One of Miami’s Community Newspapers _______________________________________ Supporting local businesses since 1958
South Miami
_____________________________________ www.communitynewspapers.com ______________________________ FEBRUARY 16 - 22, 2010
Election brings changes to City Commission Amy on Sunset T BY GARY ALAN RUSE
he February 9th general and special elections held in South Miami brought changes to the make-up of local government in the City of Pleasant Living. City Hall Commission Chambers was the only polling place for the eight precincts that are part of the town, both for the Tuesday voting and the early voting on Saturday February 6th. Roughly a third of the voting was by absentee ballot. It was in the Commission Chambers following the close of the polls that the votes were tabulated and the names of the winning candidates were announced by the City Clerk, Maria M. Menendez. In the mayoral race, newcomer Philip K. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See
ELECTION, page 5
Welcoming new members
BY AMY DONNER
Jubilation for winning candidates Valerie Newman and Philip Stoddard and supporters.
Tropical Audubon Society hosts concert BY LAURA REYNOLDS
Join Tropical Audubon Society for their second Conservation Concert, a fundraiser to repair the TAS’s educational facilities. Acoustic duo Jennings and Keller will be performing, and there will be a donation bar and light refreshments. Come enjoy great music and the great outdoors. $10 donation requested upon entrance. This event will take place on February 20 at 7 p.m. at 5530 Sunset Drive, close to downtown South Miami. This will be a wonderful community event that South Miamians and High Pines residents won’t want to miss, and the Tropical Audubon Society will appreciate your support. Jennings and Keller is Laurie Jennings Oudin and Dana Keller, an acoustic duo
Acoustic duo Jennings and Keller
based out of Miami, Florida. They bring a wealth of experience to their collaboration, from the Broadway musicals of New York to the honky-tonks of West Texas. Their music is called “Fusion Folk Americana” a blend of many different elements that comes from their vast and wide-ranging musical backgrounds. With the release of their debut CD, Susan’s House, and its follow-up (May 2009), As The Universe Unfolds, Jennings and Keller are quickly gaining recognition throughout the country. In 2007 alone, they were finalists in five songwriting contests across the nation: South Florida Folk Fest, Suwanee SpringFest, Susquehanna, SolarFest, and Falcon Ridge Folk. Limited free parking is available at the TAS property on 55 Ave., off Sunset Drive. Metered parking is available on Sunset.
T he Red Sun set M e rchants Association hosted its monthly membership luncheon at Ra Sushi last Tuesday. General Manager Tim Timmbrooke and his staff did serve up sushi in every size and shape to the crowd of forty. Timm explains it was “his pleasure to host the people who are working hard for our community.” Repeat business and referrals are sure to follow because it was yummy and fun. Several new businesses have joined the ranks. They are: • Virginia Guanchez of M oji to G rill, 7318 Red Road. Mojito Grill serves up homey Cuban cuisine. My favorite is the Cuban Bowl for $4.99. It has rice, beans, plantains and chopped chicken layered together in one easy to grab and eat bowl. Yum. • Alina, Vicki and Carolina of Mi ss P e p pe r, 7308 Red Road, next to Mojito Grill. Miss Pepper is a terrific accessories shop with great prices. However, the best –––––––––––––––––––– See
AMY ON SUNSET, page 3