Hatred of Fidel Castro Shaped South Fla.

By LAURA WIDES-MUNOZ, Associated Press Writer

11:27 AM PDT, August 3, 2006

MIAMI -- Miami's Cubans loathe Fidel Castro with such passion that the mere suggestion he was near death this week had them dancing in the streets. But for all their hatred of the Cuban dictator, perhaps no other figure has shaped their lives -- and South Florida's culture and politics -- more than he has.

Today, the Cuban-American community in South Florida is more than 800,000 strong. Cuban espresso stands dot the avenues. Salsa music fills the airwaves, and the area's Cuban artists include music producer Emilio Estefan, actor Andy Garcia and salsa artist Albita. In many neighborhoods, you can go an entire day without hearing a word of English.

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