Flo Rida continues to buy homeland with $10 million shopping malls – his tenant reveals how he changes it

Flo Rida is using his success to do more than just create music – he invests in the community that raised him.

The rapper was born in Tramar Dillard and had a low hit rate in 2007 and sold more than 100 million records. He is a Miami Garden native who won a $82.6 million lawsuit against Celsius, now transferring that success to his community.

Dillard and his long-time manager Prince Lee’Freezy revitalized Cloverleaf Plaza, a once-integrated shopping mall built in 1955. Miami PioneerNow, it is the city’s first black-owned and black-run square, a historic milestone in a community where more than 60% of residents are considered black.

The pair bought the plaza through their company’s strong AMM management in 2023 for $10 million. It is located on the busy Highway 441, nearby other major shopping centers such as Miami Garden Plaza and Lincoln Plaza.

“We just thought it would be a great staple,” Dillard told the Herald. “After buying the club, Studio 183, we’re considering investing – buying the entire square.”

He continued: “You might have a house or something, but when you grow up, you’re just looking at something like high-rise buildings or something, the first thing is not thinking you can have it.” “Maybe you have a location there, but you won’t really have it. So it’s amazing to actually have our own square. ”

Speaking to Dailymail.com, Nicole Ward, owner of Prestige Beauty Salon, said the differences under the new leadership are far-reaching.

She has been a tenant in Cloverleaf Plaza since January 2011 – and says what she is seeing now is a full turnaround.

Rapper was born in Trama Dillard

“I’m happy and proud,” Ward said of learning that Flo Rida bought the square. ‘Glad we got a black owner. Be proud of a black man accomplishing such a big thing-the whole square.

Ward said previous landlords had years of neglect.

“For the past 11 or 12 years, this place has been totally confused,” she claimed. “I did everything I could, but the former owner never did any restoration work.”

Now everything has changed, she said.

She said the place was great. ” “They restore the interior, the lights – everything. Every day is perfect. They work on the outside of the square now and I can’t wait to see the finished product.

Ward said that although she didn’t meet Flo Rida in person, Prince has been a hands-on practice.

‘gentlemen. Lee was always by his side – he passed by a few minutes ago. “She said. “If something goes wrong, it’s easy for him to talk to. You tell him what bothers you and he fixes it. So far, everything is fine – no complaints.

These changes have a real impact on morale and day-to-day operations.

Since 2011, Nicole Ward, owner of Prestige Beauty Salon, said the transformation of Flo Rida and his manager Lee’Freezy’Prince is dramatic

Ward

“My customers love to get into a beautiful, clean place,” she said.

“We used to have problems with air conditioners and water heaters and the old landlord would just say that we had a responsibility to fix it, even if it was his stuff.”

“Now, this is different.” “I have new appliances and I’d love to maintain them myself. But overall, everything will be fine. ”

Ward said she was proud of being a revitalized as a black leader.

“I’m so excited, I’m so comfortable- I’m not going to go anything now.” “I’m proud of these black people. I’m with people who respect us and don’t take advantage of it – that means a lot. ”

She hopes that the square is full of long-term, reliable businesses.

“I want to rent out all the units I rented to good permanent businesses,” she said. “In the past, the tenants didn’t stay—there was a problem with the rent, leaks, you can name it. People always come and go.

People don’t like to walk around. I want stability – for myself and for others. I want us all to work with the owners, to be reasonable and to live and work peacefully here.

Grace Vernon, 74, has been operating flowers through Grace on the square for 30 years, saying she is proud to see black investors improve their property and invest in the community.

Flo Rida is a native of Miami Gardens (pictured)

Ward said the business has begun to improve – but hopefully once construction is complete, there will be more.

“A few more people come in, but I’m waiting for everything to be done.” “I have five chairs open. I need a tenant. But I know that once it’s done, more people will come.

As for the overall situation?

“I’m just telling the truth – so far, they’re great.” “Everything is still new, but let’s see how things are going for the next year or two. I like what they are doing. They did a great job. I’m very happy.

Another long-time tenant, Grace Vernon, 74, has been playing 30 years of flowers in Grace in the square and is proud of Dailymail.com.

“To be honest, it’s great to see African Americans investing in the community,” Vernon said. “It makes me very proud.”

“They are renovating all the stores, and I mean, it looks great,” she added. “You want to have a place where customers are happy to do business, and that’s the biggest impact I’ve ever seen.”

“It gives you a sense of pride,” Vernon said. “I’m glad to meet someone who looks like you’re doing well.”

Flo Rida won $82.6 million lawsuit against the brand for breach of contract in 2023 and has been focusing on investing in his hometown since then

She also praised the improvements in square management. “They come in and check to make sure everything runs smoothly. Another notable change – they have some security on the square so your customers feel safe on the square. ”

Real estate agent Tamika Moses told the Herald that the acquisition is part of a broader trend for black investors to reclaim business space in the historic black community.

“More investor groups are coming together and actually buying back in old, historic black areas … because they want a part of it and let us still have a footprint in these areas,” Moses said.

“Ownership is key,” she added. “You can use that equity to buy other commercial real estate.”

But she pointed out that it was not easy. It’s hard, she said, because there are always obstacles. ” “We have never been taught. Many of us are first generations. So we are learning.

For now, Ward said she was happy to be a part of it.

“I’m here, I’m proud of it,” she said. “I’m going to stay.”