Happy Friday, Miami!

In this week’s update:

🦐 The 13th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival Is Back with Bigger Bites and Exciting New Features: The 13th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival is back with a bigger and better lineup of culinary experiences from Oct. 22 to Oct. 25. New features include a two-night dinner series, a VIP Chef Showdown, and the “SoBe Seafood Slam: Home Chef Challenge.” With over 40 top restaurants, live chef battles, and exclusive pairing dinners, the festival celebrates Miami’s vibrant seafood scene while supporting local talent and businesses.

🛤️ Miami Leaders Push Forward with the Miami Loop Trail Project: Miami leaders are taking a major step to advance the Miami Loop, a regional trail system designed to connect 223 miles of walking and biking paths across the county. With unanimous approval from the Miami City Commission, a central coordinator will oversee progress, ensuring the project moves forward efficiently and integrates vital civic spaces, parks, and greenways, ultimately transforming mobility and connectivity for Miami’s residents.

✈️ Miami International Airport Moves Forward with Key Expansion Deal: Miami International Airport officials are negotiating a crucial deal to acquire and demolish two county-owned hangars, clearing the way for a significant expansion of aircraft maintenance facilities. This move is essential for supporting the airport’s projected growth, with passenger numbers expected to rise to 77 million by 2040. The expansion is a key component of the airport’s broader $9 billion redevelopment plan aimed at boosting both passenger and cargo operations.

In case you missed it

🎥 How Miami Became Florida's ONLY World-Class City (Past vs Today)

In this video, we're taking a look at the past to see how Miami has changed in the many years since the 1980s! Who had it better?

🐙 South Beach Seafood Festival Returns for the 13th Year With the Biggest Lineup Yet

Driving the news: The South Beach Seafood Festival returns from Oct. 22 to Oct. 25 with an expanded schedule and exciting culinary experiences, including the debut of a two-night dinner series, chef competitions, and the all-new “SoBe Seafood Slam: Home Chef Challenge.” Seafood lovers are in for an unforgettable multi-day experience, complete with beachside bites, premium wines, and interactive events.

Details: This year, the festival brings fresh energy with unique new experiences. Guests can indulge in “An Evening in Miami Beach,” a series of exclusive pairing dinners hosted by top Miami Beach restaurants, including Carbone and Prime 54. A star-studded VIP Chef Showdown and live bartender challenges will get the action started, while the weekend culminates with the much-anticipated Seafood Slam, where attendees can sample seafood from over 40 local and national restaurants.

Why it matters: The festival is more than just a food event; it supports local businesses, chefs, and Miami Beach’s hospitality industry, attracting both residents and tourists. With partnerships with local culinary programs and a new home chef competition, it also highlights the talent of South Florida’s culinary community, providing an exciting opportunity for food lovers to celebrate the region’s culinary diversity.

The big picture: Recognized by USA TODAY and Forbes, the South Beach Seafood Festival has become a marquee event in Miami’s food scene. This year’s festival aims to set new benchmarks in both culinary innovation and community involvement, drawing even larger crowds and continuing its legacy of seafood excellence.

By the numbers:

• 4 days of events

• Over 40 restaurants participating

• 10 head-to-head chef battles

• Thousands of seafood lovers are expected to attend

What’s next: The festival will also introduce the first-ever “SoBe Seafood Slam: Home Chef Challenge” with local culinary enthusiasts competing live for the grand prize. In addition, the Miami Beach Senior High Culinary Program will allow students to gain real-world experience while competing in their own chef showdown.

The bottom line: The 13th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, offering guests a chance to experience Miami Beach’s finest seafood, talent, and culinary artistry. With an exciting lineup of events and new features, this year promises to be a standout celebration for locals and visitors alike.

Real Estate Insights

What to do this weekend

🌎 World Wellness Weekend

World Wellness Weekend is a global event to encourage the community to implement more wellness practices into their everyday lives.
📍 Location: Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, 6801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, September 20 · 8:30am - 12pm
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

🪘 Reggae Bash World Miami

Don't miss out on the hottest Reggae and Dancehall party of the year! Grab your tickets now and get ready for a night filled with good vibes and great music.
📍 Location: Uva Uva Wynwood, 2244 Northwest 1st Court, Miami
🗓️ Date & Time: September 20 · 11pm - September 21 · 3am
🎟️ Tickets: From $16.24
🔗 More Info

🎭 In the Heart of Miami: Iconic Soirée Des Arts

Les Ailes du Désir Foundation (LADD) proudly announces its newest production of the dazzling Soirée Des Arts.
📍 Location: Manuel Artime Theater, 900 Southwest 1st Street, Miami
🗓️ Date & Time: Sunday, September 21 · 7 - 8:30pm
🎟️ Tickets: From $12.51
🔗 More Info

I’m not here to sell you anything. But when you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help:

1. Thinking about moving to Miami?

Start with my YouTube Playlist filled with local insights, neighborhood tours, and tips to help you feel at home before you even arrive.

2. Curious what your home is worth?

Instantly get your home value estimate. No spam, no pressure. Check your home value

3. Want an honest real estate advisor in your corner?

Learn more about how I work and what to expect when we connect. Visit my website

Just here to stay connected?

You can:

☕ Support the newsletter + Buy me a cafecito

💬 Read what my clients say

📲 Follow along on Instagram + YouTube

Want to support my work for free? Engaging with my content, leaving a review, or referring someone to me goes a long way. I genuinely appreciate it!!

Have a great weekend!!

-Joe