Miami toning down event planned for Castro death

A Miami-organised event scheduled to take place at a US football stadium when Cuban president Fidel Castro dies will be toned down following outrage from some members of the Cuban-American community, city leaders said.

Miami Mayor Manny Diaz said the event planned at the Orange Bowl was part of the local government’s plan to accommodate overflow crowds in the event of Castro’s death, but he said there would not be a city-funded celebration.

The intent is not to celebrate a man’s death, but to provide an informal, friendly get-together, according to a statement released by the city.

“Our past experience has shown us that the local community has strong emotions tied to any significant issues relating to Fidel Castro,” the city’s Office of Communications wrote.

“The Orange Bowl has been designated by the county, as well as the city of Miami, as a possible site for people and community leaders to gather peacefully, if necessary.”

The only tax dollars that will be spent on the event are for public safety needs, the memo said.