Alligator Alcatraz: Kona Ice, restaurants clarify after their trucks are seen at facility
"The event was booked through an unknown agency, and the franchisee was unaware of the facility's nature or its association with politically sensitive issues," Kona wrote on Instagram.
"We deeply regret the impression our involvement may have given and the pain it has caused within our community," said Elote Lovers, a Mexican restaurant in Homestead, in a statement on Instagram.
Kona Ice and Elote Lovers were two of four food trucks seen entering the facility in the Everglades in Miami-Dade County on a TikTok posted on July 2. The video, which now has over 3.7 million views, shows food trucks named Kona Ice, Elote Lovers, Churromania and Ms. Cheezius driving into the gate at the Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport.
"They love our food but hate our people," wrote TikTok user osozalez.
In a statement on Instagram, Ms. Cheezius said the food truck was approached by a disaster response company to help provide meals for active service members who were working at Alligator Alcatraz.
Watch as first immigrants arrive at Alligator Alcatraz
"Contrary to misleading online narratives, our presence was not part of any celebration or grand opening, and we are not engaged in ongoing services there," the statement says.
Kona Ice also released a statement and clarified that each Kona Ice truck is locally owned and operated.
"Our brand exists to bring a moment of happiness to communities through our shaved ice experience – and we recognize the importance of ensuring that mission is never misinterpreted," the statement says.
Restaurant said providing food was not an endorsement
On Elote Lovers' website, the restaurant said that they started as a family-run food truck in 2011 but expanded in 2019.
"What started as a small family venture has grown into a place where tradition meets innovation," the website said. "From our classic Mexican-style elotes to our loaded Crunchwraps, unique street eats, and Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, every bite is crafted with love, quality ingredients, and a little bit of heat!"
The restaurant said providing food for Alligator Alcatraz was not an endorsement of the facility, which opened July 1 with a highly-publicized visit from President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Both toured the facility with Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, who boasted about the state's quick efforts to set up the immigration processing center in eight days.
The state plans to hold 3,000 detained immigrants at the Everglades detention center for future removal to their countries of origin. It's been heavily criticized, with opponents arguing it will harm the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades, is inhumane to detainees and the facility will waste taxpayer dollars.
DeSantis described these sites as a "one-stop shop" for deportation.
Questions for comment from Churromania are pending.
"We do not support, condone, or align ourselves with any form of oppression, abuse, of injustice," Elote Lovers said. "We never have and we never will."
Ana Goñi-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network – Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.
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Miami Herald
35 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Didn't make it to Fiesta San Antonio? Happily, the vibe stays alive year-round
On my last night in San Antonio, I sat on the banks of the river and watched a flotilla of colorfully decorated boats glide past. Those on the boats waved, blew kisses to the crowd and swayed to the sound of mariachi music. I was at the Texas Cavalier River Parade, an integral part of Fiesta San Antonio since 1941, and inspired by the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco in Mexico City. On this night, Mexico's capital city and the one-time capital of Mexican Texas were connected by a cultural thread. Every April, the city pays tribute to its Mexican heritage with a 10-day calendar of events that serves up the essence of fiesta. With more than 100 enticing options to choose from, one might not know where to start. Will it be the oldest event (1891) honoring heroes of the Alamo and Texas independence? At the Battle of Flowers Parade, the route passes the Alamo where riders often halt the floats to hop off and place a yellow rose on the Alamo Cenotaph. Will it be a charreada (Mexican-style rodeo) at Rancho del Charro or a Chili Queen Cook-off in downtown San Antonio? Or maybe "A Night in Old San Antonio," a four-night festival within a festival held in La Villita's historic squares to honor not just the city's Mexican heritage, but that of all the ethnic groups that have left their mark on San Antonio? And surely it must be the Flambeau Parade, the signature event that has become America's largest illuminated night parade. Some 200 illuminated entries – from floats to equestrian units – light up a 2.6-mile route through the downtown area. If all of this has you excited, it's not too early to start making your plans for next year's Fiesta San Antonio (April 16-26, 2026). But if you just can't wait that long, here's some good news – in San Antonio, it's always fiesta. The world-renowned Riverwalk probably needs no introduction. Here, along two levels of landscaped walkways on the San Antonio River, visitors can take narrated boat cruises that glide under canopies of cypress, cottonwood and oak trees and beneath elaborate stone bridges. A fiesta attitude prevails year round at Riverwalk restaurants such as the Iron Cactus (their menu of more than 100 premium tequilas aids in the frivolity) and Little Rhein Prost Haus, a German contribution to the Riverwalk dining scene. Its literal translation "cheers in the house" ensures a perpetual fiesta. As does the Arneson River Theater, the outdoor performance venue at the entrance to La Villita where the audience sits across the river from the stage while entertained by musical performances from opera to flamenco throughout the year. A food fiesta This year marked the arrival of the Michelin Guide to Texas, with 12 San Antonio restaurants receiving recognition, and one Mixtli, a trailblazing Southtown establishment serving modern Mexican cuisine, earning a coveted star. But even before that, a food fiesta had been in full swing. Another Southtown favorite is Casa Hernan, where owner/chef Johnny Hernandez has turned his former hacienda into an upscale cantina decorated with finds from the art and culture rich states of Mexico. Just cross over the impressive koi pond into an atmosphere of continuous fiesta, largely due to the genuine hospitality of Hernandez, but also to the impressive selection of hand-crafted cocktails, agave spirits and local beers and small plates such as flautas de pollo (stone ground corn tortillas, chicken, cream, guacamole and salsas.) If Southtown is up-and-coming in the food fiesta scene, the Pearl District is ground zero. Where the Pearl Brewery once stood, a dining and entertainment zone has flourished, anchored by the third branch of the Culinary Institute of America (pop in for a tour or sign up for a cooking class). Hotel Emma and its restaurant, Supper, have become well-known in the culinary world, so even if you can't snag a dinner res, stop in for an elevated take on a western saloon at Sternewirth, the hotel's popular bar. But be forewarned – some nights you might have to queue for a table there as well. But it's worth the wait. My favorite Pearl District eatery has become Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, a stylish spot serving French comfort food. Grab an outdoor table, and you'll swear you're in Montmartre (although with a higher heat index), whereas inside has a distinctly New Orleans feel. Inside or outside, the atmosphere is always vibrant, and the food is a fiesta for the tastebuds. A recent launch, L'apero Canapes and Petits Four menu, features dishes such as blue crab fritters with lobster aioli; lobster vol au vent (lobster, cognac and cream in a flaky pastry); steak on pave (prime steak on crispy potato with Bearnaise); Pissaladiere (a Nice-style tart with onion, anchovy and mixed olives) and Choux Chantilly (puff pastry with Tahitian vanilla cream) – all accompanied, if you are in a festive mood (and of course you are) with copious amounts of champagne. New hotel with a fiesta flavor San Antonio has no dearth of great hotels, both historic and trendy. But on this visit, I stayed at one of the city's newest properties, the Kimpton Santo on the Riverwalk. Full disclosure: I am not usually enamored with new properties that seem to try too hard to come off as hip and cool. But from the moment I checked into the Kimpton Santo and was handed coins to redeem for drinks in the bar, I felt that no one was trying to be anything but friendly and welcoming in true Texas style. The architecture is stunning (the swimming pool outside of the rooftop cocktail bar has incomparable views of the city); the staff is one of the friendliest I have ever encountered, and Dean's Steak & Seafood offers the best in prime Texas beef and seafood dishes from chilled Alaskan king crab to whole Dover sole with lemon, brown butter and capers. If the weather isn't too torrid, opt for a table in the courtyard and have your dinner in the shade of a 100-year-old live oak just across from hotel rooms that were once a part of a German-American schoolhouse predating the Civil War. With design elements that feature natural woods, terracotta, woven textiles and Tejano pottery, the Kimpton Santo strives to create an authentic experience that celebrates the city. And after all, isn't that what fiesta is all about? _______ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Buzz Feed
6 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Your Cat Will Love These 27 Chewy Products
A Tudor-style cat house, which, TBH, may be more for you than for them. Other than being an ADORABLE addition to your home, this cat house is made from scratch-worthy cardboard, and even has a hideout hole so that they can ~chill~ in their new digs. Promising review: "This was a hit! I hear scratching from inside instead of scratching on my sofa. Our cat loves to hide out in here, and he's pretty finicky. Apparently, he just loves owning his own real estate. We purchased a second one for our other cats." —NadinePrice: $19.99 A sliding sushi-themed puzzle is perfect for cats who can't stop meowing for food, even if you just fed them. This toy helps them "hunt" for treats by shifting the sushi-shaped puzzle pieces and revealing the treats hidden underneath. Promising review: "My little gremlin kitty loves to get into things he isn't supposed to, so it's been great to have something he is supposed to mess with. It took him a moment to figure it out but now I have to find ways to make it increasingly difficult for him. Great first puzzle for inquisitive kitties." —KeliaPrice: $16.95 A pair of cat nail covers because your furniture's worst enemy might just be your best friend's claws. This also helps minimize scratches from new kittens who still can't see the difference between your arm and a scratching post. A self-grooming/scratcher cat toy for the feline who cannot get enough of those precious cheek scratches. Plus, its low placement makes it easy for your cat to brush by whenever they're roaming past. Promising review: "I was looking for some products for my 18-year-old kitty. She goes wild over getting her head scratched. I wasn't sure if she would like this product, but she absolutely loves it! Even my hairless cat loves to scratch his face and back with it. Great product for a decent price." —CindyPrice: $10.92 A round warming cat bed to provide your cat with a comfortable place to lounge. This bed is perfect for those with cats who sleep only in the places most inconvenient to you, like right on your pillow. Promising review: "I thought this was going to be too small for my kinda chonky boy, but he manages to make himself fit just he has been obsessed with it since it arrived!" —ZeusPrice: $10.99 (available in three colors) Or if your cat already has a favorite spot to lounge, add a self-warming mat that'll line the surface. This way, they can relax in a familiar place with the added bonus of a heating pad, and you can enjoy not having an ever-present clump of cat hair on whichever furniture they sleep the most. Promising review: "I wish I had found this product sooner. I take care of five feral cats who have access to my garage overnight. They eat, sleep, and play. I have a couple of pedestal cat beds and several areas with blankets/beds. I live in central Florida, so we don't have severe cold weather here, but we do have some cold nights when I would like the outside cats to feel some warmth. I researched beds that need to be plugged in, but I don't think that's safe unsupervised. I came across this bed, and I think it's brilliant. I bought a few different sizes, and they love them. I'm happy, and they are keeping warm. I have since bought one for my inside cat and gifted one as well. My cat and the other cat use it often as well. The price is fair, and I will purchase again in the future." —LauraPrice: $11.99+ (available in two colors) An interactive roller cat toy because playing isn't just for kittens! Playtime is vital to ensuring that your cat can maintain their physical health and mental awareness throughout their life. I have this toy, and my two cats play with it for hours on end. Promising review: "I couldn't even finish putting this together before Button started playing with it. I put it out as a distraction so she would quit climbing the walls (literally), and so far, it's working. She loves her cat dancer, so I hope she'll also start playing with the little butterfly on top. It comes with a replacement butterfly too, which is a thoughtful inclusion." —ButtonMamaPrice: $10.99 (available in blue or pink) A bag of Blue Buffalo high protein adult cat food for your fur baby who needs all the energy they can get for long days ahead. This formula is high in protein, making it ideal for cats who enjoy frequent expeditions (aka, playtime in the living room or yard). Promising review: "We tried this on our vet's recommendation, and when we got it in and fed it to them, we found that our two senior cats LOVE this! We'll get more in the future!" —JimMPrice: $22.98+ (available in eight sizes and three flavors) A flea and tick collar, because your indoor/outdoor cat wants to roam free in the yard without worrying about becoming itchy later! This one collar lasts for about eight months, which means no more having to pin down your feisty cat each month for their flea meds. Promising review: "The collars worked fantastically for my cats, and our flea problem was absolutely [resolved] in a preferred timeframe. No chemical burns were left behind, and the cats didn't mind them being on either." —DesPrice: $50.98+ (available in sets of one or two) A set of foldable pet stairs for four-legged friends who might have mobility issues preventing them from jumping onto high surfaces. These stairs support up to 150 pounds, so you can rest assured that your kitty *will* be able to climb into bed or onto the couch with you for cuddle sessions every night. A Feline Greenies Pill Pocket that's like a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. Simply hide the pill inside the treat, press the treat to mold it around the pill, and watch your cat enjoy. Promising review: "Our cat is on a daily medication, and it is very challenging to pop it in his mouth and get him to swallow without getting bit or scratched in the process. He takes his pills easily using the pill pocket. He just thinks it's a treat, and there's no problem getting it down. Less trauma for cat and owner alike!" —Loosescrew21Price: $6.48+ for a 45-pack (available in two sizes and three flavors) A 50-pack of Churu lickable treats, which seemingly every cat can't get enough of, whether they're picky eaters or not. Personally, it's the only way I can give my finicky cat her daily medication. (I place the pill into an empty gelatin capsule and hide it inside the treat.) If you're not giving meds to your feline, though, they'll love this as a daily treat between meals! One TikToker had the genius idea of freezing these treats! Will be trying this tonight for my other cat, who scarves this treat down in review: "My cat loves these. I always give her a lick treat loosely mixed with some pumpkin broth and water as a bedtime snack/extra hydration for the day. I think we both look forward to that bonding time each night. :) The ingredients are also great compared to others." —LilyPrice: $18.99+ (available in six sizes and two flavor combos) A window hammock for your cat whose favorite form of entertainment is watching the birds fly by. Your cat can enjoy a nice view whenever while getting into this hammock's scratch pad function! A catnip spray so you can say "ta-ta!" to having to clean up little crumbs of catnip whenever your cat wants to play. This is also a great spray for getting cats to use new beds or cat trees! Promising review: "My cats had lost interest in playing with their toys and using their scratching posts. Once I misted these items with SmartyKat Catnip Mist, it was just like they were kittens again, playing, running, jumping, and using the scratching posts again for hours! Thank you for a great product!" —FrancinePrice: $1.82+ (available in three sizes) An indoor cat treat that's packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that'll help nourish your cat as they snack away! Your cat will likely love this treat because of its creamy center and a crunchy outside — YOU will likely love this treat because it boasts helping with healthy digestion, strong muscles, and even hairball relief! Promising review: "My cat is a bit picky with food or treats in general, so I was very excited about his reaction to these. He loves them! Now, he gets excited every time he hears a crinkling bag since he thinks he's getting one of these treats. And I like that they are small too." —TreatsPrice: $3.29+ (available in three sizes and in chicken or tuna) A self-cleaning brush with retractable teeth that makes post-brushing cleanup so easy, you'll wish you purchased it sooner. And since it's designed to be pain-free, your cat will be thankful for it, too. Promising review: "Really solid brush, gets a lot of fur out and they like the feel of it. Easy to get the hair out of the brush with the self-cleaning function." —emmaPrice: $16.99 A cuddle cave that will make your cat say me-owwwww. If your cat always chills in enclosed spaces, this super-plush bed gives them the coziness, warmth, and plushy support they crave during cat naps. Promising review: "Years ago, I got one of these. My cats loved it enough that one day, I discovered all three of them stuffed inside, much to everyone's chagrin. So I got a second one, hoping they'd trade out. The two youngest have gotten bigger since, and they could (even somewhat unreasonably) fit inside a single pod together, and then I got a fourth cat. Lately, I'm noticing that the third and fourth cats on the scene are often looking forlornly at the occupied pods, so I've finally given in and purchased enough that every cat can have their own at all times, plus an extra for when one finally fails because despite several machine washings, neither one is showing any wear yet!" —ReneePrice: $36.44+ (available in three colors) A cat scratcher bowl because if you think you have enough cat scratching posts, you probably can stand to have one or two more in your space. This doubles as a bed for your cat, so they can play and nap in one space! Promising review: "My momma cat and her three kittens love to snuggle on this. I bought two sizes. The larger seems their new favorite place — even though there are beds, caves, and condos all over the house. The medium size gets played on and scratched. Very pleased with these purchases because the cats like them!" —NancyPrice: $37.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors) An activity playmat with hide-y holes and a felt texture that your cat will surely love playing (or lounging) in! It's also totally machine washable, which is all anyone wants to hear in regards to a fabric that their cat will play with. Promising review: "This is our second one because the first was so well-loved and used, it eventually lost its stiffness. But it lasted years — we bought it in November 2022, and it's now April 2025! They play in it, on it, sleep in it, and get excited every time I rearrange it. They seriously LOVE it. Our littlest one especially enjoys hiding inside. Once I set up the new one, I decided to keep the old one too — it now extends the play area and sits underneath. I cleaned the top of the old one, so it's not pictured here, but if you look closely, you might spot our tiny one peeking out!" —RobynPrice: $46 (available in two colors) A raised cat food bowl because raised bowls provide your cat with a better eating posture, making digestion way easier! My cat has a glowing panel whenever I take her to the vet — but! She has a super sensitive stomach that makes it hard for her to keep food down. When I introduced a raised food bowl into her routine, her accidents significantly decreased!Promising review: "The regular size is perfect for my cat. The pattern is colorful and pretty. My cat eats so much better from this dish, and they don't throw up after eating anymore. There is something to raise dishes for eating! My order arrived a couple of days after ordering. So fast and unexpected!!" —GingerPrice: $17.40+ (available in two sizes and four designs) A fuzzy cat tree so that your cat has something other than your couch to scratch during their free time. This tree's elevated bed is the perfect place for their cute lil' cat naps. Promising review: "I got this for my office, to dissuade my cats from sitting on my keyboard (lol). Two of my cats absolutely LOVE it — one is 8 lbs and the other is 17lbs. The big boy is a snug fit, admittedly, but he DOES fit. :) It holds up to being scratched from underneath AND to both cats hopping up into the bed. No wobbling! Highly recommend." —AlaynaPrice: $44.99 (available in two colors) Or a multi-level cat tree if you really want to go all out (and have the space to do so)! This tree has a few beds, a hammock, and different scratch surfaces to entertain your cat in peace. Promising review: "The product was just as the website described. It was easy to put together with the directions provided. It is sturdy, seems durable, and my two newly adopted kittens love it! I would purchase this again!" —JuliePrice: $79.99+ (available in five colors) A smart cat feeder is perfect for the felines in your life who never seem to stop meowing for food. This will ensure that your cat does not overeat — or undereat if you, by chance, forget that it's dinnertime for them; you can schedule when it releases food! What's more, these feeders only open for the cat you assign to it — for owners of several cats, this means that your one cat who can devour everything won't be able to get into your other cats' food! Promising review: "We bought this about nine months ago for our older cat who was losing weight. She wasn't able to eat fast enough to avoid having her food stolen by the other cats. This has changed her entire life. She gets enough food now, has gained back a decent amount of weight, and looks so much healthier. We can see how much she's eating in the app, so we can tell if something is wrong. Absolutely love it and will be buying another for our other cat who needs to go on special food." —BridgetPrice: $149.99 A pack of felt wool ball toys that are super bouncy and fuzzy, which is basically all your cat wants out of a toy. I have these, and my two cats go wild, chasing and clawing at these whenever I whip them out. Promising review: "The mischievous little one-eyed scamp that lives in my house is OBSESSED with these balls. They're very bouncy. She's gotten good at using her claws to almost juggle the ball around the carpet!" —SusyPrice: $9.99 for a six-pack A self-cleaning litter box, because, sometimes, maintaining a litter box can feel like no amount of scooping will get it fully clean for more than 15 minutes. This litter box automatically scoops clumps for you so that your cat (and you) can enjoy fresh-smelling litter every day. Promising review: "This was expensive but completely worth it. I love how easy it is to set up. You simply take it out of the box, plug it in, add litter and a liner, and you are good to go. I also love the app and all the data I get about my cats. I like that I can remotely control the Litter Robot, too. I also like how easy it is to clean. You can remove the inner part completely and wash it with soap and water. Most importantly, the cats always have a clean bed of litter every time they go potty. If you hate scooping the litter box, hate having smells, or just hate dealing with a litter box, this is a must-buy." —LizPrice: $699 (available in two colors) A pack of freeze-dried raw minnows treats that'll give your kitty a yummy, high-protein snack between meals! Think of this as your cat's version of hors d'oeuvres before their main course. Promising review: "My cats love these, if they don't want to come inside, I just ask them if they want minnows and they come running. Whenever I walk toward the bedroom, they sprint to their treat spots and yell at me to give them some minnows. They can't get enough." —RobinPrice: $7+ (available in eight sizes) And a Catit flower water fountain since some cats enjoy running water as opposed to water that sits still in a bowl. This fountain filters water to ensure that your cat has a crisp and clean drink at all times. Promising review: "Our cat is a freshwater kitty and loves this fountain! It took her about a day to get used to it. It has three different flow settings, and one of them is like a standard bowl of water. She prefers the full flower setup setting, as she was used to drinking from the faucet, and this trickles water over the flower to mimic that. It's easy to assemble and clean. We use purified water, so we don't have to worry about calcium build-up ruining the pump. Overall, very satisfied with this product!" —Happy CustomerPrice: $32.99+ (available in two styles)
Business Journals
21 hours ago
- Business Journals
$7.4M mansion with waterfront views on 3 sides is Houston area's priciest sale of the week (PHOTOS)
This European-style mansion on a peninsula in Sugar Land offers several amenities, including two game rooms, wet bars and a media room. Take a look inside.
