You can catch the Crime in Miami series on COMCAST ON DEMAND –> GET LOCAL –> COMCAST NEWSMAKERS. Search for MOBSTERS OF MIAMI and COURTROOM SHOCKERS.
Have you ever thought about the city or area we live in?
Miami is like a guy. Think about it. The sordid bad boy past, too many beautiful women, bad manners, and a little dirty. Miami was that guy you should never like and could never bring home to the family. A few years later, you have to see him at your high school reunion. You dreaded the idea of running into him, but when you did, you noticed a few changes. He’s cleaned up. He’s rich, not just financially; he’s rich in history. He’s cultured. Holy smokes, he’s suddenly hot! What started out as a dreaded reunion turns into a full-blow love affair.
The Magic City is like that guy you were totally disgusted by and then you run into him a few years down the line and you end up dating instead. It happened to me, and it can happen to you.
A Little Backstory
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a big fan of Miami. It’s ironic coming from a girl born in Miami-Dade County. It may be psychological, but I’ve always felt that once I cross the county line, all of a sudden traffic gets heavier, people get meaner, and things get more expensive for NO APPARENT REASON! Yes, I hated Miami. If it were a man, I would’ve never considered dating him.
That all changed after covering a story in downtown Miami, a piece called Crime in Miami.
The Reunion
When I first drove into Downtown, I realized how much Miami has changed and cleaned up. No longer did it seem dirty. Bayfront Park looked more like Central Park. I found many young professionals walking towards Starbucks on the corner of Flagler Street and Miami Court. People were sitting outside Jimmy Johns and other great eateries having a bite to eat and enjoying the day. Right across the street was the beautiful Dade County Courthouse. It seems like any old building when you drive by, but once inside you’ll find it’s a jewel full of historical secrets.
Did you know the Dade County Courthouse was once located 10 miles north of what is Palm Beach today? In 1904, the building was moved to its current location. Then 20 years later, because of the rapid growth of the city, the courthouse was turned into the magnificent structure you see today. One of the original courtrooms is 6-1. What makes it extraordinary? It’s hosted some of the most famous and fascinating cases in American history.
We interviewed 11th Circuit Court Judge Scott Silverman. He’s also the Dade County Courthouse historian. Silverman is a plethora of knowledge of the county’s law history. I could sit and listen to him for hours. (You can see him on Comcast OnDemand under Get Local – Newsmakers). From prohibition to a 1960’s Million-Dollar Murder to political turmoil, Miami has seen it all.
Suddenly, that sordid past was captivating and alluring. It gave Miami it’s depth.
Head Over Heels
Soon after, our videographer and editor Jess and I headed over to HistoryMiami (formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida). The museum is holding an exhibit now through August called, Crime in Miami, which is where we originally got the idea to do a series for Get Local on Comcast On Demand. The museum is tucked inside the Cultural Center – a Spanish-style courtyard – along with the Miami Dade County Library and the Miami Art Museum (MAM). Once we walked up the ramp, all I could think was, “What a beautiful area!” It was then and there that it happened. I fell in love with the city I once dreaded.
* Take a look at the top of the post to see one of the interviews left on the cutting room floor. You can also see the video on our Facebook page, hence why I say “Facebook friends.”