Editor’s Note: As all good things must eventually come to an end, today we express our deepest gratitude to Lois Whitman Hess for her three years at the helm of the Miami newsletter. We are truly thankful for her contributions. With excitement, we now welcome our new editor, proud Miamian Sophia Albrecht. Starting with this edition, Miami Life is now monthly.

Meet Sophia Albrecht

Beautiful Miami Beach. This is where it all began with Jackie Gleason, Frank Sinatra, and the Rat Pack. All the way back to World War II, soldiers training on the beach! I was a child when I first came to Miami with my parents in the 80s,  and I couldn’t believe it! Imagine coming from France and seeing these vibrant colors, the green coconut trees, the blue sky, and the translucent ocean. The yellow sun and the pink flowers. What a contrast! Yes, Paris is beautiful, but we don’t have these colors. It was so vibrant, so full of life. I fell in love with it and wanted to come back. Then life took its course and I became a speech pathologist in Paris and opened my practice. But would you know that unbeknownst to me, this dream of coming back happened. Yes, I got to start a new life here. I switched careers to and became a licensed real estate broker et voilà!

This is the short version of my journey to South Beach, and I can’t wait to start sharing it with you. I’m so excited to be part of this new adventure with you, hopefully meet with you and share what makes Miami so special. Thank you for having me, The Three Tomatoes family!!

June Fun in Miami

Summer is here, and June is offering a myriad of unforgettable events and stunning attractions for all tastes and preferences, and all ages!   If you want to get busy, there is definitely no shortage of activities. Here are a few selected examples for your enjoyment!

Now – June 12. Michelangelo Immersive: Art & Legacy

This exquisite exhibition at 1212 Lincoln Road showcases the brilliance of the Renaissance. Featuring life-sized replicas of Michelangelo’s renowned and iconic sculptures alongside a breathtaking 360º digital recreation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. These interactive art spaces are perfect for art enthusiasts. Tickets are $15, with attractive discounts available for seniors as well!

This multi-sensory journey features life-size reproductions of Michelangelo’s most famous sculptures, including David, Pietà, Moses, and Bacchus. A large-scale digital recreation of the Sistine Chapel allows visitors to experience The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment in stunning high resolution. Miami Beach residents can enjoy free guided tours on select dates, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. GET THE DETAILS.

June 11-15. American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

A must-attend for those who appreciate the art of cinema! Showcasing independent Black films through a series of screenings, panels, and social mixers across Miami Beach is a celebration of storytelling that resonates deeply.

Highlights of ABFF 2025:

• Star-Studded Speaker Lineup: Gabrielle Union, Jermaine Dupri, Ashanti, Blair Underwood, and more.
• Exclusive Screenings: Including projects from Tyler Perry Studios and Jermaine Dupri.
• Special Events:
  • Spotlight on “Love Jones”: Nia Long and Larenz Tate will reflect on the film’s legacy.
  • BOB Talks: A showcase of Black-owned brands.
  • Comedy Show: Featuring D.C. Young Fly and emerging stand-up comedians.
• Closing Film: Treasure Hunt, a South African production, will be screened on June 14 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

GET DETAILS AND TICKETS.

June 13. Juneteenth Juke Joint

At the Adrienne Arsht Center, partake in a vibrant celebration honoring freedom and culture with evocative Pan-African rhythms, delectable soul food tastings, and captivating performances—a rich tribute to Juneteenth.

Juneteenth Juke Joint pays homage to the rich history of Black music, culture and food in the American South. For generations, our country’s “second Independence Day” has been celebrated with gatherings, cookouts, music, laughter and pride in Black freedom.

The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the effective end of slavery, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 to free enslaved people. For generations, the day has been celebrated with gatherings, cookouts, music, laughter and pride in Black freedom.

Inspired by these traditions, the Arsht’s Juneteenth Juke Joint invites everyone to come together and connect through the power of the performing arts. GET DETAILS AND TICKETS.

They also have a wellness and enrichment Senior Programs in Miami Beach for residents aged 55 and above. Miami offers a laundry list of complimentary programs, including ceramics, martial arts, fitness classes, and even seniors’ soccer, held on Monday and Thursday mornings at North Shore Park.

Miami’s Architectural Marvels

It’s also so much fun to rediscover the  Art Deco District and the architectural marvels of the iconic pastel buildings along Ocean Drive! We have the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world! These architectural gems, mostly built in the 1920s and 1930s, are known for their pastel colors, geometric shapes, chrome accents, and decorative fountains.

And to end your day in perfection, stop by in one of my favorite hotels The Betsy Ross, sip a Bordeaux at the bar or simply listen to the soothing live piano in the lobby.

I simply love the elegant and quaint atmosphere of this hotel.

You’ll meet so many of us who live in the neighborhood across the street at  Il Villagio or 1500 Ocean Dr or next door at 1390 Ocean. I simply love the elegant and quaint atmosphere of this hotel.

I hope this has given you the desire to enjoy being a tourist in your own City or motivated you to spend vacation time here with us!!

Merci à vous toutes!

Sophia