Latest news with #Pitbull
Miami Herald
7 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Mall giant bets big on Brickell City Centre, spending half-billion on retail complex
Brickell City Centre's mall, home to the luxury stores and fine dining restaurants that have built upon the neighborhood's upscale identity, has been sold to a new owner. Swire Properties, the firm that developed Brickell City Centre, sold the mall and the parking garage under it to Simon Property Group, a company known for investing in retail complexes across the country. Business publications said that Simon paid upward of $500 million, with Bloomberg reporting a $512 million purchase price and Reuters citing a price tag of up to $548 million. For now, there's no indication that the sale will result in any major changes for shoppers. Since its completion in 2016, when rapper Pitbull cut the ribbon at Brickell City Centre's opening, the mixed-use complex has been a cornerstone of Brickell's rapid transformation. In total, the mall's four floors make up about 500,000 square feet of retail space rented out to over 90 businesses. The open-air shopping center is home to the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, Apple and Lululemon, among other various other stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. Simon owns shopping malls across the country and previously owned a 25% stake in Brickell City Centre's retail side before acquiring the rest, along with the complex's parking garages. The shopping-focused real estate firm has recently been expanding in South Florida. Just this month, Simon bought a closed Sears outlet in Palm Beach County and a JCPenney inside Kendall's Dadeland Mall. While many have already declared the death of the American mall, Simon appears to be investing all the more heavily into retail complexes. In a statement concerning the Brickell City Centre sale Friday, the company said its properties 'provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales.' Swire, a Hong Kong-based developer with a headquarters in Miami, has several other investments in the area, including two luxury towers under construction on Brickell Key. Swire indicated that proceeds from the mall's sale would go toward the financing of other development projects.
Forbes
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Nascar Prepares For Epic Crossover With The MLB Speedway Classic
Former Atlanta Brave Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper, and NASCAR drivers Chase Elliott ... More and Kevin Harvick pose for a photo during the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Announcement at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, August 9, 2024 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Randy Sartin/MLB Photos via Getty Images) Bristol Motor Speedway – one of the most well-known tracks on the Nascar circuit – will look a whole lot different come Aug. 2. The entire infield will turn into a baseball field as the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will play the MLB Speedway Classic presented by 'We're really bringing our sports together with the speed of Nascar and the speed of baseball,' Jerry Caldwell, president of Bristol Motor Speedway, said. "The deep roots of country music that was born in Bristol, Tennessee. All of these things are converging into one. When you have Tim McGraw, Pitbull and Jake Owen meeting with the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds and the deep history of Nascar, it's all taking place at Bristol Motor Speedway. 'Fan experience is really important to us. There will be a tremendous fan plaza launching before the game. As you go in, you'll be able to enjoy Tim McGraw, Pitbull, international stars, then you'll see the first Major League Baseball game inside of a racetrack.' Bristol usually hosts a pair of Nascar races, but the Speedway Motorsports-owned facility has recently gotten quite creative. In 2016, it held the Battle at Bristol NCAA game between the University of Tennessee Volunteers and the Virginia Tech Hokies, holding a record 156,990 fans. The MLB Speedway Classic, which will air on FOX, will be the first-ever MLB game played in Tennessee. The MLB Fan Zone will not only have live music, but also batting cages, food trucks, racecars to take photos with, a ferris wheel and more. Construction is shown of the ball field being constructed in the infield of Bristol Motor Speedway ... More during a Speedway Classic Open House Event at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN on June 24, 2025. (Ben Earp/Ben Earp Photography) Talks to host a baseball game at Bristol first began several years ago, around the time of the college football match. The Speedway Motorsports management team then brought in engineers to see if it's possible to turn the .5-mile racetrack into a baseball field, and then back into a racetrack. Caldwell explained that since this announcement took place, there have been an influx of companies interested in sponsorship packages with the racetrack. Several of those organizations are ones that have not purchased sponsorship packages for Nascar races and they may do so now. 'They are seeing the value of the crossover and the value of this unique event,' Caldwell said. 'Our NCAA football game is one that people still talk about and say, 'I was there' or 'I wish I was there.' This will be that type of event, and fans and companies want to be part of it.' The base for the field has already been constructed, and the grass will be delivered within a few weeks. 'I grew up playing baseball as a kid, so to go to Bristol in the spring and see the layout on the asphalt and trying to picture a baseball field on the infield at Bristol is wild,' 2023 Daytona 500 champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. said. 'For me, Bristol is by far the coolest venue we go to. The way the fans sound in that place is electric, and that's even with racecars on it. I can't imagine what it's going to be like with a baseball game. 'For us on the Nascar side, it gets the fans coming for the baseball game excited to come see a race at Bristol. As a racer, I would tell any fan to come see an event at Bristol.' Bristol will have just over a month to reconstruct its infield ahead of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, which is the Cup Series regular season finale on Sept. 13. Not only will the grass need to be removed from the infield, but portions of the pit wall and the Goodyear Tire Building will need to be reconstructed. 'We're marrying these two fan bases together,' Caldwell concluded.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'I've worked with dogs for 10 years and these are the only breeds I would own'
A vet with 10 years of experience has shared the nine dog breeds she would welcome into her home with open arms after working with countless breeds throughout her career An experienced vet with a decade of working with different dog breeds has taken to social media to share the breeds she would happily have in her home. Saddy the animal expert shared a list of nine breeds she believes would be ideal companions for most prospective pet owners. In her insightful clip, Saddy expressed: "We see lots of posts about breeds vet professionals wouldn't own, and while I agree with the majority of them, I feel like it's time to see the opposite of the narrative! All breeds have their unique personalities and health issues, but that shouldn't be the end all, be all. "Again, this is personal preference based on personal experience and others don't have to agree." Pitbull terrier or bully mix Speaking of the Pitbull terrier or bully mix, Saddy suggested that owning one offers "scary dog privilege" alluding to the sense of security people feel when walking these dogs at night. She elaborated: "They're a favourite among most vet staff for a reason." Greyhound Greyhounds often end up abandoned or in rescue shelters when their racing career comes to an end, which is usually around the age of three and five. Saddy mentioned that despite their need for regular runs, they are often quite lazy once they've released their pent-up energy. She said: "They're gentle and sweet-natured. They look like they've been squished hot dog style. They're on the quieter side and great for introverts." Collie Saddy added that while collies are energetic, they're said to make great pets to all types of owners. She noted: "They're pretty boys (and girls), part of the Fab Four, even tempered, intelligent and loyal." The 'fab four' refers to the four dog breeds often utilised for work - Labradors, collies, golden retrievers and poodles. She further commented on the cuteness of their ears, which some have likened to bears. Borzoi It's not often you see a Borzoi. The large Russian breed, also known as Russian Hunting Sighthound, have been described as having a "noodle face" due to their long noses. Saddy stated: "They're actual royalty. Very fun and silly personalities. Loyal to their people. Unique breed." Golden Retriever Among the breeds she recommends, Saddy includes the golden retriever, describing them as "the definition of man's best friend" and assuring potential owners that they "can't go wrong" with these pets. The vet explained further: "They're an extremely versatile breed, eager to please and have the best smooch faces." Boxer Boxers were described by Saddy as "some of the happiest dogs alive", with many showing their excitement with a "wiggle butt." She said: "They're everyone's best friend. Active and young at heart. The goofiest of goobers." Australian shepherd The Australian shepherd has plenty of good qualities. Saddy said: "They're fluffy wiggle butts, bright and alert, very versatile." A lot of Australian shepherd owners refer to their pets as 'Aussholes" but when they're bred and trained correctly, they can make great companions. Irish Setter However, she believes these dogs are frequently underrated due to their significant grooming needs and a broad lack of public understanding about them. Irish wolfhound She said: "They're big couch potatoes, vigilant and loyal." She added that there's no cause for concern with them around, as their formidable size deters anyone from causing trouble.
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Alexa+ reviewer pans new AI: ‘If this is Amazon's version of intelligent, I'm low-key scared for the future'
Announced back in April, Alexa+ looked to be one of the biggest developments in the AI assistant world. Amazon claimed it would be a whole new experience, assisting the whole family with everything from planning the week to buying tickets for gigs. Well, now Alexa+ is beginning its rollout. Reviewers are getting their hands on the new experience, and they have some mixed feelings about it. While we will be giving the service a full run-down in the near future, for now, let's see what people are saying about the latest AI service to see a public release. Opening up an article and seeing the phrase 'Alexa has become a glorified timer for many people, and its AI glow-up has not helped' is probably not the best start for Alexa+. The Street, a financial and tech news website, wasn't just unsure in their early experiences of using the new system, but seemingly in complete disappointment with it. 'Responses took longer, she got confused more easily, and at one point she responded to a weather question by playing a Pitbull song,' Cody Kline, the author of the article, wrote. 'If this is Amazon's version of 'intelligent,' I'm low-key scared for the future.' Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. As Kline goes on to point out, Alexa+ is still in its trial phase, and, in theory, most of these problems will go away in the future. But, it's not exactly a good start! A less brutal review from Wirecutter, but definitely mixed in its feedback. Kathryn Rath, the author of the article, talks through the improvements to Alexa's conversational skills, something that was altogether lacking before. 'My conversations with my upgraded Echo Show 8 have been longer than in the past, more layered with back-and-forth banter, and far more involved. Interactions have ranged from basic informational queries, such as for the weather and restaurant info, to nonsensical meme-fodder,' she said. 'For kicks, I asked how many rocks I could eat in a day, and Alexa+ helpfully informed me that eating rocks is bad. I also attempted to trick Alexa+ into believing that two plus two equals five, but it would not be swayed.' Rath also notes that there have been considerable improvements in the speaker's ability to pull on previous conversations, a feature that Amazon touted in its announcement of the tech. She goes on to praise the improvements across the board, showing Alexa has improved in its situational awareness and understanding of more complex requests. However, for a lot of people, the growth of a personality will be more annoying than beneficial. Alexa+ was previously, let's be honest, not exactly the smartest of smart assistants. Now, she can sass you and attempt to understand the emotion behind a request. 'My partner asked if Alexa+ could find 'mediocre recipes' for an 'average dinner.' Alexa+ picked up on his sarcasm and sassed him back, using phrases like 'recipes that are the beige wallpaper of the food world,' Rath said. 'In the moment we laughed, but as I've sat with the experience, I've come to find it increasingly unsettling.' One positive review and one negative, so what's up next? Our sister site TechRadar has spent a week with the device and has mixed opinions. 'It's far more conversational, willing to endlessly chat in its default, more natural, dulcet tones. It's jokey but full of useful information, and probably remembers more of what you tell it about yourself than your best friend,' Lance Ulanoff, TechRadar's Editor at Large, wrote. However, like many of the other reviews of Alexa+, the article goes on to point out that this is early days and that Alexa+ still has a long way to go before it is here in its official form. In his week using the device, Ulanoff used the improved version of Alexa to play generative games, analyse his smart home, and get smarter analysis of the news. Across the seven days, his review is essentially that this is a mixed yet very promising offer from Alexa — a hopeful take for those excited for what is to come. The Amazon Echo community on Reddit was quick to jump on this one, diving into conversations on the experience of Alexa+. 'I have Prime and upgraded. To be honest, I'm very unhappy with it. The conversation is great, it's much more natural and I can carry on without waking it again. However, many of the functions the old Alexa had are gone now,' said one user, beckerj99. To be honest, I'm very unhappy with it. The conversation is great, it's much more natural and I can carry on without waking it again. However, many of the functions the old Alexa had are gone now 'I used to be able to tell my Alexa to turn on the fan for 2 hours, and it would. Now it doesn't understand that. I had to make a routine to turn on my fan for 2 hours. Also, it doesn't seem to understand how to shuffle my playlists. I ask it to shuffle ,and it just plays from the beginning, no matter how many times I ask it.' Other users joined in with the criticism. With another user describing her voice as 'super creepy to me,' and that they are using it less and less. In fact, of the Reddit users on this thread, very few were positive about the experience that they had since upgrading. So, it's a bit of a cloudy picture right now. Sure, Alexa+ is delivering on some of its promises. It is more conversational and seems to work more efficiently than its predecessor. However, there is still a long way to go until it is a fully functioning system. In fact, based on the opinions of those on Reddit and The Street, it could just be a flop, even with more time. Hopefully with more time in development, this can become everything Amazon originally promised and more.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
With few details, Miami is in an unnecessary rush to give away historic theater
When we say the city of Miami is suddenly in a hurry to turn over the historic Olympia Theater in downtown, we're sure officials will push back and say they have been in negotiations with a charter-school operator for some time. But the news that commissioners could be approving a resolution as early as Thursday to proceed with the 'transfer' of the Flagler Street building was thrown at Miami residents with one day's notice. The 1926 building features an elaborate theater in classic 1920s style, with a soaring ceiling replicating a night sky with twinkling stars and passing clouds. It started as a silent movie theater and later hosted stars such as Elvis Presley. It's one of a kind. We're not the only ones flabbergasted by the proposed deal, which would allow the city to wash its hand of an asset that's expensive to maintain but is also an irreplaceable gem that represents our history. Historic preservationists are also asking the commission to spend more time evaluating the plan, which has not been publicly vetted or discussed, the Herald reported. No formal details about the agreement or an appraisal of the building have been released. And yet, despite all of those uncertainties, the Miami City Commission is set to vote on a resolution on Thursday's agenda that would allow the city manager to 'negotiate and execute' a purchase and sale agreement for the theater with Sports Leadership, Arts and Management Inc., or SLAM Academy, the charter-school system founded by Miami-born rapper Pitbull. SLAM is a nonprofit but it is managed by Academica, a for-profit charter-school operator with deep political ties to Florida politicians, having employed some of them in the past. It's impossible not to wonder whether politics played a role in the negotiations with the city and the unseemly rush to hand over the theater. The theater would be be used for educational programs for the downtown public charter school Miami Tech at Mater Innovation Academy, which would be renamed the 'Miami Innovation & Arts Academy.' The resolution also states that the negotiating parties 'anticipate' it would be used for cultural programming by Miami-Dade College, such as the Miami Film Festival and Miami Book Fair. The college is a partner in the charter school. The new owners would be required to make 'all necessary interior and exterior repairs to the Property in order to bring it into' code compliance and historic preservation standards within five years. Miami has a long history of undervaluing assets and mismanaging them, and the Olympia Theater is no exception. The venue has been mostly closed for the past five years, with some exceptions, WLRN reported. In 2018, the property was issued a demolition notice by the city's own building department. The following year, the heirs of late philanthropist Maurice Gusman, who gave the theater to the Miami Parking Authority in 1975, sued Miami to take back control of the venue. The family told the Herald back then it wanted to restore and maintain the theater, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Repairing the facility could cost as much as $40 million by some estimates, the Herald reported. The city hopes the new agreement with SLAM will prompt the Gusman family to drop the lawsuit: Problem solved — for the city government. But is using facility for 'public education purposes,' as specified in the resolution, the best idea for Miami residents and downtown businesses who would benefit from a revitalized theater? Is this another case of Miami letting its public assets deteriorate to such a level that we're forced to sell it off? It's hard to answer these questions in a matter of hours before the City Commission meets on Thursday. The commission must defer the resolution to a later date, which Commissioner Damian Pardo told the Herald Editorial Board on Wednesday he expects to happen. The Dade Heritage Trust has also requested the deferral of the agenda item. 'This is not a decision that should be rushed and voted on without a timeline and proper requirements in place,' Christine Rupp, executive director of the Trust, wrote in a statement. She said the theater is 'primarily a cultural facility' rather than an educational one, which is what the city and SLAM envision, and said commissioners should defer the decision to give everyone more time to understand the impacts. 'The deferral is requested to allow for public input and professional opinions...' We agree. The worst thing the commission could do is rush to vote on the resolution without a lot of details and worry about what goes into the negotiated contract with SLAM later. At that point, they would be under increased pressure to approve the agreement before the school year starts. At the very least, there needs to be an assurance from SLAM that the Olympia will remain a public space, open regularly for performances and other cultural events — and not just a couple of times a year. Miami wants to be seen as a mature, world-class city; one way to do that is to offer cultural facilities steeped in history. The mismanagement of public assets doesn't have to be the norm. Miami should find a way to preserve the Olympia Theater for the entire community. Click here to send the letter.
