Flo Rida isn’t just leveraging his success for making music; he’s also putting resources back into the community that nurtured him.
Born as Tramar Dillard, this hip-hop artist gained prominence with his chart-topping single “Low” in 2007 and has since moved over 100 million records globally. Hailing from Miami Gardens, he secured an impressive $82.6 million victory in a legal battle against Celsius. He is currently leveraging both his influence and financial gains to support his local community.
In collaboration with his seasoned manager, Lee “Freezy” Prince, Dillard is rejuvenating Cloverleaf Plaza — an abandoned shopping hub constructed in 1955. As stated by the source,
Miami Herald
Now, it has become the city’s first black-owned and black-operated plaza, marking a significant historical achievement in a neighborhood where over 60 percent of inhabitants describe themselves as black.
In 2023, the pair acquired the plaza for $10 million via their enterprise, Strong Arm Management. The property sits along bustling Highway 441, close to prominent retail hubs such as Miami Gardens Square and Lincoln Square.
Dillard informed the Herald, “We simply believed this could become a key component.” He further explained, “Following our acquisition of Club Studio 183, we considered it wise to invest—by acquiring the whole shopping center.”
You may possess a home and similar items, yet having grown up viewing skyscrapers and such, the initial thought should be not considering them as owned property,” he went on. “Perhaps you secure a place within one of those structures, but true ownership eludes you. Hence, owning an entire plaza ourselves is simply incredible.
Speaking to , Nicole Ward, owner of Prestige Beauty Salon, said the difference under the new leadership has been profound.
She has been a resident of Cloverleaf Plaza since January 2011 — and she mentioned that the changes seen now are nothing short of transformative.
I felt joy and immense pride,” Ward stated upon discovering that Flo Rida had bought the plaza. “It made me glad to have a Black owner taking over. I also felt proud knowing that a Black individual achieved such a significant milestone—a whole plaza.
Ward mentioned that there had been years of neglect during the tenure of the former landlord.
For approximately 11 or 12 years, the location has been in total disarray,” she alleged. “Despite my efforts, the former proprietor never undertook any renovation.
Right now, she explains, things have shifted entirely.
‘This place is amazing,’ she said. ‘They redid the inside, the lights — everything. Every day is perfect. They’re now working on the outside of the plaza, and I can’t wait to see the finished product.’
Though she hasn’t met Flo Rida in person, Ward says Prince has been extremely hands-on.
‘Mr. Lee is always around — he just passed by a few minutes ago,’ she said. ‘If something goes wrong, he’s easy to talk to. You tell him what’s bothering you, and he fixes it. So far, so good — no complaints.’
These modifications have genuinely impacted both the overall spirit and routine functioning positively.
“My clients enjoy visiting a lovely, spotless location where everything functions properly,” she stated.
We previously encountered issues with the air conditioning and water heater, and the former owner would claim it was our duty to resolve them — despite being his property.
Now, things are different,” she said. “I’ve got new appliances, and I enjoy taking care of them on my own. All in all, though, everything has improved.
Ward says she’s proud to be part of a black-led revitalization.
‘I’m thrilled, I feel at ease—and I have no plans to leave anytime soon,’ she stated. ‘I’m honored by these African American men. I’m among individuals who show us respect and refrain from taking advantage—this is incredibly significant.’
She wishes for the plaza to be filled with enduring and trustworthy enterprises.
I would like all the units leased to stable, long-term enterprises,” she stated. “Previously, occupants did not remain—there were issues with payments, water leakage, among others. The residents kept changing frequently.
People generally dislike constant movement. I crave stability—not only for me but also for those around me. Let’s collaborate with the property owners, remain rational, and coexist harmoniously in this place.
Ward indicates that business has begun to pick up — however, he anticipates further growth once the construction is finished.
‘Some additional folks have arrived, however, I’m still awaiting completion of certain tasks,’ she stated. ‘There are five vacant seats available. I require tenants. Yet, I am confident that once we wrap things up, even more individuals will join us.’
What about the broader perspective?
I’m simply stating the facts—they’re incredible individuals so far,” she stated. “It’s all still very fresh, but we’ll have to wait and see how everything evolves over the coming one or two years. I adore their work; they’re performing admirably, and I couldn’t be happier.
A long-term resident, Grace Vernon, aged 74, who has operated Flowers by Grace at the plaza for three decades, also expressed that sense of pride to.
‘Frankly speaking, I find it really great to witness African American individuals putting resources into the neighborhood,’ Vernon stated. ‘It filled me with pride.’
They are renovating all the stores, and honestly, it looks amazing,” she said. “You want a space where your customers feel delighted to conduct their business—this has made the most significant difference.
It instills a feeling of pride,” Vernon stated. “It makes me glad to witness somebody who resembles you achieving success.
She likewise commended enhancements in managing the plaza. ‘They step in to ensure everything is operating efficiently. A significant update has been adding security personnel to the plaza, which makes customers feel safer when visiting.’
Realtor Tamika Moses informed the Herald that this purchase is indicative of a larger pattern where African American investors are taking control of commercial areas in traditionally Black communities.
“It’s more about investment groups joining forces to reclaim stakes in traditionally African-American neighborhoods… They aim to be part of this animo while ensuring we maintain our presence in these areas,” Moses explained.
‘She emphasized that ownership is crucial. You can use this equity to acquire additional commercial properties.’
However, she pointed out that this achievement did not come easily. “It’s challenging because there have always been obstacles,” she explained. “We weren’t taught these things. Many of us are first-generation learners. Therefore, we are figuring it out along the way.”
For the moment, Ward expresses her happiness about being a part of it.
I am here, and I am proud,” she stated firmly. “And I have no intention of leaving.
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