Clarisell De Cardenas, Public Information Officer Town of Miami Lakes, Miami Lakes
“As a Miami native, it’s very exciting to be at the epicenter of sports,” said Clarisell De Cardenas.
“Rooting for the home team is always important for me because I love this city and I’m always so proud of all of its accomplishments.
“I’m a baseball mom and a huge baseball fan, and to have the best batting average in all of Major League Baseball in Luis Arraez, of the Miami Marlins ... He’s batting more than .400, which is huge for an MLB player.
“That’s exciting, to have him as a Miami Marlin,” she said.
Victor Benitez, Vice President, General Manager Gus Machado Ford, Miami Lakes
“First of all, we have been Miami Heat ticket holders for a while and it’s really exciting to be able to see the Miami Heat in the Finals,” Victor Benitez said.
“It’s so exciting to see the Panthers and the Heat, two teams that started in 8th place and beat the number one seed in each of their organizations and made it to their Finals.
“It’s huge, the first time in history for South Florida. I don’t think there’s ever been a better time to be a Miamian or a South Floridian.
“I think [it] gives South Florida a different twist or an attraction, people want to go where the winners are,” Benitez said.
Marilyn Ruano, Councilwoman Town of Miami Lakes, Miami Lakes
“It’s always exciting for the community to rally around these exciting [and] fun moments,” Marilyn Ruano said.
“When you get behind a team as a group its very unifying and I’m very excited about it.
“I’m not a huge fan of any particular sport but when any of our teams are in the playoffs, I definitely watch and join in the fun,” Ruano said.
Victor Ochoa, Owner, Undrgrnd Miami, Palm Springs North
“I think it’s great that we’re underdogs and we’re coming ahead,” Victor Ochoa said about the Miami Heat and Florida Panthers.
“It’s a huge deal, I think it’s great for all South Florida sports.
“[As a business owner] it’s great because the more they win, the more sales go up,” Ochoa said of his sportswear and memorabilia store.
Edward Pidermann, Town Manager, Town of Miami Lakes, Miami Lakes
“South Florida is currently the mecca of the sports world,” Ed Pidermann said in an email.
“Not only are the Heat and Panthers in their respective Finals, but now we have acquired the king of soccer, Lionel Messi.
“The Marlins are playing incredible baseball and the
Dolphins are predicted to compete in the AFC.
“It’s a good time to be a sports fan in South Florida,” Pidermann said.
Linda Trischitta interviewed Clarisell De Cardenas; Alexandra Herrera interviewed our other Town Topics talkers and photographed Victor Ochoa. Other images are shared by the sources.
We thank you all!