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Restaurant renovations, business grants & politics: The week that was in Miramar

By Edited by Mike Garbett and produced with AI assistance
Miramar resident Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick received an endorsement from reggae icon Buju Banton in the race for Florida’s 20th Congressional District seat.
Miramar resident Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick received an endorsement from reggae icon Buju Banton in the race for Florida’s 20th Congressional District seat. AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com

Miramar saw a flurry of news this week, from a long-awaited Chick-fil-A reopening to a celebrity political endorsement and details about a free July 4 fireworks show.

Missed the headlines? Here’s a roundup of the top stories from your city:

  • Restaurant reopening: The Chick-fil-A at Fountains of Miramar will reopen on Thursday, June 18, at 6:30 a.m. after nearly five months of renovations. New owner Marisa Beattie is offering a free entrée or kid’s meal to anyone who shows up dressed in cow spots on June 18.
  • Small business grants: Miramar is launching a new grant program offering up to $5,000 for local small businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Applications open June 29, and eligible businesses must have operated in Miramar for at least one year and not be part of a chain or franchise.
  • Political endorsement: Reggae artist Buju Banton endorsed Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick during a concert in Tamarac as she campaigns to reclaim her Florida 20th Congressional District seat. The Miramar resident resigned from Congress in April during an ethics probe.
  • July 4 celebration: Miramar’s free Independence Day event will honor the 250th anniversary of the United States on Saturday, July 4, at Miramar Regional Park. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9 p.m., with a kids’ zone, DJ dance party, food trucks and more.
Miramar’s free Independence Day event will honor the 250th anniversary of the United States on Saturday, July 4, with a fireworks show scheduled to start at 9 p.m.
Miramar’s free Independence Day event will honor the 250th anniversary of the United States on Saturday, July 4, with a fireworks show scheduled to start at 9 p.m. Roven Images via Unsplash
  • New bakery location: CAO Bakery is opening a new location at 12221 Taft St. in Pembroke Pines, taking over the former home of Char-Hut. Founded in 2018 by Tony Cao as an offshoot of his grandfather’s Vicky Bakery, CAO operates 22 locations across the state.
  • Theater production: Fantasy Theatre Factory will bring a reimagined “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” to the Susan B. Katz Theatre in Pembroke Pines at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • School bus cameras: The Broward County School Board approved an AI-powered camera program that will fine drivers $225 for illegally passing stopped school buses. BusPatrol estimates the program could generate between $8 million and $12 million in revenue during its first year.
  • School choice reopens: Broward County Public Schools has opened a second school choice application cycle for families interested in school reassignments, Nova schools and magnet programs with available seats. The application window remains open through July 16.
  • Free summer meals: Broward County Public Schools is offering free summer meals to students 18 and younger at 96 sites. Florida’s Summer BreakSpot program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

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.

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