the Heat will clinch the Eastern Conference Finals, but gave a caveat. “Boston isn’t easy now. They’re going to push it as hard as they can. Tonight is going to be a huge game. The defense and offense have to be strong.”

When asked who was the most vocal, “Oh I stand up, I dance and scream,” he confessed, laughing. “The kids are quiet[er].”

If the Heat win tonight, Dr. Moise will be jumping and screaming for sure.

_______________________________________________________

Mellissa Thomas contributed to this report.

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South Florida News

Uruguay, Saudi Arabia Play to 1-1 Tie as World Cup Atmosphere Electrifies Miami Gardens

Published

7 hours ago

June 16, 2026

FNN SPORTS

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

MIAMI 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

2 weeks ago

May 31, 2026

FNN NEWS

MIAMI, 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.

Politics

Gov. Ron DeSantis Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen

Published

2 months ago

April 16, 2026

FNN NEWS

Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen, who was killed April 1 in what authorities describe as a domestic violence incident.

The directive calls for U.S. and Florida state flags to be lowered from sunrise to sunset Friday, April 17, 2026, at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and at all local and state buildings, installations and grounds throughout Coral Springs.

According to Coral Springs Police, officers conducted a wellness check at Metayer Bowen’s home after city staff raised concerns when she missed scheduled meetings and could not be reached. Responding officers found her deceased inside the residence.

Investigators said the killing appears to be a domestic violence incident. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was later taken into custody and faces charges of premeditated murder and tampering with evidence. The case remains under active investigation.

State and local leaders say the half-staff order honors Metayer Bowen’s service and legacy in the Coral Springs community, where she was recognized for her leadership and commitment to public service.

What We Know About Her Death
Police say Metayer Bowen was killed April 1 at her Coral Springs home. Officers discovered her body during a wellness check prompted by her unexplained absence from official duties and lack of communication.

Husband Arrested, Faces Charges
Authorities arrested her husband, Stephen Bowen, who now faces premeditated murder and evidence-tampering charges. Investigators have identified the case as an apparent domestic violence incident.

State Honors Her Legacy
Gov. DeSantis ordered flags lowered across key government buildings in Tallahassee and Coral Springs, recognizing Metayer Bowen’s public service and the impact of her loss on the community.