Miami: The Story of Revitalization

Miami used to be a city we all think we know: It was a city known for drug smuggling, violence, and poverty. The city accidentally received thousands of criminals and people with mental problems from the government of Cuba, which caused an exodus of the city's powerfuls and the riches. It was once the largest shipment and distribution center of South American Cocaine in the United States. Yet only a handful of us had been there during that time: Miami was way too scary for sunbathing tourists and fun beach lovers back then. So where exactly did we learn that impression of this city if we were never there? Well, mostly from movies Scarface and Miami Vice, thanks to the big shots in Hollywood.

Downtown Miami from the MacArthur Causeway

Today, if you go to Miami the very first time with that impression stuck in your mind, you will be blown away. Instead of criminals, they city is full of friendly, charming people with smiles as bright as the sunshine. Police presence can be seen in most places. By the way, the giant mansion you see from across the street doesn't belong to any drug lords - it belongs to Julio Iglesias. 

Miamians and tourists relaxing at the shops and restaurants at the Bayside Marketplace

The Freedom Tower and the Bayside Marketplace

In between Miami Beach and Downtown Miami, artificial islands known as the Palm Island and Biscayne Island are homes to some of the most famous and wealthiest citizens of Miami. Neighborhoods such as Coconut Grove and the nearby city of Coral Gables are among the fastest growing communities in the U.S with average housing price way north of $1 million dollars. One can find premium shopping centers, big brand hotels, and world class golf courses around Miami easily like finding a gas station along the U.S Interstate Highway system. The only difference is that you must be ready to pay big bucks to enjoy those facilities. 

Palm Island and Miami Beach Skyline

Part of the reason why Miami is able to be transformed from a poor, dangerous drug depot to a modern, wealthy metropolis is because of the federal and state government's vision and willingness to invest in the city. Throughout the years, especially in the past 20 years or so, the federal and the state government undertook several major construction projects around the city. The most notable ones include the multi-billion dollar MacArthur Causeway, the Port of Miami, and the Miami Central Station. 

The MacArthur Causeway and Miami's many Yachts

As a direct results of these projects, Miami was transformed into an international tourist destination and the economy was turned around very quickly. The municipal government of Miami was brought from the brink of bankruptcy and for the past 20 years or so, Miami has gained the title as the "Cruise Capital of the World" where an average of 4 million tourists rushing into the city every year to reach destinations in the Caribbeans and other parts of the world. International yacht shows and food festivals are being held in the city annually, regardless the expensive price tag one might expect to pay just to enter the premises of these events.  

A scene at the Miami International Yacht show

A Premium, Open Air Shopping Mall in Coconut Grove

Speaking of building Miami, no one has contributed more than the city's immigrants. Due to Miami's geographical location and high standards of living, immigrants from all over the world, with the majority of them coming from other countries in the Americas choose Miami to be the place they can call their new home. Spanish can be heard almost everywhere in the city and is the mother tongue of more than 70% of all Miamians. In downtown, there is a plaza dedicated to Simon Bolivar and the liberation of the Americas with the flags of countries of the Americas flying high and visible, remembering the similar struggles against imperialism people in the United States and South America once had. Food from all over the world, from the top notch, more predominant cuisines like Italian and French all the way to less known ones like Cuban and Haitian can be easily found all over the city. 

The Liberty Tower was once the headquarters of a local newspaper, later it became a federal immigration center for receiving Cubans who came to the U.S to escape the Communist Revolution in Cuba

The statue of Simon Bolivar, one of the Americas' Most Prominent Liberators on Biscayne Boulevard

Yet the biggest contribution the immigrants from the Americas brought to Miami, is their much celebrated culture and heritage. Miami is the global center for Spanish TV and film production, which has earned the city the name "The Capital of Latin America". Many Latin music records, films, and TV shows are produced in Miami.If you see some people shooting a fancy scene on the street, open your eyes wide open as you might find some of the biggest stars in Latin America. The Little Havana neighborhood serves some of the world's best cigars and coffee only the ones in Cuba can rival. Coconut Grove Bahamian neighborhood - one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, even has a cemetery where Michael Jackson's famous music video Thriller was filmed.

Graffiti on a building in Coconut Grove's Bahamian Neighborhood

A Cuban Ice Cream Shop and a Cigar Shop in Miami's Little Havana

However it doesn't mean that Miami is a perfect city. It still faces some social problems that needs to be fixed sooner the better. The city still has a higher than average crime rate in compare to other major U.S cities. The gap between the poor and the wealthy is one of the largest in the United States. As Miami plays a bigger and bigger role in the Caribbean region and within the United States, these problems are being addressed and highlighted by both the community watch groups and the media. If the society and the government are willing to work towards finding a solution to these problems, there will be a day when people can barely associate Miami with the violent, dangerous city depicted in the movies. That same day will mark the beginning of a long prosperity for the city of Miami. As of right now,  I can tell that Miami is definitely on its way to that day.