Fidel Castro Resigns: Cuba's Future is Uncertain but Cubans in Miami Are Ecstatic

South Florida's Cuban population is celebrating today. It's amazing what a can happen in a city like this when a major news story erupts like this one.

Fidel Castro is stepping down after 50 years as communist leader in Cuba, one of the last strongholds left with a communist government. Castro was considered by many to be notorious for the Cuban missile crisis and for his resistance in letting the populace leave by their free will, thereby causing some to flee on makeshift boats and risk their lives to make it to the shores of the United Sates. Mostly here in Miami, many of these stories that we see on the news are heartbreaking about those who made it though the rough waters and those who weren't so lucky but who perished on their quest for freedom.

According to CBS 4 news: "Ailing leader Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president early Tuesday after nearly a half-century in power, saying in a letter published online by state media that he would not accept a new term when the newly elected parliament meets on Sunday."

"I will not aspire nor accept - I repeat I will not aspire or accept - the post of President of the Council of State and Commander in Chief," read the letter signed by Castro and published quietly overnight without advance warning in the online edition of the Communist Party daily Granma.

Quite a bombshell!

We all know how big the Cuban population is in South Florida, and now the news and all the talk flowing is all about Castro's decision. I was at the grocery store today and right next door is a small cafe where they serve Cuban coffee and pastries. I went over there for a small cup of that very strong java and just couldn't believe the line of people waiting in line, all talking about the news, very excited and hopeful that this will mean their remaining relatives will be able to leave now and live in freedom.

I spoke to my next door neighbor just a few minutes ago and she was in tears as she told me how much this news means to her. She and her family fled over 20 years ago, leaving behind some loved ones, most of whom had been trying all these years to join them. Though a few were successful, some weren't.

This news meant the world to her.

Castro's health has been very bad in recent years, especially since that last surgery he had. It started rumors that he would step down then and pass the powers he had on to his brother Raul, but that didn't happen at the time. Now that he's made the announcement, speculation is very high if Raul will be the new dictator and if that happens how would things change.

It is said that most likely much would stay the same, but perhaps some new economic reforms would be in effect. Nobody really knows what to expect. Will America allow its citizens to travel to Cuba now? Will trade be affected? Will Cuban citizens be given more freedoms? Will they be able to leave freely and join their families who have already left? It's hard to get any news directly from Cuba unless it's news they want us to know. How will this be affected and would it mean the release of political prisoners? Those who might have spoken out against Castro have been incarcerated for years..

Some other questions asked: Will there be better living conditions and will there be higher wages? Could this mean a transition to democracy?

All these questions remain unanswered right now, but boy, the celebrations are in full swing today in Little Havana. The streets are filled with signs. Some even say "Fidel don't resign, just die." That's how much he is hated. All the local news shows are buzzing with speculation and they have brought in the experts to discuss these matters but nobody knows for sure what to expect. But for now, the rejoicing continues as the crowds swell on the streets and in the restaurants and coffee shops.

There is a lot excitement and talk while the espresso and Cuban coffee is flowing in Miami today.