🌱 South FL Couple Finds Iguana For Third Time + Miami Startup Layoffs

Hey, neighbors! I’m back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Miami Daily. Here’s what you need to know about what’s happening locally.

First, today’s weather:

A p.m. t-storm in spots. High: 88 Low: 80.

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Here are the top stories in Miami today:

1. The final phase of the sentencing trial of Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 18. The jury will decide whether Cruz will receive the death sentence or life in prison without parole. (CBS Miami)

2. The Miami-Dade Schools Police Department held an active shooter drill on Friday at Coral Gables Senior High to prepare in case of an incident in the future. The trainings are scheduled in the summer to prepare for a new school year. (WSVN)

3. For the third time in a year, a South Florida couple was surprised to find an iguana in their toilet. The homeowner says. “It is extremely important to look before you sit. Also, make sure your roof vents are covered.” (Miami Patch)

4. Miami Police Department has recommended firing controversial Captain Javier Ortiz. Lawyers for Ortiz have called the accusations made against him false, saying it is a “witch-hunt and an attempt to justify paying a captain to sit at home for eight months.” (Miami New Times)

5. Papa, a unicorn startup that matches older adults with young companions called “Papa Pals,” has laid off 15% of its workforce, according to CEO Andrew Parker. Parker blamed the “worsening economy” and a need to “reduce and realign” staff. Papa opened a new headquarters in downtown Miami for about 80 team members in 2021. (Subscription: South Florida Business Journal)

Today in Miami:

• Rumble Boxing Workout at B Ocean Resort. (9 a.m.)
• Family Storytime In The Park at Virrick Park Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Make Your Own Ice Cream at North Central Branch. (11 a.m.)
• Colombian Independence Day at The Wharf Miami. (noon)
• Meet Model Tabria Majors At Cupshe’s Swimwear Beach Party Pop Up Shop at Miami Swim Week. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Children’s Trust Family Expo is hosting 3 back-to-school events starting Saturday, July 23. The Family Expo normally draws thousands of attendees. (Miami’s Community Newspaper)
• Magic Mike Live is kicking off its North American tour in Miami on October 13. Tickets will start at $49 with several options to upgrade available. (Time Out Miami)
• The newest Xfinity Store in Florida is now open to serve customers in Hialeah at 1190 West 49th Street. Comcast now has six stores in Miami-Dade County. (Miami Patch)
• Solar panels have been removed at Miami City Hall and an activist wants to know why. Records show Miami removed the solar panels without first getting permits, which are required by the city’s own code for this type of electrical work. (WLRN)