SOUTH FLORIDA magazine | May 2025 - Finding Balance in MIAMI

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FOUNDER | Jay ShapiroLuxury Chamber Media Group jay@southflorida.in

Fashion Editor | Juliana LaBonte juliana@southflorida.in

Travel Editor | Christina Ricci

Business Editor | Cindy Ragan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joe Freer, Frank LoRe Jr, Roger Craft

PHOTOGRAPHER Ilmar Saar

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Chris Cie Carter is a dynamic music producer, songwriter, and performer known for his innovative approach to blending genres. With a keen ear for melody and a deep understanding of production techniques, Carter has worked with a diverse range of artists, helping shape unique sounds that resonate with audiences. His ability to craft compelling beats and rich musical landscapes has earned him recognition in the industry. Whether behind the mixing board or on stage, Carter’s passion for music and dedication to excellence continue to set him apart as a creative force in the entertainment world.

Producer ChrisCieCarter

Finding Balance in the Fast Lane: Inside Equilibrium Mental Health Services' Boutique Approach to Wellness

In MIAMI, ambition is everywhere—in the glass towers of Brickell, the creative hubs of Wynwood, the executive suites of Coral Gables. The city pulses with driven professionals, entrepreneurs, and highachievers who pour themselves into careers, often at the expense of their own well-being. But amid the hustle, a quiet revolution in mental health is taking place.

Tucked into the professional heart of the city, Equilibrium Mental Health Services offers something different: not a clinic, not a crisis center, but a concierge, boutique mental health practice designed specifically for those balancing demanding careers, complex personal lives, and a constant pursuit of excellence.

“We work with people who are high functioning, but they’re carrying a silent weight,” says Dr. Robert Morales, founder and lead provider. “They're managing companies, building families, excelling in their industries but many are doing it while privately struggling with anxiety, burnout, or perfectionism. Our role is to meet them exactly where they are—with discretion, respect, and a plan tailored to their lives.”

A Concierge Experience Rooted in Precision and Privacy

What sets Equilibrium apart is its white-glove approach to mental health care. Every service is designed to be streamlined, personalized, and effective, honoring the time and privacy of its clients. There’s no waiting room cattle call, no rushed intakes. Appointments are scheduled with intention, sessions are thorough, and the treatment model emphasizes quality over quantity

This is mental health care without the bureaucracy, and with the kind of attention to detail typically reserved for luxury services “We operate with the same professionalism and polish our clients expect in their own industries,” says Dr. Morales. “That includes how we communicate, how we protect their privacy, and how we adapt our care to their goals ”

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DHL Express flies 17 endangered Mountain Bongo Antelope from Florida to Kenya conservation site

DHL Express, the world's leading international express service provider, has partnered with Tusk, a charity dedicated to accelerating the impact of Africa-driven conservation, to transport 17 critically endangered Mountain Bongo Antelopes from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) in Florida to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya Bred in Florida, the Bongos are on the verge of extinction with fewer than 100 left in the wild due to poaching, forest degradation and habitat fragmentation

As a partner of Tusk, DHL used its expert and specialist logistics services to provide point-to-point air transfer for the Bongos. Meeting the requirement that the full herd be transported together; DHL provided a dedicated aircraft which carried the Antelopes 7146 nautical miles directly from Palm Beach International Airport (Florida) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya

The Bongos were transported in custom-built crates, alongside 6 tonnes of pelleted feed and 3 specialist animal care staff including a veterinarian and 2 Bongo specialists from the US. The Mountain Bongos were released into a 20-acre sanctuary, which has been set aside for their long-term management and recovery by the Kenya Forest Service. The sanctuary plays a critical role in the national recovery plan and is key to the ongoing success of the project.

Formed by 12 female and 5 male Bongo Antelopes, the herd will remain in the paddocks to safely breed The offspring will then slowly be reintroduced into Mount Kenya's forest ecosystem, from which they have been absent for over 40 years.

Mike Parra, CEO DHL Express Europe, says: "We are so proud to be able to leverage the power and expertise of our global network to assist in transporting these critically endangered Bongo Antelope to their new sanctuary in Kenya. The logistics of moves such as this are incredibly complex, with the welfare of the animals being everyone's top priority. A huge thank you to our partners at Tusk, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and everyone involved in making this important conservation mission a success"

Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, says: "Bringing the Bongos back to Kenya is a great moment in the restoration of the country's natural heritage. For decades, these animals have been largely absent from the very forests where they belong, and this project will be crucial in reversing that loss. Seeing them set foot on Kenyan soil again is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when organizations work together."

Dr Paul Reillo, RSCF Founder and President, says: "There is simply no higher calling for humanity than to protect what remains of nature The mountain bongo's story of decline and recovery has been entirely on our watch, and the species' future lies with all of us The bongo's resilience is a story of hope for wildlife and people alike, merging elevated partnerships, proven expertise, vital resources and amazing courage This humbling, profound project exemplifies true wildlife conservation in real time "

Charlie Mayhew, Founder and President of Tusk, says: "The return of 17 critically endangered mountain bongos from Florida to Kenya is a significant step in restoring this critically endangered species to its native habitat. We are hugely grateful to our global partner DHL Express for their generous support in transporting the Bongos – yet another key milestone in the partnership between our organizations. DHL's dedication to environmental sustainability, and its role as a responsible corporate partner in supporting Tusk's mission to protect Africa's wildlife and natural habitat, is invaluable."

Led by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LEWA), the relocation of the Bongos was a collaborative effort supported by the Meru Bongo & Rhino Conservation Trust (MBRCT) and the RSCF The local communities surrounding the sanctuary will play a key role in running the conservation program, creating education and employment opportunities that will support the region In this context, Tusk acts as official partner of DHL Express, working closely together with LEWA, MBRCT and RSCF to provide highly efficient solutions for funding wildlife conservation programs

DHL recently transported 17 critically endangered Mountain Bongo Antelopes from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Florida to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya
A significant step in restoring this critically endangered species to its native habitat

Miami Dolphins Sign Willie Gay Jr.

The Miami Dolphins announced that they have signed linebacker Willie Gay Jr. as an unrestricted free agent.

Gay Jr. is a two-time Super Bowl champion (LVII, LVIII), who is entering his sixth NFL season after spending time with Kansas City (2020-23) and New Orleans (2024). He has appeared in 72 career games with 55 starts, totaling 253 tackles (164 solo), 7.0 sacks, four interceptions with one returned for a touchdown, 22 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. Gay Jr. has also started in nine postseason games. He entered the league as a second-round selection (63rd overall) by Kansas City in the 2020 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at Mississippi State (2017-19), where he appeared in 31 games with six starts and recorded 99 tackles (46 solo), 6.0 sacks, three interceptions, seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Afteralandmark2024,ModernPlasticSurgeryandMedSpaofMiami,ledbyArmandoLuis,announcesambitiousplansfor2025, continuingitsreputationasapremierplasticsurgerycenterwhiledeepeningitscommunityimpact Inlate2024,thecliniclaunchedapowerfulcommunitycampaign,including:

"DaystoShine"Summit–Astar-studdedeventfeaturingEmilioEstefanandotherVIPs,empoweringwomeninbusinessand beauty.

23rdAnnualHolidayToyDrive–SupportingNicklausChildren'sHealthFoundationalongsideTitoPuenteJr.,LeslieCartaya, andArlynBroche,collectingover1,000toys.

BeautyPageantSponsorships–Providingyoungwomenwithscholarshipsandopportunities.

InternationalExpansionEvent–AnnouncingnewoperationsinMedellín,Colombia,withremarksfromDoralMayorCristi Fraga.

ModernPlasticSurgerycontinuestosetthestandardforluxuryaestheticcare,earningnationalmediaattentionandindustry accolades InMarch,theclinicwillkickoffitsMonthlyEventSerieswithaWomen’sMonthcelebration,co-hostedbyOnlyinDade Cares,bringingtogethermedia,celebrities,andinfluencers

"2024wasremarkable,butwearejustgettingstarted,"saidFounderArmandoLuis "Asweexpandinternationallyandinnovate,2025 willbeanotheryearofexcellenceinaestheticcareandcommunityimpact " Formoreinformation,visitwww modernplasticsurgerymiami com

SLOW BURN THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2025/2026 SEASON

Five musicals will be presented at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Slow Burn Theatre Company unveils its highly anticipated 2025/2026 season, featuring five dynamic musicals that explore themes of ambition, identity, and resilience. Set in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the season is presented with support from American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale.

The Season Lineup:

"Catch Me If You Can" (Oct. 11 – 26, 2025): This high-flying musical comedy, based on the hit DreamWorks Motion Picture, follows teenage con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. as he outsmarts the FBI. Created by a Tony Awardwinning team, this show is packed with charm, adventure, and dazzling music.

"Disney’s Frozen" (Dec. 13 – 28, 2025): The beloved animated film comes to life in a spectacular musical adaptation featuring unforgettable songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. A tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and true love, "Frozen" promises stunning effects, breathtaking performances, and pure joy for all ages.

"Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" (Feb. 14 – Mar. 1, 2026): Experience the inspiring true story of Carole King’s rise to fame. Featuring timeless hits like "You've Got a Friend" and "Natural Woman," this Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical celebrates one of music’s most legendary voices.

"Hairspray" (Apr. 11 – 26, 2026): With big voices, big energy, and even bigger hair, this Tony Award-winning musical takes audiences to 1962 Baltimore, where Tracy Turnblad pursues her dream to dance on "The Corny Collins Show." Bursting with humor, romance, and iconic songs, "Hairspray" delivers a heartwarming message of inclusivity and change.

"Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill" (June 13 – 28, 2026): Inspired by Morissette’s groundbreaking album, this powerful, Tony-winning musical explores a seemingly perfect family unraveling beneath the surface. Tackling complex social themes, this show is a deeply moving and thought-provoking finale to the season.

Season Details:

Subscriptions for the five-show season go on sale Monday, February 24, with individual tickets available starting Saturday, June 7.

Slow Burn Theatre Company’s productions are made possible by major support from the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, the Salah Foundation, and the Cornelia T Bailey Foundation

For tickets and more information, visit www browardcenter org

FIU unveils renderings for Benjamín León Jr. Building, the future home of CasaCuba

Florida International University today is unveiling the architectural renderings of the Benjamín León Jr. Building, which will house CasaCuba, an academic and cultural center to preserve and celebrate Cuban and Cuban American heritage.

The project also marked a significant point in the journey toward breaking ground with $30 million raised toward the $40 million goal.

CasaCuba will make its home in a 43,000-square-foot facility. The Benjamín León Jr. Building will be a beacon for Cuban culture, featuring galleries and exhibition spaces, classrooms, and state-of-the-art event venues for its dynamic cultural programming. Designed by architectural firm HKS, the complex will be built by Thornton Construction and promises to be a hub for research, education, and connection, bringing together scholars, students, visitors, and the broader South Florida community

"CasaCuba will serve as a multidisciplinary hub showcasing FIU's unmatched expertise and commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Cuban and Cuban American heritage," said FIU Provost, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Elizabeth M. Béjar.

"As Miami's only public research university, FIU is uniquely positioned to host CasaCuba," said FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell. "Located in the heart of this global city with deep Cuban roots and closely connected to its cultural fabric, FIU brings to the project the intellectual capital of its faculty and its status as a Carnegiedesignated R1 public research institution and one of the nation's Top 50 public universities."

FIU houses the most comprehensive collection of Cuban music outside the island, the Diaz-Ayala Cuban and Latin American Popular Music Collection, and the unparalleled Henrique Hurtado de Mendoza Collection of Cuban Genealogy. FIU also is home to the Darlene M. And Jorge M. Perez Art Collection.

The Benjamín León Jr. Building will be prominently located near one of the entrances to the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in west Miami-Dade and will leverage the latest technology, bringing the Cuban American experience to life

"After years of planning and hard work, it's incredibly exciting to see CasaCuba getting closer to reality," said CasaCuba Executive Director Lydia Betancourt Space. "This beautiful new building will uphold the Cuban American experience and have its place among Miami's rich cultural landmarks, alongside the Perez Art Museum, the Adrienne Arsht Center, and FIU's three museums. Thanks to the vision of so many, including Agustín Arellano Sr., who has been part of the project since the very beginning, CasaCuba will provide the context and space to elevate our community's past, present and future."

The construction of CasaCuba will be fully supported by donations. In addition to a landmark $10 million gift from Benjamín León Jr., the Knight Foundation has contributed more than $4 million to the project, including $2 million to support the design of the facility. Other key supporters, such as CasaCuba Board Chair Mario Murgado, and Jorge Mas have been instrumental in advancing the project.

"CasaCuba represents the heart and soul of our community, a place where the rich heritage of the Cuban diaspora will be celebrated, studied, and preserved," Murgado said "It is a privilege to be part of bringing this vision to life, made possible by the collective generosity and dedication of those committed to honoring and elevating Cuban culture Together, we have the opportunity to ensure CasaCuba becomes a lasting legacy for generations to come."

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