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Miami Loves Teachers

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Community-Wide Initiative Launches to Champion and Retain Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Educators

Miami gives thanks to its teachers – the heart of education

August 27th, 2025

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), The Education Fund, and the 2026 Miami Host Committee together announce the launch of the Miami Loves Teachers website, a comprehensive community initiative designed to champion the more than 18,000 educators across the district. The new Miami Loves Teachers platform (https://miamilovesteachers.org/) launches as M-DCPS earns its fifth consecutive “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education thanks to the work of its dedicated educators.

“Our trajectory of excellence at Miami-Dade County Public Schools is a testament to the incredible work of our students, teachers, staff, and leaders,” said Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. “Miami Loves Teachers represents the kind of community-wide support that makes the difference in ensuring every educator has what they need to help students succeed.”

Teachers are bearing the brunt of economic challenges and strengthening their morale (which is under strain) is crucial to retaining talented educators in classrooms. Given that teachers spend their day shaping our children’s minds and futures, the Miami Loves Teachers platform provides these influential educators with resources they need to continue their vital work. 

When teachers receive recognition and resources they need, the impact is measurable: A TNTP study found that “irreplaceable” teachers who experienced multiple retention strategies, including advancement opportunities, regular performance feedback, and public recognition, planned to stay at their schools nearly twice as long as other teachers. Additionally, University of Michigan research demonstrates that funding just one classroom project boosts student achievement and reduces teacher turnover, with teachers 22% more likely to stay in their current classroom when their projects are funded.

“Educators’ experiences, insights, and needs drive Miami Loves Teachers,” said Eric Poms, Chief Executive Officer of the Orange Bowl Committee and the 2026 Miami Host Committee. “Together, we’re building the support system for Miami teachers to thrive.”

 The Education Fund Powers Miami Loves Teachers
 Superintendent Dotres selected The Education Fund to spearhead Miami Loves Teachers, recognizing the organization’s 40 years of experience helping Miami-Dade students and teachers thrive. 

“Miami Loves Teachers represents our community’s deep appreciation for the educators who shape our future,” said Linda Lecht, President of The Education Fund. “This collaborative initiative brings together major community organizations to ensure our public-school teachers have the resources, opportunities, and community recognition they deserve. We’re honored to power Miami Loves Teachers and connect our four decades of experience supporting Miami-Dade County Public Schools with this exciting new partnership.” 

 Miami Loves Teachers supports Miami-Dade County Public Schools through innovative programs that directly benefit teachers and students:

  • The Education Fund Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials: Provides free classroom supplies annually to public school teachers, with total distributions exceeding $28 million since 1993.
  • The Education Fund Teach-A-Thon: Connects business leaders directly with classrooms, raising funds for essential classroom resources while building community understanding of public education.
  • Ideas with IMPACT:  A teacher-driven professional development network where M-DCPS educators share successful classroom strategies that boost student achievement. The program provides grants to teachers for innovative classroom projects and creates a pipeline of proven teaching methods that spread throughout the district, multiplying the impact of every dollar invested in teacher excellence.
  • Enhanced Learning: Helping teachers in college and career counseling, culinary, visual arts, and STEM reach more students with enhanced learning opportunities. 

Increasing Teacher Retention Through Recognition
As part of its mission to uplift the teaching profession, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation develops targeted campaigns within host cities that are focused on celebratory programs within national championship host cities. Miami Loves Teachers includes programs such as the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Teachers of the Week, highlighting outstanding educators throughout the school year and awarding them $1,000 classroom grants. The CFP Foundation will also shine a light on the rewarding side of education by highlighting M-DCPS teachers across all grade levels and subjects, sharing innovative teaching methods and student success stories. This fall, educators, students, and community members can nominate a teacher.

“The teachers in our district are true champions for our students,” said Superintendent Dotres. “They deserve recognition not just during Teacher Appreciation Week, but throughout the year for their unwavering dedication to student success.”

Further, in collaboration with the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Tickets for Teachers initiative, Miami Loves Teachers will give M-DCPS educators exclusive and free access to premium experiences, including cultural events, professional development opportunities, networking events, and more. Local businesses are invited to join The Education Fund in providing comprehensive resources for teachers, whether in the form of grants for their classrooms, resources, professional development opportunities, morale-boosting events, and more. 

Miami-Dade County Public Schools teachers can sign up for these benefits now at https://miamilovesteachers.org/

About The Education Fund
The Education Fund brings innovative methods to local public schools, raises awareness about public education, and encourages private-sector investment. Recognized for improving student outcomes, The Education Fund has received prestigious awards, including the TD Ready Challenge, Greater Miami Chamber’s NOVO Award for Non-Profit Excellence, South Florida Business Journal’s Business of the Year, and the Blue Foundation’s Sapphire Prize among others.  In 2024-2025, the non-profit organization celebrates 40 years of student success.  

Learn more at educationfund.org. Follow on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X. 

About the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation
The CFP Foundation is the community investment arm of the College Football Playoff, supporting education across the country. The CFP Foundation’s primary cause platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and professional development. The CFP Foundation utilizes multiple partnerships to execute its initiatives and support positive educational outcomes. To learn more, visit cfp-foundation.org and follow Extra Yard for Teachers (@CFPExtraYard) on social media. 

About the 2026 Miami Host Committee  
The Host Committee for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship (2026 Miami) is a collaborative effort of the entire community, South Florida municipalities, visitors’ bureaus, the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium and led by the Orange Bowl Committee, which previously has hosted 21 college football national championships in its nine decades of existence.  The game is expected to generate tremendous economic impact and international media exposure for the region, while the Host Committee is committed to creating a significant legacy of giving back to South Florida. The 2026 Miami Host Committee Board is populated by a diverse group of South Florida leaders. The Host Committee has planned a series of community events leading up to the 2026 CFP National Championship Game on Jan. 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium. For more information on supporting the Championship effort, log on to 2026Miami.com or follow @2026MiamiHC on X and Instagram.

Events

Horrorland Scares Up a Frightfully Good Time

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Six haunted houses, sinister surprises and death-defying entertainment turn Miami’s Jungle Island into a scream-worthy playground where fear and fun collide. (more…)

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The Wharf Fort Lauderdale Is Going Full Halloween, and We Want In!

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Horror movie villains on Friday, disco skeletons on Saturday, and two nights of Halloween chaos we absolutely cannot miss.


October 14, 2026

Okay, Fort Lauderdale, Halloween weekend is looking GOOD.

The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is giving us not one, but TWO completely different Halloween parties this year, and honestly, choosing between them feels unfair. One night we’re running from horror movie villains, and the next we’re dancing under disco balls with skeletons. What more could we possibly want?

Whether you’re the type who lives for a good scare or just wants an excuse to wear something outrageous and dance all night, The Wharf has plans for you.

And yes, we’re already thinking about costumes.

Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In

Remember when horror movies were all about creepy drive-in theaters, questionable decisions, and someone inevitably running in the wrong direction?

Well, The Wharf is bringing that energy back with Slasher Drive-In, an old-school horror-inspired Halloween party that sounds equal parts terrifying and ridiculously fun.

The venue is transforming into a vintage-style drive-in movie theater, complete with a throwback concession stand serving movie-night snacks.

Cute, right?

Except there’s one tiny problem.

Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Ghostface, and Leatherface are all on the guest list.

Yes, the horror icons themselves will be roaming around the venue throughout the night, so maybe think twice before wandering off alone.

We love a good Halloween theme, but this one sounds like you’re stepping straight into your favorite slasher movie. Except instead of screaming at the characters on screen, you might actually be the one doing the screaming.

And honestly? We’re kind of into it.

Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party

Now THIS is our kind of afterlife.

On Halloween night, The Wharf is trading horror movie scares for a full-blown disco takeover with ‘Til Death Do Us Party, where Studio 54 meets the great beyond.

Think glitter, mirror balls, disco skeletons, fabulous costumes, and a dance floor that refuses to rest in peace.

It’s spooky, it’s glamorous, and it’s giving us every reason to break out the sequins.

There will also be a costume contest, plenty of photo opportunities, and a special menu of $12 Halloween cocktails, because what’s a disco in the afterlife without a little something spooky to sip?

We’re picturing outrageous outfits, sparkly accessories, and a whole lot of dancing. If you’ve been saving a dramatic Halloween look for the perfect occasion, this might be it.

And can we just appreciate a Halloween party that doesn’t make us choose between looking fabulous and embracing the spooky season?

So, Which Night Are We Going?

Here’s the thing. We genuinely cannot decide.

Friday is for horror movie lovers who want to hang out with the villains they’ve spent years being terrified of.

Saturday is for the disco queens, costume enthusiasts, and anyone who believes Halloween should involve a little glitter and a lot of dancing.

Our solution? Both. Obviously.

Halloween only comes around once a year, and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is making a pretty convincing case for clearing the entire weekend.

So call your friends, start planning those costumes, and prepare for two nights that sound way too fun to stay home for.

Because whether you’re running from Ghostface or dancing with the dead, one thing’s for sure: Fort Lauderdale isn’t going to be boring this Halloween.

The Halloween Weekend Details

Where: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In, featuring horror movie characters, drive-in theater vibes, and movie-night snacks.

Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party, featuring a Halloween disco, costume contest, photo ops, and $12 specialty cocktails.

The vibe: A little spooky, a little fabulous, and absolutely worth getting dressed up for.

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Regatta Grove Is Getting Spooky, and Fangtasia Might Be Our Favorite Halloween Plan Yet!

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Vampire vibes, waterfront cocktails, and two nights of Halloween fun on Biscayne Bay? We’re so in.


Okay, Miami, THIS is the kind of Halloween we’re talking about.

Picture this: you’re sipping a cocktail by the water, the sun is setting over Biscayne Bay, there’s a breeze coming off the water, and suddenly your favorite waterfront hangout has entered its vampire era.

Welcome to Fangtasia at Regatta Grove, where Halloween meets Miami’s favorite kind of night out.

Taking over Regatta Grove on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, Fangtasia is bringing a darker, moodier twist to the waterfront spot we already love. And honestly, vampires and cocktails by the bay? We’re listening.

There’s something about Regatta Grove that makes an ordinary night feel like a mini vacation. The waterfront views, the open air, the tropical atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you show up for a drink and somehow lose track of time.

Now imagine all of that with a spooky Halloween twist.

Fangtasia is bringing the Halloween spirit to Coconut Grove without losing the laid-back coastal charm that makes Regatta Grove so much fun in the first place.

Think mysterious waterfront vibes, wicked cocktails, and the perfect excuse to embrace your dark side for the evening.

And can we talk about how good a vampire-inspired Halloween party sounds against a Miami sunset?

We’re already obsessed with the idea.

Listen, we love a haunted house. We love a good Halloween party. But there’s something especially appealing about celebrating spooky season with a cocktail in hand and Biscayne Bay as your backdrop.

No need to choose between your favorite Miami waterfront hangout and getting into the Halloween spirit. Fangtasia is giving us both.

Whether you’re going all out with your costume or just looking for somewhere fun to spend Halloween weekend, this is the kind of plan that’s easy to get excited about.

And with two nights to choose from, there’s really no excuse not to get a little fang-tastic.

If your Halloween group chat is still full of “What are we doing?” messages, consider this your answer.

Regatta Grove is already one of those places we love finding an excuse to visit, and throwing a vampire-inspired celebration into the mix just makes it better.

Grab your favorite people, embrace the spooky season, and make your way to Coconut Grove for a Halloween weekend with a little bite.

Because really, who wouldn’t want to spend Halloween sipping cocktails by the bay?

Fangtasia at Regatta Grove

Where: Regatta Grove, Coconut Grove, Miami

When: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026

The Vibe: Moody waterfront Halloween fun, wicked cocktails, and a vampire-inspired twist on a Miami favorite.

Our take? Halloween by the water with a little vampire energy sounds like a pretty perfect night to us.

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Minnesota Renaissance Festival Gives Boredom the Axe

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Sword swallowers, royal encounters, outrageous costumes and an avalanche of jokes turn Minnesota’s sprawling Renaissance Festival into a kingdom worth getting lost in.

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Finding Finland Hidden in Plain Sight

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FinnFest USA Brings Finnish Culture, Creative Voices, Global Ideas and an Unexpected Pizza-Roll Connection into Focus in Minneapolis.

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Zéya 100k

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The Miami born app celebrated a major milestone with a seriously fun South Florida party, but 100,000 downloads are only part of what’s next.


September 26, 2026

Zéya had plenty to celebrate, and they definitely knew how to throw a party.

The Miami-born swapping app recently marked 100,000 downloads, and SFL Insider joined the celebration for a night that felt much more like a fun Miami get-together than a typical tech event.

The atmosphere was lively, social, and genuinely welcoming, which actually made a lot of sense once we learned more about what Zéya is trying to build. This isn’t supposed to be another faceless marketplace where you post something and hope a stranger buys it. Zéya wants swapping to feel social, easy and connected to your community.

And after spending the evening celebrating with the people behind it, that part of the concept clicked.

Because we all have stuff.

The dress you wore once. The bag you loved until you didn’t. The camera you were definitely going to learn how to use. The random purchase that seemed necessary at the time and has barely moved since.

Zéya’s question is pretty simple: Why keep buying more when someone nearby might want exactly what you already have?

Even better, the app is now getting ready to move beyond swapping just things.

Services are coming too.

And that could make Zéya a whole lot more interesting.

– Creative Director & Strategist: Kateryna Brovkova — @kate.directs – Event Photo & Video Coverage: Yoisker Palmi — @yoiskr7 – Zéya Team: Zéya — @zeya_app – Sounds by: Lacré Studios — @studioslacre

Swipe. Match. Swap.

The easiest way to describe Zéya is old school bartering with a very modern makeover.

You browse what’s available nearby, see something you want and connect with the person who has it.

Then you offer something of your own.

Swipe. Match. Swap.

If the values don’t quite line up, Zéya allows an optional cash top-up to help make the trade work. And now, you don’t necessarily have to swap at all.

Zéya’s new cash-only option is officially live, meaning users can purchase an item directly when they find something they want. That’s a pretty significant shift for an app that started with swapping at its core. You can still trade, add cash to balance out a swap, or now skip the trade altogether and simply buy.

In other words, Zéya is starting to look less like a traditional bartering app and more like a flexible local marketplace where you decide how you want to make the deal.

100,000 Downloads Is a Pretty Big Deal

Zéya has now officially surpassed 100,000 downloads across iOS and Android, an exciting milestone for a company that started right here in Miami.

Founder and CEO Mehdi Taifi sees that number as something bigger than just downloads.

“One hundred thousand downloads is exciting because it shows that swapping can become a real habit, not a last resort,” Taifi said.

That idea stuck with me.

We’re so used to thinking buy when we want something new. Zēya is trying to get us to think swap first.

Earlier this year, the company also closed a $2.45 million strategic growth round led by Storage Innovations LLC, helping support its next stage of development.

Judging by the energy at the celebration, Zéya certainly isn’t treating 100K like a finish line.

– Zéya Team: Zéya — @zeya_app – Founder: Mehdi Taifi — @medimeds – Event Photo & Video Coverage: Yoisker Palmi — @yoiskr7

Zēya 4.0 Makes the Whole Thing Easier

The company has also rolled out Zéya 4.0, designed to make getting from “I want that” to actually completing a swap much faster.

One of my favorite additions is the AI Listing Assistant, mostly because writing listings is probably the least exciting part of selling anything online.

Take a photo, upload it, and the app can generate the item name, description, and category in seconds.

Done.

The update also adds chat before making an offer, group chat, and a visual balance meter that makes it easier to see whether a proposed swap feels fair.

Zéya has expanded its categories too, including Baby & Toddler and Sports & Outdoors.

So that barely used handbag has value.

But so do the golf clubs in the garage.

And Now Zēya Is Moving Beyond Stuff

This might be my favorite part of what’s coming next.

Zéya is adding services.

That changes the whole idea of what you can bring to a swap.

Maybe you don’t have a designer bag to trade, but you’re an amazing photographer.

Maybe you tutor.

Maybe you’re a personal trainer, stylist, graphic designer, pet sitter or the magical person who actually knows how to organize a closet.

Your skills have value too.

The full details of how services will work are still to come, but opening Zēya to services takes it beyond simple bartering. It becomes more about exchanging value, whether that value happens to be sitting in your closet or comes from something you know how to do.

And suddenly the possibilities get much bigger.

It All Feels Very Miami

Maybe that’s another reason I enjoyed the celebration so much.

Zéya feels very Miami.

It’s social. It’s stylish. It’s a little entrepreneurial. And it revolves around discovering something you want without necessarily paying full price for it.

We can absolutely get behind that.

The party reflected that same energy. People were mingling, talking about the app and celebrating what is clearly a big moment for the team, but it never felt overly corporate or stuffy. It felt like a community celebrating something that started locally and is beginning to grow.

That seems especially fitting for a company that wants its marketplace to feel like a community too.

Swap, Don’t Shop

There is an obvious sustainability benefit to giving perfectly good things another life instead of constantly buying new ones.

But Zéya doesn’t make that feel like a lecture.

The appeal is much simpler.

You have things you don’t use. Someone else wants them. And chances are, they have something you want too.

Add AI-assisted listings, local discovery, cash top-ups, cash-only purchases, community features, and soon the ability to exchange services, and it starts looking very different from the bartering most of us remember.

Zéya’s tagline is “Swap Don’t Shop.”

After a fun night celebrating 100,000 downloads and getting a closer look at where the Miami company is headed next, we’re curious to see just how far people are willing to take that idea.

Because if swapping can be this easy and this social, maybe we really don’t need to buy everything new.

CHECK OUT ZEYA HERE 

– Zéya Team: Zéya — @zeya_app – Venue: One K — @onek_socialbar

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Little Mania Delivers Big Mayhem in Boca

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Short on rules and long on laughs, Little Mania turned Boca Black Box into an intimate collision of athleticism, comedy and crowd-fueled chaos.

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Disney On Ice: Spotlight Magic Brings Childhood Memories to Life

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Once Upon a Rink: Disney On Ice Spins Childhood Favorites into a Spectacular Night of Skating, Sparkle and Storybook Magic.

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