Miami New Times

To call Sting Dion’s multifarious lives extraordinary would be among the most unfabulous understatements of all time. Less than a decade ago, the future drag icon — armed with an environmental science degree — was organizing on the front lines of climate justice, advocating for marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by environmental policy. By 2025, she was crowned Miss Wynwood Pride and set her sights on the Miss Continental Newcomer pageant in Chicago this spring, where she would represent Miami in one of the most prestigious competitions in Greater Dragdom. These callings are not as disparate as they might initially seem: Both involve standing with the underdogs against dominant paradigms.

⭐ Dion’s work has always been about visibility, power, and transformation.

This profile is part of New Times’ People to Watch issue, spotlighting the figures poised to make a major impact in Miami in 2026. Pick up this week’s issue at a newsstand near you, or visit miaminewtimes.com for the full deep dive.

✍️ Story by @Shawn.Macomber
📸 Photo by @BrunoAfro / @theSatanaOfficial
🖼️ Cover by Kristin Bjornsen

6 months ago

For 25 years, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (@SOBEWFF) has been defined by unforgettable moments, but no one has seen it all quite like founder and director Lee Schrager.

⭐ In an exclusive interview with New Times, Schrager pulls back the curtain on the highs, the history, and the absolute chaos that helped shape one of the world’s most iconic food festivals. From Willie Nelson casually performing on the sand to Mario Batali going completely off the rails at a royal tribute dinner, these stories are as legendary as they are unbelievable.

There are jaw-dropping celebrity appearances, behind-the-scenes mishaps, weather disasters, no-shows, and wild nights that prove this festival has always been about more than just food.

✍️ Read the full story by food editor, @NicoleLovar, at miaminewtimes.com at the link in bio.
📸 Credit Photo by Karli Evans / @‌AllSeeingMedia

6 months ago

From white-tablecloth Mediterranean spots in South Beach and strip mall gems in Little River to legendary spots in the Design District, we eat our way through Miami to discover its very best restaurants every year. In 2025, a wave of new openings shook up the scene, and we also found ourselves returning to old favorites.

But this year, we’re doing things differently.

For years, our Top 💯 Restaurants list has been a badge of honor and a beast to scroll. Starting in 2026, we’re tightening the lens. Welcome to the new Top 5️⃣0️⃣ Restaurants list.

Why the change? Miami’s dining scene has never been more competitive or more full of restaurant openings.

Take a bite into this special compilation by food editor @NicoleLovar at a newsstand near you, or visit miaminewtimes.com (link in bio)

🖼️: Foie gras at Ariete by Russell Film Company

6 months ago