Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio were honoured in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday (20Feb13) for their contributions to the local community.

The singer grew up in the city after her family moved there from Cuba and now owns a number of Cuban-themed restaurants there with her longterm partner.

The couple's connection to the area was celebrated at a ceremony in the city on Wednesday, when they received the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's Sand In My Shoes Award.

Accepting the prize, Gloria Estefan says, "Thank you so much because we really do feel blessed and we do feel the love. We feel so fortunate to have grown up here, to still be a part of this beautiful city and somehow represent in our way, in our music and everything we try to do, all we've ever wanted to be is of service.

"We've felt so much love and support from this beautiful city and I think that we're very lucky to live here, all of us... to make this our home. It's a place like no other in the world."

Local officials subsequently declared Wednesday as Gloria and Emilio Estefan Day.