Francisco Alvarado

Francisco Alvarado was born in Nicaragua and grew up in Miami, giving him unique insight into the Magic City and all its dark corners. An investigative reporter with a knack for uncovering corruption, Alvarado made his bones as a staff writer at Miami New Times and remains in dogged pursuit of the next juicy story.

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Elite Island Resorts Steps Up to Support Local Rock Bands, Reggae Artists

By Francisco AlvaradoMay 1, 2025

COO Larry Basham says the company is committed to finding artists who deserve a break, such as reggae ambassador Causion and punk rock band Give It Up.

side by side portrait photos of a woman and a man

Trojan Hearse? A Right-Wing Think Tank Aims to Abolish the Miami-Dade Teachers’ Union

By Francisco AlvaradoSeptember 19, 2024

The Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit based in Olympia, Washington, is behind a campaign to decertify United Teachers of Dade.

10 Best Miami Strip Club Songs of 2024

By Francisco AlvaradoJuly 31, 2024

From reggaeton hits to female-empowerment rap tracks, these are the songs that make strippers clap for dollars.

Keys Locals Are Fuming About Gov. DeSantis’ Lobster Mini-Season Bonus Day

By Francisco AlvaradoJuly 12, 2024

A lack of specifics regarding safety measures has fueled mistrust leading up to the governor’s “bonus day.”

Crowd shot of fans at Miami's Ultra Music Festival 2024

Pay Delay: Ultra Music Festival Food Truck Operators Say California Subcontractor Stiffed Them

By Francisco AlvaradoMay 20, 2024

Food truck operators say getting paid for working Ultra Music Festival in April has been an ultra-nightmare.

A person holding a small "vote" sticker surrounded by a handful of cannabis nuggets

Pipe Down, Ron: What to Know About Florida’s Recreational Marijuana Amendment

By Francisco AlvaradoApril 19, 2024

We ground down Florida’s weed legalization item and rolled it into a tightly packed joint of a story. Here’s a rundown of the proposal.

The Miami Seaquarium sign in front of the park

Shortly Before the County Terminated Its Lease, We Visited the Seaquarium, Miami’s Saddest Attraction

By Francisco AlvaradoMarch 8, 2024

For decades, the Miami Seaquarium was the city’s marquee attraction. After Lolita’s death and with closure seemingly imminent, it lingers in a derelict state.

A screenshot of a Black female actor with long braids on Miami Beach holding a smartphone up to the viewer

We Got a Copy of the Casting Call for Miami Beach’s “Breaking Up With Spring Break” Ad

By Francisco AlvaradoMarch 7, 2024

“Breaking Up” is one element of a multipronged Miami Beach campaign to make this year’s spring break a total buzzkill.

screenshot of Miami journalist Carlos Frias from a talent reel posted on YouTube

WLRN Faces Discrimination Complaint for Firing Carlos Frías and Sundial Staff

By Francisco AlvaradoFebruary 8, 2024

Ousted Miami radio host Carlos Frías alleges that WLRN discriminated against him and his Latino staff.

Family Says Lax Care Is Killing Amputee Detained at Miami-Dade Immigration Facility

By Francisco AlvaradoJune 2, 2023

The family of Garfield Green, an amputee with severe diabetes, wonders how long he’ll last in ICE custody.

Trulieve-Funded Weed Legalization Measure Draws Reluctant Support

By Francisco AlvaradoApril 14, 2023

The marijuana legalization measure funded by cannabis giant Trulieve is inching closer to the Florida ballot.

XXXTentacion Murder Trial: Verdict Is In (UPDATED)

By Francisco AlvaradoMarch 20, 2023

As jury deliberations continue, does the defense have cause for hope?

XXXTentacion Murder Trial, Week 5: In the Jury’s Hands

By Francisco AlvaradoMarch 9, 2023

Closing arguments concluded in the trial of three men accused of murdering Broward rapper XXXTentacion as he was leaving a motorcycle dealership in 2018.