Later this week, downtown Dunedin's 7venth Sun Brewery will help raise money (and some pints) for a late member of the Florida craft beer community.
MIA Beer Company co-founder Piero Rodriguez was unexpectedly killed in a car accident June 20. A statement posted to MIA's Facebook page that day read:
"It is with profound shock and sorrow that we mourn the untimely passing of Piero Rodriguez, an irreplaceable member of M.I.A. and the Florida Craft Beer Family. Our heartfelt condolences go out Piero's family.
We have all been very blessed to know Piero. He was a loving person and free spirit that always made the best of every moment with his infectious smile and positive attitude.
We are still in disbelief that he has left us, but as we gather our strength back we know there are at least two things he would want us to do. First, help his son and family in any way that we can. Second, raise a pint and cheer him to living life to the fullest as he always did. We hope to post soon on ways that you can help."
To honor the well-liked figure in Miami's beer scene, 7venth Sun will showcase three MIA beers starting at 5 p.m. Thursday. The brews — Mega Mix (a West Coast-style tropical pale ale), El Cuco (a session white ale) and Regresa A Mi (a Berliner Weisse) — are Rodriguez's creations and favorites.
All proceeds from the fundraising event will benefit the Rodriguez family via a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised more than $37,000 in eight days.
Guests may also enter to win raffle prizes, including a handful of collaboration beers and 7venth Sun swag. Winners, who must claim their hauls within two weeks of the announcement, will be revealed in the tasting room the day of, as well as on the brewery's Facebook.
