P u b l i s h e d i n c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h T h e M i a m i B e a c h C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– S u p p o r t i n g L o c a l B u s i n e s s e s s i n c e 1 9 5 8
SEPT. 8 - 21, 2010 ––––––––––––––– www.communitynewspapers.com ––––––––––––––– Phone: 305-669-7355
Budget Cuts Imminent BY MAYOR MATTI HERRERA BOWER
I do not have to tell you that the past couple of years have been tough economically for all of us, but I do want to give you a peek inside what we at the city have been doing to protect and serve your interests – on a shrinking budget. Over the last two years, we’ve identified more than $50 million in cuts from the budget, as well as eliminating about 250 full-time positions by streamlining every city department and doing more with less. Right now, we are looking at a gap of about $32 million for next year’s budget, which starts on October 1. That is a lot to cut from a total budget of less than $240 million (especially since pension costs keep rising). Since we have already made all the obvious cuts, we had to put everything on the table to continue to run this city at the level you expect and deserve. Let me tell you, it has been a painful process as we sit together and dissect the budget line by line, deciding whether to reduce or eliminate certain programs, services and jobs – or to raise some fees and possibly the millage. We also had to wrestle with our unions, asking them for nearly $15 million in concessions to help get us to $32 million. In some cases, the debates have been long and loud as we have tried to make sure that the City of Miami Beach continues to provide the best possible service to the most people. We have looked at everything from how many times a month we cut the grass to how many lifeguards are watching the beach, and whether to reduce grants to social service and cultural organizations. Something a lot of people do not realize is that only about 28 percent of the
––––––– See
BUDGET, page 3
City of Miami Beach celebrates 90th Anniversary of Women’s Voting Rights
Miami Beach community leaders march to commemorate 90 years of women’s rights. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY COMMISSIONER DEEDE WEITHORN
O
n August 26th I led a march on Lincoln Road to commemorate the 90th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in the United States, and I specifically use the word “win.” The fight for this simple right lasted over 70 years and involved many amazing and diverse women along the way. The one thing these heroes had in common was that they would not give up until they had won the vote and after that they continued to fight, as we do today, for the full equality for all Americans. Without women such as these; Susan B. Anthony,
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, Carrie Chapman Catt, Lucy Stone, and too many more to name, I know I would not be where I am today, an elected official in the State of Florida, which coincidently did not ratify the 19th Amendment until May 1969. Women’s Equality Day, established in 1971, was born out of Representative Bella Abzug desire to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment and to call attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. As it stands today women are 51% of the population, but less than 17% of the congressional seats in Washington DC, and less than –––––––– See
VOTING RIGHTS, page 3
To Our Community Letter f rom the Chairman The mission of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic wellbeing of Miami Beach’s citizens, to improve the quality of life for the entire community, and to communicate the view of the business community on major issues of public policy. Working with our publisher, we believe that the Miami Beach News will provide an expanded outlet for us to communicate with our greater community. Miami Beach brings the best of all worlds together. Chamber businesses represent many different industries, cultures and interests. The Miami Beach News will provide the community with perspectives about issues that affect our community, indepth looks at our member organizations, and information about upcoming events. As you will read in this issue, the City of Miami Beach is facing a number of budget cuts that will affect both residents and businesses. The challenging economy concerns all of us, and we must continue to work together on solutions. We have so much to offer — from our beautiful beaches to exciting nightlife to a wide array of artistic expression, Miami Beach is truly a wonderful and unique destination. One innovative program is the Miami Beach IN Card, a joint venture between the Chamber, the City of Miami Beach and Miami Beach Convention and Visitors Authority, helping participating members promote their businesses to both residents and our international tourist community. Working together, Miami Beach will continue to grow and thrive. We look forward to sharing future editions of the Miami Beach News. Aaron Perry Chairman of the Board Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
Page 2
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
Mieke S. • a Vi Community Resident
Another Senior Moment
There’s a place that gives you the freedom to do what inspires you. A place for creating a new kind of senior moment. Start writing your next chapter at Vi at Aventura. Call 305.692.4501. Visit ViLiving.com/aventura. 19333 West Country Club Drive • Aventura, FL 33180 FAC #88173 • Assisted Living Facility #10382 • Skilled Nursing Facility #130471038 • CC-Aventura, Inc., d/b/a Vi at Aventura, is the sole entity responsible for the performance of the continuing care
MCN080110 contracts at Vi at Aventura.
September 8 - 21, 2010
Happy Birthday, Michael Aller Happy Birthday wishes go out to Michael Aller, “Mr. Miami Beach”, Tourism and Convention Director and Chief of Protocol for The City of Miami Beach. As a Miami Beach icon, Michael has touched many lives in the community – send in your most memorable moments with Michael to be printed in the next issue – mbcommunitynews@gmail.com.
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
BUDGET,
Page 3
from front page ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
property taxes you pay actually go to the city. The rest goes to the state, county and school district. We have about 85,000 residents, but on any given day our population is twice that and we’re open 24/7. Being the tourism engine of the region has its benefits, but it also puts a great burden on the infrastructure and taxes and fees do not always cover the
true cost of those impacts. On Sept. 15 and Sept. 20, we will have open budget hearings and I hope you will attend and speak your mind about the priorities you see for the city in the year ahead. This is not an easy process and I will take all your concerns to heart as we make the difficult choices that must be made.
VOTING RIGHTS,
had an active statewide suffragette associate which had 800 members by 1917. Dr. Anna Howard Shaw, president of the National American Women’s Suffrage Association visited Miami in 1915 and the Miami Herald referred to her as, “one of the greatest woman America had produced,” and continued to say her speech was “one of the wittiest, wisest, and sanest expressions of the suffrage arguments” ever delivered. My hope is that with organizations such as the White House Project, and the hard work we all do each day, we can inspire, support and create opportunities for each other as we look forward to the day when we do not introduce each other as “the first woman to…”
from front page ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 23% of statewide elected officials. That is why I am proud that Miami Beach recently hosted The White House Project’s first training for women who want to run for public office in Florida. The White House Project is a national non-profit which aims to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors, up to the U.S. presidency. On Women’s Equality Day we recognize the fearless women who came before us and I wanted to mention that while Florida was late ratifying the 19th Amendment, we
www.communitynewspapers.com
Page 4
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMISSIONNER’S CORNER Let’s put Miami Beach back in the International Tennis Spotlight BY COMMISSIONER ED TOBIN
Hi-Tech Air Service
FPL PARTICIPATING INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SM THE BEST SERVICE AND INSTALLATIONS IN MIAMI - DADE COUNTY
Hi-Tech Air Service
ASK FOR NANCY, TINO, OR JOHN CACO49302 FINANCING AVAILABLE
13339 SW 88 AVE. Miami, FL 33176
305-969-2600
Q. What do Mary Joe Fernandez, Chris Evert, John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Bjorn Borg and our local favorite, Eddie Dibbs, all have in common? A. They all played as teenagers at the Orange Bowl Junior Tennis Tournament on Miami Beach! Many of us have fond memories of the Orange Bowl Junior Tennis Tournament. The tournament was held at Flamingo Park for over 50 years before it was moved to Crandon Park in 1998.Now, we have an opportunity to bring back the Tournament to Miami Beach. The Orange Bowl Junior tournament was founded in 1947 by a Miami Beach resident, Eddie Herr, and has become a “rite of passage” in junior tennis. The tournament is one of the most prestigious junior tennis tournaments in the world. Many tennis greats had their careers launched by winning at the Orange Bowl Tournament. On September 15th the Commission will vote on the configuration of the tennis center at Flamingo Park. At the core of the debate is whether to keep 17 clay courts in Flamingo Park or change to 12 clay and 5 hard courts. The decision will have a direct effect on our youth, residents and businesses. I am compelled to support positive changes to our community and make you aware of issues that may seem small (compared to the immediate challenges that we face), but are significant to our community. I strongly believe that bringing back the Junior Tournament would bring a positive international spotlight to our community and be a benefit to all. Maintaining 17 clay courts at Flamingo Park is important to our community for 3 significant reasons: Less Injuries - Clay courts have a health and training benefit for ALL tennis players. The benefits of playing on clay courts has been documented by the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) top coaches and trainers. Patrick McEnroe, USTA’s Director of Player Development, has stated that clay courts help build better competitors while providing a safer playing surface for all players. In a study conducted in 2009 on injuries to players, one of the main causes for injuries was the hard surfaces the junior
players practiced and played on. Hard courts can be debilitating on a body. The health and safety of our children and residents are compelling reasons to maintain the clay courts at Flamingo Park Training Benefits -The benefits to improving a player’s game is also supported by the USTA, recognizing that training on clay helps all court players. Some in our community have argued for changing the composition of the courts at Flamingo Park to allow for our High School players to continue training on hard courts. It is true that most high schools train on hard courts, but this is due to lower costs associated with hard courts – and no other considerations. Going with the “status quo” should not be our reasoning. We should aim to give our kids an advantage by having them train on a safer surface, which the USTA considers the ideal training surface for the next tennis champion. Our high school players would have an advantage if they were allowed to train on clay courts and would become better overall players. Our High School team presently plays at the four hard courts in Normandy Shores. Economic Development-The Tournament is held during the first week of December, typically a slow period for our hotel businesses and our economy would get a boost - with over 2000 hotel occupants and 6000 spectators. Participants of these types of tournaments spend on average three times the amount of the average tourist. Many of us remember the electricity in the air as the best junior tennis players in the world came to our great City to compete for one of the most coveted titles in junior tennis. The Tournament was an inspiration to our community. In March, I invited key organizers of the event to Miami Beach. They were impressed. I have been encouraged by conversations with USTA decision makers who have expressed an openness to work with our City. Maintaining 17 clay courts is a key component. The tournament venue must provide enough of the same surface courts for the number of players who participate in the tournament, including pre-qualification matches. The 17 clay courts at Flamingo Park along with the 10 clay at North Shore Park would meet their requirements. Let’s seize the moment. Let’s bring international acclaim back to our great City and make more fond memories for generations to come.
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 5
Sudsies Dry Cleaners sets new standard for going Green
Jason Loeb, Aaron Perry, Anthony Shriver and Jerry Libbin –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY JASON LOEB
President of Sudsies Dry Cleaners & Laundry The year was 1970, the show was Sesame Street, the crooner was Kermit the Frog and the song was “Bein’ Green” a lament about how ‘it’s not easy being green’. Interestingly enough, it was also the year President Nixon formed the heretofore nonexistent federal Environmental Protection Agency. Fast forward 40 years, and while being green still isn’t easy, it is a desirable goal for anyone who cares about leaving our children a healthy eco-system to live in. Today, being green is no longer an expression of melancholy because it makes you less than others around you; it’s a call to action to make the world a better (greener) place. At Sudsies, we’re yellow (like the sun), we’re blue (like the sky) and yes, we’re green, like the world we want to live in. We practice what we preach and live every working day reducing, reusing and recycling everything imaginable. We use multiple cleaning processes and all of them in an uber-environmentally responsible wayreducing, recycling, purifying and reusing to the point where with one little ounce of cleaning fluid we can clean 15 garments and with one gallon we can clean 2,000! Amazing, isn’t it! And you should take comfort in knowing that our laundry uses
only biodegradable detergents, conditioners and sizings, with bacteriostat additives. But that’s only the start. We’ve reduced our carbon footprint through an in depth vehicle maintenance regimen. We invested in water recirculation systems and installed low water usage equipment throughout our production facility. We overhauled our lighting and office equipment to be energy star rated and mercury free. We even have a motion detector in our storage rooms and bathrooms so the lights go out whenever anyone leaves the room. We use recycled paper, glass and metal in our lunch room, and went so far as to invest tens of thousands of dollars in high quality hangers suitable for recycling. Our plastic covers are biodegradable, we car pool or use public transportation to get to work, and the list goes on and on. We didn’t do it all overnight. It took time. It took thought. It took planning. It took money to invest in new technologies and supplies. For us, being green is a work in progress. Last year, we were accepted as a FOUR leaf member of the Green Cleaners Council, where we are constantly made aware of new things (big and small) we can do to make a difference. We are eager to rise to their ever evolving and intensifying challenges to do more, to be greener! For Sudsies, green isn’t a fashionable fad that businesses are wearing this year, green is who we are – whether it is in or out of fashion.
www.greenvanlines.com 1-888-770-4733
Present this advertisement on moving day for a 00 $
100 discount!
Licensed, Insured and Bonded Excellent Ratings and Reputation
Eco-Friendly - Interstate Movers Anywhere in the U.S.A.
Page 6
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 7
Business Leaders Gather at Philippe by Philippe Chow for a Stellar Pillar Reception Hosted by the Pillar Board of Trustees, the monthly reception overflowed with notable business leaders and celebrity guest Chef Philippe Chow.
Orestes Hernandez and Jessica Wilcox
Eduardo A. Escobar
Maria Paulsen and Lina Macki
Alex Lacau
Mark Rousso and Corey Narson
Marion Ruiz
Mike Martinez and Javier Brigas Edlyn Rodriguez and Jehnny Rivera
Barbara Smith
Carmen Dumas, Michelle Citrin
Ira Leesfield and Jennifer Leesfield
Kristina Worosz
Tania Baldelona, Monica Gracia, Vicky Plant Aaron Perry and Tyler Sminkey
Ben Launerts, Aletha Player, and Charles Citrin
Photography by Neox Image
Continued on next page
Page 8
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
Business Leaders Gather at Philippe by Philippe Chow for a Stellar Pillar Reception
Carl Garofalo and Dino Buenaventura
Andrew Easton
Susan Norton and Rita Norton
Rick Garcia and Zahara Mossman
James Longfitt and Edwin Perkins Jason Jolls, Courtnay Carr Russo, Abe Baker, Sherry Roberts
Mark Harrison
Photography by Neox Image
Continued on next page
att.com
talk, text, repeat. We live on the cutting edge of technology. And with innovations like our 3G wireless network that powers the iPhone and our award-winning AT&T U-verse TV, we help keep you there. In the business world, we deliver productivity and results. In your personal world, we deliver conversations, messages and pictures. And all because of our commitment to keep you connected. Š 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 9
Business Leaders Gather at Philippe by Philippe Chow for a Stellar Pillar Reception
Jason Davis and Michael Thomas
Susan Cromer Garcia and Kristina Aston
Mykel Tulloch and James Anderson
Alex Yahr
Dr. Barry Burak
Gustavo Hermida and Marc Henderson
Dayana Muzinek
Michael Baum and Melissa Rubin
Continued on next page
Photography by Neox Image
Page 10
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
Business Leaders Gather at Philippe by Philippe Chow for a Stellar Pillar Reception
Sadhu
Michael McDonald Chairman Aaron Perry, Executive Chef Philippe Chow, Pillar Chairman Michael Goldberg, President & Ceo of the Miami Beach Chamber Jerry Libbin and Chair-Elect Jason Loeb
Mia Martin Jamie Sokovna and Commissioner Michael Gongora
Sebastien Tribout and Maria Guadamuz
Robert Christoph Jr. Photography by Neox Image Heidi Tandy and Aaron Tandy
Continued on next page
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 11
Business Leaders Gather at Philippe by Philippe Chow for a Stellar Pillar Reception
Michael Baum and Jerry Libbin Erik Becskehazy
Tony Hernandez and Jenna Galardi
Marion Ruiz, Chantal Gloor and Cordula Morell
Alan Randolph and Michelle Villalobos
Tyler Sminkey and Michelle Citrin
Professional Pet Sitting Services Whenn itt comess too thee safetyy andd welll beingg off yourr pets,, experiencee counts.. Sincee 2002.
Daily Dog Walking Pet Taxi And More! All sitters have a back up sitter • Bonded and Insured • References • Since 2002
www.danceswithdogs.com • 305.256.8709
Executive Chef Philippe Chow being introduced by Clinton Stowe Photography by Neox Image
WE SPECIALIZE IN: • • • • • • • •
24hr Emergency Service Landscape Lighting Design Electrical Service Upgrades Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Service Work General Electrical Maintenance Generator Installations Commercial Services LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
GENERATOR INSTALLATIONS
SERVICE CALL
$100 SAVINGS
$100 SAVINGS all generator installations
any time & material service call of $750+
THIS COUPON IS TO BE PRESENTED BEFORE PAYMENT AND IS VALID THROUGH 12/30/10
THIS COUPON IS TO BE PRESENTED BEFORE PAYMENT AND IS VALID THROUGH 12/30/10
THIS COUPON IS TO BE PRESENTED BEFORE PAYMENT AND IS VALID THROUGH 12/30/10
any landscape lighting of $1,000+
10% SAVINGS
Call us today for a FREE ESTIMATE & ELECTRICAL FIRE INSPECTION on your home
305-270-7979 WE PROMISE TO GIVE YOU THE SERVICE YOU WANT & DESERVE
Page 12
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
MEET THE MIAMI BEACH CHAMBER TEAM
See us online at: www.communitynewspapers.com A Miami-Dade County Public Charter School • Dual Language Program • High Academic Standards • Technology Rich Environment
• Strong Parental Involvement • State Certified Dynamic Teachers • Robust Extracurricular Programs
A TUITION FREE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
HURRY!!! SPACES ARE LIMITED! 8625 Byron Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33141 • 305.864.2889
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
New events at the Miami Beach Convention Center set attendance records Thus far, 2010 has been a record breaking year for Global Spectrum at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The current experience at the Convention Center reflects a rising national trend in attendance at conventions, expos, and trade shows. “We have hosted some of the most important industry associations this year,” said Bob Balsam, Global Spectrum’s General Manager at the MBCC. “Our team has come through with flying colors and received compliment after compliment from our show organizers. We are proud!” The year started off with a bang in January and March with the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), which engulfed the MBCC. Each show utilized nearly 502,000 sq. ft. of space and turned the MBCC into a metropolis of activity. In April, the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) hosted a
five-day, 24-hour marathon event that helped over 15,000 people receive mortgage modifications. But that’s not all, the MBCC also played home to numerous other successful events, such as the Miami International Boat Show (more than 100,000 attendees), Miami International Art Fair, Franchise Expo South, Original Miami Beach Antique Show, JIS (twice), and IDEA 2010, just to name a few. Upcoming events at the bustling MBCC this year include: South Florida Auto Show, and Art Basel Miami Beach. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY 19,538 attendees (association record) SOCIETY OF CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE 5,966 attendees (association record) NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA 56,123 attendees (show record)
GORMAN PAINTING, INC
Let Gorman Painting Give Your Home A New Look!
Services: Painting and pressure cleaning interior and exterior Commercial and residential Roofs, Home, Buildings, etc.
FREE ESTIMATES
General Carpentry: Fascia Soffit Crown and all molding Doors “Call Us When You Want
The Best”
305-971-6300 / 305-216-5570 Fully Licensed & Insured S E R V I N G
•
D A D E
CC#99BS00369 C O U N T Y
•
S I N C E
Se Habla Español 1 9 9 4
Page 13
Miami Beach High School U.S. Navy Cadets Awarded ‘Women Divers Hall of Fame & Women’s SCUBA Association Training Grants’ The City of Miami Beach and The Celebration Of The Sea Foundation announced today that three Miami Beach High School U.S. Navy Cadets were awarded full SCUBA Certification scholarships though the U.S. Navy’s “Women Divers Hall of Fame & Women’s SCUBA Association Training Grants”. Miami Beach High School students and U.S. Navy cadets Sasha Dyroff (Cadet Petty Officer Third Class), Adriana Chait (Cadet Petty Officer Third Class) and Adrea Orduz (Cadet Seaman) were the lucky recipients of the grants. “We are proud of our cadets for receiving The Women Divers Hall of Fame and Women’s SCUBA Association Training Grant.” Said U.S. Naval Science Instructor, Ronald Hunter. “All of our cadets who competed for the grants had to write biographies and essay s in addition to submitting reference letters in order to be chosen.” The SCUBA certification is being conducted as part of Miami Beach High School’s new Academy of Marine & Environmental Sciences (AMES) which launched with over 100 students enrolled. AMES was established through the assistance of The Celebration of the Sea Foundation which helped in the development of the program over the past three years as part of its World Ocean Watch Marine Science and Educational Program which is currently being scheduled to be piloted in the Miami School Systems next year. “Miami Beach Senior High School is delighted to be working closely with The Celebration of the Sea Foundation and the City of Miami Beach to bring innovative
marine science and unique educational programs to children in our community.” said Miami Beach High School Principal Dr. Rosanne Sidener. “These unique opportunities are building extraordinary excitement among our students and teachers to learn about the worlds oceans and our environment.” The AMES SCUBA Club was established to be part of the AMES curriculum and was co-founded by Miami Beach High School and Celebration of the Sea founder and President, Patxi Pastor who is a NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) SCUBA Instructor. “We’re thrilled about the U.S. Navy’s support of our program.” said SCUBA Club co-founder Patxi Pastor “We were also delighted that over 100 other Miami Beach High School students have already submitted applications to be chosen for the SCUBA Club”. The City of Miami Beach has a number of important new environmental initiatives that have been launched recently by public officials and local citizens. “Our high school cadets who won these SCUBA scholarships are great examples of the growing passion among our students to explore and learn about our local ecological diversity”, said Miami Beach Commissioner Jerry Libbin. “I am delighted at the progress the Celebration of the Sea Foundation has made in helping our community develop innovative environmental and educational programs like the SCUBA club. This is one example of the fine work of this Foundation and I’m proud to continue to support their initiatives.” For more information please visit www.CELEBRATIONOFTHESEA.org.
Page 14
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
Port of Miami billion dollar tunnel project underway
BY MARK WEITHORN Honesty • Integrity • Values • Respect • Knowledge • Ethics
With roots in Miami close to half a century deep, GPR is one of South Florida’s leading full service accounting firms with a global and innovative accounting approach.
305-868-3600 • 954-522-3202 561-392-9059 • 1-888-868-5585 Aventura • Miami Beach • Boca Raton www.gprco-cpa.com
Chairman of the Miami Beach Parking and Transportation Committee June 11th marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a tunnel from the MacArthur Causeway to the Port of Miami. This is in partnership with Miami Access Tunnel LLC (MAT), The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Miami-Dade County, and The City of Miami. This project which is expected to take 5-years is looking to remove trucks from having to use the downtown Miami streets as their only access to and from the port. Also with the widening of the Panama Canal, state planners are preparing for an increase in shipping into the Port of Miami which is already the second busiest port. Trucks will enter the tunnel from Watson Island a few hundred yards East of the intra-coastal bridge. There will be four lanes in the center of the highway; two eastbound lanes for entering the tunnel, and two westbound lanes for exiting. The length will be approximately 3,700 feet. FDOT is first building three new eastbound travel lanes on Watson Island along with a new service road for access to the
Children’s Museum and Jungle Island. These roads should be ready in the early fall of 2010, and once completed the eastbound traffic will be diverted to these lanes. FDOT will use the older eastbound road as the staging area for the tunnel. In preparation for the digging, Herrenknecht of Germany is manufacturing the tunnel-boring machine. At a cost of $45 million, this round machine has a 42foot diameter and is 380 feet long. It should arrive in September 2011 and will be assembled on site. The plan is to dig a road 100 feet under the bedrock floor of the port channel. FDOT and the City of Miami Beach are presently working together to insure that the project moves smoothly and safely. Miami Beach leaders are presently in negotiations with FDOT to look at widening SR 395 between Biscayne Boulevard and I-95. Presently it is 2 lanes in each direction. This will create a bottleneck effect for westbound traffic. FDOT is also studying the SR 395 Bridge over Biscayne Boulevard to ensure that it can handle the increased weight brought on by the increased volume of trucks. You can view full details of the tunnel plans at www.PortOfMiamiTunnel.com.
www.communitynewspapers.com
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 15
Local organizations merge to create largest realtor association in U.S. Landmark Merger Benefits South Florida The Realtor Association of Greater Miami and the Beaches and the Realtor Association of MiamiDade County are proud to announce their merger into one association. Once approved by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the name of the new association will be the MIAMI Association of REALTORS. The merger, which became effective on August 2, 2010, is the largest in the history of NAR and brings together 23,000 Realtors in South Florida. The new association is now the largest in the nation and represents 98 percent of the Realtors in Miami-Dade County. Together We Are Better! In a marketplace like Miami, where on average 80 percent of buyers and sellers use an agent or broker during the real estate transaction, the new association is theorganization for Realtors in South Florida and the extensive buying and selling publics they serve. It is uniquely positioned to provide South Florida Realtors and their clients with the most comprehensive and leading-edge real estate marketing tools and services available. Enhanced Marketing Tools & Services to Better Serve Buyers and Sellers There are more resources free and available to South Florida residents online (www.miamire.com) than to consumers almost anywhere else in the entire country: Neighborhood Information - Find out what is going on in your neighborhood or find your next home by searching one of the many sites available. Property Search Go to
Victor Ulloa, Teresita “Terri” Bersach, Jack H. Levine, and Teresa King Kinney –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
www.miamire.com and click on “Find a Home” for the listings and information in the language of your choice. Terrafly - search for the newly added “short sales” and “foreclosure” searches along with a myriad of other services and information created by FIU for the association. Listing Book – Set up or have your Realtor set up your own free customized webpage so you can search, save, make comments, stay on top of the market or plan for future purchases. The association hosts more than 600 member seminars and events each year and offers more than $30,000 in free premium marketing tools and services to each of its
members to contribute to their success and help them better serve consumers. The new association includes a Residential Association, a Commercial Association, a Broward County Board of Governors, an awardwinning International Council and an Educational Foundation. International Partnerships MIAMI Realtors has more than 65 signed agreements, which generate substantial referral business and other opportunities, with partner organizations throughout the world. This alliance will increase the association’s international leverage and capacity, as it continues to promote South Florida and the local real estate market to buyers, investors, tourists, and global corporations and positively impact the local community and economy.
PAUL E. GREGOLINE D.P.M., P.A. Board Certified Surgeon 17971 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 109 Aventura, FL 33180
BYE BYE FUNGI NO MEDS NEW NAIL LAZER
SHOCK AWAY HEEL PAIN ESWT THERAPY
CALL: 954-793-2387 OFFICE HOURS Saturday & Evening Hours Thursdays 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm Saturdays 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Page 16
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Who’s this?
Ground breaking progress for the Miami International Airport BY MARC T. HENDERSON
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce would like to put your knowledge of community members to the test. If you can guess who this individual is in the picture, at Green Monkey located at 1815 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Please submit your correct answer to MBCommunityNews@gmail.com by Monday, September 13th, for a chance to win a free one month unlimited pass to practice yoga at Green Monkey!
Never Pay Another Expensive Repair Again
September 8 - 21, 2010
Blue skies to you! If you traveled by air recently to see loved ones, friends or for business, you may have used Miami International Airport. Whether you are a frequent flier or haven’t been here in awhile, hopefully you were impressed with the enhancements and renovations being made. There are new and improved terminal and check-in areas, more restaurants and shops than Miami International Airport has ever had, and breathtaking architecture and artwork on which to feast your eyes. A massive new rental car center that consolidates 16 rental car companies into one easy-to-find facility opened in July and coming in September is a people mover system that can whisk you from one end of North Terminal to the other in a few minutes. Let me take you on a little tour. First the North Terminal. North Terminal is 91 percent complete and nearing completion in 2011. Comprising 3.5 million square feet of new and renovated space, North Terminal, which includes Concourse D, has been converted to a linear design that doubles its efficiency and capacity. A new “front door” of check-in counters, baggage claim areas and checkpoints opened in November 2009 for direct access to newly opened gates. Another new checkpoint with easy access to 18 new gates opened in July, and a rooftop automated people mover system capable of transporting 9,000 passengers per hour between four stations is scheduled to begin running in September. For those who have time before their flight, there are a myriad of new restaurants and stores. Some of these include: Au Bon Pain; Bijoux Terner; Boca Bons; Books and Books; The Britto Store, which includes art
and merchandise by world-renowned artist Romero Britto; Coffee Beanery; Corona Beach House; Dunkin Donuts; two Duty Free Americas locations; Hudson News; Indulgence (bath and beauty products); Johnston & Murphy; La Carreta; Pizza Hut Express; Newslink; Sound Balance; Starbucks; Starfire Design; Sunglass Hut; Sushi Maki; Taxco Sterling; Jose Cuervo Tequileria and Tradewinds Bar. Lastly, scheduled for completion next fall is a new Federal Inspection Services area for international arrivals. This area will contain 72 U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing lanes capable of assisting 3,600 passengers per hour. Across the street from the airport on Le Jeune Road, the Miami Intermodal Center is fast on its way to becoming one of the largest multi-modal facilities in the nation. The first phase of this facility is the recently opened MIA Rental Car Center. The RCC is the second-largest facility of its kind in the United States behind Atlanta and boasts a capacity for 6,500 vehicles from 16 rental car companies. The facility’s four levels are each 20 acres - about the size of eight square city blocks. On three of those levels is a quick turnaround area for refueling and washing some 300 vehicles per hour, or 7,200 per day. A fleet of 60 shuttle buses transports passengers between the RCC and the airport around the clock. The number of rental car buses has been shaved in half, reducing MIA roadway congestion by 15 percent. In the fall of 2011, the shuttle bus service will be completely replaced by the MIA Mover, a 1.1-mile, elevated, automated people mover system. As you can see, a lot has happened at Miami International Airport in the past couple of years and there is still more to come! (Marc T. Henderson is a Media Relations Manager for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, operator of MIA and a system of general aviation airports)
Miami Beach News 6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980 PUBLISHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grant & Michael Miller ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy Donner WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albie Barnes, Roberta Bergman, Beatriz Brandfon, Celia Canabate, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diane Chasin, Enrique Chau, Sharon Christian, Lori Cohen, Cecile Fanfani, Dianne Maddox, Denzil Miles, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Diane Sedona Schiller, Georgia Tait, Walter White PROOF DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Vavrek PRODUCTION GRAPHIC ARTISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Ortega, Catalina Rocxa, Vera Salom, Marie Scheer, Isabel Vavrek PUBLISHER EMERITUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Miller
Ly Espinol We will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs. If yoou send us anything, please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material. Every issue of the Pinecrest Tribune is fully copyrighted, and all property rights, including advertisements produced by Community Newspapers and Miller Publishing. Using artwork and/or typography furnished or arranged for/by us, shall be the property of Community Newspapers. MILLER PUBLISHING and COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS are proud to publish the following newspapers: Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Community Newspapers, Coral Gables News-Tribune, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Cutler Bay News, Homestead News, Miami Gardens News, Opa-locka News, Palmetto Bay News, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun. See us on the Internet: http://www.communitynewspapers.com
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 17
A Green Come True: ECOMB’s Center for the Environment BY PETER PEREZ
Reduce, reuse, and recycle. So simple yet so meaningful in today’s world as the push for environmental sustainability gains more and more momentum. How much do we live our lives by these three elementary words? How much do we even know about these words? In 1994, the Environmental Coalition of Miami and the Beaches (ECOMB) was founded to address just these questions. These principles are so fundamental to the organization’s essence that their value statement even says, ‘ECOMB believes that, by educating and encouraging people to get involved and to act responsibly towards their environment, together, we will improve our quality of life, save resources, and live more sustainably.’ However, until recently, ECOMB did not even have enough funds to pay its Executive Director. In 2001, Luiz Rodrigues became the second Executive Director of ECOMB and quickly took ECOMB to new shades of green. Former Miami Beach Commissioner Saul Gross, who Chaired the Commission’s Sustainability Committee said, “Luiz is remarkable. He moves a thousand miles an hour, with ideas and initiatives and information. His passion is infectious.” Commissioner Gross was right. Now, ECOMB has developed programs to reduce the amount of litter on the Miami-Dade County beaches, waterways, islands and Biscayne Bay, increase both business and residential recycling rates, as well as preserve and restore habitats. Due to this incredible growth, ECOMB now has friends in the proverbial high places. Perhaps the most noteworthy is Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora, who was Chairman of ECOMB’s Board of Trustees in between stints as a Miami Beach City Commissioner. With his help, ECOMB was able to lease its own building in 2009 from the City of Miami
Beach at a very affordable rate. For the reduction, improved indoor environfirst time since it’s founding in 1994, mental quality, and stewardship of ECOMB now has a freestanding headresources and sensitivity to their quarters. “I’ve been trying to lease a impacts.” LEED certification has four building for some years now.” levels: certified, silver, gold, and platRodrigues says. “Initially, it was an inum. The MBCE will be restored and office space; then we realized we actuexpanded in a way to achieve either a ally needed a building, so we could silver or gold certification. cultivate a great environmental center. Exceptional enthusiasm for this projWe’re calling it the Miami Beach ect has already been generated. For Center for the Environment.” Luiz example, Ken Fields, the Director of immediately mapped out an ambitious Marketing and PR for Electron Solar expansion plan. Energy, says “It is our sincerest wish In addition, ECOMB has attracted a for the success of your project and number of volunteers. One volunteer in Electron Solar Energy would like to particular stands out. Gabriole Van participate, in any way possible, to help Bryce, Treasurer of ECOMB’s Board you in your endeavors… Electron Solar of Trustees, is Luiz’s right hand Energy will provide, build and install, woman. Not only is Gabriole an experiat Electron’s cost, a Solar/Renewable enced LEED AP, she is partner at energy demonstration and display.” In greening consulting firm Eco-Logical addition, a high-profile architectural Solution, Chair of the Miami Beach firm has offered to work with the Chamber of Commerce’s Sustainable MBCE to help make it LEED accreditBusiness Council, and chair of the ed. The firm believes that by introducGreen Hospitality Council for the ing local residents to the latest strateGreater Miami & the Beaches Hotel gies and benefits of sustainable living, Association. Luiz asserts, “ She is the residents will apply these important Luis Rodriguez and Gabriole Van Bryce most dedicated Board Member principles to their everyday lives. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ECOMB has ever had and works tire“ECOMB really needs the funds,” lessly to promote ECOMB’s mission and and native landscaping showcase, a com- says Rodrigues. “I have been a one-man goals. [ECOMB] could not have achieved posting demonstration area, rain barrel, as operation for many years. Our goal for 2010 many of the organization’s accomplishments well as a recycling drop-off center for small is to raise enough funds through grants, corwithout her support and that of its volunteers electronics, batteries, and CFLs.’ The main porate sponsorship or partnerships, donaand interns. She is a jewel of a human being.” goals of the MBCE is to inform, teach, and tions and fundraising events, so that we have According to ECOMB, ‘The explain the concept of reduce, reuse, and a professional team working with us and we Environmental Coalition of Miami & the recycle, as well as that of many other sus- can actually pay them for their services.” So Beaches’ (ECOMB) looks forward to fur- tainable living strategies. all you ambitious grant writers and altruistic Luiz wants the MBCE to be LEED businesses looking for a good way to donate thering its partnership with the City of Miami Beach as well as with other local accredited. The US Green Building your services, products, and/or money, look “green businesses” to fully implement the Council’s website (usgbc.org) explains no further. ECOMB is a bona fide organizaMiami Beach Center for the Environment LEED as, “An internationally recognized tion that could use your help. Considering at 210 Second Street. The Center’s goal will green building certification system, provid- all ECOMB has done for us over the last 16 be to provide environmental programs and ing third-party verification that a building or years, it is the least we can do. services to residents, visitors, and City community was designed and built using If you would like to contact ECOMB you employees. The Center will provide local strategies aimed at improving performance can email either Luiz Rodrigues at nature interpretive displays, environmental across all the metrics that matter most: ener- luiz@ecomb.org, or Michael Laas at programming and events, a green building gy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions michael.laas@gmail.com.
Page 18
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
Miami Beach Business Mission to the Expo 2010 Shanghai, China facts and figures BY VERONIKA POZMENTIER
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its Mission to Shanghai China from October 9-16, 2010, to experience the inspiring culture, business opportunities, and distinguished cuisine that China has to offer along with visits to 2010 World Expo and to the port in Shanghai. Held from May 1 to October 31, 2010 in the megapolis of Shanghai the World Expo 2010 expect in those 6 months more than 70 to 100 millions visitors from all over the world and will be the most visited international fair in history with already 47,134,800 visitors on day 122! The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Mission to China will only add to those numbers of visitors. It will be also the largest international fair ever with more than 190 countries and 50 international organisations under the theme “Better City – Better Life” representing the common wish of the whole humankind for a better living in future urban environments, displayed around the 5 central theme pavilions exploring aspects of urban development and called Urban Footprints, Urban Planet, Urban
Dwellers, Urban Beings, and Urban Dream. The site of the Expo, along both sides of the Hangpu River, is also the most expensive and largest world’s fair site with 53,819,552 square feet. Shanghai spent more than 48 billion dollars just to prepare the site for the Expo 2010, 6 new subway lines were opened between 2008 and 2010 and 4,000 new taxis were added in the city the month before the opening. More than 1.7 millions volunteers have been trained to help visitors on site to find their way around the national pavilions, sculpture gardens, shops, sports arena and a performing arts centre shaped like a flying saucer. Some of those figures looks incredible, the importance of Expo 2010 Shanghai is not only because of the fast growing chinese economy but it is also beyond that meant to define Shanghai‘s new status in the 21th century as a next great world city on the international map and as a symbol of the new China. Shanghai is the second biggest city in China with a population of over 20 million inhabitants and is the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China, no wonder Shanghai was designated
for this year World Expo. Some of the national pavilion in the World Expo 2010 are exceptional pieces of architecture and innovation and the China pavillion is one of the most remarkable. “The Crown of the East” can be and looking like an ancient Chinese crown, it is the largest at the Expo and the most expensive, costing an estimated $220 million. This unique structural component of interlocking wooden brackets or dougong style is one of the most important elements in traditional Chinese architecture and dates back more than 2,000 years. It will remain on site once the fair is over. After her visit in May 2010 to the China pavilion State Secretary Hillary Clinton, said that it had been “a wonderful experience”, she will keep “a great souvenir of the Expo” to conclude “the relationship between the United States and China is critical to both our countries and to the future of our world”. CHINA PAVILION Everywhere in Shanghai architecture is phenomenal, with hundreds of buildings from every style from the skyscrapers of
Pudong and Jing’an in the modern city of Shanghai to the low rise buildings of the former French concession with villas or the Bund with 52 amazing buildings of different architectural styles and an incredible collection of Art Deco buildings. Like in Miami Beach Shanghai is known worldwide for its high concentration of Art Deco buildings as nowhere else in the world! Also like Miami Beach, Shanghai shares a close relationship with the city of Basel, Switzerland, which has brought Art Basel to Miami Beach, Shanghai and Basel have been bound by a partnership agreement since 2007. On August 29, 2010 by 7 pm more that 520,000 visitors had visited the Expo! Almost 6 times the population of Miami Beach: 89,000 in one day! Some 7,324 volunteers worked on the site to make it happenned. To learn more about the 2010 World Expo please visit http://en.expo2010.cn or call the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce to learn more of the Mission to Shanghai in October 2010.
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 19
.. .. .. O OU UR R B B EE SS TT .. .. .. A AN ND D FF II N NA A LL O O FF FF EE R R SS O O FF 22 00 11 00 !! !! 2010
2010
CTS
SRX *No
First Payment
9 9 $3
9 5 $4
ONLY 27 MONTHS NO DOWN PAYMENT NO DEALER FEES LUXURY PACKAGE EQUIPPED
0% FINANCING FOR 72 MONTHS AVAILABLE ON ALL 2010 MODELS*
1000 Kane Concourse • Bay Harbor, FL 33154 (2 Blocks West of Bal Harbour Shops)
305 864 2271
www.oceancadillac.net
*27 MONTH LEASE / 10,000 MILES PER YEAR. 1ST PAYMENT, REF, SEC, DEPOSIT, TAXITAG, •BANK FEE DUE AT INCEPTION. INCLUDES CONQUEST INCENTIVE. 0% AVAILABLE ON SRX FOR 36 MONTHS. EXPIRES 9/30/2010
Page 20
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
When the Banks say NO!
WE SAY YES!! E VVE A SSA
Easy Leasing Program
Full Maintenance Agreements ..even including the Paper 4 hour service response Guaranteed Certified Service Staff Online Tech Support Loaner Equipment Guaranteed
OON N
UUPP
TTOO Y YO OU UR R PPR RI INN TTI INN GG
% 0 4
CCO OS ST TS S
RESTORED DIGITAL SOLUTIONS
“If we can’t fix it, We’ll Replace it” RESTORED DIGITAL SOLUTIONS
5900 N.W. 97th Ave. Miami FL 33178
305 468 9965 Email us: sales@RestoredDigitalSolutions.com
www.RestoredDigitalSolutions.com
If only Adam and Eve had 240 million other trees to choose from. For over a hundred years Jewish National Fund has been planting trees in Israel. To learn more about how JNF trees prevent soil erosion, preserve vital ecosystems, reclaim deserts or to plant trees, go to www.jnf.org.
888-JNF-0099 | JNF.org
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 21
Page 22
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 23
Coming Soon... The Daisy Column The Miami Beach News is happy to classical music station WTMI 93.1 FM introduce Daisy Olivera as the new socie- radio. She has an equally illustrious ty columnist. Most recently you’ll remem- print writing background, as a columber her as the Miami Herald’s nist for magazines and society columnist, writing newspapers in both English the must-read, “Tropical and Spanish — including Nights” column and profiles Selecta Magazine, on interior design. Channels, Ocean Drive, Daisy, who was born in Avenue Magazine in New Cuba, came to Miami when York and the Providence she was four years old. She Journal-Bulletin. began her 28-year journalTwo and half years ago, ism career as a television Daisy founded her own comnews reporter and anchor pany, TheDaisyColumn.com – in Miami at the height of an internationally-read webDAISY OLIVERA the 80s drug wars, coversite where she chronicles ing breaking news which Miami society and interviews often made national headlines. the power players who make Miami She went on to New England television unique. as a news anchor in Providence, Rhode We look forward to Daisy’s signature Island then produced and hosted her own witty style as she gives us a peek into talk show on the NBC station, WHDH- CH Miami Beach’s most glamorous society 7 in Boston, Massachusetts. parties. Daisy returned to Miami in 1995 to You can reach Daisy Olivera at host the popular “Morning Show”, on daisy@thedaisycolumn.com
THE NEW NOW-MAKING BUSINESS HAPPEN IN SOUTH FLORIDA Real Estate Industry Gathers for Landmark Event Join Industry Leaders, Peter Zalewski Founder of Condo Vultures, David Edelstein of Tri Star Capital W South Beach, Melissa Rubin, Vice President of Platinum Properties International, Teresa King Kinney President of Miami Association of Realtors, Steven D Hayworth Founding President, Chairman and CEO of Gibraltar Private Bank and Trust and David Edelstein of Tri Star Capital W South Beach on September 21st for an insider’s perspective on “The New Now – Making Business Happen in South Florida” Real Estate Luncheon September 21st, 2010 at 11.00 am at the W Hotel South Beach. This is one of the most exciting times to be involved in any aspect of real estate in South Florida. Miami Beach is once again is the city that people are flocking to for our culture, night life and properties. In partnership with the Miami Association of Realtors, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is
hosting this landmark event. This event is the beginning of an engaging Real Estate-related series the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce will be hosting throughout the year. As we sift through new opportunities, new laws and new ways to do business, the 5 panelists will share how we all can be successful and thrive in our real estate climate. Where is the growth coming from? How do we capitalize on our foreign investors and where are they coming from? How do we navigate through the distressed property businesses? How do we get funding for future buyers? Where is the new urbanism going to happen and when? All point questions to be answered by our illustrious panelists. Very few tickets remain for this stellar event. For additional information about the event, please contact the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce at 305.674.1300 or register online at www.miamibeachchamber.com.
How’s Your Mother? At the entrance to Williams Island, you’ll find Imperial Club - Aventura’s only full service retirement community that offers both independent and assisted living. Our residents enjoy great amenities - like three delicious meals a day, weekly housekeeping, transportation services, 24-hour staffing and a great social program with all sorts of activities and events. Everything is included in the monthly rent and there is no “buy-in” or endowment fee.
For more information call (305) 206-4140 or go to www.imperial-living.com
2751 NE 183rd Street, Aventura, Florida 33160
Page 24
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 25
Wells Fargo Advisors offers 2010 Economic and Market Outlook About 200 guests attended a lunch presentation at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Club to listen to Bryan Piskorowski, Managing Director, Director of Market Analysis and Business Development Strategy and well known media consultant. Bryan Piskorowski has worked with Wells Fargo Advisors and predecessor firms for more than 15 years. He makes frequent appearances on CNBC and Bloomberg television and is often quoted by all major financial publications. Piskorowski’s presentation gave clients an outlook on the economic and market perspectives for 2010. Also
attending were financial advisors, branch managers and regional managers from Wells Fargo Advisors. The Wells Fargo stagecoach, an American icon, and an immediately recognized corporate symbol, was also present at the event. “We wanted to give clients an overview on the economy, inflation, international markets both equity and fixed income markets and investment strategy for the remainder of 2010”, said Ramon J. Pacios, Senior Vice President and Miami Complex Manager. “Turnberry did an incredible job with this event, from the food to the setting, it was fantastic”
Wells Fargo advisors is one of the largest brokerage firms in the US with more than 15,100 financial advisors and with $1.1 trillion in client assets (as of June 30, 2010). Wells Fargo Advisors provides a large range of products and services, including Advisory services, asset management , brokerage services, estate planning strategies and retirement planning, to name a few. Wells Fargo Advisors has offices located in Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, Aventura, and Fort Lauderdale. For more information please visit wellsfargo.advisors.com
Sun Chi Wong, Randy Stark-Wells Fargo Advisors Dora Farage, Ana Vergel-Wells Fargo Advisors, Doris Edelman-Wells Fargo Advisors, Malcolm Leonard
John Patterson, Mary Lou Acker
Ramon Pacios-Miami Complex Manager Wells Fargo Advisors
Tom Schwaegerle, Marido Pinon, Tony Enkiri-Wells Fargo Advisors
Corey Engelhard-Wells Fargo Advisors, Aviva Klein-Wells Fargo Advisors, Jerry Engelhard-Wells Fargo Advisors Mitchell Hipssann, Micky Dworkin Bob Schwartz-Aventura Resident Manager Wells Fargo Advisors, Sookie Schwartz, Bryan Piskorowski-Wells Fargo Advisors
Jose Raul Carvajal, Denise Carvajal, Alvaro Emil Salcedo, Astrid Rodriguez-Wells Fargo Advisors
Leon Fishman, Jerry Winnick-Wells Fargo Advisors, Barbara Fishman
Bruce Roberts-Wells Fargo Advisors, Bob Lilianfeld
Stephen Rose, Sharon Silver- Rose, Corey Engelhard- Gary Ciuca-Wells Fargo Advisors, Wells Fargo Advisors, Aviva Klein-Wells Fargo Jacqueline Dickstein Advisors, Marty Tamaroff-Wells Fargo Advisors
Bob Schwartz-Aventura Resident Manager Wells Alex Vicencio-Wells Fargo Harvey Brandenburg, Lois Brandenburg, Fargo Advisors, Doris Edelman-Wells Fargo Advisors, Adele Neumann Todd Finkel-Wells Fargo Advisors Advisors, Stanley Kobin, Gene Kobin
Back- Raj Singh, David Kroner-Wells Fargo Advisors, Steven Davis Front- Anne Mandelbaum, Harold Mandelbaum, Dr. Stanley Kaye, Rosalyn Kaye
Bryan Piskorowski-Wells Fargo Advisors, Lorenzo Santiago-Wells Fargo Advisors, Ramon Pacios –Miami Complex Manager Wells Fargo Advisors
Budd Litowitz, Deana Litowitz, Arthur Faren-Wells Fargo Advisors
Page 26
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 27
Fatal February, Justice in June 2010 Elevator Pitch Contest — by retired Judge Levenson comes to Miami Beach BY BOB LEVY
I have managed judicial campaigns in Miami-Dade County for over 30 years. There are many judges that we helped in their campaigns 30 years ago who are retiring this term, and even more in two years. Time flies when you’re having fun and winning is fun. Losing? Well, there can only be one winner in each election. Because of the intense nature of campaigns, we often become friendly on a personal level with the candidate (and subsequently with the judge) and sometimes with the spouse. And so it has been with Bob and Judge Barbara Levenson. We have maintained contact even after Barbara retired. And so when she told me she was writing a book, I reminded her that it’s even more difficult than writing a legal opinion. She told me the real challenge was in getting more people to read your book than those that read your legal opinion. I told her there were those who had to read the legal opinion, but no one had to read the book. Having now written two books, I can tell you if you are from Miami-Dade and love fiction that is so real it jumps off the page at you, then you want to read her two books. Her first book is Fatal February, released in 2009, and her newest contribution is Justice in June. Let me urge you to read them in order, as the characters will develop for you in clearer detail (I think; of course I haven’t written a book review since college when I used my Cliff Notes to develop my report). The thing that makes these books so exciting to me personally is that if you’re involved in the justice system, every single person in the book comes alive for you and you can picture that person as someone you literally know. When in Justice in June Barbara talked about the Clerk of the Courts, that person was Harvey Ruvin for me; didn’t matter what his name was in the book. When Barbara talked about the chief judge, I saw Gerald Wetherington, Joe Farina and Joel Brown, who have spanned 30 years as chief judges. And when the story developed — and I don’t want to give away too much of the plot here — I knew the good guys and the bad guys in the book, but the lines were crossed and it’s only as the story develops that you learn who really “did it.” The stories about Guantanamo and how the system works today are as scary in the book as they are in real life. All one has to do is go to a Florida Association of Women Lawyer’s meeting
BOOK REVIEW
and you’ll meet a dozen women like Mary Magruder Katz, the main character in the book. And when in Fatal February she meets a Hispanic male, well, it’s so Miami. And when they want to go for dinner and it’s off to the Forge or when she talks about the excitement the first time she walked up the stairs of the Justice Building (73 W. Flagler Street or l35l NW l2th Street, doesn’t matter which), one feels the book developing around you with familiar scenes. Carlos Martin, the boyfriend, is someone you’ll meet and feel like you already know, because we all know Carlos and many like him. This is a duo of wonderful books that anyone living anywhere can enjoy, but if you are a Miami-Dade resident, it is must reading. I literally could not put either book down, anxiously awaiting further exciting developments in the daily life of Mary Magruder Katz. The scene where the two families meet for dinner is just hysterical and all of us have had similar experiences. That’s what makes these books great, you will feel like you are reading something you have experienced yourself; because most of us have.
Bob Levy is president of Robert M. Levy and Associates, a lobbying and campaign consulting firm with over 30 years of history in Miami Dade County and Tallahassee.
The Launch Pad at the University of Miami is partnering with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for the 2nd Annual Elevator Pitch Contest presented by the Miami Herald. Last year, the Launch Pad awarded four finalists over $85,000 in cash and prizes designed to boost their companies right here in South Florida. The Launch Pad opened in August 2008 with two goals. The first is to represent entrepreneurship as a viable career option, and the second goal is to encourage and help members of the University community to establish ventures in South Florida, furthering economic and social growth. In less than 2 years, Launch Pad members have created 45 new companies and over 100 new jobs. An elevator pitch is a brief overview of a company, product, project or service, delivered in the time span of an elevator ride (less than 90 seconds). The 2010 contest series will kick-off with three handson workshops starting in late September
and will be led by Senior Entrepreneurial Fellow, Melissa Krinzman of Venture Architects. This will be followed by five regional preliminary rounds in South Florida in Mid-October, and the finale will take place in November during the celebration of Global Entrepreneurial Week at the University of Miami. Aaron Perry, Chairman of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, who has an extensive background in advertising and marketing will serve as a judge for this region. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of the student and community categories. All South Florida entrepreneurs with existing businesses are invited to compete and entry is free. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the Miami Beach Workshop on Friday, October 1st, for the Launch Pad. This contest is open to anyone in South Florida with an existing for-profit. The Chamber is eager to hear from all of the entrepreneurs that would like to participate in this contest.
Page 28
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 29
PANDEMONIUM: The Lost and Found Orchestra at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County proudly announces the kick-off to its 5th Anniversary Season with the U.S. premiere of PANDEMONIUM:: Thee Lost andd Foundd Orchestra. From the creators of the blockbuster hit STOMP, this modern, urban symphonic adventure features a cast of 25 performers plus a 30-member choir of local Miami singers. Fresh from sold-out performances in London, Sydney, and Amsterdam, PANDEMONIUM is poised to take Miami by storm, September 16-26, 2010 in the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House. Where Stomp creates rhythm with everyday objects, the Lost and Found Orchestra’s Pandemonium transforms everyday objects into orchestral instruments, representing every section of a symphony orchestra, with strings, woodwind and brass replaced by musical saws, bottles, whirly toys, and traffic cones. Culminating with the human voice being added to the mix, what begins with simple melodies plucked, blown, thumped and
brushed into life, ends in a complex symphonic and choral celebration. Tickets are $55, with group discounts available for all performances for groups of 15 or more. On Thursday, September 23, the Arsht Center hosts Pandemonium’s Young Professional Night - an exciting evening of networking and world-class entertainment. Save on tickets to see Pandemonium on September 23 at 7:30pm plus, starting at 6 pm, arrive early to be among the first in Miami to experience the Center’s new Bombay Sapphire Lounge and enjoy complimentary signature cocktails while networking with Miami’s top young professionals! Visit www.arshtcenter.org/pandemonium <http://www.arshtcenter.org/pandemonium> for tickets, show clips and more information. To purchase discounted tickets to the Pandemonium Young Professional Night Event on September 23, use the online promo code: YOUNGPROF or call Group Sales at 786-468-2358.
Page 30
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
Gulf Coast Claims Facility Learn More at: www.GulfCoastClaimsFacility.com
WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE HERE TO HELP YOU RECOVER. New Contact Information and Procedures for Individuals and Businesses to File Claims for Costs and Damages resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Incident of April 20, 2010 The Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF), administered by Kenneth R. Feinberg, has been established to assist claimants in filing claims for costs and damages incurred as a result of the oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Incident of April 20, 2010. Claims previously filed with the BP Claims Process have been transitioned to the new GCCF Claims Facility for review, evaluation and determination by the GCCF.
You Can Now File Your Claim In One Of The Following Ways: 1)
Online:
By accessing the GCCF Website at: www.GulfCoastClaimsFacility.com.
2)
By Mail: Call our Toll-Free number to receive a copy of the Claim Form by U.S. Mail. Complete a Claim Form and mail it to: Gulf Coast Claims Facility P.O. Box 9658 Dublin, OH 43017-4958
3)
By Fax:
Complete your Claim Form and fax it to the GCCF at: 1.866.682.1772.
4)
Visit one of our Claims Site Offices: Claims offices have been established in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Visit our website for a complete list of locations. A Claims Evaluator will assist you with the filing process.
á&#x17E;&#x;á&#x17E;źá&#x17E;&#x2DC;á&#x17E;&#x2018;á&#x;&#x2020; á&#x17E;&#x20AC;á&#x;&#x2039;á&#x17E;&#x2018;á&#x;&#x2020;á&#x17E;&#x201C;á&#x17E;&#x201E;á&#x17E;&#x2DC;á&#x17E;&#x20AC; á&#x17E;&#x201C;á&#x;&#x2039; á&#x17E;žá&#x17E;&#x201E;á&#x17E; á&#x;&#x2020; á&#x17E;žá&#x17E;&#x2DC; á&#x17E;¸ á&#x17E;&#x2018;á&#x17E;&#x2018;á&#x17E;˝á&#x17E;&#x203A; á&#x17E;&#x201C;á&#x17E;&#x2013;á&#x;?á&#x17E;?á&#x;&#x152; á&#x17E;&#x201C; á&#x17E;&#x161;á&#x;&#x201D;
ContĂĄctenos para obtener informaciĂłn en espaĂąol.
HĂŁy liĂŞn háť&#x2021; váť&#x203A;i chĂşng tĂ´i Ä&#x2018;áť&#x192; cĂł thĂ´ng tin báşąng tiáşżng Viáť&#x2021;t.
1.800.916.4893 (Toll-Free â&#x20AC;˘ Mul lingual) www.G C C F .com @GCCF-C . | TTY: 1.866.682.1758
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 31
Ingenuity & Tough Choices: Valuesbased budget positions Miami Dade School for strong year in hard times BY ALBERTO M. CARVALHO
Miami-Dade County Public School Superintendent It will take more than magic to make the Miami-Dade school district’s budget crisis disappear, with both state revenue and local property value down. With ingenuity and tough choices, however, we have crafted a budget that follows the District’s guiding principles—no teacher cuts, protection of the most vulnerable members of the District’s workforce, no reduction to art and music classes—while shrinking class size, improving the District’s bond rating, holding the line on local taxes, and maintaining fiscal viability. Created more with a surgeon’s needle than a magician’s wand, the proposed budget reflects an unprecedented level of transparency, with input from top business executives, chambers of commerce, school administrators, parents and others. When Miami-Dade School Board members officially consider the proposal next month, they will find a budget that balances the protection of our workforce with the protection of the classroom and respect for the taxpayers of Miami-Dade County. They will find a budget that reflects our unshakable commitment to our core values yet also includes more than $80 million in savings initiatives. Holding fast to what we value can be a challenge, especially as plunging revenues, rising costs, and state mandates have forced us to cut more than $400 million from our budget since 20072008. Through this budget, however, we hold firm, boosting reserves by $21 million to bring total reserves to more than $100 million. A level we have not reached in more than a decade. It is this type of fiscal responsibility that has strengthened Wall Street’s confidence in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) with Moody’s recently affirming the district’s A1 rating and lifting a negative outlook. As a result of significant fiscal improvements in district management over the last two years, the outlook is now “Stable.” To maintain such stability without raising taxes requires improved effi-
ciencies and strategic cuts. These include a recommended $8 million from the central office that brings total central-office cuts over the last two years to more than 33 percent. As a result, we will recoup $26 million in savings, for example, by having staff complete maintenance programs previously outsourced to contractors. Unlike many other school districts across the country and state, Miami-Dade has managed to balance its budget even as its total budget has shrunk by more than $1.5 billion. This has been done without resorting to layoffs or compromising the District’s academic or fiscal integrity. In fact, despite the economy, Miami-Dade’s schools and students have made notable academic strides in the last three years, with M-DCPS third-graders outperforming or matching their counterparts in every large Florida district in FCAT reading and mathematics gains this year. In addition, M-DCPS students scored higher than their counterparts in such major U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago in mathematics on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress Trial Urban District Assessment. These students achieved this despite overcoming such hurdles as a high rate of poverty, language differences and disabilities in the process. The recommended budget for 20102011 positions the District to build on this trend of success, poised to start the new school year this month in a position of strength. Still, worse days may be yet to come. Federal stimulus dollars through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are set to run out in 2011. Unless Washington and Tallahassee act now to plug that hole, M-DCPS and other districts across the state face a funding catastrophe that could well force us to cut the programs we hold most dear. For now, however, we can take hope in knowing that, whether through sorcery or surgery, a sound, solid M-DCPS will live on for another year of service to our students and community, using its given resources to reach ever-higher levels of student achievement and continue giving our students the world.
• One easy payment per month • Lower or eliminate interest • No Credit Check required • No Homeownership required
Call or visit us to learn more.
1-866-978-2312
8323 NW 12 St., Suite 216 The Village Beacon Centre • Doral, FL 33126 Hablamos Español
Page 32
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
Fun in the Sun with the Boucher Brothers Boucher Brothers provides something for every member of the family on the beach! We offer an array of watersport activities such as waverunner and parasailing rides, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, boogie boards, kayaks and banana boat rides and don’t forget the Boucher Brothers when you want to plan your next party on the beach! Boucher Brothers has been playing a major role in Teambuilding activities for small businesses, large corporate companies, family reunions and children’s birthday parties for over two decades. The beach setting is ideal for our Beach Olympics, as groups have fun under the sun while working on interpersonal relationships through an array of exciting, funny and competitive activities our trained staff can provide and guide them through. We also offer the best Group waverunner tours in South Florida. Building strong group bonds and a sense of team accomplishment is what our group activities are all about. Our staff has been creating exciting events and programs in Florida for domestic, foreign and multi-national groups since 1987. Our carefully planned programs are designed with great detail to provide
the highest level of excellence, service and expertise expected by our clients. We work with corporations, incentive houses, meeting planners and travel professionals to create an event specific to the group’s requirements and budget. We have worked with groups of all sizes and count many major international companies among our satisfied clients. Whether the group is just a simple gathering of a few people or a full scale group of 2,500, Boucher Brothers can help plan a memorable event. Whether your party is planned for a young adult celebrating their Bar Mitzvah, a quinceañera, and a celebration of a momentous birthday, a bachelor party or a party just because, our highly qualified staff of professionals draws from their many years of experience to ensure that all facets of group programs are handled in a fun and professional manner. Our management team is cross trained to assist in all aspects of our group activities. Feel free to call 305-535-8177 or 305-345-3523 or email Lori at lori.laquatra@boucherbrothers.com to plan your next event!
Boucher Brothers provides something for every member of the family on the beach, from an array of watersport activities to banana boat rides.
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 33
Nissan 370Z Roadster is a sleek, fast convertible Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
LET’S TALK CARS The 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster is quite a nice piece of work, seductively styled and with all the technology and sophistication of the hardtop. It’s available in two models — Roadster and Touring Roadster. Certainly, the most obvious difference from the Coupe is the convertible top. The soft-top roof was designed to give the car a sleek silhouette, offer an easy single-action open-close operation and deliver a top-down ride with reduced wind turbulence. The Nissan design team succeeded on all points. With the top up, the Z Roadster has a sophisticated sloped-back look that balances nicely with the overall body design. The shortened windshield and aerodynamically rounded rear deck blend nicely with the car’s character lines. In the down position, the top is hidden beneath a body-color hard tonneau cover that extends forward to create a “double cockpit” interior. The cloth convertible top has a fabric inner
liner that gives it a quality look and helps reduce noise in the cabin. There also is an enlarged glass rear window with an electric defroster. The top goes up or down in about 20 seconds and is operated by either a center console switch or a button on the doors. An automatic latch system secures or releases the top from the windshield header. A wind deflector between the headrest bars helps reduce wind turbulence in the cabin. The Z Roadster’s exterior design incorporates the look and feel of the new Z Coupe, including its signature long nose/short cockpit proportions, vertical door handles and distinctive new headlight/taillight treatment with the “boomerang” shape. High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with auto on/off are standard. Like the new 370Z Coupe, the Roadster looks more aggressive and is lighter and tighter than the previous generation. The wheelbase is nearly four inches shorter (100.4 inches versus 104.3 inches) and overall length is reduced by 2.6 inches (167.2 inches versus 169.8 inches). The new Roadster has an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. At the same time, the body structure was extensively revised to improve rigidity and stability, including more reinforcement in the A-pillars and side sills. The Touring model includes the heated and
The Nissan 370Z Roadster has signature long nose and short cockpit, vertical door handles and distinctive new “boomerang” shaped headlight/taillight design. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– cooling leather-appointed power net seats, offered for The Touring models. It adds the HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth hard drive-based Nissan Navigation System, Hands-free Phone System, eight-speaker 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio and connectivity. aluminum-trimmed pedals. Base price on the 2010 Nissan 370Z Only two option packages are offered. Roadster is $37,320. The Touring model can add the Sport Package with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be Brakes, SynchroRev Match (six-speed man- contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, ual transmission only) and Viscous Limited or by addressing email correspondence to Slip Differential. The Navigation Package is <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
Page 34
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Free Consultation A Law Firm Dedicated to Protecting Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Families Medical Malpractice â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘
Brain Damage Death Anesthesia Accidents Drug Reactions Paralysis
â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘
Cancer Misdiagnosed Surgical Negligence Birth Injuries Pediatric Malpractice Neurology/Strokes
Nursing Home Abuse â&#x20AC;˘ Bed Sores â&#x20AC;˘ Amputation â&#x20AC;˘ Falls â&#x20AC;˘Workers Compensation â&#x20AC;˘Defective Products â&#x20AC;˘Cruise Ship Litigation
Home, Hospital & Office Visits Available
â&#x20AC;˘ Neglect â&#x20AC;˘ Sexual Abuse â&#x20AC;˘ Physical Abuse â&#x20AC;˘Car Accidents â&#x20AC;˘Slip & Fall â&#x20AC;˘Dog Bites â&#x20AC;˘Aviation Litigation â&#x20AC;˘Unpaid Overtime
â&#x20AC;˘Sexual Harassment â&#x20AC;˘Employment Discrimination
On Call 24 Hours 7 Days a Week
No Fees or Costs if No Recovery
Panter,Panter & Sampedro,P.A.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Serving Our Community For More Than 20 Yearsâ&#x20AC;?
305-662-6178
6950 N. Kendall Drive Miami, Florida 33156 Telefax: (305) 662-9472 / 1-800-PANTERLAW
www.panterlaw.com
THE HIRING OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION THAT SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. BEFORE YOU DECIDE, ASK US TO SEND YOU FREE WRITTEN INFORMATION ABOUT OUR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPENSES
FOR SALE
Doral West
+ 25,000
SQ. FT.
REDUCED PURCHASE PRICE!
Location: West of the Palmetto Expressway between NW 58 and NW 74 Street. Situated on a corner lot.
Doral West
+ 26,000
SQ. FT.
September 8 - 21, 2010
Property Tax Alert
BY COMMISSIONER MICHAEL GONGORA
In August of each year, Miami-Dade County property owners receive a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Notice of Proposed Property Taxesâ&#x20AC;? (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trim Noticeâ&#x20AC;?) showing, as to each property, the prior yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taxes, the current yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taxes, with and without budget changes, and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;marketâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;assessedâ&#x20AC;? values for the prior and current year. Based on the current yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information, property owners may file petitions with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) within 25 days following the mailing of the Trim Notice, if they feel that the Property Appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposed â&#x20AC;&#x153;assessedâ&#x20AC;? value is incorrect (i.e. does not properly reflect the propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actual fair market value as of Jan. 1 of the current tax year). With certain exceptions, a $15 filing fee is required to be paid at the time a petition is filed. Prior to filing a VAB petition, a taxpayer may review the proposed assessment with the Property Appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office at an informal conference. However, this informal conference is not a necessary prerequisite to the filing of a VAB petition. If the property owner meets with the Property Appraiser and is dissatisfied with the results, the taxpayer or his agent, may file a value petition with the VAB after the meeting. In addition to the value petition, property owners may also file two other types of petitions (having different filing requirements and/or deadlines), as follows: Legal Petitions-To review the denial of tax exemptions or agricultural classifications by the Property Appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, or other legal issues related to an assessment; and Late Petitions-To review applications for exemptions and agricultural classifications filed late with the Property Appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office. Approximately 145,000 petitions are filed each year with the VAB. After the petitions are filed, hearings
before the VABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special Magistrates are scheduled and the petitioners are notified of the date, time and place of their respective hearings via first class mail. The hearing notices are generally mailed no later than 30 days prior to the date of the scheduled hearing. Petitioners (i.e. taxpayers) contesting the value of their property present their cases to Appraiser Special Magistrates, while those seeking tax exemptions, agricultural classifications, or the resolution of other legal issues (e.g. dispensation for filing late petitions) present their cases to Attorney Special Magistrates. At the hearing, since the Property Appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assessment is supported by a â&#x20AC;&#x153;presumption of correctnessâ&#x20AC;? under Florida law, the burden of proving that the assessment is excessive or otherwise illegal falls on the petitioner. After the hearing, if the petitioner disagrees with the Special Magistrateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation to the VAB, a further appeal of the VAB decision may be initiated by the taxpayer filing suit in the Circuit Court. Any such suit (i.e. other than homestead exemption denials) must be filed no later than 60 days from the mailing of the VABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record of decision notice to the taxpayer. Any suit involving the denial of a homestead exemption must be filed in the Circuit Court within 15 days from the date of mailing of the VABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record of decision notice. The VABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record of decision notices are mailed to petitioners after all hearings have been completed for the particular tax appeal year. Petitioners who are successful in obtaining a VAB adjustment to their assessments receive a refund of any over-paid taxes made to the county or a new adjusted tax bill if the original tax bill has not been paid. My law firm, Becker & Poliakoff, is well versed in handling these types of claims. In addition, condominium associations may file a blanket petition on behalf of the members of the association. For more information, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact me at (305) 260-1014 or via email at mgongora@becker-poliakoff.com.
REDUCED PURCHASE PRICE! Location: West of the Palmetto Expressway between NW 58 and NW 74 Street.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sharpest Fleet in Townâ&#x20AC;? WE CAN HANDLE ALL OF YOUR NEEDS
www.cookcommercialrealty.com
(305)-235-8333 â&#x20AC;˘ www.onetwotree.com
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
SERVICES
SERVICES
SERVICES
Friendly Wheels
turn off the stove again.
0929RB
How can I be sure that Mom is eating regularly?
Even at night I am worried
305.969.7112 www.i-helpfl.com Lic#228855
HELP WANTED
Call for appt/interview 305-790-6880
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
SERVICES
SERVICES
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
$UW 0LUURUV :LQGRZ 7UHDWPHQW +XQJ WR 3HUIHFWLRQ )DQ /LJKW )L[WXUHV 6ZLWFKHV 'LVFRORUHG 3ODVWLF 5HSODFHPHQW &HLOLQJV 5HGRQH ZLWK /,7(67520 3DQHOV )XUQLWXUH $VVHPEOLQJ &ORVHW6KHOYLQJUHYDPSHG 6KRZHU (QFORVXUHV +DQGLFDSSHG%DUV,QVWDOOHG
6WHYHQ &KXGRII /LF
REAL ESTATE
0929MM
305-931-7000 Ext. 4038
LOOKING FOR PART-TIME WORK?
' (! #& ')(" # %# $$
Need to SELL your Home or condo Learn how Short Sale Can Help You Avoid Foreclosure!!! Buyers, Investorsâ&#x20AC;Ś Looking for opportunities Ocean Three 3/3.5 On the Beach - Panoramic view of Ocean and city unit in Foreclosures great price $850,000. WaterView 2/2 Ocean and Intracoastal views â&#x20AC;&#x201C; new kitchen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; washer and dryer Short Sale $295,000 2/2 Ocean and Intracoastal views 1,200 sq ft washer & dryer Short Sale $195,000 Jackie Rosado 305-335-2132 Jackie@MiamiTopHomes.com www.MiamiTopHomes.com H
H
0825DKM
# "
%$* % $(#' & Hospitals & Insurance ! ! $% Companies Now Hiring #& No Experience? #' %# ! " # # (!"$#$!$ + Local Job Training! % # & $ & '$ Placement Assistance $#$% $& % $ Is Now Available! % #' % 1-888-528-5549 !) ' "
Office space for rent. $3500/month incl. utilities and parking. 700 sq.ft. Inside Golden Strand Resort on corner of Collins Ave. and 179th St. Incl. kichenette & 24hrs. sec.
0830RB
0928RB
NEEDED!
0831GT
MEDICAL BILLING GREAT LOCATION! TRAINEES
H
HELP WANTED
0928RB
about Mom and Dad. Leaving Mom alone all day is so hard for me to do. Peace of mind is a phone call away.
S
I had to remind Mom to
regain your independence with a new casual car service by the hour or by the day. Shopping, we will carry your bags, doctor appts., we will hold your hand, banking, we will keep you secure. We are family! Veterinarian Visits Accepted!
+$1'<0$1
SERVICES
0908GT
SERVICES
SERVICES
Page 35
0825RB
September 8 - 21, 2010
Page 36
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010
1122RB
T HE RE A L E STATE / BUS IN E S S DIR E CT O RY â&#x20AC;˘ C AL L ( 305) 661-9200 â&#x20AC;˘ ( 954) 962-6776
",/ -
Ă&#x17D;äxÂ&#x2021;{äxÂ&#x2021; - ÂŽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2021;{ UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;iÂ&#x2C6;}Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;>Â?Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;`Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x152;iÂ?Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;}Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;,Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;`Â&#x153;ÂżĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Ă&#x201C;äĂ&#x17D; Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â&#x201C;LÂ&#x153;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;Â&#x201C;>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Â&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;Â?Â&#x153;>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;ÂŤĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;}Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x201C;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x160;,>Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160; Ă?ViÂ?Â?iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;Vi -iĂ&#x160; >LÂ?>Ă&#x160; Ă&#x192;ÂŤ>Â&#x161;Â&#x153;Â?
0928DKM
1230GT
Divorce & Family Law
*Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;VÂ&#x2026;>Ă&#x192;i Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; ,ivÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;>Â&#x2DC;Vi
0930DKM
Ă&#x20AC;iiÂ&#x2DC; /i>Â&#x201C; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;>Â&#x2DC;VÂ&#x2C6;>Â?
>Â&#x2DC;VĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;vĂ&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x2021;7Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;ÂĂ&#x17D;äxÂŽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2021;nxÂ&#x2021;xÂ&#x2122;Â&#x2122;n
1230GT
>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;7>Â&#x2026;Â?iÂ&#x2DC;LiĂ&#x20AC;}Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;ÂĂ&#x17D;äxÂŽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2C6;
0929RB
Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;° Ă&#x20AC;iiÂ&#x2DC;/i>Â&#x201C; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;>Â&#x2DC;VÂ&#x2C6;>Â?°VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C;
Simple & Complex Divorces Marital Settlements â&#x20AC;˘ Child Support Alimony â&#x20AC;˘ Prenuptials â&#x20AC;˘ Paternity Visitation Rights â&#x20AC;˘ Child Custody Simple Wills â&#x20AC;˘ Division of Property Post Divorce Modification Name Change â&#x20AC;˘ Restraining Orders
Serving Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties
Offices in Aventura and Boca Raton
Se Habla EspaĂąol
0915SC
FREE Consultation
305.924.5556 561.544.6900
* The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience
MIAMI (MIA) FT. LAUDERDALE (FLL) WEST PALM BEACH(PBI) DELIVERY ON DEMAND
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be there for your business. All Day. Every day. Rain or Shine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year Providing Clients with the most Reliable and Secure Delivery on Demand with Consistent On-Time Performance since 1981
Baron Messenger Service, Inc. 386 N.E. 191 Street, Miami, FL 33179
S
800.227.6648
www.barondelivers.com
S
bhslegal@att.net
September 8 - 21, 2010 p
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 37 g
T H E H O M E I M P R O V E M E N T D I R E C T O R Y • CALL (305)661-9200 • (954)962-6776
For all your Termite & Pest Control needs, please contact your local Terminix Senior Inspector,
1231MM
DS1230
0930MM
Vince Loiacono @ 305-586-2508 or vloiacono@Terminix.com
ROOFING • Reroof/Repairs • Owner on every job • Specializing in roof leak repairs • Work guaranteed • Serving Florida since 1994
WILLIAM CARPENTER - President/Owner
S
Lic. # CCC1328633
S
0816KS
S
ALL-TECH ROOFING I INC • (305) 247-6717
Page 38
T
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
H
E
H
E
A
L T
H
A
N
D
B
E
September 8 - 21, 2010
A U
T
Y
D
I
R
E
C
T
O
R
Y
Lorraine Perfumes Company, Inc. WHOLESALE PRICES TO THE PUBLIC “SINCE 1984”
3.4 OZ SPRAY
1.7 OZ SPRAY
28
.99
$
COOL
VERA WANG
WATER
PRINCESS
4.2 OZ SPRAY
29.99
$
34
.99
$
1.7 OZ SPRAY
34.99
NOTTE
3.4 OZ SPRAY
$
29.99 ONYX
AZZARO 1.7 OZ SPRAY
$
16.99
ALSO, UNBELIEVABLE PRICES ON ALL PERFUMES & COSMETICS! STORE HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM TO 5PM • SUNDAY 11AM - 2PM
32 NE 1st Avenue, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
H
1230LG
(954) 458-3078 • www.lorraineperfumes.com
1131DKM
1027DKM
CUSTOM GIFT BASKETS & FREE GIFT WRAP
013011DKM
EDP
INCANTO
$
BVGARI
MICHAEL KORS
FERRAGAMO
1231DKM
S
0930DKM
THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY • CALL (305)661-9200 • (954)962-6776
September 8 - 21, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 39
Page 40
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
September 8 - 21, 2010