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Miami Beach Lights Up Blue For Autism Awareness

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Parts of Miami Beach will be lit up blue starting on Thursday evening to bring awareness to autism.

The move kicks off Autism Awareness month  and is happening on the 8th annual Autism Awareness Day.

Some of the places sporting blue include Miami Beach City Hall, Historic City Hall, Pennsylvania Avenue parking garage, North Shore Bandshell, Normandy Fountain, Julia Tuttle and 71 Street welcome entrance signs, and South Pointe Park's pylon lights.

They will be lit up everyday from sundown to sunrise until April 30th.

CLICK HERE To Watch Maggie Newland's Report 

Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy L. Morales, whose daughter has a form of autism, said, "By shedding the light on autism, we can work towards improving the future of all those affected."

But they aren't the only ones taking part.

Iconic landmarks, sporting venues museums, and bridges are among the thousands of buildings around the world lit blue to raise autism awareness.

One the same day places around the world are being lit up blue, a boy diagnosed with autism, who defied all odds, released  his first album on Thursday.

Our 5 Year Old Jacob Velazquez playing Sonata by Beethoven by Tina Velazquez on YouTube

Jacob, who lives in Pembroke Pines, was diagnosed when he was 4-years old.  Now at 7-years old he  is pursuing his dream of becoming a musician starting with his new album.

"The music from the piano makes my brain feel good," said Jacob Velazquez.

"Just because someone has autism  doesn't mean that they are not capable of great things. I think Jacob is a great example and hopefully inspires other families who recently, who's child has recently been diagnosed can inspire families, that it's not a life sentence. It's not a bad word," said Jacob's mother Tina Velazquez.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of the album will be donated to an autism organization.

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