Security camera footage shows a man forcing a woman into a Ford F-150 pickup truck Wednesday morning, Dec. 31, 2025. Police say both people have been found safe, and the man has been arrested.
Hialeah Police Department
Hialeah police say they found a man and woman officers were looking for after receiving a frantic report of a possible abduction on New Year’s Eve.
Police on Sunday announced that both have been found safe, and the man, Jose Manuel Gonzalez, 49, has been arrested on kidnapping and domestic battery charges.
Lt. Eddie Rodriguez said in a statement that the woman, who has not been named, went to an area near West 27th Avenue and 52nd Street around 6:45 a.m. “visiting acquaintances,” when Gonzalez, who is her “longtime boyfriend,” showed up and forced her into his pickup truck.
A witness saw the confrontation and called 911. Detectives watched footage from nearby security cameras, which corroborated the witness’ statement, Rodriguez said.
Police then put out an urgent plea to the public asking for help locating the couple that included a description of Gonzalez’s Ford F-150 pickup truck. It was not immediately known how police located Gonzalez and the woman, who Rodriguez said was “safe and uninjured.”
“While the victim is safe, the actions observed warrant serious legal consequences,” Rodriguez said.
Hialeah police Chief George Fuente issued a statement, saying the department “extends its sincere gratitude to the community for their vigilance and assistance during this investigation. Your partnership remains vital in ensuring the safety of our city.”
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
David Goodhue covers the Florida Keys and South Florida for FLKeysNews.com and the Miami Herald. Before joining the Herald, he covered Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware.
Diane Crump was the first woman to race horses professonally, starting her career in 1969 at Hialeah Park before becoming the first female jockey to compete in the Kentucky Derby a year later.
Kentucky Derby Museum
Diane Crump, the first woman to race horses professionally, died Thursday in Virginia months after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, her daughter confirmed on social media.
Crump, 77, debuted professionally at Hialeah Park on Feb. 7, 1969. A year later, she made history again, becoming the first female jockey to race in the Kentucky Derby.
“I hope my mom’s legacy of following dreams and helping others continues through those that were touched by her amazing life,” her daughter, Della Payne, said in a GoFundMe page announcing her mother’s death. The page was set up originally to help pay for Crump’s medical treatment.
Mike Anderson — president of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby — said in a statement that Crump “will be forever respected and fondly remembered in horse racing lore.”
Crump’s race at Hialeah Park was so controversial that six of the original 12 jockeys who were supposed to race against her refused to participate, according to The Associated Press. She had to be escorted to the saddle area by security guards to protect her from the crowd, the AP reported.
While Crump did not win either of the groundbreaking races, she went on to 228 victories during her professional career, which spanned from 1969 until 1998, according to the horse-racing news site Blood Horse.
After retiring, Crump began a horse-sales company in Virginia, Diane Crump Equine Sales, which connected sellers and buyers, Payne wrote.
In recent years, she was also volunteering in hospitals and nursing homes with her three dachshunds, according to Payne.
“Through this ministry, she has brought joy, comfort, and healing to countless people in the Winchester and Northern Virginia communities,” Payne wrote.
Crump was born in Connecticut before moving to the Tampa area later in her childhood, according to Blood Horse. She began riding horses at age 4, the news outlet reported, adding she is survived by Payne, three grandchildren and a brother and sister.
This story was originally published January 2, 2026 at 7:43 PM.
David Goodhue covers the Florida Keys and South Florida for FLKeysNews.com and the Miami Herald. Before joining the Herald, he covered Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware.
Security camera footage shows a man and woman speaking in front of a white Ford F-150 pickup truck Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Hialeah police believe the man may have abducted the woman.
Hialeah Police Department
Hialeah police fear a woman may have been abducted, and investigators are pleading with the public to help find her and the man who may have taken her.
The case began early Wednesday morning, around 6:45 a.m., when police received a 911 call from a woman who said she may have witnessed an abduction at West 27th Avenue and 52nd Street, said Hialeah police Lt. Eddie Rodriguez.
Detectives watched nearby security camera footage, which they say corroborated the witness’ account, Rodriguez said. A still shot of the footage released by police shows what looks like the man forcing the woman into a pickup truck.
Security camera footage shows a man forcing a woman into a Ford F-150 pickup truck Wednesday morning, Dec. 31, 2025. Hialeah Police Department
Adding to the complexity of the investigation is that police haven’t received any reports that a woman looking like the woman in the footage has gone missing.
“At this time, no missing persons reports have been filed matching the description of the female involved, presenting a significant challenge to the investigation,” Rodriguez said in an email to reporters.
From what detectives saw on the video, they believe the man and woman know each other and “this is not a random act,” Rodriguez said.
Police describe the man as white, around 5 foot, 7 inches tall, wearing all black clothing and a blue hat. They describe the woman as white with long black hair, wearing a gray sweatshirt, khaki sweatpants and black sandals.
The vehicle police are looking for is a white Ford F-150 Platinum Edition pickup truck with “distinct black rims.”
A woman stands in front of a white Ford F-150 pickup truck Wednesday morning, Dec. 31, 2025. Hialeah police believe the woman may have been abducted. Hialeah Police Department
“I urge the public not to assume your information is insignificant. Any piece of information, no matter how small, may be the missing piece of the puzzle we need to solve this mystery and ensure the safety of this young woman,” Rodriguez said.
Detectives ask that if anyone has information on the man, woman or the pickup to call 305-687-2525.
David Goodhue covers the Florida Keys and South Florida for FLKeysNews.com and the Miami Herald. Before joining the Herald, he covered Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware.
Gelien Perez, 35, former Human Resources director for the city, and William ‘Willy’ Marrero, 22, former council aide, are running for two seats in Dec. 9 runoff election. Both have been endorsed by mayor-elect Bryan Calvo
Hialeah mayor-elect Bryan Calvo, promising unity and a balanced government, has endorsed two candidates for the Dec. 9 city council runoff elections. Calvo is backing Gelien Perez and William “Willy” Marrero, who ran with rival political slates during the mayoral contest but now stand together under his incoming administration.
“I’m creating a coalition to approve the agenda,” Calvo told the Miami Herald.
Asked about the possibility that either candidate could oppose his agenda once in office, he added: “My support doesn’t mean they will vote with me 100% of the time. We need to refine the balance and votes where we don’t all agree. Just because I supported them doesn’t mean it’s a conditional one.”
Gelien Perez attends a City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Hialeah City Hall. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
An unexpected ally
Perez, 35, a former human resources director for the city, ran as part of Council President Jesus Tundidor’s slate, a faction that opposed Calvo in the mayoral race. Her professional background positions her as one of the most qualified candidates for Council Seat 3, according to Calvo.
“She brings the most experience and insight into how Hialeah functions,” he said.
Perez was the subject of a Miami-Dade Ethics Commission investigation covering 2018–2020, which found indications she may have used her city position to benefit her private real-estate business. Despite that, she secured enough votes in the Nov. 4 special election to advance to the runoff. Asked about the investigation, Calvo said it is a question for Perez. The Herald has reached out to Perez several times, but she has not responded.
In the primary, Perez led with 40.5% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Jessica Castillo, who received 36%, while Kassandra Montandon, who ran on the slate of interim Mayor Jackie of Garcia-Roves, with 23.5%.
Jessica Castillo, 37, is running for Hialeah City Council with a platform focused on easing traffic congestion, improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and lowering property taxes. Jessica Castillo
Calvo’s endorsement gives Perez fresh momentum as she heads into the competitive runoff against Castillo. Castillo has centered her platform on transparency, accountability and giving residents a stronger voice at City Hall. Her top priorities include improving traffic flow, upgrading infrastructure, enhancing public safety and lowering property taxes. She has said she does not feel represented by the current city leadership, positioning herself as an independent voice in the race.
A bridge between administrations
Marrero, 22, ran as part of Garcia-Roves’s slate, representing a faction that opposed Calvo in the mayoral contest. Garcia-Roves has briefly served as Hialeah’s first woman mayor. Marrero’s first-round performance, capturing 25% of the vote in a field of five candidates, secured him a spot in the runoff, with his message of youth and energy resonating strongly with voters.
William Marrero gives comment during a city council meeting to decide the interim council member replacing now-mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at city hall in Hialeah, Fla. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
Calvo’s endorsement positions Marrero uniquely — supported by both the outgoing acting mayor and the incoming one, creating a rare political bridge between two administrations. Marrero has emphasized working on issues critical to residents, including the high cost of city services, water and sewer affordability, and addressing tax and infrastructure challenges.
“With experience as a council aide, Marrero understands how city bureaucracy functions and aims to take a strong role in delivering robust constituent services to residents,” Calvo said.
Both represent groups that often lack a voice in local government, particularly people in their mid-20s. Calvo has said he does not believe age should be a barrier to leadership, citing his own experience as Hialeah’s youngest councilman at 23 in 2021 and later being elected the youngest mayor at 27.
Marrero said that working with Calvo is about putting residents first: “I do have to work with him. It is about the residents. He is extremely reasonable, understands disagreement, and encourages collaboration,” he said.
Marrero will face Javier Morejon, the former chairman of the Hialeah Beautification Board and vice-chair of the Historic Preservation Board.
Javier Morejon 34, is proposing a better Hialeah with greener Spaces, lower costs, safer streets and stronger infrastructure. He also says he wants to restore transparency and accountability at City Hall. Javier Morejon
Morejon, 34, is running for Council Seat 4 after two previous attempts to become an interim council member. In the primary, he captured 23.3% of the vote. A business developer, land-use specialist and city surveyor based in Miami Gardens, Morejon emphasizes a practical and community-focused agenda. His priorities include creating greener public spaces, reducing costs for essential city services, strengthening public safety resources, restoring transparency and accountability at City Hall, and repairing critical infrastructure such as streets and drainage to address flooding and potholes.
A symbol of unity
By endorsing two candidates who initially ran with his opponents, Calvo appears to be making a strategic and symbolic effort to prioritize residents’ interests over political loyalty. The Dec. 9 runoff comes after a turbulent year in Hialeah, marked by a deadlocked council, an interim mayoral transition, and shifting alliances, and it carries immediate consequences for Calvo’s ability to govern. In January, once he is sworn in, the council must fill the seat vacated by Tundidor, and Calvo will need four votes on the seven-member council to make the new appointment. He currently has two reliable supporters — Carl Zogby, the only councilman elected unopposed after his challenger withdrew, and Luis Rodriguez, who was reelected.
If Perez and Marrero prevail, their victories could give Calvo the majority he needs to control the January appointment and establish momentum for his administration. Beyond the numbers, their elections would reinforce his broader message of unity, integrating former opponents into a coalition focused on collaboration and citywide priorities rather than factional politics.
Verónica Egui Brito ha profundizado en temas sociales apremiantes y de derechos humanos. Cubre noticias dentro de la vibrante ciudad de Hialeah y sus alrededores para el Nuevo Herald y el Miami Herald. Se unió al Herald en 2022. Verónica Egui Brito has delved into pressing social, and human rights issues. She covers news within the vibrant city of Hialeah, and its surrounding areas for el Nuevo Herald, and the Miami Herald. Joined the Herald in 2022.
Former Hialeah Councilman Bryan Calvo won the mayoral election Tuesday.
Pedro Portal
pportal@miamiherald.com
Bryan Calvo, a former city councilman known for frequently challenging Esteban “Steve” Bovo’s policies during his tenure as Hialeah’s mayor, has won the city’s mayoral election with 52% of the vote. With 17,504 people voting, Calvo, 27, becomes the youngest mayor in Hialeah history.
Calvo achieved what many observers deemed unlikely: defeating four other contenders, including the interim mayor and a prominent council member, to win outright and avoid a runoff.
Calvo sent a statement to the Miami Herald thanking Hialeah residents for what he called “the honor of a lifetime.”
“Tonight you delivered a clear message: it’s time to end backroom politics and bring integrity back to City Hall,” he said. “This victory belongs to every family that’s worked hard, played by the rules, and refuse to give up on this city.”
Calvo outpaced interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia‑Roves and Councilman Jesus Tundidor — both considered strong establishment candidates — as well as fellow challengers Marc Anthony Salvat and Bernardino “Benny” Rodriguez.
Hialeah mayoral candidates, from left Marc Anthony Salvat, Interim Mayor Jackie Garcia-Roves, former Councilman Bryan Calvo, councilman Jesus Tundidor and Bernardino “Benny” Rodriguez, during a mayoral debate at Univision 23 ahead of the Nov. 4 elections, in Doral, on Oct. 15, 2025. Pedro Portal pportal@miamiherald.com
Tundidor, 34, received 20% of the vote, while Garcia-Roves, 43, followed closely with 19%.
Garcia-Roves, in tears in her headquarters, thanked everyone who worked hard on her campaign and said she would continue working for “the city I love.”
Tundidor sent a statement to the Herald saying, “The people of Hialeah have spoken. I am very proud of the work we have done as a councilman. I wish Bryan all the best and hope he does his best for our community.”
Salvat, 32,got 6.4% percent of the votes, while Bernardino “Benny” Rodriguez recieved less that 1% of the votes.
During his tenure on the city council, Calvo was a vocal critic of then-Mayor Bovo’s administration, accusing it of wasteful spending and poor governance. Calvo filed a lawsuit, later dismissed against Bovo over alleged misuse of public resources.
Garcia-Roves — the first woman to serve as Hialeah’s mayor — is expected to remain in office through the transition period established under Bovo’s administration. She will hand over the position on Jan. 12, 2026, when Calvo is expected to be sworn in. The arrangement leaves the city under interim leadership for two more months as Hialeah prepares for a new direction at City Hall.
Running as an anti-establishment reformer, Calvo raised just over $324,000 for his campaign. His platform emphasized cutting government bureaucracy, repealing public-employee pensions and lowering water bills for Hialeah residents.
Calvo holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Harvard University and a law degree from Florida International University.
This story was originally published November 4, 2025 at 8:25 PM.
Verónica Egui Brito ha profundizado en temas sociales apremiantes y de derechos humanos. Cubre noticias dentro de la vibrante ciudad de Hialeah y sus alrededores para el Nuevo Herald y el Miami Herald. Se unió al Herald en 2022. Verónica Egui Brito has delved into pressing social, and human rights issues. She covers news within the vibrant city of Hialeah, and its surrounding areas for el Nuevo Herald, and the Miami Herald. Joined the Herald in 2022.
Mayoral candidate and former Councilman Bryan Calvo speaks during a debate at Univision 23 ahead of the Nov. 4 elections on Oct. 15 2025.
Pedro Portal
pportal@miamiherald.com
Hialeah mayoral candidate Bryan Calvo lived for years in a home that improperly received a low-income senior property-tax exemption intended for his parents, some of it while he served as a city council member, according to county records.
The Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser’s Office determined last year that the Hialeah home did not qualify for the senior exemption for homeowners 65 and older, which Calvo’s mother applied for in 2019 for tax years 2019-24. The family paid $5,282.97 last year to settle back taxes and penalties.
Calvo’s father inherited the home from his mother in November 2016. In January 2017, Calvo, then 19 and studying at Harvard, was added to the deed alongside his mother as a co-owner.
Calvo, who is running in the Nov. 4 Hialeah elections, told the Miami Herald his father added him and his mother to the title “so that if anything happened to him, we wouldn’t have to go through probate. It was a simple way to protect the family home, something many Hialeah families understand all too well.” His father died on Oct. 16.
County records show Calvo’s mother applied in June 2019 for both the standard homestead exemption and an additional senior exemption for homeowners 65 and older with limited income, which reduces the property’s assessed value for tax purposes by an additional $50,000. Based on that information, the county granted the exemption starting with the 2019 tax year.
To qualify for Florida’s senior homestead exemption, at least one homeowner must be 65 or older and the total household adjusted gross income cannot exceed $37,694, according to the Florida Department of Revenue’s 2025 guidelines. When the Calvo family applied in 2019, the limit was $30,174.
Calvo said he was unaware of the exemptions his parents had applied for or received.
“I didn’t know the exemption existed until my parents received a letter from the Property Appraiser’s Office in the summer of 2024,” he said.
While Calvo was still serving on the City Council, the Property Appraiser’s Office notified his family that the senior exemption had been improperly applied and issued a Notice of Intent to Lien to recover back taxes, penalties and interest.
The Property Appraiser’s Office launched an investigation in December 2023 after receiving an “anonymous phone call from a concerned neighbor” claiming that Calvo’s parents did not live in their Hialeah home but resided in Broward County, according to public records. Investigators found no evidence that the family had abandoned the home or owned property in Broward. However, the office noted that both Calvo and his then-wife were “believed to be gainfully employed.”
The office later determined that Calvo and his then-wife had established permanent residence at the property; the couple married in December 2019 and divorced in March 2024.
Calvo said he had no role in applying for the exemptions and that his parents handled the home’s finances.
“It’s an obscure rule that most people, especially seniors, don’t know about,” he said. “My parents qualified when they applied, but once household income crossed the limit in 2022, they should have withdrawn the exemption. They only learned of that requirement after receiving the letter in 2024.”
Calvo told the Herald his first full-time job was as a law clerk in the summer of 2022, shortly after graduating from Florida International University College of Law. He was elected to the Hialeah City Council in November 2021, a part-time position with a $44,000 annual salary, and resigned in May 2024, effective November, to run for Miami-Dade Tax Collector. The disqualification of the property’s senior exemptions surfaced during that campaign against fellow Republican Dariel Fernandez.
“My parents received the letter, paid the back taxes and fine that same day, and closed the matter immediately,” Calvo said. “There’s been no investigation, because there was no fraud.”
Calvo defended his decision to continue living in his parents’ home after his marriage, citing affordability challenges faced by many Hialeah families.
“Like many hardworking families in Hialeah, we faced the challenge of high housing costs,” he said. “Staying with family wasn’t about convenience, it was about doing things responsibly and saving until we could properly afford our own home.”
Calvo’s statement as a mayoral candidate shows he moved out of the family home in March 2025, after living there for 27 years.
“Like so many in Hialeah, that’s part of the American dream, to work hard, save, and eventually build your own home here.”
Verónica Egui Brito ha profundizado en temas sociales apremiantes y de derechos humanos. Cubre noticias dentro de la vibrante ciudad de Hialeah y sus alrededores para el Nuevo Herald y el Miami Herald. Se unió al Herald en 2022. Verónica Egui Brito has delved into pressing social, and human rights issues. She covers news within the vibrant city of Hialeah, and its surrounding areas for el Nuevo Herald, and the Miami Herald. Joined the Herald in 2022.
Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves speaks to Univision following a city budget council meeting at Hialeah City Hall on Monday, September 15, 2025, in Hialeah, Fla.
D.A. Varela
dvarela@miamiherald.com
Hialeah Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves on Thursday denied responsibility for code violations reported by her own city’s Building and Code Compliance Department, which fined her $250 on Wednesday for additions and other changes for which there were no permits.
The controversy first surfaced a week ago during a City Council meeting, when resident Yolanda Guerra confronted the mayor publicly.
“You are a disgrace to the city,” Guerra said. “How can you, as mayor, make additions to your house without asking for any permit? You have to pay the money you owe the city for those improvements made without permits.”
At the time, Garcia-Roves immediately dismissed the allegations as “fake news.” Now, after her department issued the fine for multiple violations, the mayor says she remains unaware of the details because she has not yet been officially notified, even though the fine is a public record for any person who requests it.
Speaking to Univision 23 after the Miami Herald broke the news on Wednesday, Garcia-Roves said, “I still haven’t received any violation or fine from the city. I can say that during election cycles, these kinds of awful things tend to show up.”
Her office had told the Herald the previous day that the records would be released as soon as she was informed.
A general view of Hialeah’s Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves’s in East Hialeah on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Hialeah, Fla., who has been fined by the city for code violations. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Garca-Roves has accused her political opponent, former councilman Bryan Calvo, who is also running for mayor in the Nov. 4 election, of orchestrating the complaint that led to the city inspection and the claims raised during last week’s council meeting. At the same time, she has attributed any structural changes or improvements to home to her late father, who died in 2019, the same year she became the property’s official owner and won a seat on the City Council.
“When my father passed away I took responsibility for the property, and it was transferred under my name. I didn’t take advantage of the senior exemption my mother had,” Garcia-Roves said. “I’m a Hialeah resident like any other. I don’t see myself as above anyone just because I’m the mayor. If there’s something wrong with the property, something that happened before I became the owner, I’ll assume responsibility.”
The mayor has maintained that no expansions have been made to the home, even though records from the Hialeah Building and Code Compliance Department show her property is currently under an active violation for additions among other violations of building without a permit.
“Since I’m old enough to remember, there haven’t been any additions to the house,” she said. “Honestly, I don’t know if there were any permits issued for modifications, because when my dad was alive, he was the one taking care of everything.”
The mayor emphasized that any work done on the property occurred before she inherited it. “Any improvement that was made was done by my father. He was the owner, and he handled everything,” she said.
However, Google Street View images from 2007 to 2022 reveal changes to the property over the years, particularly since 2020, when García-Roves was already the legal owner. The images show that the porch gate, in place at least since 2007, was removed, along with modifications to fences and gates. Columns in the front yard were also removed—alterations that correspond to some of the violations cited by the city.
A 2011 photo of Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves’ house, according to Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser records. At the time, the property was owned by her father and mother. Garcia-Roves became the owner in 2019, and in October 2025 the city has fined her for several code violations on the property. Miami-Dade Property Appraiser
A Google Street View image from February 2020 shows the porch gate at Hialeah Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves’ property, which had been in place since at least 2007. By April 2022, after Garcia-Roves became the legal owner following her father’s passing in 2019, the gate had been removed and other modifications to the property are visible.
A Google Street View image from April 2022 shows substantial exterior modifications to Hialeah Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves’s home, decades after her family acquired the property. Google
“My house doesn’t have any enclosed area besides the main structure. There isn’t an addition,” Garcia-Roves said, adding that she is waiting to see the city’s official notice. Her comments, however, contradict both the Hialeah Building and Code Compliance Department’s cited violations and Miami-Dade Property Appraiser records included in the city’s file, which show two roof extensions. One appears to be an enclosed home addition with plumbing ventilation stacks, while the other is constructed from aluminum.
Miami-Dade Property Appraiser records, included in Hialeah Building and Code Compliance Department files regarding Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves’s fine for city code violations, show two roof extensions. Hialeah Building and Code Compliance Department
A general view of Hialeah’s Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves’s on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Hialeah, FL. The image shows two roof extensions on the property without permit Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
“I have to wait to see what the violations are, to have them in my hands,” she said. “I have to let the department do its job. Just because I’m the mayor doesn’t mean I’ll abuse any department. I’m waiting for the notice of action.”
She also suggested that the case may have been politically motivated, despite the fact that, as mayor, she oversees the department that issued the inspections and violations.
“I didn’t know I had any violation. If there is something that needs to be fixed, I’m happy to know and take care of it,” she said.
Garcia-Roves also proposed that the city consider creating a program to assist residents who inherit properties and later discover issues with old permits or code compliance.
“When a family member passes away, and you inherit a property, situations like this can happen,” she said. “Obviously, I’ll take responsibility for my case, but my doors are open to help any resident who needs assistance.”
According to city documents, Garcia-Roves must bring the property into compliance by Jan. 26, 2026. If the issues are not resolved by that time, she could face daily fines.
Verónica Egui Brito ha profundizado en temas sociales apremiantes y de derechos humanos. Cubre noticias dentro de la vibrante ciudad de Hialeah y sus alrededores para el Nuevo Herald y el Miami Herald. Se unió al Herald en 2022. Verónica Egui Brito has delved into pressing social, and human rights issues. She covers news within the vibrant city of Hialeah, and its surrounding areas for el Nuevo Herald, and the Miami Herald. Joined the Herald in 2022.
HIALEAH, Fla. – Two vehicles were involved in a crash Thursday that resulted in one of the cars crashing into a home in Hialeah.
The crash occurred around 11:05 a.m. in the area of Southeast First Street and Ninth Avenue.
Sky 10 was above the scene just after noon as a Jeep SUV was completely inside the home.
Another car was up on the sidewalk, flattening some of the bushes outside the home.
Lt. Carlos González, with the Hialeah Fire Department, said in an email to Local 10 News that the driver of the SUV lost control of the vehicle, hitting a car first before going into the house.
“Loud crash — it was like an explosion,” a neighbor identified only as Dennis said.
After hitting the white car, the Jeep crashed into the front of the concrete home, into the owner’s bedroom.
Hialeah police Lt. Eddie Rodriguez later confirmed that the driver of the SUV was a 35-year-old man.
Local 10 has since learned that an elderly woman who owns the home was inside at the time, along with a man and his 7-month-old baby. No injuries were reported.
The brother of one of the people who was inside told Local 10 they are shaken up.
He said he also spoke to the driver of the Jeep.
“Just one guy. He say the brakes don’t work properly and he tried to stop, and then he pressed the gas instead,” the brother said.
Dennis told Local 10 people race through the neighborhood regularly.
“If you can’t control your car, don’t get in it,” he said.
According to González, the building department has declared the home condemned and unsafe until further notice.
Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.
Hialeah, FL, is a city bursting with energy and diversity, offering a unique blend of Latin American culture and modern urban living. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its rich culinary scene, Hialeah is a place where tradition meets innovation, making it an exciting and dynamic city to call home. Whether you’re settling into a new apartment in Hialeah, looking at homes in the city, or have been a longtime resident, this Redfin article will dive into some fun facts about Hialeah you’ll want to know.
The name Hialeah is derived from the Seminole Indian word meaning “high prairie.” This name reflects the area’s original landscape, which was characterized by vast, open grasslands. The city’s historical roots are honored through various cultural and educational programs that highlight its indigenous heritage.
2. Hialeah is the place to live if you love Cuban cuisine
Hialeah is famous for its Cuban cuisine, with numerous restaurants offering authentic dishes. Places like Molina’s Ranch Restaurant and Trigo Cafe are beloved for their delicious offerings and warm atmosphere. The city’s culinary scene is a testament to its rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions.
3. Hialeah’s race track is one of its best-known landmarks
Known as “the world’s most beautiful race course,” Hialeah Park Race Track opened in 1925 and is a National Historic Landmark. The park is famous for its stunning landscaping, including a flock of flamingos that roam the grounds. It has hosted numerous prestigious horse racing events and remains a symbol of Hialeah’s rich history.
4. The Westland Mall is a top shopping destination
Hialeah is home to the Westland Mall, a major shopping destination in the region. The mall features a wide variety of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. It serves as a central gathering place for residents and visitors, offering a comprehensive shopping experience.
5. Hialeah hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year
Hialeah hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage and community spirit. Events like the Art on Palm Festival and the Goodlet Park Hispanic Heritage Festival attract large crowds and showcase local talent. These celebrations foster a sense of unity and pride among residents.
6. You’ll find many historical landmarks in Hialeah
Hialeah features several historical landmarks, such as the Garden of the Arts and the Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment. These sites preserve the city’s history and provide cultural and recreational opportunities for residents. They play an important role in maintaining Hialeah’s unique identity and heritage.
7. Cafecito is a popular beverage in the city
Hialeah residents have a deep love for cafecito, a strong Cuban coffee. It’s a common sight to see locals gathering at the local cafeterias to enjoy a cup of this beloved beverage at cafes throughout the city like Cafe N’ Clave and others.
8. Hialeah has a rich Hispanic culture
Hialeah is a vibrant and diverse city with a strong Hispanic influence. From the colorful murals adorning the streets to the lively music and dance scenes, the city’s Hispanic culture is a significant part of its identity.
9. Hialeah’s architecture is one of its highlights
Hialeah is home to a mix of architectural styles, including Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern. The city’s diverse architecture adds to its unique character and charm, making it a visually interesting place to explore.
Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.
HIALEAH, Fla. – The wife of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer shot and killed at a west Miami-Dade gun range spoke to Local 10 News Thursday, remembering him as a loving husband and stepfather.
Sources said Jorge Arias, 40, a firearms instructor for the agency, was accidentally shot in the chest during a training exercise at the county-owned Trail Glades Range just before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Miami-Dade police confirmed Thursday that the shooting involved a second officer. Sources told Local 10 News the shooting happened during a “building search training,” and a fellow instructor shot Arias in the chest during a demonstration.
Arias’ wife, Ana Mary Arias, said she and her husband first met at Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School and have been together since 2013, the same year he joined CBP.
In addition to his duties as a firearms instructor, he was assigned to the Miami International Airport.
She said he was also a U.S. Coast Guard reservist and had just re-enlisted and was also proud of his career in law enforcement.
“He was always there to help everybody who needed it,” Ana Mary Arias said. “Everybody who needed it, family or not, and he was big on his family of law enforcement. He came from a small family and he always told me that he was part of a big family. It is his law enforcement family.”
Ana Mary Arias also described her husband as being like a father to her two children and an avid gamer. In fact, she said, many people thought he was their biological father.
“I have no words for the loss,” she said. “When you hear people say that he was a great guy, believe it.”
As Arias tries to make sense of her beloved husband’s unexpected death, she said she will cherish the unconditional love he was always there to give.
“He would hug me and tell me, ‘Don’t worry baby, we are going to grow old together, we’re gonna do this’” she said, through tears.
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