Daylyin Staples

Brevard County District 5 School Board candidates Michele McCormack, Cecilia Trotter and Tammy Dennis (Photos courtesy of Jason Hooks, Cecilia Trotter and Tammy Dennis) This story is part of a statewide partnership of 27 nonpartisan newsrooms and universities working to help Florida voters make informed decisions in the 2026 school board elections. Learn more about the Florida Elections Reporting Partnership.

Behind a colorful mural, inside a storefront in Little Haiti, the scent hits first—slightly sweet incense reminiscent of a Caribbean vacation. Hundreds of dried leaves hang in clear bags along the colorful walls, the words “Eat 2 Live” are painted in white. Sheer curtains drape overhead. Welcome to Vegan Marie – owner Marie Sanon-Jules’ part thrift store, part vegan kitchen and part herbal apothecary. Six years ago, the space at 274 NW 54th St. looked different.

Last July, Janie “China” Jackson’s boss told her to lift heavy boxes across the backroom of the Starbucks at Miami International Airport. Mid-task, Jackson felt something pull in her arm. Still, Jackson says she kept showing up for shifts. She pushed through the injury for weeks, even after a doctor advised her to rest. She ultimately decided to resign in October. But walking away from the job didn’t bring relief — for her or her nine children.