Flo Rida made history when he purchased a shopping plaza to champion local businesses.
As AFROTECH™ previously told you, Flo Rida—born Tramar Lacel Dillard—purchased the Cloverleaf Plaza shopping center in Miami Gardens in 2023 alongside his business manager, Lee “Freezy” Prince. The fully leased property was secured in a $10 million deal. This investment came on the heels of Flo Rida’s legal victory against Celsius over a breach of contract, which resulted in an $82.6 million award, per CBS News.
“You might own a house and things like that, but growing up just looking at highrises and things like that, the first thing is not to think that you can own it,” Flo Rida told the Miami Herald. “Maybe you have a spot there, but you won’t really own it. So to actually own our own plaza is just phenomenal.”
The plaza is home to several businesses, including Cloverleaf Beauty Supply, Creole Kitchen, Boost Mobile, Top Notch Cigars & Smoke Shop, and Flowers by Grace, a staple for three decades that is owned by Grace Vernon. It has also been a hub for various Black entrepreneurs.
“We just thought that this would be a great staple,” Flo Rida said, according to the Miami Herald. “After purchasing the club, Studio 183, we looked at making an investment and buying the entire plaza.”
At 74, Vernon is grateful to see the plaza under new ownership—now Black-owned for the first time. In fact, it’s a historic first for the city.
“It gives you a sense of pride and just overall feeling so good to know that we’ve come this far, as far as I’m concerned, where you can see someone who looks like you, doing good things and great things,” Vernon explained, according to Miami Herald.
Tenants have also affirmed their conditions have improved under the owners.
“It’s 100 percent better than before, it’s well kept. We have security guards,” Nicole Ward, owner of Prestige Beauty Salon, expressed. “Mr. Freezy is constantly in the plaza. So you feel safe. He’s always around. You can get to him easily with any problem.”