🌱 Surfside City Hall Resignations + Miami Influencer Charged By SEC

Hello, Miami! I’m back with your new copy of the Miami Daily. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening in town today, including…

• 🚓 The SEC has charged a social media influencer in Miami as part of a $100 million fraud scheme.
• 📱Uber has rolled out a telephone service in Miami for pickups.
• 🏛️ Surfside city hall is shaking up the balance of power with multiple resignations coming Friday.

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But first, today’s weather:

Breezy with clouds and sun. High: 84 Low: 71.

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Here are the top stories in Miami today:

1. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged a social media influencer from Miami as part of a $100 million fraud scheme that promoted exchange-traded stocks. Officials say the influencers promoted stocks online and then dumped them. The Miami influencer is Stefan Hrvatin (@LadeBackk) of Miami. (NBC Miami)

2. The 2023 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar honors first responders including Lt. Jeanette Harrington from Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403. Respiratory diseases continue to be a significant health problem for firefighters and emergency responders. Harrington is one of the top fundraisers, raising $8,000 for the American Lung Association. (Miami Patch)

3. Uber has rolled out a phone call-based service that allows customers to request rides by dialing 1-833-USE-UBER. Customers will be able to experience the same Uber experience, without the app, and will have dedicated agents from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Miami Today)

4. Surfside police chief Rogelio Torres is resigning effective this Friday. The police captain is also leaving office as well as the Surfside town manager and assistant manager, amid a wave of changes at Surfside City Hall. (WSVN)

5. North Miami Vice Mayor Alix Desulme has been appointed the new mayor of the city and Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin was appointed vice mayor. Both were appointed by unanimous vote. The next city election has been postponed to Nov. 5, 2024, to join the 2024 general election. (The Miami Times)

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Today in Miami:

• Official Grand Opening Of Key Biscayne Fitness. (5 p.m.)
• Adult Chess Club at Miami Beach Regional Library. (5 p.m.)
• Movies By Moonlight Holiday Edition: “A Dog Named Christmas” at Las Olas Oceanside Park. (5 p.m.)
• Culture Crawl at The Bass. (5:30 p.m.)
• Baila Little Havana Con Marisol Blanco – Beginner at Koubek Center. (7 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shared: “Congratulations to the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue firefighters, dispatchers and professional staff who received their new symbol of rank at Wednesday morning’s promotion ceremony at the MDFR Training Center.” (Miami-Dade Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Miami Police Department shared: “Traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate. Here are the top 3 things to do before heading out on that trip. 1. Service your car before the trip. 2. Pack an Emergency/ First Aid Kit. 3. Leave early, giving yourself.” (Miami Police Department via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Public Library System shared: “The North Shore Branch Library will be temporarily closed for renovation and repairs for approximately nine weeks beginning Monday, Dec. 19.” (Miami-Dade Public Library System via Facebook)

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Now you’re in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats ( and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Miami Daily? Contact me at [email protected]