Retail returns, reggae, restaurants and redistricting: Your Miramar midweek rewind

New restaurants, retail comebacks, fraud arrests and political redistricting made for a busy start to the week in and around Miramar.

Missed the headlines? Here’s a midweek roundup of top stories you might have missed:

• New breakfast spot: Keke’s Breakfast Cafe could soon open at 10800 Pines Blvd. in the former Denny’s space that closed in January, according to a recently filed food service permit application. The chain is known for its American-style breakfast and brunch plates.
• Retail comeback: Bed, Bath & Beyond products are returning through a merger with The Container Store at a nearby Pembroke Pines location, three years after BB&B’s bankruptcy. Parent company Beyond, Inc. plans to integrate BB&B goods into 98 Container Store locations nationwide by summer 2026.
• Principal departure: Miramar High Principal Winfred Porter is leaving at the end of the school year to take an executive director position in Fort Worth, Texas. During his nearly three-year tenure, Porter helped the school earn its first “A” grade in several years and reach a 95% graduation rate.
• Congressional comeback: Former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick announced that she plans to run again for Florida’s 20th Congressional District, the seat she resigned from in April amid 25 ethics violations. She faces a 2026 criminal trial in Miami over allegations she stole $5 million in FEMA funds intended for COVID-19 vaccine contracts.
• Fraud arrest: A 70-year-old Miramar resident was arrested on grand theft and fraud charges totaling more than $280,000 tied to fuel and oil deals. Police say one victim sent a $200,000 deposit for jet fuel that never shipped, while another lost $82,100 in a crude palm oil deal.
• Reggae star visit: Grammy-winning reggae artist Shaggy will debut his new album “Lottery” with a signing at VP Records on Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. Miramar is one of only two promotional stops, and Shaggy will sign the first 100 vinyl copies.
• School board OKs plan: The Broward school board approved a plan to eliminate 1,000 positions by the 2026-2027 school year as part of a broader restructuring effort tied to declining enrollment and reduced state funding. The move is expected to generate about $54 million in savings as the district continues adjusting to sustained student population losses.
• Rapper concert tour: Fort Myers native Plies is bringing his “40 & Up With A Good Job” All White Day Party to Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater on Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m. The event is for ages 21 and up, with an all-white dress code and a $200 prize for the best outfit.
• Fire rescue hiring: Miramar Fire Rescue is recruiting Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic candidates amid a statewide shortage driven by population growth, rising emergency calls and retirements. Starting salaries range from about $56,856 to more than $62,542, with an application deadline of Friday.
• Redistricting shift: Parts of Miramar have been shifted into the 26th congressional district led by Republican U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart under a new Florida map. A civil rights group filed a lawsuit alleging the map violates the Florida Fair Districts Amendment.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.