The month began on a powerful and rosy note with Bad Bunny’s message about the power of love at the Grammy Awards on February 1 and at the Super Bowl the following Sunday. The artist made Puerto Ricans proud of who they are, natives of their island, a U.S. territory. One million three hundred thousand of them live in Florida, the largest concentration in any of the country’s 50 states.
Love is indeed an appropriate theme as we approach the middle of the month, with Valentine’s Day celebrated each year on February 14. For the occasion, many activities take place in South Florida, most of which are free (see SORTIR EN FÉVRIER 2026 – Le Soleil de la Floride). But you can also give gifts to celebrate: goodie bags, candy, chocolates, restaurants, and flowers!
Speaking of flowers, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agricultural specialists at Miami International Airport will process approximately 990 million cut flower stems in the weeks leading up to February 14. Approximately 90% of fresh cut flowers sold for Valentine’s Day in the United States pass through Miami on hundreds of flights, mainly from Colombia and Ecuador, before being shipped to florists and supermarkets in the United States and Canada. More than 50 to 60% of the flowers are red roses. Buyers may see prices rise, and to reduce their carbon footprint, it is best to buy locally. An article on this subject can be found on page 16 of the newspaper : POURQUOI OFFRIR DES FLEURS LOCALES POUR LA SAINT-VALENTIN ? – Le Soleil de la Floride.
Despite the price increase, flowers still represent one of the main imports at Miami International Airport (MIA), airport director Ralph Cutié told WLRN. While MIA has already received 400,000 tons of flowers in 2026, more than a quarter of them are shipped before Cupid’s Day, a 6% increase over last year!
But as the saying goes, “Love is priceless.” So in this week of love, it’s time to cherish everything we love most, in our own way. St-Exupéry put it this way: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly,” evoking the very essence of love, tenderness, and what makes a rose precious—not its price, but the bond we create with it. This highlights the value of the things and people we care about, as well as the time and love we invest in them. A beautiful reminder to celebrate the day of love.
