December issuu

DECEMBER 2025 MIAMISHORES.COM

Financial Guidance You Can

TRUST! RICH POTOTSKY

A FINANCIAL LEADER COMMITTED TO CLARITY, COMMUNITY AND FAMILY Shop local this

HOLIDAY

SEASON! SIP, SHOP & CELEBRATE

DEC. 12th

DOWNTOWN MIAMI SHORES

Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce serving Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, El Portal and Little River for over 75 years.

COVER PHOTO BY: KATE BAUMWELL

Wes@GraberRealty.com 305.790.3331

LET’S CONNECT!

EMAIL CELL

Building Record Breaker

7928 East Dr #104 | North Bay Village Sold @ $689,000

Under Contract in 5 days!

102 NE 108th Street | Miami Shores Sold @ $890,000

Under Contract in 6 days!

162 NE 106th Street | Miami Shores Sold @ $1,055,000

2022 A YEAR IN REVIEW

Closed @ $11k Over Ask

10981 NE 2nd Avenue | Miami Sold @ $491,000

Under Contract in 6 days!

1184 NE 91st Terrace | Miami Shores Sold @ $1,300,000

Under Contract in 7 days!

145 NW 95th Street | Miami Shores Sold @ $775,000

When you hire me, you work with me and me only from beginnin

FEATURED LISTING

LET’S CONNECT! FOLLOW ME! LET’S CONNECT! @WesPearce FOLLOW ME!

Wes@GraberRealty.com 11504 NE 6thWes@GraberRealty.com Avenue | Biscayne Park EMAIL 305.790.3331 @ $1,398,000 CELLOffered 305.790.3331 SilverPalmsBiscaynePark.com

@WesPearce @WesSellsMiSho @WesSellsMiSho #movetoMiSho #movetoMisho

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SOLD!

Off-Market Sale

10981 NE 2nd Avenue | Miami Sold @ $491,000

SOLD!

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\ 1184 NE 91st Terrace | Miami Shores Sold @ $1,300,000

Under Contract in 7 days!

SOLD!

Und Clos

7928 East Dr #104 | North Bay Village Sold @ $689,000

189

Under Contract in 5 days!

Unde Unde

Off-Market Sale

29 NW 96th Street | Miami Shores Sold @ $1,190,000

SOLD! TheIslandPineHideaway.com

102 NE 108th Street | Miami Shores Sold @ $890,000 Under Contract in 6 days!

1351 NE 103rd Street | Miami Shores 1130 NE 91st Terrace | Miami Shores 9510 NW 1st Avenue | Miami Shores 145 Sold NW 95th Street | Miami Shores 162 NE 106th Street Shores @ $1,265,000 Sold @ $1,925,000 Sold |@Miami $1,075,000 Sold @ $775,000

2

Building Record Breaker

68 NW 97th Street | Miami Shores Sold @ $1,100,000 Under Contract in 8 days!

Off-Market Sale

189 NW 102nd Street | Miami Shores Sold @ $840,520

SOLD!

9802 NW 1st Avenue | Miami Shores Sold @ $845,000

950 NE 117th Street | Biscayne Park Sold @ $1,175,000

1371 NE 115th Street | Miami Sold @ $805,000

Under Contract in 5 days!

Under Contract in 5 days!

Under Contract in 6 days!

FOLLOW ME!

SOLD!

@WesPearce @WesSellsMiSho #movetoMisho

RECENT A YEAR IN REV 2022LISTINGS Let’s meet to discuss how I can get you results like these success stories below!

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CARLAPETERS, PETERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CARLA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2025 EXECUTIVEBOARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025 EXECUTIVE OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT PRESIDENT

TREASURER VICE PRESIDENTS

Wes Pearce, Graber Realty Group Wes Pearce, Graber Realty Group

Miami-CFO.com Rich Pototsky, CPA, Kate Baumwell, Kate Baumwell Photography VICE PRESIDENTS Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group Kate Baumwell, KateRose Baumwell Angela Young, St. of LimaPhotography Church School

PAST PRESIDENT TREASURER Catherine McLaney, The Citadel Rich Pototsky, CPA, Miami-CFO.com

BY CAFE CREME

Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group Angela Young, St. Rose of Lima Church School

2025 MUNICIPAL BOARD MEMBERS

A Legacy in Print

2025 MUNICIPAL BOARD Omarr MEMBERS C. Nickerson, Ph.D., Mayor, Village of El Portal Angela Dorney, Miami Shores Village Jonathan E. Groth, Mayor, Angela Dorney,Esq, Miami ShoresVillage Villageof Biscayne Park Omarr C. Nickerson, Ph.D., Mayor, Village of El

The Story of The Egret Magazine

First published in 1973, The Egret Magazine began humbly as a one-page comJonathan E. Groth, Esq, Mayor, Village of Biscayne Park Portal munity letter circulated among the resi2025 GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS dents of Miami Shores. Over the years, 2025 GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS PLEASE US AT that single page JOIN blossomed into a fullSAPORI MIAMI BY CAFÉ CRÈME Maria Leon, Little Stars Dentistry Maria Leon, Little Stars Dentistry fledged publication, growing not only in Andrew Bellinson, Bellinson Firm Andrew Bellinson, Esq.,Esq., Bellinson LawLaw Firm FOLLOW ME! AS WE KICKlength OFF 2 but EVENTS THAT voice, WILL BENEFIT in impact, and reach.

SunJa Leon, The Nokkha Group SunJa Leon, The Nokkha Group Roni Bennett, Florida People of Color THE KENNEDY Roni Bennett, SouthSouth Florida People of Color What was KIDS once FOUNDATION a neighborhood bulleEMAIL Wes@GraberRealty.com @WesPearce Vanessa Maggi, Group Robert Bourne, Robert Bourne Real Estate Vanessa Maggi,Maggi MaggiRealty Realty Group Robert Bourne, Robert Bourne Real Estate tin has evolved into a trusted community @WesSellsMiSho CELL 305.790.3331 MAY16TH AUGUST 31ST Mélida Matos, Doctors Charter School Victor Bruce, Bruce & Bruce magazine–now delivered to over 7,500 Mélida Matos, Doctors Charter School #movetoMisho Victor Bruce, Bruce & Bruce We will have a special lunch menu Cristine Pacheco, Rustic French Home Diego Caiola, The Florida Marketplace Group locations across Miami Shores, El Cristine Pacheco, Rustic French Home for $24Biscayne + tax &Park, gratuity DiegoLiangy Caiola,S. The Florida Marketplace Portal, and parts of Little Margarita Perez, MD, Miami Shores Medical Group Fernandez-Calli, Resident Group Member Margarita Perez, MD, Miami Shores Medical Group and aalong specialwith dinner River, local businesses Deb Dziena, DD Hospitality & Events Mark Piper, Northwestern Julie Isha, Barry University menu for $39 + tax & gratuity Mark Piper, Northwestern thoughout our communities.

Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli, Resident Member

LET’S CONNECT!

2022 A YEAR IN REVIE Cory Gittner, Mediatech

Sara Ryan, Museum of ContemporaryArt

Meghan Grimbert , MGD Shop Julie Isha, Barry University Jon Harmeling, Chick-fil-A Cory Gittner, Mediatech

Closed @ $11k Over Ask

Robin Hechler,, MGD Horace Mann Middle School Meghan Grimbert Shop Kleinman, \Mortgage RobinDennis Hechler, Horace First MannEquity Middle School Banker, Inc.

Sara Ryan, Museum of Contemporary Art

Scott Smith, Ph.D., Barry University June 25thInweaddition will beto hosting a wine dinnerThe our print circulation, Building Under Contract Scott Ph.D., Barry University Record Breaker at 7 pm $75 per person + tax and gratuity Paula Smith, Szlufman, Primer Microschools

Paula Szlufman, Primer Microschools Christian Ulvert, Edge Communications

Christian Ulvert, EdgeBarry Communications Carter Winkle, Ph.D., University

Egret extends its wings to thousands

You will also be through able to apurchase the wines more vibrant digital presence, bringing stories, and opportuniand participate in theupdates, silent auction.

ties to even more readers, near and far.

RSVP required for the wine dinner At the heart of our publication is a 786.409.3961 2025 EGRET MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS 10981 NE 2nd Avenue | Miami 7928 East Dr #104 | North Bay Village 189AtNW 102n deep commitment to community. contact@cafecreme.com TheEGRET Egret@ is designed

by Carla Peters, MyWeeThree Design and GigiCONTRIBUTORS Turkel, Core Design Group Sold $491,000 Sold @ $689,000 Sold 2025 MAGAZINE the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Shores 750 NE 125 Street Commerce, back Egret Photographer: Kate Baumwell Egret Editorial: Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli North Miami,weFLbelieve 33161in giving ver Ask! Under Contract The in Egret6is designed

by Carla Peters, MyWeeThree Design and Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group days!

Under Contract in 5 days!

Under Contract and uplifting the people and businesses that make our neighborhoods unique.

Egret Photographer: Kate Baumwell EgretShores, Editorial: Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli The Egret • June 2025 • 9620 NE Second Avenue Suite 201, Miami FL, 33138 • 305-754-5466 e-mail: chamberinfo@ miamishores.com • www.miamishores.com • facebook.com/MiamiShores,The Greater Miami Shores’ Egret is the official That’s why every aspect of The Egret publication of the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, and is published monthly. 7400 copies of the Egret are Magazine – from design and printing to to homes, andSecond businesses withinSuite the villages of MiamiShores, Shores,FL, Biscayne El Portal, Little River andchamberinfo@ The Egretdistributed • December 2025apartments, • 9620 NE Avenue 201, Miami 33138Park, • 305-754-5466 e-mail: publication and distribution – is proudUpper East•Side free of charge.Views expressed in this publication are those of the editorial and Egret do notisnecessarily miamishores.com www.miamishores.com • facebook.com/MiamiShores, The Greater Miami staff Shores’ the officialreflect publication of the ly handled by local professionals and those of the Board of Directors.

Information in it is intended for Chamber member organizations as well as the residents of our Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, and is published monthly. 7400 copies of the Egret are distributed to homes, apartments, communities.

Please contact the Chamber for more information on membership, advertising, distribution, or content.

1184 NE 91st T errace | Miami Shores When you hold a copy9802 of The NW 1st 102 Street |vendors.

Miami Shores and businesses within the villages of Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, El Portal, Little River and Upper East Side freeNE of charge.108th Views expressed Sold $1,300,000 Egret, you’re holding a piece of this comin this publication are those of@ the editorial staff and do not necessarily reflect those of the Board of Directors. InformationSold in it is intended @ $890,000 Sold for Chamber member organizations as well 2025 as the residents of our communities.

Please contact the Chamber for more information on munity: created by us, for us.

CHAMBER TRUSTEE MEMBERS Dennis Kleinman, First Equity \Mortgage Banker, Inc.

Carter Winkle, Ph.D., Resident Member

membership, advertising, distribution, or content.

Under Contract in 7 days!

Under Contract in 6 days!

2025 CHAMBER TRUSTEE MEMBERS

hores

TRUSTEE MEMBERS

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce Community Partners

145 MIAMISHORES.COM NW 95th Street | Miami Shores Sold @ $775,000

Under Contract

More than a magazine, The Egret is a reflection of our shared stories, milestones, and momentum, a voice for the neighborhoods we call home.

you wouldShores like to advertise 950 in the 162 NE 106th Street |If Miami EGRETJune June l 3 NE 117th EGRET monthly Egret Magazine, please contact Sold @ $1,055,000 Sold @ Carla Peters at 305-754-5466.

When you hire me, you work with me and me on

the aut hum his

The Guidance Behind Stronger Businesses

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Tha Rich kep ilies up The stal in p of s by the sets him CFO into

How Rich Pototsky helps local entrepreneurs create stability, understand their numbers, and grow with confidence.

BY DOUG LINDSAY Rich Pototsky pays close attention to the way numbers reveal what’s happening inside a business. That perspective has shaped how he advises the companies he serves, because he looks for movement and meaning instead of isolated figures. He reads early signals that hint at stress or momentum, and he listens to what those shifts say about the direction of a company. That thoughtful, analytical approach was developed during his early years as a CPA and became the foundation for Miami CFO, the firm he created to help entrepreneurs run their businesses with structure and clarity.

A Career That Turned Toward Independence Rich’s professional path began the traditional way, deep inside accounting work that demanded long hours and precision. He enjoyed that discipline, but over time he became drawn to the bigger story behind the reports. He noticed how financial decisions shaped hiring, growth, and a company’s overall stability. And he wanted to help guide owners through those choices, not just record the outcomes. That motivation eventually pushed him toward entrepreneurship. Miami CFO grew from his belief that smaller, fastmoving companies deserved the same level of financial insight as their larger counterparts. He wanted to give business owners something they rarely had: a clear view of their financial reality and a partner who could help them act on it.

Helping Owners Grow With Confidence Miami CFO supports companies that find themselves outgrowing basic bookkeeping but not yet ready for a full-time CFO. Rich and his team step into that gap by providing the kind of financial leadership usually found inside larger organiza2 l EGRET December, 2025 4

tions. They build forecasting models, fine-tune reporting, and organize debt in ways that help owners understand the path ahead. He often meets leaders who feel overwhelmed, not because their businesses are weak, but because their information is incomplete. Once the numbers make sense, the tension drops. Owners feel prepared to make decisions instead of reacting to surprises. And that shift is a big part of why Miami CFO’s work matters.

Growing Through Trust Miami CFO’s reach has expanded across South Florida, yet Rich has never relied on advertising. Growth came through relationships and the trust he built over time. Clients appreciate that he talks to them openly and keeps his explanations straightforward. He doesn’t add complexity for the sake of sounding technical. “Even as we’ve scaled, I make sure every client feels like they still have their own CFO,” he says. That consistency keeps the firm grounded and helps each business feel supported rather than lost inside a larger operation.

What Sets Miami CFO Apart Miami CFO grew out of a need Rich saw again and again. Many owners pushed their companies forward but didn’t yet need a full-time CFO.They needed structure, guidance, and a clearer view of how their business was actually performing. As Rich puts it, “We bring the structure of a corporate finance department to entrepreneurs who

have outgrown their bookkeeper but don’t need a full-time CFO.” His team builds dashboards that give owners a true picture of their business, while creating forecasting tools that help them see what comes next. They also organize debt so the next steps are easier to navigate. “Our clients get clarity, and with clarity comes control,” he says, a line that reflects his steady approach to financial leadership.

Values That Shape His Work Trust, transparency, and alignment guide how Rich approaches every relationship. He talks about these ideas often because they shape his work each day. As he explains it, “For me, those aren’t buzzwords — they’re the backbone of how I operate. Trust means keeping promises.

Transparency means saying what’s really going on, even when it’s uncomfortable. Alignment means making sure everyone — clients, team, and partners — is pulling in the same direction.” He believes that when those principles are in place, the rest tends to move more smoothly.

Rich also keeps an eye on innovation. He values tools that reduce friction, but he never uses

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them to replace judgment or connection. AI and automation help when applied thoughtfully, yet human insight is still what gives data meaning. In his world, both have a place.

The Evolution Toward TrustAlign That mix of clarity and practicality eventually led Rich to create TrustAlign, his newest venture. He kept running into the same problem among families who had gone through the effort of setting up a trust but never moved their assets into it.

The accounts stayed untouched, the paperwork stalled, and the protection they expected wasn’t in place. As he explains it, “TrustAlign grew out of seeing how many families did the right thing by setting up trusts but never actually funded them. The legal documents existed, but the assets didn’t move.” That disconnect stayed with him. “It’s a natural extension of what I do as a CFO, turning intent into execution and strategy into results,” he says.

TrustAlign completes the step families often postpone. Clients share their trust and an asset list, or the team helps them build one. After a short set of questions and limited authorization, Rich’s team contacts banks and institutions, updates account titles, and moves the assets into the trust. A private dashboard keeps clients informed throughout the process. It is a straightforward service that aims to give families confidence that their estate plans will work in the real world.

Rich hopes it becomes a practical resource for families and professionals throughout the Miami Shores community.

ance sheet matters just as much as what’s on it.

“Together, we’ve built not just businesses, but a life rooted in shared values, compassion, integrity, and contribution. She keeps me balanced, and frankly, she makes me better at everything I do.”

Travel is a big part of Rich’s life with his family.

They enjoy exploring new places through culture, food...and baseball. Some of his favorite memories come from afternoons spent in ballparks or small restaurants during their trips. Those experiences bring balance and remind him why clarity and time matter both at work and at home.

The influence of family runs through Rich’s work, and no one shapes that more than his wife, Lisa.

He speaks about her with a clarity that shows how central she is to his outlook and the values behind his businesses. He describes her influence with both gratitude and respect:

Lisa has a natural way of connecting people, of seeing the best in them and helping them collaborate, which has influenced how I build teams and partnerships. Many of our best business relationships started through her network, her intuition, or her insistence that we meet this amazing person I might’ve otherwise overlooked. She reminds me that the impact we make off the bal-

MIAMISHORES.COM

“

My family is the foundation for everything I do, Life Outside Work

The Influence of Family

“My family is the foundation for everything I do, and my wife Lisa has been the biggest part of that. She’s not just my wife, she’s my sounding board, my reality check, and often the quiet force behind our success in Miami. Her work in animal rescue and community advocacy has shaped how I think about business, that it’s not just about profit, it’s about purpose.

feels natural to him because their success influences the character of the entire community.

Advice for Local Entrepreneurs When entrepreneurs in South Florida ask for guidance, Rich keeps his message straightforward. He often says, “Build something real. Don’t chase trends, chase truth. Be transparent, follow through, and surround yourself with people smarter than you.” He believes integrity shapes a company’s future more than any marketing plan.

As he puts it, “Reputation is currency in this town — protect it like your most valuable asset.”

A Steady Approach to Growth A Strong Connection to Miami Shores That perspective carries into Rich’s relationship with Miami Shores. He and Lisa may not live inside the village limits, but the community feels like home. Serving on the Chamber board opened his eyes to the work local entrepreneurs put into building businesses that shape the neighborhood. He sees how much the area benefits from people who invest their time and energy quietly, without expecting recognition. Supporting them

Rich built his career on the idea that people make better decisions when they understand their financial picture. Miami CFO gives business owners the clarity they need. TrustAlign helps families protect what they’ve worked for. His values connect both. He works with a calm, steady outlook and communicates with an honesty that helps people see their next steps. That mindset keeps his companies grounded and gives clients and families a clearer path toward the future they want to build.

EGRET EGRET December, December, 2025 2025 ll 53

Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce

FRIDAY

LOCAT

DECEMBER

D IN DOWNTEO MIAMI SH WN RES 96TH & 9O T H STREETS 7 OFF NE 2 ND AV E.

12

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6PM - 9PM

DOWNTOWN EVENT CELEBRATING PAWS S AOUR U SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY LY U S A W CYLOUR PET FILLED WITH SHOPPING, FOOD & FUN! EATEG R CONTES T

&

BRINGap a pic with Visit Graber Realty Group’s And snnta Claws Sa - 8:30PM Havana Nights & Holiday Lights

6:30PM

in the Graber-Hood!

6:30pm 96th Street

Stop by Studio Mc+G Architecture on 97th Street for a Shop-the-Block card.

Visit participating businesses and return the card to get a free treat from Peel Soft Serve*

The Grinch • Family Fun • Live Music • Gift Wrapping!

Live Salsa Show sponsored by Studio Mc+G Architecture.

VISIT THE

KIDS’ CRAFT FAIR

*while supplies last

on NE 96TH STREET with

Sip, Shop, Stroll Downtown Miami Shores SPONSORED BY

6 l EGRET December, 2025

MIXING LIVE!

Holiday Gifts for Friends & Family, Gift Wrapping & More!

s

‘Tis the Season

to Shop Local A Holiday Tradition to Keep

BY G.G.

A

s the holiday season settles in and the tree-lined streets of Miami Shores, El Portal, Biscayne Park, and North Miami come alive with festive events, local shops welcome visitors with the kind of personal touch big-box stores can’t match.

Holiday shopping here isn’t just about buying gifts, it’s about celebrating community and supporting the small businesses that make these neighborhoods feel like home.

Each of these communities brings its own charm to holiday shopping. Miami Shores continues to grow as a destination for boutique retail. Here you’ll find curated home décor stores, small markets, and specialty boutiques where owners greet customers by name and help you choose thoughtful, meaningful gifts. Shopping in the Shores feels relaxed and personal, as if every stop comes with its own conversation.

Just south, El Portal and Little River add a distinctly artistic energy to the season. Known for their creative communities, leafy streets, and eclectic mix of studios and maker spaces, these neighborhoods often host pop-up markets, local artisan events, and gallery showcases. Handmade jewelry, ceramics and accessories reflect the individuality of the artists who create them, gifts that come with stories, not just price tags.

Biscayne Park offers a cozy, village-like feel to holiday shopping. Small businesses, weekend markets, and local vendors bring everything from plants and home accents to artisan goods. Its calm, walkable atmosphere gives shoppers a slower-paced, friendly way to explore and connect with local merchants.

North Miami rounds out the experience with its diverse mix of boutiques, cultural spaces, and specialty shops. From unique fashion finds to multicultural markets and creative storefronts, the city offers a vibrant blend of options that reflect its rich community spirit.Together, these neighborhoods create a holiday shopping landscape that’s both local and lively, and full of creativity and connection.

One of the special things about holiday shopping in these neighborhoods is how closely tied small businesses are to community life. Many owners live in the area, send their kids to local schools, and pour their heart into making their shops welcoming gathering places. Step inside a local wine bar, brewery, café, boutique or market, and you’ll often hear neighbors catching up or see families chatting with owners they’ve known for years.

Every dollar spent locally strengthens the neighborhood. It supports local jobs, encourages more small businesses to open, and keeps the unique identity of these villages alive. Choosing to shop nearby instead of online isn’t just convenient, it’s meaningful.

It’s a way of investing in the community, ensuring these beloved shops and markets continue to thrive.

This holiday season, as you look for gifts or simply enjoy the festive spirit, take time to explore the shops and markets in your own communitiy You may discover something truly special, and you’ll be supporting the neighbors and small business owners who help make these communities feel like home.

MIAMISHORES.COM

EGRET December, 2025 l 7

TIP OF THE MONTH

When financing a new home purchase, it’s always wise to shop around with multiple mortgage brokers. Each broker has access to different banks, rates, and loan programs, which can make a big difference in your monthly payment and long-term costs. Exploring your options ensures you find the best program and terms for your situation.

Happy Holidays! Wishing you a Prosperous 2026!

3370 Hidden Bay Dr #303

For Sale Discover the only “03” line currently on the market — a stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath masterpiece with over 2,100 sq. ft. of completely re-imagined living space.

3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms 2,130 Sq. Ft. Listed at: $1,299,000

This bright, expansive residence has been fully remodeled with exceptional attention to detail.

Sophisticated 24”×48” soft-gray Italian porcelain flooring flows throughout, complementing the all-new en-suite bathrooms including a magazine-worthy primary bath worthy of Architectural Digest. The chef’s kitchen features white lacquer shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, premium stainless-steel appliances, and a built-in breakfast nook set beside a dramatic glass wall. Floorto-ceiling windows frame unobstructed bay views so close you’ll feel connected to the water.

Enjoy a semi-private elevator, two parking spaces, and access to world-class amenities: a 5-star spa and health club, two pools, three tennis courts, and two pickleball courts. The on-site marina accommodates vessels up to 65 feet. Luxury, light, and lifestyle — all in one exceptional residence.

4000 Towerside Ter #1701

For Sale The Best Line in the Building!

2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms 1,469 Sq. Ft. Listed at: $529,000

Experience 5-star, resort-style living at The Towers of Quayside.

This highly sought-after corner residence offers stunning direct bay views from every room, filling the home with natural light and capturing Miami’s most breathtaking scenery. The spacious floor plan features a beautifully remodeled kitchen with new appliances, elegant Travertine flooring (carpet in the bedrooms), and an updated bathroom. With panoramic water views and a generous balcony, this is truly a place you’ll love to call home. Set on 34 lush, gated acres, Quayside offers world-class amenities: eight tennis courts, a private marina, state-of-the-art gym, spa, indoor lap pool, outdoor pool set in a serene Zen garden, two restaurants, and so much more. Enjoy 24/7 security, valet, and an unmatched sense of privacy. All just minutes from the Beach, top dining, boutique shops, and major highways.

Luxury, convenience, and unmatched views — all in the heart of Miami.

No One Sells Quayside Better. Experience isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.

Contact us today to learn more about Quayside and other exclusive Miami properties.

8 l EGRET December, 2025

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CALL NOW 305-742-5225 Please follow us on:

Properties Exclusively For Sale By The Jack Coden Group 2231 NW 91 Street

For Sale Charming, Updated Home in a Welcoming Neighborhood

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathrooms 824 Sq. Ft. Listed at: $419,000

2000 Towerside Ter #406

For Sale Resort-Style Living at The Towers of Quayside

2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms 1,520 Sq. Ft. Listed at: $349,000

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Nestled in a friendly community with many long-time residents, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfort, style, and lasting peace of mind. Step inside to a fully remodeled interior featuring new kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, fresh drywall, and upgraded insulation. Major improvements include a new roof with permit, full electrical rewire, new A/C, and new fencing. The home also boasts a refreshed driveway, a covered wood deck ideal for outdoor living, an automatic sprinkler system, easy-install storm panels for all windows, and a recently pumped and cleaned septic system. With FPL upgrading the neighborhood to underground power, the area is becoming even safer and more reliable.

This is truly a move-in-ready home offering modern comfort in a wonderful community..

Welcome to 5-star luxury in one of Miami’s most sought-after gated communities. This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence with a den offers a highly desirable split floor plan and breathtaking views of the pool, lush Zen garden, fountains, and mature trees.

Beautifully remodeled with custom finishes, the home features a modern kitchen with granite countertops, tile flooring throughout, a dedicated laundry area, and a generous balcony that feels like your own private tropical retreat. Both bedrooms are expansive, with large walk-in closets and abundant natural light. Set on 34 acres of resort-style amenities, Quayside offers eight tennis courts, a private marina, state-of-the-art gym, spa, indoor lap pool, outdoor pools, two restaurants, and more. Enjoy 24/7 security, valet service, and unmatched privacy. All just minutes from the Beach, the Design District, top dining, and major highways. Experience the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience—right in the heart of Miami.

839 Blue Ridge Cir.

For Sale Stylish Townhome with Expansive Private Yard

2 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms 1,288 Sq. Ft. Listed at: $285,000

Bright and modern, this 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath corner townhome features a private fenced patio and one of the largest yards in the community — perfect for entertaining or relaxing outdoors. The renovated kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances and breakfast bar, while both bedrooms include ensuite baths, balconies, and built-in closets. Additional highlights: contemporary staircase railing, full-size washer/dryer, two assigned parking spaces, and investor-friendly policies allowing immediate rentals.

Community amenities include a pool, gym, and resurfaced tennis courts.

19220 SW 119th Pl.

Move-In Ready Home with Expansive Corner Lot

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3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms 1,329 Sq. Ft. Listed at: $535,000

Set on a desirable corner lot, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers comfortable living and plenty of outdoor space — with room for a boat and a fully fenced yard for privacy. Inside, enjoy a bright, open layout with ceramic tile floors throughout, a modern kitchen, and spacious bedrooms. The large side yards and rolling gate provide both security and convenience. Perfect as a starter home or investment opportunity, the property is ideally located near Publix, top-rated schools, parks, shopping centers, and the Miami Zoo. No HOA!

#1 Group at Keller Williams Miami for 16 Years!

EGRET December, 2025 l 9

MIAMISHORES.COM

Welcome New Chamber Member

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE AND

THAT’S IT SALON

CHRISTIAN PARLA

NEW LOCATION 11900 Bisayne Boulevard ~ Unit 110 ~ Suite 8 754-215-4192 ~ North Miami, FL 33181 @xtianparla

@thatsitsalon

Hospitality is not just about service, it’s a mindset of gratitude. It’s an investment in your brand, your team, and the human connections that drive loyalty and success. +914-261-0787

10 l EGRET December, 2025

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BUSINESS PROFILE

A Village Boutique with a European Soul Rustic French Home: A Miami Shores Gem Rooted in Community, and Timeless Style

BY CHRISTINE FRANKLIN

Walk along 96th Street and you’ll discover a charming little spot that feels like a hidden gem in the heart of Miami Shores. Rustic French Home, with its inviting displays and cozy, vintage vibe, transports you to a place where warmth and character take center stage. It’s the kind of place you might stumble upon in a European village, but here in the Shores, it’s a delightful surprise. For owner and longtime resident Cristine Pacheco, that sense of charm and nostalgia is exactly what she set out to create, a vision years in the making.

Cristine and her husband Mario have lived in the village for over 25 years, raising their three daughters here. Always longing for more walkable, charming retail downtown, her inspiration stems from childhood memories in her grandfather’s department store in a small Wisconsin town. Those early visits gave her a deep appreciation for small businesses, places shaped by heart, community, and connection.

Throughout Cristine’s travels, she has always been

drawn to unique boutiques and the passionate people behind them. “Most do it out of love, not just profit,” she says. That spirit inspired her to build her own vision here in Miami Shores. Rustic French Home is her modern reinvention of the Main Street magic she grew up with.

Cristine’s aesthetic is unmistakable. Her love of French country style developed naturally over the years, shaped by visits to European châteaux and coastal villas. She found herself returning again and again to the same look – timeless, elegant, inviting, and beautifully lived-in. She wanted to bring a piece of that feeling to Miami Shores, creating a boutique that felt like a treasured find on a trip abroad.

From the moment customers step inside the shop, they’re wrapped in the warm, welcoming charm that feels right at home in Miami Shores.The air is filled with scents from French candles and bath products.

Antique wooden floors creak underfoot, an intentional detail that instantly transports visitors into what feels like an old shop somewhere in France.

People often tell her, “This reminds me of a place I visited in France or New England.” That sense of nostalgia is exactly what Cristine hopes people feel.

The store opened five years ago with exclusively French products, but as Cristine got to know her customers, she expanded into a broader range of thoughtfully curated items. Today, Rustic French Home carries more than 2,000 hand-selected pieces, with over half still sourced from France or inspired by the European lifestyle. From Couleur Nature ta-

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ble linens to Panier des Sens soaps and perfumes, always among the first items to sell out. Londonmade pajama sets and velvet bags have become recent customer favorites, adding a modern touch to the shop’s classic European mix.

Rustic French Home is more than a business, it’s a true family effort. Cristine’s family supports the shop behind the scenes and on busy days, and close friends work and shop there as part of the store’s warm, familiar circle. “Part of my dream was to show my children what building something from scratch really looks like,” Cristine says. “It takes hard work, creativity, and heart.”

For anyone considering opening a business here, her advice is honest and encouraging: spend time learning the rhythms of the neighborhood, understand that momentum takes time, and be prepared to invest yourself fully. “If you’re committed and put in the work, it’s incredibly rewarding.” Rustic French Home is proof of that. It’s an intimate, elegant space built on passion, memory, and deep community roots. RFH has become a cherished part of our homes.

Rustic French Home 155 NE 96th Street ~ Miami Shores RusticFrenchHome.com #RusticFrenchHome

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CUSHMANSCHOOL.ORG EGRET December, 2025 l 11 10/6/25 10:58 AM

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Where Neighbors Connect and Just Have Fun! What an incredible month for Chamber events - we were celebrating left and right! From honoring Drs. John and Roxanne Davies with our Lifetime Achievement Award, to cheering on Jolly Mutt’s 60th anniversary and Pinch Kitchen + Bar’s 10-year milestone, it’s been a nonstop season of community pride.

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We also kicked off holiday shopping at Rustic French Home, learned about living sea walls and explored how to use AI in your small business at our monthly morning networking breakfast.

Sign up for our newsletter at miamishores.com and see everything we’re up to this month!

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