Everything You Missed This Week in Miami (April 24, 2026)

From a Miami icon's closing date to the tallest residential tower south of New York City — here's everything Miami was talking about this week.

Knaus Berry Farm Announces Its Last Day of the Season: May 10, 2026

One of South Florida's most beloved institutions just gave fans a rare gift — extra time.

Knaus Berry Farm, the legendary Redland farm stand known for its made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls, has announced that it will stay open through Sunday, May 10, 2026 — which happens to fall on Mother's Day. The farm typically closes in mid-April, making this extension of nearly a full extra month a meaningful surprise for locals who missed peak season.

The nearly 70-year-old institution reopened in December 2025 at a new Redland location under new ownership, its first major move in decades. Updates to the new location include credit card acceptance, restrooms, expanded parking, and Sunday hours — but the cinnamon rolls remain unchanged, made with the same recipe and the same oven since 1956. After May 10, Knaus Berry Farm will close for the off-season, with plans to reopen in October 2026.

Where: 16790 SW 177th Ave., the Redland, South Miami-Dade Hours: 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays)

Cipriani Residences Miami Just Became the Tallest Residential Tower South of New York City

Miami's skyline hit a historic milestone this week.

Construction at Cipriani Residences Miami has reached 872 feet, surpassing the previous record-holder — Panorama Tower at 868 feet — to become the tallest residential building south of Manhattan. The 80-story condominium tower, located at 1420 South Miami Avenue in Brickell, was developed by Mast Capital, designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by 1508 London, and is being built by Moss Construction.

The tower is still rising. It will top out at approximately 950 feet and is expected to deliver 397 residences — ranging from one to four bedrooms — with prices starting at $1.8 million. The ultra-luxury Canaletto Collection, occupying the building's highest levels, begins at $4.1 million. Completion is anticipated in 2027.

Amenities include a resident-only restaurant, a 37th-floor speakeasy, a resort-style pool deck, a holistic spa, and more than 50,000 square feet of programming. The building's curving glass facade, inspired by Venice and the waterways of the Italian Riviera, was designed by Arquitectonica principal Bernardo Fort-Brescia.

For context: Cipriani Residences Miami will eventually be surpassed by the Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami — a 1,049-foot supertall currently under construction — expected to complete in 2028.

Dolphins Draft: Miami Selects Kadyn Proctor 12th Overall

The 2026 NFL Draft was the biggest sports story of the week, and the Miami Dolphins came out swinging.

After trading the 11th overall pick to the Dallas Cowboys and moving back one spot, Miami selected offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama with the 12th pick. Proctor, a 6-foot-6, 352-pound lineman, was a two-time All-SEC selection and a finalist for the Lombardi Award in 2025. The Dolphins entered the draft with 11 total picks — including a franchise-record seven in the top 100 — thanks in part to the Jaylen Waddle trade with Denver.

Later in the first round, Miami also traded up from pick 30 to 27, selecting cornerback Chris Johnson from San Diego State.

First Pitch and First Pick: Fernando Mendoza Goes No. 1 to Las Vegas — and Celebrates at Marlins Park

Miami-born quarterback Fernando Mendoza made history this week on two stages.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion — who led Indiana to a 16-0 season capped by a College Football Playoff title — was selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza grew up in Miami and attended Christopher Columbus High School, making his selection a point of local pride throughout the city.

Days before the draft, Mendoza threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Marlins Park ahead of a Miami Marlins home game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The pitch, tossed high above the strike zone, quickly went viral — a lighthearted moment that endeared the hometown kid to fans who have followed his rise since high school. Mendoza chose to watch the draft from Miami with family rather than attend in Pittsburgh, citing the importance of sharing the moment with the community that raised him. His mother, Elsa Mendoza, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for nearly 20 years, was a central figure in his Heisman acceptance speech.

FIU Law Crushes the Florida Bar — While UM Posts the Lowest Rate in the State

A notable contrast emerged this week in South Florida's legal education world.

Florida International University Law School posted an 81% Florida Bar exam passing rate — the second-highest in the state — with 17 of 21 test-takers passing the February 2026 exam. Florida State University led the state with an 86% pass rate.

The University of Miami Law School posted the lowest rate among Florida schools, with just 11 of 28 students passing — a 39% pass rate. The results, released by the Supreme Court of Florida, have sparked significant conversation in legal and academic circles across Miami-Dade.

Publix Just Dropped New Brisket Pub Subs

It may not be the most consequential news of the week, but in Florida, a new Pub Sub is a genuine cultural event.

Publix officially launched three new brisket-based subs and one brisket sandwich at Deli counters statewide in April 2026. The new lineup — described by the company as "a new era of flavor" — includes the Spicy Brisket Sub, the Brisket Lettuce and Tomato Sub, the Southern Style Brisket Sub, and the Stacked Brisket and Brioche Sandwich. All feature smoked brisket sourced from a Texas smokehouse supplier and are available now at your local Publix Deli.

This week's roundup was brought to you by Lynley Residential — your source for Miami real estate and local lifestyle news.