Joe Martinez says he’ll challenge Joe Garcia

Joe Martinez, the former Miami-Dade Commission chairman who lost his bid to become county mayor last year, said Friday that he intends to run against U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia in 2014.“I’m meeting with different people and feeling them out, seeing what the level of support will be there,” Martinez told The Miami Herald shortly after announcing his intentions on Facebook. He wants...

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Oscars Flashback: Drew Barrymore 1983

Considering that Drew Barrymore turns 38 today, it's fascinating to think that she attended her first Oscars thirty years ago. At the 1983 Oscars, the charming, young actress is adorable as ever as she is interviewed on the red carpet.Although she had won a Young Artist Award for best actress for her performance in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Barrymore didn't receive a nomination for an individual...

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Pistorius cries as he’s hit with gal-pal slay rap

“Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius bawled his eyes out yesterday in a South Africa courtroom, where he appeared on murder charges for allegedly gunning down his terrified gal pal through a locked bathroom door. Pistorius, 26, “repeatedly and intentionally” shot cover-girl model Reeva Steenkamp, 29, as she cowered in fear from the Olympic star, according...

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Sign up for Feb. 21 Miami Herald Small Business Forum

Prepare your best pitch for the Miami Herald’s Small Business Forum, Feb. 21 at the south campus of our sponsor, Florida International University.In addition to how-to panels and inspirational stories from successful entrepreneurs, our annual small business forum will include interactive opportunities with experts to learn about financing options and polish your personal...

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Little Havana families stuck in crumbling condos

The owners of condominiums in the Havana Palms complex in Little Havana feel as if they are living aboard the Titanic. Everything is sinking.“We’re afraid to walk in our own living rooms, to step into the bathroom, to gain weight, because our floors sink deeper every day,” said Mario Pineda, 53.At the peak of the real estate bubble, between 2006 and 2009, about 20 neighbors...

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Australian Actress Maia Mitchell's American TV Debut on 'Jessie'

Maia Mitchell has been starring in television series in her native Australia since 2006 but hasn't appeared on an American TV show until today! ETonline has your sneak peek at the popular Australian actress' U.S. TV debut on Jessie.In her very first appearance on a U.S. TV series, Mitchell plays Australian actress "Shaylee Michaels" for whom the show's principal character, "Jessie" (Debby Ryan), plays...

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Burger King's fourth-quarter results top analysts' estimates

MIAMI — Burger King's fourth-quarter net income nearly doubled thanks in part to lower expenses and strengthening results in the US and Canada.The hamburger chain's adjusted earnings and revenue topped Wall Street's expectations. Shares climbed more than 3 percent in premarket trading on Friday.3G Capital, the private investment firm that owns a majority...

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In Key West, women earn more than men

Key West is one of just four cities in the United States where the median income for women exceeds that of men, according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.The American Community Survey, which goes beyond population figures and analyzes comparative social, economic and educational data, found that nationwide, men older than 16 working full-time and year-round...

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Police: Security guard shoots man over loud music in Lauderdale Lakes

An off-duty security guard shot and killed a man at a Lauderdale Lakes apartment complex early Thursday after a confrontation over loud music, police said.Two off-duty security guards approached a man sitting in his car in the parking lot at Whispering Pines, 4530 NW 36th St., because he was playing his music too loudly, said Keyla Concepcion, a spokeswoman for the Broward...

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Pucker Up: A-List Couples Kissing!

Pucker Up: A-List Couples Kissing! By ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT STAFFFebruary 14, 2013 Pucker up! While some Hollywood couples like to keep it cool in public, other twosomes love to love up each other for all to see! Take a look at the celeb duos who just cant keep their hands off each...

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Warren Buffett among investors buying Heinz for $23B

H.J. Heinz Co. says it agreed to be acquired by an investment group including billionaire investor Warren Buffett in a deal valued at $23 billion.The ketchup company says it's the largest deal ever in the food industry. Heinz shareholders will receive $72.50 in cash for each share of common stock they own. The transaction value includes the assumption of...

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American Airlines, US Airways announce merger

After a nearly yearlong courtship, the union became official Thursday: American Airlines and US Airways have formally announced plans to merge.An early morning announcement by the airlines confirmed reports widely circulated after boards of both companies approved the merger late Wednesday.The move brings stability to one of Miami-Dade County’s largest private employers more...

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Key West’s ‘Scrub Club’ reportedly scrubbing debit cards of adult-entertainment clients

Key West has a long-held reputation as an anything-goes party town that tolerates -- and in many cases facilitates -- an array of bawdy pastimes.A stroll down Duval Street yields strip clubs, clothing-optional bars and establishments catering to alternative lifestyles. But the Adult Entertainment Club, formerly and colloquially known as the Scrub Club, at 1221 Duval is different.In...

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Will Ferrell Works Security at Lakers Game

Fret not -- Will Ferrell has no plans to give up his acting career, but the man known for odd courtside stunts did slip into one of The Staples Center's iconic red coats last night to play a security guard. VIDEO FLASHBACK - Will Ferrell Talks Elf in 2003Stone-faced and rocking a scandalous name tag ("Ted Vagina"), the comedian had the crowd in stitches without saying a word.He leapt to life at one...

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US retail sales up just 0.1 percent last month after higher taxes cut consumer paychecks

WASHINGTON — Americans barely spent more last month at retail businesses and restaurants after higher taxes cut their paychecks. The small increase suggests consumer spending may be weak in the January-March quarter.The Commerce Department says retail sales ticked up 0.1 percent last month after a 0.5 percent rise in December. January's increase was the...

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Marriott skyscraper coming to old Miami Arena site?

Is a massive new skyscraper coming to the site of the old Miami Arena?Two of the city’s top real estate blogs caused a stir Tuesday when they shared an architect’s video rendering of a huge tower called the Marriott at MWC. The video posted on YouTube by Nichols Brosch’s Igor Reyes was a computer-generated aerial shot of a potential mixed-use complex superimposed on the site....

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Woman to be sentenced in Rilya Wilson foster child abuse case

To be sentenced Tuesday: the Kendall woman convicted of abusing and kidnapping missing foster child Rilya Wilson over a decade ago.Geralyn Graham, 67, was convicted by jury last month in a case that roiled Florida’s child welfare agency, which was supposed to monitor the child. The body of Rilya, who was 4 years old when she vanished, has never been found.Miami-Dade Circuit...

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Jillian Michaels Talks Dieting Myths, Return to 'Biggest Loser,' Motherhood

Having been immersed in fitness and exercise world for over twenty years, Jillian Michaels has heard it all when it comes to dieting. With the array of conflicting information out there, the Biggest Loser trainer discredits some of the most common myths about dieting."I hear so many thing out there that are just ridiculous: 'I eat small meals,' 'I fast two times a month,' or 'I've cut out carbs,'"...

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Dallas chocolatier pumps out chocolate high heels for V-day

APChocolate high heals made by master chocolatier Andrea Pedraza are lined up at her shop in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas.DALLAS — Florists and chocolate-makers are working around the clock in the run-up to Valentine's Day.In Dallas, chocolatier Andrea Pedraza, who loves designer high heels, molded her pedestrian passion into chocolate form. Her most...

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U.S. Century to OK details of new deal

U.S. Century Bank is expected to sign off on Monday on its letter of intent — the framework for a plan to recapitalize the bank.Under the deal, a local group of investors, led by Jimmy Tate of Tate Capital and Sergio Rok of Rok Enterprises, will bring in fresh capital and wipe out the Doral bank’s bad loans, while allowing it to operate independently.The investor group is...

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With millions at stake, tutoring lobby goes into action

Second of two partsEvery year for nearly a decade, private tutoring companies have made millions in Florida because the federal government required school districts to hire them.That was in danger of changing last February, when the state won freedom from mandated private instruction for poor children in the state's worst schools. But the tutoring industry...

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Stars React to Pope Benedict's Resignation

The Vatican announced this morning that Pope Benedict XVI will resign later this month due his advanced age.Elected in 2005 after the death of Pope John Paul II at age 84, Benedict said from the onset of his papacy that he anticipated a short reign as the 265th leader of the Catholic Church. PICS: Star Sightings Now at age 85 and with a series of health issues, including mild strokes, over the years,...

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29 LI school districts closed after blizzard; L.I.E. reopened

While the Long Island Expressway has been reopened for today's commute, at least 29 school districts on Long Island will be closed today in the aftermath of the blizzard.The deputy superintendent of the Eastern Suffolk Board of Cooperative Educational Services that people are still digging out and assessing what kind of shape their school buildings are...

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U.S. Century to OK details of new deal

U.S. Century Bank is expected to sign off on Monday on its letter of intent — the framework for a plan to recapitalize the bank.Under the deal, a local group of investors, led by Jimmy Tate of Tate Capital and Sergio Rok of Rok Enterprises, will bring in fresh capital and wipe out the Doral bank’s bad loans, while allowing it to operate independently.The investor group is...

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Miami-Dade mayor disappointed at Major League Baseball over All-Star Game

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez was swept into office in part because of his opposition to the public financing for the Marlins’ new baseball stadium.But that doesn’t mean he was happy when Major League Baseball awarded the 2015 All-Star Game to Cincinnati. Marlins President David Samson said last year he hoped to host the game, continuing a streak of All-Star games at new...

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Chris Brown Car Collision

ET has learned that Chris Brown was involved in a solo, non-injury traffic collision in Beverly Hills at noon today, blaming the paparazzi for losing control of his Porsche and colliding with a wall. Pics: Remembering Whitney Houston A statement from Lieutenant Lincoln Hoshino of the Beverly Hills police details the incident: "On February 9, 2013 at approximately 12:03 p.m., entertainer Chris Brown...

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Police: 4 wounded in shooting on Bourbon Street in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — Four people were shot on the French Quarter's iconic Bourbon Street, sending people running as revelers partied Saturday night amid the countdown to Mardi Gras, police and bystanders said. But the party was back in full force hours later as crowds returned afterward.Two males and two females were wounded just before 9:30 p.m. time, New Orleans...

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Mega mansion frenzy: Buyer snaps up Pat Riley’s $16M home to level it, rebuild

Miami Heat President Pat Riley sold his spectacular bayfront mansion in gated Gables Estates for $16.8 million last March.The 12,856-square-foot Mediterranean-style dream house at 180 Arvida Parkway has a theater, wine cellar, library, and a sprawling pool with waterfalls and an aqua bar.But that’s all coming down. Turns out the lure was the lot: a rare...

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