By ASHLEY ANDREWS

MIAMI — Miami locals and visiting young like-minded professionals will party with a purpose at the eighth annual Miami Takeover weekend today through Sunday.

The event-filled weekend will take place at Miami’s premiere entertainment spots showcasing all the glitz and glamour that is South Beach. But this isn’t the typical party event. Organizers say it is a party with a purpose.

“Miami Takeover is geared to provide like-minded urban professionals with a stress free getaway in the ideal vacation spot in Miami,” says Wylie Kynard, general partner of WK&F Group, the event sponsor. Another difference, he said, is the service aspect that will take the visitors to Overtown to help children and along the shoreline for beach cleanups.

At its inception, Miami Takeover hosted Kynard’s 60 closest friends as his going away party. In its eighth year of operation, the event expects over 3,000 visitors to invade sunny South Beach along with the 92,000 visitors already expected to be in Miami that weekend. Young professionals can party, give back and network with other professionals in one weekend getaway.

“It started as just a private fun weekend for me and my friends. Now we’ve extended our doors to welcome more than 3,000 professionals and multiple celebrities from all over the nation,” says Kynard.

In the past, Miami Takeover has hosted notable personalities such as R&B singer Trey Songz, actress Sanaa Lathan, comedian Dave Chappelle and rapper MC Lyte, just to name a few. Hosted by radio personality Lorenzo “Ice T” Thomas, Miami Takeover events will take place in Miami’s most upscale nightlife venues including Mansion Nightclub, Nikki Beach, Ocean 10 and the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Aside from the glamorous parties, attendees will also get the opportunity to give back to the community by participating in two community outreach projects: a beach clean-up and a dental screening for kids at the Overtown Youth Foundation.

“Most people go to Miami just for the parties and nightlife but don’t necessarily learn more about the community they are visiting,” says Kynard. “Miami Takeover allows visitors and Miami natives the opportunity to enjoy Miami’s nightlife and also give back to the community all in one weekend.”

Miami Takeover is partnering with Colgate Palm Olive to provide free dental screenings to 140 kids, ages 4-15, at the Overtown Youth Center. The screenings will take place today. There will be fun bounce houses at the dental screening along with a house emporium geared toward the kids attending.

“We want to give back to the community for allowing us to hold such great events in the city,” says event logistic director, Dianne Walker of DeeWorks Enterprises.

The beach clean-up is presented in partnership with the Miami Beach Convention Center and the Environmental Coalition of Miami. The beach-clean up will take place 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday.  Both locals and visitors are welcome to volunteer to help clean up a portion of South Beach between 17th and  20th avenues.

“At the Miami Takeover, you can get the Miami experience without the Miami hassle all while giving back to the community,” says Kynard.

For more information on the Miami Takeover, please visit www.miamitakeover2015.com