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Race for the Sunshine: Local elections held across Miami-Dade

Lazaro Chavez and Emil Salgado Vazquez
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Race for the Sunshine: Local elections held across Miami-Dade

Primary season comes to a close in the Sunshine State, with several seats for various positions being up for grabs in Miami-Dade County, including the Miami-Dade Commission and several judicial seats. Miami-Dade County Commission Races are nonpartisan, and a candidate must receive over 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff or a general election. 

Commissioner Marleine Bastien defeated two political outsiders to remain in her seat in District 2, taking the race with 78% of the vote. Danielle Cohen Higgins also won reelection in District 8 with 55% of the vote, defeating former Palmetto Bay Mayor John DuBois. 

Commissioner Vicki Lopez of District 5 will have her seat go into a runoff between her and former U.S. Marine Rob Piper. Lopez took the seat earlier this year after Eileen Higgins became Mayor of  Miami. 

A referendum allowing the City of Miami to contract with a private firm to manage events at the Miami Marine Stadium was approved by voters there. The referendum would hire the firm to also help fund the restoration of the venue. Voters also approved the change to hold City of Miami elections in even-numbered years. The change will begin in 2034.

Two school board seats were also up for grabs this year. District 1 will see a runoff between Katrina Wilson and Linda Cothiere to succeed Steve Gallon III, who resigned to run for the county commission. Gallon endorsed Wilson, who is a former school principal and former councilwoman in Miami Gardens. 

District 8 saw incumbent Monica Colucci win reelection, securing her seat with a whopping 92% of the vote. Colucci ran on career education and protecting students’ educational opportunities. She defeated Sam Joseph, an education advocate and political outsider, who qualified as a write-in candidate. 

Miami Gardens held elections for two council seats. Consultant Paul Wilson, Jr. won his race for seat 2, while seat 4 will hold a runoff between Mykita Cherry-Prime and Rod Mack.

In judicial races, lawyer Destiny Alvarez narrowly defeated incumbent Mavel Ruiz. Alvarez was backed by several Trump allies, including U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Daniel Perez, following Ruiz’s role in the lawsuit against Miami-Dade College over the Trump Presidential Library land dispute. Alvarez defeated Ruiz by just over one percent of the vote. Four other judicial races were won outright, while the rest will go to a runoff. 

All of these candidates will be facing off in the general election on November 3. To vote, make sure your voter registration is up to date, and check where you are registered so you know all your voting options.

For more election coverage, check out our stories on federal elections, state legislative elections and local elections.

Race for the Sunshine: Shalala-endorsed candidate wins Democratic primary

Emil Salgado Vazquez and Lazaro Chavez
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Race for the Sunshine: Shalala-endorsed candidate wins Democratic primary

A community activist endorsed by Donna Shalala won the Democratic primary for Florida House District 113, a district where many students who live off campus reside. Tuesday’s elections mark the end of the primary season for Florida, with several state legislative offices holding elections. 

Florida House

UM students registered to vote off-campus in parts of Coral Gables and Miami will see former Miami-Dade Commissioner and state Rep. Bruno Barreiro and community activist Gloria Romero Roses on the District 113 ballot in November.

 Barreiro won the Republican primary, running on a platform to fight overdevelopment and bring state funds back to Miami-Dade. Romero Roses defeated Justin Mendoza Routt in the Democratic primary on an affordable housing platform – along with an endorsement from former University of Miami president Donna Shalala. 

HD 113 covers a central coastal portion of Miami-Dade, spanning all of Key Biscayne and parts of Coral Gables and Miami, including the neighborhoods of Brickell, Downtown, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, Shenandoah, and Virginia Key, as well as PortMiami.

The seat will have been vacant for nearly a year by the time the general election is held, after Gov. Ron DeSantis decided not to call a special election nine months ago when Republican Vicki Lopez left to take a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission.

Former Miami-Dade School Board Member Lucia Báez-Geller took home the Democratic nomination for District 106 with 57% of the vote against lawyer Ashley Litwin Diego. She will face Republican incumbent Fabián Basabe in the general election, who was recently found liable for sexually harassing, battering and defaming two former House employees. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary. 

HD 106 runs along a coastal strip of Miami-Dade encompassing Aventura, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Fisher Island, Indian Creek, Miami Beach, North Bay Village, North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach and Surfside.

Meanwhile, in District 108, former legislator Daphne Campbell won a three-way Democratic primary. She will face North Miami Republican Wancito Francius, who was uncontested in the Republican primary. HD 108 covers northeastern Miami-Dade County, including North Miami, El Portal, Biscayne Park, Miami Shores, and parts of Little Haiti and Wynwood.

In District 109, James Bush III won his ticket back to Tallahassee again after winning a four-way Democratic primary. Since no Republican qualified for the seat, the Democratic primary also counted as the general election for HD 109. 

The win is a major comeback for Bush, who lost the seat to outgoing Rep. Ashley Gantt in 2022 and fell to her again in 2024. Gantt gave the seat up this year to run for Senate District 34. 

HD 109 covers Miami Gardens, Opa-locka, Liberty City, West Little River and the unincorporated Brownsville, Gladeview and Pinewood neighborhoods in north Miami-Dade County.

Florida Senate

Miami Rep. Ashley Gantt will be the heavy favorite to succeed outgoing Sen. Shevrin Jones in Senate District 34 after winning a three-way Democratic primary in the deep-blue northeast Miami-Dade seat. She will face Republican Elizabeth Jeanty after Jeanty ran unopposed in her primary.

SD 34 covers northeast Miami-Dade County, including all or part of Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, Biscayne Park, El Portal, Miami Beach, Miami Shores Village, North Bay Village, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Opa-locka, Surfside and Miami Gardens, Florida’s most populous Black-majority city.

All of these candidates will be facing off in the general election on November 3. To vote, make sure your voter registration is up to date, and check where you are registered so you know all your voting options.

For more election coverage, check out our stories on federal elections, state legislative elections and local elections.

Race for the Sunshine: David Jolly and Byron Donalds win party primaries

Emil Salgado Vazquez and Lazaro Chavez
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Race for the Sunshine: David Jolly and Byron Donalds win party primaries

Primary season comes to a close in the Sunshine State as Republicans and Democrats seal their tickets for Governor and other key statewide races. 

Governor primary

U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL19) secured the Republican nomination with 47%, defeating his closest opponent, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, and businessman James Fishback. Donalds received President Donald Trump’s endorsement in February of 2025 and had a deep war chest, reporting over $65 million back in June. 

Incumbent and term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis declined to endorse anyone in the primary– although he implied that former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner would “make a good governor”. Renner came in fourth with just a little over eight percent of the vote. 

On the Democratic side, former U.S. Congressman and Republican-turned-Democrat David Jolly secured the nomination for governor. Jolly, who campaigned on pocketbook issues such as healthcare, defeated progressive candidate Dayna Marie Foster and hopes to return Democrats to the governor’s mansion. 

Both Donalds and Jolly look to make history. If elected, Donalds would be the first Black governor in the state’s history, while Jolly would be the first democrat since Lawton Chiles in 1994 to be elected chief executive of the state. 

Other statewide races

In other statewide races, the primaries for Attorney General were uncontested– laying the ground for a general matchup between Republican incumbent James Uthmeier and former U.S. Labor Department official and Democrat Jose Javier Rodriguez. 

For Chief Financial Officer, a position that oversees the state’s Department of Financial Services, Former Democratic State Sen. Annette Taddeo will take on Republican incumbent Blaise Ingoglia in the general election. Meanwhile, Republican incumbent Wilton Simpson is set to take on Democrat Joey Mendoza Atkins for the job of Agricultural Commissioner. 

In Florida, the lieutenant governor is selected as a running mate by the gubernatorial nominee and is elected on the same ballot. Jolly selected Gwen Graham, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and daughter of late former governor Bob Graham, to be his running mate back in June. Donalds has yet to select a running mate at the time of writing.

All of these candidates will be facing off in the general election on November 3. To vote, make sure your voter registration is up to date, and check where you are registered so you know all your voting options.

For more election coverage, check out our stories on federal elections, state legislative elections and local elections.

Race for the Sunshine: UM’s US House district competition is set

Emil Salgado Vazquez and Lazaro Chavez
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Race for the Sunshine: UM’s US House district competition is set

Primary season has come to a close in the Sunshine State as Republicans and Democrats have locked in their candidates for the U.S. House. 

U.S. Senate Race

In the Senate, incumbent junior Senator Ashley Moody won the republican primary in a landslide with nearly 80% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. 

Moody was Florida’s Attorney General when she was appointed to the U.S. Senate last year following Marco Rubio’s appointment and confirmation as Secretary of State. Now she faces a special election to keep her seat in the senate. The winner of the general election in Nov. will be up for re-election in 2028. 

Democratic Socialist and Florida House member Angie Nixon won in an upset against former Army Lt. Col Alexander Vindman. Vindman outspent her by at least $15 million. 

Nixon became famous for taking to the Florida House floor with a bullhorn to protest this year’s redrawing of the congressional map. 

FL-27

The battle for Florida’s 27th district, home to the University of Miami, will showcase two former journalists to fight in one of the state’s most competitive congressional districts. 

Incumbent republican congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar will face former CBS Miami anchor, democrat Elliot Rodriguez, in the general election after they both won in their respective primaries. Salazar first ran in 2020, defeating former UM President Donna Shalala by just over three percent of the vote. She won reelection to a third term in 2024 with roughly 20% of the vote. 

FL-25

In District 25, which spans the Atlantic Coast from Palm Beach to Miami Beach, incumbent moderate Democrat Jared Moskowitz survived a challenge from democratic socialist Oliver Larkin. 

Larkin is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and sought to pose a strong challenge to Moskowitz, prompting the party’s establishment wing to swoop in and help Moskowitz. 

Moskowitz will face Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, who won in a crowded Republican primary. 

FL-24

In District 24, the race to succeed Frederica Wilson went to Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, who received her endorsement back in June. Gilbert has been on the county commission since 2020 and defeated former State Sen. Shevrin Jones. Gilbert will face Republican entrepreneur Mayonna Te Brown in November – she was the only candidate on the Republican ticket.

All of these candidates will be facing off in the general election on November 3. To vote, make sure your voter registration is up to date, and check where you are registered so you know all your voting options.

For more election coverage, check out our stories on state executive elections, state legislative elections and local elections.

Serving pancakes with a purpose

Brandon Herrera
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Serving pancakes with a purpose

The alliterative charm of “Pancakes with Pat” reflects more than a catchy name. The semesterly event represents the connection between the University of Miami and its community, fostering conversation and strengthening relationships beyond the classroom. 

Pancakes with Pat attracts students and faculty alike, offering a casual space to connect and build community. It’s not just about the pancakes. It’s a chance to share stories, catch up with friends and engage with the University of Miami leadership. The event also represents UM’s mission to foster connection and engagement with students. 

This year, hundreds of students gathered, and next year will mark the 10th anniversary of Pancakes with Pat.

Dr. Patricia Whitely, the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement at UM, has served the community since 1982. Dr. Whitely has been serving pancakes to Canes since 2017. 

Lines of students wrapped around the Hebert Wellness Center like a queue to a Blockbuster store on a Friday night. At the end of the line stood what felt like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, except instead of candy, pillow-soft pancakes waited to be drenched in sprinkles and syrup. Between the stacks of syrup bottles, conversations crackled and students traded conversations like an episode of Gossip Girl. 

Whitley was inspired to create her own event. “Well, a colleague of mine told me that he did frosted flakes with Foster. I was like, I could do something better than that. I could do something like Pancakes with Pat.” Whitley said. 

Dr. Whitely said, “It’s a simple event, nobody has to say they are coming, everybody’s [sic] like hanging out with their friends.”Whitely’s words reflect how the event creates a space for students to take a break from academics while still building meaningful relationships in the school’s community. 

Dr. Whitely stood at the entrance wearing a bright smile and a matching bright white apron emblazoned with the words “Pancakes with Pat.” Her approachable demeanor made it easy to chat with her, capturing the spirit of the event; a relaxed community haven where students and faculty could connect.

For some students, the draw was simple: the pancakes were a welcome treat, a sweet change from the dining hall’s usual repeat. 

“It’s better food than the dining hall, to tell you the truth,” said Meldy Gloria, a sophomore studying Political Science and minoring in Arabic Studies.

Others appreciated the sense of community and the support the event provides, like Corey Reed, a freshman majoring in the music industry.

“It’s a really nice way to know that the school really cares about our well-being,” Reed said.

His words carried a profound meaning of Pancakes with Pat, capturing that it’s more than just eating pancakes, but also feeling appreciated and seen. Pancakes with Pat aligns with the campus mission of service while acknowledging the mental and emotional challenges of college life.

Standing beside Reed was Kayla, also a freshman majoring in the music industry.

Kayla put to rest any doubts UM students may have had about whether Pancakes with Pat was worth attending.

“Go, it’s a really good time, and the pancakes are better than you think they’re gonna be. I think it brings a lot of community,” she said.

While balancing an Eiffel Tower of pancakes, Kayla advised UM to pass on the tradition, believing it creates a welcoming environment. 

As students’ conversations lingered and plates were being cleared, the spirit of Pancakes with Pat was obvious: it’s more than a catchy name or a stack of pancakes. It’s a tradition aimed at bringing the University of Miami together as a community. 

United through pancakes to connect, unwind and be seen. With the 10th anniversary of Pancakes with Pat approaching, the event promises to serve pancakes with one meaningful purpose.

Meet fellow Canes, enjoy some pancakes, and chat with your community. Keep an eye out for the Pancakes with Pat poster in your residential housing lobby for more details!

Canes RB Jordan Lyle accused of driving at least 130 mph while fleeing traffic stop

Jayden Gonzalez and Sebastian Font
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Canes RB Jordan Lyle accused of driving at least 130 mph while fleeing traffic stop

Miami Hurricanes running back Jordan Lyle was accused of driving at more than 130 miles per hour while evading police last month, according to an affidavit released on Tuesday from the Sunrise Police Department.

Lyle was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 13, on a second-degree felony charge of aggravated fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer and a second-degree misdemeanor of reckless driving

He was released on a $55,000 bond the same day and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

According to the affidavit, a gray BMW registered under Lyle’s name was timed at 92 mph on the Sawgrass Expressway — on a section of the road where the speed limit is 65 mph — shortly after 7 p.m. on July 10.

After Sunrise Police Detective Jonathan Hennessey turned on his lights to engage with the car, the BMW “rapidly accelerated” away and reached speeds faster than 130 mph on “visual estimate,” making “rapid, abrupt and unsafe lane changes to maneuver between vehicles.”

Hennessey ceased his direct pursuit of the car, citing dangers to other motorists, but still monitored the car as it exited the expressway and left the officer’s sight.

Police executed a search warrant on July 15 and spoke to Lyle via FaceTime. Lyle and his lawyer entered the Sunrise Police Department later that day and gave a sworn statement.

“We’re waiting for legal to take its course of action, and we’ll decide everything from there,” Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Mario Cristobal said to the media following Monday’s practice.

Athletics provided a similar statement.

“We are aware of an incident involving student-athlete Jordan Lyle,” the University of Miami said in a statement to The Miami Hurricane. “As due legal process runs its course, we will have no further comment at this time.” 

It is unsure if Lyle will be ready for the start of the season as Miami begins play on Sept. 4 against Stanford.

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer – Sixth Year Redshirt Quarterback Carson Beck hands the ball off to Sophomore running back Jordan Lyle against Louisville on October 17, 2025.

Ariana Grande’s eighth album, “petal,” falls short of a full bloom

Marissa Levinson
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Ariana Grande’s eighth album, “petal,” falls short of a full bloom

Ariana Grande is an undeniably talented vocalist. She utilizes her four-octave range as her own 

personal instrument, and although it’s impressive, her newest album, “petal,” proves even one of the greatest vocalists still needs the support of strong production and instrumentals. 

“petal” released July 31 and opened with “kiss me,” an instantly immersive track that set a high bar for the rest of the record. Its introduction quickly escalated into a spatial audio experience that felt different from any other current pop releases or her past music. 

When the verse commenced, all that remained was Grande’s voice and a steady beat – but in every chorus, the surround sound returned and the song became memorable. 

What followed this track, however, made the album forgettable, as it lacked the same depth of “kiss me.” Rather than a complete immersion in a futuristic, three-dimensional sound, the production, credited to her and ILYA, feels hollow and plastic, something that could be attributed to the apparent lack of live instrumentation.

“stay” and “nobody, nowhere” reveal the monotony of the album. The tracks feel flat, as though Grande is placing choppy cuts and reverb-heavy vocal effects in the places where she could put live instruments and chord progressions. 

For her past three albums, Grande has primarily layered her vocals into harmonies on synth backing tracks. It was new in “Positions,” it was done best in “eternal sunshine,” but now in “petal,” it’s overdone. 

In this album, her vocals don’t carry enough weight, as she opts for a cleaner, more melodically-confined album, straying away from ballads that would free her voice to roam all the ranges it can.

When she sings this album live, meanwhile, on her current Eternal Sunshine tour,it sounds its most captivating – her vocals conveying more emotions from sadness to gratitude to resentment as she riffs the lyrics that feel stagnant in the recorded album. 

One aspect of the album that feels different than her previous records is her intertwining of many different versions of herself. From song to song, it feels like different phases of Grande are standing in front of the microphone.

“like i do” intertwines the falsettos Grande showed us in her role as Glinda in “Wicked” with an R&B “Thank U, Next” style production. 

This choice matches the theme of her tour, as she pays homage to every version of herself – embracing them instead of rejecting them. 

The lead single, “hate that i made you love me,” is another strength of the album, attributable to Max Martin’s contribution to the production. The producer is known for his infectious pop melodies, as heard on many of Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift’s music, in addition to other Grande songs like “Problem” and “Into You.” 

This album simply feels like Grande doesn’t have much to say. She recycles the same scattered themes of self-worth while facing public scrutiny, the end of relationships, moving on and healing without developing or revealing anything new through lyrics or sound. 

Rating: 2.5/5

Miami Hurricanes WR Cam Vaughn dismissed from program

Sebastian Font
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Miami Hurricanes WR Cam Vaughn dismissed from program

Miami Hurricanes WR Cam Vaughn has been dismissed from the team, according to head coach Mario Cristobal.

Cristobal announced the dismissal on WQAM’s Joe Rose Show Monday morning, confirming the West Virginia transfer is no longer with the team.

“Cam Vaughn has been dismissed from the team,” Cristobal said. “We wish him the best … the Canes will press on.”

Cristobal gave no direct reason for Vaughn’s departure.

All signs point to a multitude of reasons for his dismissal, not just a “one-time” issue.

Vaughn was arrested in Georgia for reckless driving in July, but sources indicate this was not the only reason for his departure — especially considering Hurricanes running back Jordan Lyle was recently arrested on a similar charge of reckless driving and remains with the team.

The redshirt junior committed to Miami in early January as a proven veteran addition for the Hurricanes young wide receiver room. Across the past two seasons, Vaughn reeled in 93 catches for 1344 yards across his time at Jacksonville State and West Virginia.

However, his spot in the depth chart slid once Darian Mensah committed to Miami late in the transfer portal, bringing his No.1 target Cooper Barkate with him.

Add on the continued development of sophomores Josh Moore and Daylyn Upshaw alongside budding freshmen prospects, Vaughn was faced with an uphill battle for playing time this upcoming season.

Vaughn becomes the third player to depart from Miami this fall, with the announcement of Hayden Lowe and Jontavius Wyman’s departures made earlier this month.

The Hurricanes are set to start their 2026 season against Stanford in just less than three weeks time on Sept. 4.

Hurricanes football receives highest AP preseason ranking since 2018

Zach Cohen
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Hurricanes football receives highest AP preseason ranking since 2018

Coming off a National Championship appearance, Miami has checked into the AP preseason poll at the No.7 spot which was released on Monday afternoon. 

This marks the highest ranking since the 2018 preseason poll and the last time the Hurricanes have been top 10 in back-to-back seasons dates back to 2004-2005.

Reigning national champions, Indiana, lands one spot ahead of Miami. 

Led by fifth year head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes have routinely improved their spot in the preseason poll. 

Starting in 2022, Miami landed at No. 16 but went 5-7, not qualifying for a bowl game. Missing the poll in 2023, they re-entered in 2024 at the No. 19 spot and have surged since — ranked No.10 ahead of last season and now No.7 in the 2026 preseason poll. 

Ohio State (No.1) and Notre Dame (No. 4) land above Miami, though the Hurricanes beat both teams last season. Miami will travel to Notre Dame on Nov. 7 as they look to take down a storied foe for the second time in as many years. 

Three ACC universities including Miami landed on the poll. SMU comes in at No. 19 while Louisville lands at No. 24. 

Miami kicks off its 2026 campaign at Stanford on Sept. 4. 

The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. EST.

Hurricanes fall to Jacksonville 2-0, come back swinging 3-0 against FAU

Bella Armstrong
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Hurricanes fall to Jacksonville 2-0, come back swinging 3-0 against FAU

Miami soccer opened its 2026 season with a frustrating loss on the road before quickly finding its footing three days later.

After falling 2-0 to Jacksonville on Wednesday despite controlling much of the offensive action, the Hurricanes bounced back Sunday with a 3-0 shutout over Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton to earn their first win of the season and move to 1-1 record.

Miami had no shortage of opportunities in its season opener. The Hurricanes outshot Jacksonville 9-4 in the first half and held a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks, but ultimately entered halftime scoreless.

The Dolphins made Miami pay for those missed chances after the break, breaking through in the 58th minute before adding another goal in the 71st. Despite finishing with a 10-8 advantage in shots and taking six corner kicks to Jacksonville’s one, Miami managed just two shots on goal in the 2-0 loss.

Against FAU, the Hurricanes made their opportunities count.

Freshman Zoie Fontenot got Miami on the board in the 22nd minute, finding the back of the net off an assist from Moira Flynn for the first goal of her collegiate career.

But Miami wasn’t done before the break. In the 43rd minute, Crosby Nicholson connected off an assist from Allie Serlenga, sending the Hurricanes into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.

Rather than sitting on the lead, Miami kept attacking. The Hurricanes recorded 10 shots in the second half while holding the Owls to four, before freshman Kambryl Armstrong put the game away in the 87th minute with the first goal of her collegiate career. 

Miami finished with a 14-10 advantage in shots and put seven attempts on goal, a significant jump from the two it managed against Jacksonville.

Goalkeeper Atlee Olofson played all 180 minutes across the Hurricanes’ opening two matches. After making two saves against Jacksonville, she stopped all three shots on goal against FAU to earn her first clean sheet of the season.

With its first win secured, Miami continues its season-opening road stretch Thursday, Aug. 20, traveling to Little Rock, Arkansas, to face Little Rock at 6 p.m.

The UM soccer team gathers in a huddle, building energy and focus before kickoff at Cobb Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. – Photo Credit via Michelle

New luxury student housing development planned near Coral Gables campus  

Gaby Collazo
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New luxury student housing development planned near Coral Gables campus  

A new luxury 16-story student housing development is coming to Coral Gables, offering University of Miami students new off-campus residences within minutes of campus. 

Alta Development, the developer of the project led by Henry Pino, plans to construct a 16-story building with 173 apartments and 675 beds ranging from studio apartments to four-bedroom suites. The development — named  SOMI Walk — will be located 1.4 miles from UM’s campus. Its location would give students a three-to-five-minute drive or a 20-minute walk to campus.

For upperclassmen at UM, housing can be competitive. On campus, the University offers four residential options: Centennial Village, University Village, Lakeside Village and Eaton Residential College. 

Although the University of Miami is actively working to expand on-campus housing and add beds through a multi-phase Housing Facilities Strategic Plan designed to replace existing facilities with higher-capacity, modern spaces, the process takes time. 

This plan is intended to accommodate more students in the future, but does not address the immediate shortage of on-campus housing. With more than 12,000 full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates and more than 6,000 full-time degrees-seeking graduates, students face challenges due to limited residences each year. 

Centennial Village was completed in August of 2026. As part of the project, Stanford and Hecht Towers were demolished and replaced with five new buildings, resulting in a net gain of 2,025 beds. 

The next phase of the plan is Gables Village. In the summer of 2026, the Mahoney-Pearson complex was torn down and will be replaced with two new buildings. The project is expected to provide 1,458 beds.  

However, SOMI Walk’s size and proximity to UM offer students another choice. 

“The Alta Development team continuously toured competing student-housing properties, on-campus options, and luxury residential developments both in Miami and across the country,” said Jonathon Pavlov, executive VP of Acquisitions & Asset Management of Alta Development. “Having developed numerous luxury condominium projects in Miami over the past 30 years, we wanted to bring that same level of quality, design, and attention to detail to the UM student.” 

The one-acre site was originally purchased by Alta Development for $29 million on May 1st, 2026, with the intent to build standard luxury residences. The company later acknowledged the shortage of modern student housing near UM. After the property was zoned for eight stories, Alta successfully lobbied for a zoning bonus that allows the building to reach 16 stories, potentially increasing the project’s revenue.

SOMI Walk will offer amenities including “a Miami-style rooftop pool overlooking the Coral Gables and South Miami canopy, as well as a third-floor pool surrounded by our state-of-the-art fitness center and student lounge,” said Pavlov. “On the ground floor, our wellness center will include massage chairs, tanning beds, a sauna, cold plunge, and a healthy grab-and-go café.” 

The development will also offer custom furniture and rent-by-the-bed living, allowing each resident to have a private bedroom and bathroom. Residents will pay one monthly rate for the all-inclusive housing experience, according to the SOMI Walk website. 

“Ultimately, SOMI Walk is the culmination of the best attributes we found in student housing, luxury residential, hospitality, and wellness projects both within and outside the Miami market,” said Pavlov. “We’re bringing the best of all of those worlds together specifically for the UM student[s].”

The residences are expected to be completed in 2028, at which point SOMI Walk can provide an alternative to on-campus housing, though its pricing and availability to students will determine how accessible the development will be.

Miami Hurricanes RB Jordan Lyle arrested on charges of reckless driving and fleeing authorities

Jayden Gonzalez and Sebastian Font
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Miami Hurricanes RB Jordan Lyle arrested on charges of reckless driving and fleeing authorities

Miami Hurricanes running back Jordan Lyle was arrested in Broward County on Thursday, August 13th on charges of reckless driving and fleeing authorities.

Lyle was booked into Broward Main Jail on a Sunrise Police arrest warrant for a second-degree felony of aggravated fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer and a second-degree misdemeanor of reckless driving, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

The running back was released on a $55,000 bond the same day.

“We are aware of an incident involving student-athlete Jordan Lyle,” a University of Miami spokesperson said to talk show host Andy Slater. “As due legal process runs its course, we will have no further comment at this time.”

The Miami Hurricane has reached out to the University for a statement, but has not received a response at this time.

Lyle, a former four-star prospect, was previously named the starting running back heading into the 2025 season, but injuries limited him to make only six appearances and 108 rushing yards as Mark Fletcher Jr. emerged as the Canes starting running back.

Lyle broke out during his freshman season, totaling 400 yards on 54 rushes. He led the team with 7.4 yards per carry — the highest average for a Hurricane with more than 50 rushing attempts.

His standout play came against USF in 2024, where the then-18-year old scored a 91-yard touchdown to cap off a 50-15 road victory.

Heading into this upcoming season, Lyle generated plenty of buzz from both the coaching staff and media as a player who found his stride in the program again.

“I see the Jordan Lyle that we saw a year ago in many respects, but with better physical traits,” Head Coach Mario Cristobal said following Tuesday’s practice.

 “I don’t think people really knew the extent of how banged up he was last year, and now we see a full-speed player so we’re really excited about him.” 

With the start of Miami’s season rapidly approaching in just three weeks time against Stanford Sept. 4, how the program handles this situation remains to be seen.

This is a developing story

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer – Sixth Year Redshirt Quarterback Carson Beck hands the ball off to Sophomore running back Jordan Lyle against Louisville on October 17, 2025.
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