The HistoryMiami Museum is hosting an exhibition titled 'Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids' which explores the natural and cultural origins of legendary creatures from around the world. The exhibition, organized in collaboration with several museums including the American Museum of Natural History, features life-size models, interactive stations, and a companion exhibition 'Mythic Miami' focusing on local folklore. Vanessa Navarro Maza, folklife curator for HistoryMiami, highlights the exhibition's appeal to diverse audiences and its exploration of creatures that have intrigued communities for years.

The Slow Burn Theatre Co.'s production of 'Head Over Heels: The Musical,' set to the music of the Go-Go’s, will run from June 10-26 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The show, which celebrates love and acceptance, features a diverse cast and is notable for its depiction of gender fluidity through a nonbinary character. Originally scheduled before the COVID-19 pandemic, the musical is now seen as timely and relevant. Major support for the production comes from various cultural and arts organizations in Florida.

City Theatre Miami and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts are showcasing local talent in their 26th annual Summer Shorts event, focusing on Miami's emerging playwrights. The Homegrown Edition, running from June 8-25, features plays developed through City Theatre’s inaugural Homegrown program, which supports BIPOC writers. Vanessa Garcia, the program’s master playwright, mentors the cohort, which includes Luis Roberto Herrera and Ariel Cipolla. The event highlights the vibrant and diverse theater community in Miami, emphasizing the importance of local artistic support and development.

Comedians Leslie Jones and Margaret Cho are scheduled to perform at The Parker in South Florida, with Jones appearing on May 13 and Cho on May 18. The Parker, a cultural hub for concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances, was founded in 1967 and has hosted numerous renowned artists. It underwent a significant $30 million renovation, adding modern amenities while preserving its historical elements. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts now manages The Parker, which also serves as a home for the South Florida Symphony Orchestra and the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida.

Alexis Sheer, a Miami-born playwright, brings her acclaimed play 'Our Dear Dead Drug Lord' to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. The play, which explores themes of power, magic, and cultural identity through the story of four young women fascinated by Pablo Escobar, has already seen success off-Broadway. Directed by Stuart Meltzer and co-directed by Elena Maria Garcia, the production features former students of Meltzer and addresses complex issues such as teenage pregnancy and queer identity. Sheer hopes the play will inspire future generations of underrepresented young women in theater.

Residents of the Bayside Historic District are urging the Miami City Commission to uphold a decision by the Historic & Environmental Preservation Board denying a development proposal by Minor Street LP. The proposal involves subdividing two lots into five, constructing four single-family homes, and relocating the historic Prescott Mansion. Residents argue the project is incompatible with the neighborhood's historic character and raises concerns about environmental impact and flooding. The developer contends the denial was arbitrary and that the project would enhance the area. The city commission's decision is pending.

Brightline has resumed its high-speed train service between Miami and West Palm Beach after a nearly two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The reopening was marred by a crash in Pompano Beach, but the company emphasized its extensive safety measures and ongoing investments in infrastructure. Brightline is also focusing on expanding its services, including new stations in Aventura and Orlando, and introducing the Brightline+ mobility service. The company aims to create significant economic impact and job opportunities in South Florida.

Home renovations have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic as homes have become multifunctional spaces. A significant percentage of homeowners in the United States have undertaken home improvement projects, ranging from minor touchups to major remodels. Surveys indicate continued growth in home improvement activities, with a focus on outdoor spaces and multi-use areas. The industry faces challenges such as supply chain constraints and labor shortages, but businesses are adapting with new protocols and digital tools. The Better Business Bureau advises caution and thorough research when hiring contractors.

Wag Pride, a new pet boutique, is set to open in Wilton Manors, South Florida, offering environmentally friendly products, a self-serve dog wash, and grooming services. Founders Mark Winner and Lee Ginsberg, who are also local residents, plan to expand with franchising. The article lists various other pet businesses in the area, including Central Bark, Wilton Manors Animal Hospital, Dog Bar, Alexandria's Grooming, Wilton's Manor, Suzie's Place, Ruby Clippers Pet Grooming, Lil' Paddlers Pet Grooming, Middle River Animal Hospital, Wilton Waggerz, and Arbor Pet Hospital, detailing their services and operating hours.

A 2018 report by Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School reveals that pets, especially dogs, positively impact the mental health of older LGBT adults. The study, involving 2,560 LGBT individuals aged 50 and older, indicates that pets help maintain physical activity and community engagement, promoting overall health. The report highlights the unique role of pets in providing companionship and support, particularly for LGBT older adults who face higher rates of depression, disability, and loneliness. The findings underscore the growing importance of companion animals in enhancing social support and well-being.

Bill Finlay of West Groton, suffering from polycystic kidney disease, seeks a kidney donor while raising awareness about the genetic disorder affecting him and his brothers. His older brother received a transplant 12 years ago, and his younger brother, Richard, recently received a kidney from Kaitlin O’Connell, a special-needs teacher. Despite his health challenges, Bill remains hopeful and grateful for the support from the O’Connell family. He emphasizes the importance of finding a suitable donor to avoid dialysis, as his kidney function is critically low.

Shawn Patterson, a music composer from Athol, Massachusetts, received an Academy Awards nomination for his song 'Everything is Awesome' from 'The Lego Movie.' The song, performed by Tegan and Sara featuring The Lonely Island, was praised for its joyful and catchy nature. Despite the film's commercial success, it only received one Oscar nomination, sparking some criticism. Patterson's collaboration with Chris McKay and his musical journey, including his education at Berklee College of Music, were highlighted. The song achieved notable chart success and was co-produced by Mark Mothersbaugh.

Friends and family of Isaiah Climons gathered in Leominster to hold a vigil in his memory, highlighting the impact of bullying after the seventh-grader took his own life. Organized by classmates Ashley Legere and Michael Haueisen, the event saw significant community turnout. Speakers, including Mayor Dean Mazzarella and Monsignor John Doran, emphasized the need for greater understanding and action against bullying. Isaiah's cousin, Jasmin Sepulveda, urged parents to monitor social media for signs of distress. A fund has been established to support anti-bullying efforts and assist Isaiah's family with burial costs.

Christopher Maloney, a 1989 graduate of Fitchburg State University, encouraged the 570 graduates at the university's 118th commencement to develop their own plans and paths. He emphasized the importance of challenging oneself and leveraging the full experience gained at the university. Graduates Dylan Finn, Dylan Hicks, and Seth Lavenski were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, receiving a standing ovation. Other graduates, including Kristen Liming and Jessica LeClerc, shared their future plans. Maloney shared his career journey, highlighting the importance of networking and hands-on experience. Several awards were presented during the ceremony, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Jeremy S. Roche and the Faculty Award for Research and Scholarship to Dr. Benjamin A. Railton.

Steve Cote, a 19-year-old former Leominster City Council candidate, faces a yearlong harassment-prevention order after a woman claimed he repeatedly contacted her on Facebook despite requests to stop. Cote was very visible during his campaign but now is accused of sending messages from multiple accounts even after being advised by police to cease contact. His father, Bob Cote, defends him as a positive influence in the city and suggests the allegations are politically motivated. Steve Cote was temporarily detained for contempt during a court hearing but plans to run for council again next year.

A former youth football coach, Benjamin B. Brause, has been released on $15,000 bail after being charged with multiple counts of aggravated rape and other offenses involving a minor. The alleged incidents occurred between 2010 and 2012, involving a boy aged 12 to 16 at the time. Brause, who has no prior criminal record, must adhere to strict conditions, including wearing a GPS-monitoring device and avoiding contact with minors. The investigation, led by the Leominster Police Department and the Worcester District Attorney’s Office, is ongoing, with authorities suspecting there may be additional victims.

A local firefighter, Austin Flagg, and resident, David Spadafore, were honored by Lunenburg selectmen for their heroic efforts during a house fire. Despite their efforts, the victim, Andre Forest, succumbed to his injuries. Fire Chief Patrick Sullivan praised their bravery, noting that their actions provided the best possible chance of survival for the victim. The selectmen and town officials commended their actions, highlighting the community's appreciation for their courage and quick response.

A series of events unfolded in Lunenburg following allegations of racist language used by Lunenburg High School football players during games against Worcester South. The situation escalated when racist graffiti was found on the home of Isaac Phillips, a player allegedly targeted due to his skin color. The high school's football team forfeited remaining games as the investigation proceeded. Andrea Brazier, Isaac's mother, became a suspect in the graffiti case. Despite a lack of conclusive evidence linking the football team to the vandalism, the case remains open, and the community has shown support for Isaac.

Elsa Oliver, 28, and her boyfriend Alberto Sierra, 22, are facing serious charges related to the abuse and disappearance of Oliver's 5-year-old son, Jeremiah Oliver, who has not been seen since September 14. The district attorney is treating the case as a homicide. Oliver was arraigned on multiple charges, including reckless endangerment and assault, while Sierra faces charges of assault and battery. The children were taken into protective custody after one of them disclosed the abuse to a school counselor. Oliver has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and is being held without bail. The case has raised concerns about the failure to report the child's disappearance sooner and the overall handling of the situation by authorities and schools.

A boating accident on the Notown Reservoir in Leominster resulted in the death of 31-year-old Julio Perez, with four others rescued. The incident, which involved a capsized canoe, is under investigation by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. Boats are prohibited on the reservoir, which serves as a primary water source for Leominster. The rescue operation faced challenges due to the isolated location and debris from a previous snowstorm. Local officials and first responders emphasized the difficulty of the rescue and the importance of adhering to safety regulations.

Christopher Fletcher, a former Leominster man, has been indicted for the murder of fellow inmate Richard Silva at MCI-Norfolk. Fletcher, already serving a life sentence for a 1995 murder, was recently arraigned for a 1986 murder. Silva, nearing the end of his sentence for indecent assault, was beaten to death in December. The Norfolk District Attorney's Office, along with the Massachusetts State Police and the Department of Correction, are handling the investigation. An arraignment date for Fletcher has not yet been set.