Estefans receive honorable award

MIAMI (WSVN) -- South Florida's favorite couple rocked the red carpet Wednesday night accepting a prestigious award for all they've done in Miami and beyond.

The Sand In My Shoes Award was presented by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce to Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Wednesday night.

The award was just the latest accolade in a career that spanned decades. "In the blink of an eye," said Gloria, "We were talking about it last night. I said, 'I still feel like when we were doing gigs around town'. Time has gone by so fast. We were just thrilled and honored to be a part of that and to receive this award."

Mayor Tomas Regalado and Congressman Joe Garcia joined hundreds at Jungle Island to celebrate a couple who has brought so much to the city they so love. "Great moments with the new America," said Emilio. "It's a new Miami. I think we have so many great things in this city and I think we were ahead of anybody's time. This was a multi-cultural city. We all get along and we're proud each other. In hard times we pull together as a city. I think tonight is a way to say thank you for everything they've done to us for so many years."

After getting the world up and grooving to the latin beat, the Miami superstars have done it all. Successful restaurants, producing hits for other artists, and even a stint for Gloria on 'Glee' where she played Sanatana's mother.

Now the great white way beckons. The super couple is working on a story soon to hit Broadway. The soundtrack will be their iconic music. "It's gonna be funny and bicultural and bilingual and we're very excited about getting that story out there to the Broadway scene. I think it's an amazing opportunity and great for worldwide as well cause eventually, I think even touring this show will do great."

The writing is nearly done and the casting will bring phenomenal opportunities in terms of Miami talent and a possible behind the scenes project. "We want to make sure we have the right musicians," said Emilio, "The right people and the right message."

After all these years, Emilio proved he still remembers where it all started. One of his first gigs was a Bar Mitzvah where he wasn't quite able to respond to a request.

Living in Miami, Emilio said he learned Havinagala very quickly and the crowd at Jungle Island loved it Wednesday night.

The Sand In Your Shoes Award symbolizes the way the Estefans take a little bit of Miami with them everywhere they go. The Estefans said they were thrilled to receive the award.

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