Jonathan E. Groth, Esq, Mayor, Village of Biscayne Park
Omarr C. Nickerson, Ph.D., Mayor, Village of El Portal
2024 GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andrew Bellinson, Esq., Bellinson Law Firm
Roni Bennett, South Florida People of Color
Robert Bourne, Robert Bourne Real Estate
Victor Bruce, Bruce & Bruce
Dennis Kleinman, First Equity \Mortgage Banker, Inc.
SunJa Leon, The Nokkha Group
Vanessa Maggi, Maggi Realty Group
Margarita Perez, MD, Miami Shores Medical Group
Your Hometown Comprehensive Medical Care Providers. Serving Miami Shores, El Portal, Biscayne Park and Beyond.
Ana Apaza Concha, MD
Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli, Resident Member
Julie Isha, Barry University
Kim Flower, Flight Wine Lounge and Shop
Cory Gittner, Mediatech
Jon Harmeling, Chick-fil-A
Robin Hechler, Horace Mann Middle School
Mark Piper, Northwestern
Scott Smith, Ph.D., Barry University
Paula Szlufman, Primer Microschools
Christian Ulvert, Edge Communications
DeAnthony Williams, Athletics Miami
Carter Winkle, Ph.D., Barry University
Luis Arias Urdaneta, MD RHEUMATOLOGY
The Egret is designed by Carla Peters, MyWeeThree Design and Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group Cover Photograph: Kate Baumwell Egret Editorial: Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli
The Egret • July 2024 • 9620 NE Second Avenue Suite 201, Miami Shores, FL, 33138 • 305-754-5466 e-mail: chamberinfo@ miamishores.com • www.miamishores.com • facebook.com/MiamiShores, The Greater Miami Shores’ Egret is the official publication of the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, and is published monthly. 7400 copies of the Egret are distributed to homes, apartments, and businesses within the villages of Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, El Portal, Little River and Upper East Side free of charge. Views expressed in this publication are those of the editorial staff and do not necessarily reflect those of the Board of Directors. Information in it is intended for Chamber member organizations as well as the residents of our communities. Please contact the Chamber for more information on membership, advertising, distribution, or content.
Margarita Perez Caminero, MD
CHRISTIAN ULVERT
Cementing a path of service from the start.
BY LIANGY CALLI
Miami Shores thrives thanks to its many dedicated community members, who contribute their expertise and countless volunteer hours to its ongoing growth and vibrant tapestry. Among these pillars of the community is Christian Ulvert. He stands out for his unwavering commitment to giving back and his deep-rooted ties to the community he loves.
Christian Ulvert was born in Miami, raised by his mother and grandmother who fled their home country of Nicaragua due to political persecution once Sandinistas took control of the nation. Ulvert shares, “I was blessed to be raised by an amazingly strong, authentic, compassionate and loving grandmother who taught me so many lessons. Above all, she showed me at an early age how one person can make a difference and how a simple gesture of kindness, a warm embrace or a simple smile can be life changing for an individual.” Christian grew up in the Western part of Miami-Dade County, in the unincorporated area of Fountainbleu, an amalgamation of cultures since its formation.
After graduating from MAST Academy, Christian Ulvert was accepted to Florida State University on a service-based scholarship. Ulvert recalls, “I received an $8,000 scholarship, which for me was lifechanging as it afforded me the opportunity to fully pay for college. I received my Bachelor of Science in Political Science and History with a minor in Criminology and continued my studies at Florida State’s Askew School
for Public Policy where I received my Masters in Public Administration and Policy in 2006.” With a clear path to serve from the start, Ulvert dove into politics, driven by a passion to make a difference in his community, state, and country.
Professional Life
Christian recounts his career path, “I began my career as an unpaid intern for then State Rep. Dan Gelber in the House Democratic Caucus in 2003. Dan believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow professionally. In 2005, he hired me to serve as his communications director and in 2006 I was also named senior
policy advisor. Few can say they are blessed like I have been to have had the opportunity at 21-years old to meet someone like Dan on my journey, guiding and challenging me every step of the way. Simply put, I am who I am today because of Dan Gelber. In more ways than one, Dan gave me purpose and gave me the blessing to believe in myself and above all, love myself.”
the rest is history…”
In 2008, with the advice and encouragement from his mentor, Dan Gelber, Christian opened EDGE Communications, a premier Florida based political consulting firm, setting itself apart as one of the very few in Florida offering full bilingual political and public affairs communications services. They focus on delivering precise branding and strategic messaging to media outreach and social media networking, issue advocacy, political consulting and communications.
Getting Personal
Christian and Carlos Andrade married in 2013.
C hristian shares, “We met at the Starbucks inside Barnes & Nobles in Coral Gables. I was working on my laptop and he needed a spot to sit to read a book. As they say,
The couple are wanderlust that find their time together is best spent when exploring the world. They enjoy immersing themselves in different cultures with an open mind, finding new things, new concepts, and ideas. Christian comments, “We like to push our creative limits and explore how our differences around the world unite us as human beings.”
The couple has lived in different communities like Coral Gables, Brickell, North Miami and West Dade, always looking for a more quaint and tight knit community. Christian mentions, “My husband and I immediately fell in love with Miami Shores as we saw different homes and explored the neighborhood. More friends were moving in and we knew right away that Miami Shores was the community we’ve been looking for to make our forever home.” The couple recently finished redesigning their home interior and outdoor areas, with Carlos at the helm serving as their own interior designer and general contractor. The home is their safe haven and they have curated it to include incredible, beautiful details inspired by their world travels and experiences. They share their forever home with their companions, a pair of Maltese, Monet and Matisse, both 10, and Rothko, a 2-year old Pomeranian.
Giving Back
With a long history serving the community at large, Christian set out to serve his immediate community, our Village. Applying principles he learned along the way and his passion to connect our community and to bring people together, he proudly serves in different non-profit organizations. Christian explains, “My motivation comes from the energy of working together, alongside neighbors to make our community a better place. There is nothing like seeing a problem and getting likeminded individuals together to get a job done. It also deepens our purpose in life and grounds us in the reality that we all must play an active role in shaping our future.”
$2,000 scholarship supports a deserving senior who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and a commitment to service to their school and community. The ten year, $20,000 funding commitment further reflects their investment in our community.
Christian also serves as Trustee on the Greater Miami Shores Chamber Board, advising and sharing his wealth of ideas
serving a three-year term. This organization embodies the values I live by- doing the most good you can, for as many people as you can, as long as we can.”
Our Community
Over the last five years Christian has been a part of the Doctors Charter School Board of Directors, and for the last three serving as its Chairman. He shares, “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve my community in this role as we challenge our school to achieve its full potential and find new ways to deliver educational excellence for our students.” Earlier this year, Christian and Carlos honored the legacy and leadership of the late Governor Bob Graham by establishing and personally funding the first ever Graham Leadership Scholarship awarded to a graduating senior at Doctors Charter School. This annual
“
and connections to further businesscommunity engagement and to ensure we are providing our members with the tools to succeed and thrive.
In addition, Christian is a Board Member of United Way Miami. Christian explains, “This organization is special to me as I served as the student representative on the United Way Board in 1999 during my senior year of high school as the countywide Student Government Association President for Miami-Dade Public Schools and was also an advisor to the School Board. Fast forward 25 years later, I was recently installed to the United Way Board and now proudly
When asked about our Village and the things we can do to improve collectively Christian quipped, “Leaving divisions behind and working on our strength as a united community is part of the Miami Shores charm. Too many have allowed policy issues to drive our differences rather than use the policy differences as an opportunity to find common ground in our quest to make our community better. From a policy perspective, our most pressing challenge is a lack of investments in infrastructure, which will make our future only more challenging. We need to invest in a new community center, our hub for all families; septic to sewer conversions is a must; a definite focus in our Downtown Shores is empire, a vibrant space that honors our legacy of small town charm coupled with flourishing local businesses where Shores and area residents can enjoy time. Be more involved, get to know your neighbors, ask the tough questions and volunteer. We can do many good things together.”
Although both have rigorous schedules, Christian and Carlos often participate in community events, and enjoy walks to Tinta y Cafe and a nice glass of wine at Flight Wine Lounge. They always have time for their neighbors to say hello.
.”
“I am not a salesperson, I am a matchmaker, I introduce people to homes until they fall in love”
BEACH PARADISES AT AMAZING PRICES!
Discover why so many Miami residents are purchasing vacation homes on Hutchinson Island, just in time for summer. Only a two-hour drive from Miami Shores, you can realize your dream of living right on the ocean. Jensen Beach on Hutchinson Island sits 8 feet above sea level and boasts pristine powder sand and aqua blue Caribbean waters. These three remodeled units feature floor-to-ceiling impact glass walls with panoramic ocean views, and some include an enclosed garage. Located in one of the island’s iconic buildings with resort amenities, these homes are just 15 minutes from historic downtown Stuart and within walking distance of many delightful oceanfront restaurants. The building recently completed a $9 million, two-year concrete restoration project, has a new roof and has been newly painted. All assessments are paid in full, and $1.1 million remains in reserves! Call now for your private tour. 2 Bedrooms |
10410 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, FL
New Listing: #504
1,452 Sq. Ft.
Listed at: $749,000
New Listing: #404
1,452
New Listing: #405
1,452
Listed
Experience breathtaking, million-dollar panoramic views through 36 feet of floor-to-ceiling impact glass, overlooking one of Florida’s most pristine beaches. This stunning 1,450 sq. ft. 2BD/2BA unit was completely remodeled 5 years ago with no expense spared and has been used for only 10 days each year. It features natural travertine stone floors and bathrooms from Turkey, beautiful solid tea-stained maple kitchen cabinets with granite counters, and SS appliances, including a counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator. Two walk-in closets are custom-designed as California closets, complemented by all new doors, door frames, baseboards, a SS A/C unit, and smooth ceilings. The unit includes enclosed garage #19 and an extra air-conditioned storage unit.
This stunning 1,450 sq. ft. 2BD/2BA oceanfront condo features 36 feet of floor-to-ceiling impact glass walls offering panoramic ocean views. Completely remodeled 10 years ago with no expense spared, all electric, plumbing, and A/C systems were updated at that time. The unit boasts imported real marble floors and bathrooms, an open white shaker kitchen with quartz countertops, SS KitchenAid appliances, under-counter lighting, LED fixtures throughout, a wine cooler, custom walk-in closets, a laundry room with washer and dryer + extra storage, motorized blackout shades, custom sheers and blackout drapes, smooth ceilings, and glassenclosed showers. The condo also includes enclosed garage #23.
This beautifully remodeled unit features 36 feet of floor-to-ceiling impact glass, allowing you to enjoy panoramic direct ocean views. The spacious 1,450 sq. ft. 2BD/2BA condo includes a custom-built office, a large laundry room with extra storage, and a walk-in closet converted into a cozy sleeping alcove for the grandkids. The open chef’s kitchen boasts rich solid maple cabinets, granite countertops, and SS appliances. Porcelain floors grace the common areas, while wood floors adorn the bedrooms. The updated bathrooms include a bidet and custom vanities, and the unit features smooth ceilings.
When searching for a realtor to help you buy a
In our vibrant communities, there’s never a dull moment with events like Pickleball socials and tournaments, and special celebrations throughout the year. One standout is the Pickleball Palooza Social, generously sponsored by local businesses including Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, Miami Shores Tennis & Pickleball Complex, Lipton Toyota, Core Design Group, Prime Time, Mario Sells Miami, The Bellinson Law Firm, Orange Theory, Pro Institute, Isa Law, The Law Offices of Norman Powell, Adapt, Miami CFO & NDO H2O, creating memorable gatherings for all.
South Florida People of Color and Barry University recently co-hosted UHURU, an event highlighting liberation through education and cultural creativity. Meanwhile, That’s It Salon celebrated its third anniversary in their distinctive, stylish fashion, showcasing their commitment to elegance and innovation in the beauty industry.
The annual Miami Light Project’s “Friends Dinner” was another highlight, with the Spam Allstars as the entertainment. It was an evening filled with fun and laughter. Recently, Flight Wine Lounge hosted a lively Pride Party, featuring DJ Musicat along with a delightful selection of wines, making it a popular spot for socializing.
Adding to the excitement, Jon Harmeling and his wife Kari celebrated the grand opening of Chic-fil-A Miami Shores on June 13, warmly welcoming the community to join in the festivities. It’s events like these that embody the spirit of togetherness and celebration in our neighborhoods, where there’s always something special happening for everyone to enjoy.
Pickleball Palooza Social hosted at the Miami Shores Tennis & Pickleball Complex
That’s It Salon celebrated another anniversary with flair
South Florida People of Color commemorated Juneteenth at Barry University
The “Friends Dinner” celebrated 35 years of Miami Light Project at the Miami Shores Country Club
Grand Opening and ribbon cutting of Chic-fil-A Miami Shores
A ccessible Support
Team Georgeé The Value of Experience
Hiring the right real estate professional is critical. Team Georgeé elevates the real estate experience by providing industry leading value.
Georgeé proactively navigates potential challenges that her unique experience enables her to anticipate. Georgeé and her team understand the pivotal role that communication plays in creating satisfied clients and smooth transactions.
Visionary Expertise
L oyalty & Trust
Georgeé's career has encompassed the sale of thousands of homes, familiarity with diverse life scenarios driving real estate transactions, and experience maneuvering through multiple historical market shifts. Whether it is optimizing home staging, implementing precise pricing strategies, or charting a course for their future property-related plans, Georgeé gives her customers the edge.
Accessible
Built on a deep rooted ethos of honesty and integrity, Georgeé embodies these values in every interaction. This results in a clientele rich with repeat customers, many of whom have entrusted them with multiple transactions. Team Georgeé’s track record speaks volumes.
Support
Georgeé proactively navigates potential challenges that her unique experience enables her to anticipate. Georgeé and her team understand the pivotal role that communication plays in creating satisfied clients and smooth transactions.
Unrivaled Experience
L oyalty & Trust
Built on a deep rooted ethos of honesty and integrity, Georgeé embodies these values in every interaction. This results in a clientele rich with repeat customers, many of whom have entrusted them with multiple transactions. Team Georgeé’s track record speaks volumes.
With a remarkable tally of over 3,500 satisfied customers, Georgeé's expertise has evolved from a foundation rooted in Miami Shores into a reputation as the foremost authority on the greater Miami area real estate market. This historical knowledge and the drive to stay currenton today’s real estate, greatly impact their customer’s success.
Unrivaled Experience
E xpertise & Excellence
With a remarkable tally of over 3,500 satisfied customers, Georgeé's expertise has evolved from a foundation rooted in Miami Shores into a reputation as the foremost authority on the greater Miami area real estate market. This historical knowledge and the drive to stay current on today’s real estate, greatly impact their customer’s success.
Expertise & Excellence
With a proven career, marked by unparalleled marketing strategies, they invest in the latest technology, photography, and partner with A+ allied resources. This arms their customers with the industry “best of” and sets new benchmarks of excellence.
With a proven career, marked by unparalleled marketing strategies, they invest in the latest technology, photography, and partner with A+ allied resources. This arms their customers with the industry “best of” and sets new benchmarks of excellence.
Elevate your real estate experience with Team Georgeé, where expertise and excellence converge seamlessly. Call 305-608-5269 or scan QR code.
Elevate your real estate experience with Team Georgeé, where expertise and excellence converge seamlessly. Call 305-608-5269 or scan QR code.
Navigating Elder Law: Protecting Assets and Securing Futures
Andy Bellinson brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to helping families navigate legal challenges with confidence and care. A proud graduate of the University of Arizona and Tulane University School of Law, Andy has been licensed to practice law in Florida since 1993. His journey into law began after a successful stint as a small business owner, where he founded South Beach Smoothies, growing it into a thriving enterprise with multiple locations across South Florida and beyond.
In 2002, Andy established Bellinson Law Firm, focusing on asset preservation and later, estate planning, particularly for families facing the complexities of elder care and long-term financial planning. His passion for this area of law stems from seeing firsthand the financial burdens families endure while caring for elderly loved ones. By intervening early, Andy helps families protect assets, secure federal benefits, and mitigate financial crises before they occur.
As an Executive Board member of the Alliance for Aging for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, Andy serves as Chair of the Finance Committee, demonstrating his dedication to community service and advocacy for seniors. He also contributes actively to the Greater Miami Shores
Chamber of Commerce, where he serves on the board.
Andy finds inspiration in providing tangible, immediate solutions to his clients’ legal challenges during times of crisis. His greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing the positive impact his work has on families’ lives.
Outside of his legal career, Andy cherishes time with his family – his wife Jennie, also an attorney, their daughter Brooke, a sophomore at UF, and their son Jared, a junior at MAST Key Biscayne. Their household is completed by three rescue dogs who bring joy and companionship, not only to them but to the friends who are always stopping by to join them for dinner or just to hang out.
For Andy, practicing law isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. His unique blend of legal expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and community involvement defines his approach to serving clients and enriching his community.
To learn more about how Andy and Bellinson Law Firm can assist you with estate planning, asset protection, and elder care legal needs, visit BellinsonLawFirm.com or call 305-898-0909
Five Hacks to Improve Your Inbound Marketing
1. 2.
Optimize
Your Content for SEO:
Use targeted keywords relevant to your business and industry to improve your visibility on search engines and ensure your website and blog posts are optimized for both desktop and mobile viewing to reach a broader audience.
Leverage Social Media:
Share your content on various social media platforms to drive traffic to your website. And always engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages promptly.
3.
Create Evergreen Content:
Develop content that remains relevant and valuable
over time, such as how-to guides, FAQs, and cornerstone articles. Update your evergreen content regularly to keep it current and beneficial to your audience.
4.
Utilize Email Marketing:
Build a subscriber list and send out regular newsletters with valuable content, updates, and offers. Personalize your emails to make them more engaging and relevant to the recipients.
5.
Use Analytics to Guide Strategy:
Review your website analytics and social media insights to understand what content resonates with your audience. Adjust your strategy based on da-
ta-driven insights to continually improve your inbound marketing efforts.
The Takeaway
Both inbound and outbound marketing are key to a holistic strategy, yet many businesses now lean towards inbound marketing for its cost-effectiveness and potential to forge lasting customer relationships. By grasping the differences between these strategies and applying smart tactics to enhance your inbound efforts, you can develop a more sustainable and engaging marketing plan that fosters growth and success.
Great Gift Ideas
That Dads Will Appreciate
Father’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar ; it’s an opportunity to honor and celebrate the paternal figures in our lives.It’s a time to express gratitude for their love,guidance,and unwavering support.While gifts are just one way to show appreciation,they can carry significant meaning when chosen thoughtfully.This Father’s Day,consider celebrating in a meaningful and sustainable way by shopping locally for gifts that reflect your dad’s unique interests and personality.
Shopping locally not only supports small businesses but also fosters a sense of community and connection.By choosing to buy from local artisans,craftsmen,and retailers,you’re investing in the vibrancy of our neighborhood and contributing to the livelihoods of your fellow community members.Additionally, locally sourced gifts often have a personal touch and story behind the making them all the more special.
When selecting the perfect Father’s Day gift,consider your dad’s hobbies,passions,and preferences.Here are some thoughtful gift ideas that you can find at local shops:
Handcrafted Goods: Browse local boutiques for handcrafed items such as leather goods,pottery, or woodworking.A custom-made leather wallet,a beautifully glazed mug,or a hand-carved keepsake box are all unique options. Gourmet Treats: Treat your dad to gourmet delights sourced from local producers.Whether it’s a selection of artisanal cheeses,
chocolates,or locally roasted coffee beans,indulging in culinary delights is always a delightful way to celebrate. Outdoor Gear: If your dad enjoys spending time in the great outdoors,consider gifting him golf, tennis or pickleball gear that will encourage him to get out on local courts and courses. Books or Journal: If your dad is an avid reader,consider tracking down titles by local authors or a nice journal. so he can write down his memoirs. Custom Artwork or Photography: Commission a local artist to create a custom piece of artwork or photography that reflects your dad’s interests or captures a cherished memory.Whether it’s a portrait of his favorite spot in town or a painting inspired by his hobbies,a unique piece of art is sure to be treasured for years to come. Grooming Products: Help your dad look and feel his best with grooming products from local artisans. Look for small-batch shaving creams,beard oils,or natural skincare products made with locally-sourced ingredients. Local Brewery or Distillery Products: If your dad enjoys a good brew or spirit,consider picking up a selection of beers,wines,or spirits from local breweries or distilleries.Many craft beverage producers offer tasting flights or gift sets that showcase the best of what the area has to offer.
By choosing to shop locally for Father’s Day gifts, you’re not only showing appreciation for your dad but also supporting our community and local economy.Whether it’s a handcrafted treasure,gourmet treat,or unique experience,the perfect gift is waiting to be discovered just around the corner.
Some people don’t believe in heroes but they haven’t met my dad yet.” - Unknown
NOTE: Photos are for representation only, actual items may vary in style.
PROGRAMMING SUMMER
Cutting-edge technology and innovative excellence in the heart of Little River
“When we speak of core values, the conversation is around those things that we bring to the table every day. Collaboration, innovation, community and quality are the foundational elements propelling the BEFOREourtime journey.
“ -Tia Bowman, BEFOREourtime Head of Operations
Established in the 1800s, a once overlooked humble and distressed neighborhood is currently undergoing a transformation and housing top-tier and up and coming creatives. At Little River you can find clusters of new restaurants, salons, fitness studios, and the multifaceted innovative company, BEFOREourtime Retail Group.
BEFOREourtime Retail Group is a fashion-driven business specializing in tier one product development and visual media production. The group includes a boutique and also offers inhouse commercial photography, video production, and an urban-chic venue space, intentionally designed with a New York - SOHO aesthetic which is available for event rental. This venue is frequently secured to host private gatherings, exhibits, pop-ups, product launches, independent photoshoots, company mixers and socials.
BEFOREourtime launched in early 2023 with the goal of helping businesses enhance their brand representation through visual media. Their mission is to deliver visual media production that
stands at the pinnacle of technological and innovative advancement and their vision is to elevate the brand image of businesses through cutting edge photography and cinematography. In addition, in an effort to give back, the group started the BEFOREourtime Visual Media Training Program which guided six new photographers and videographers through a 12-week intensive training program, led by Creative Director, Tarik Star Baker. Each participant received handson experience, training and a digital portfolio of their work. The training program included pre-production, production and post-production, which translates to shoot conceptualization, gear handling and set-up (including safety training), set building, talent management, editing and delivery to clients. The training programs were offered at no cost to the participants.
Inspired by their own business, their passion for product design led to the development, launching and releasing of their very own product, The B22 Fragrance Collection, a unisex extrait de parfum, available in five scents, found exclusively at BEFOREourtime.
To schedule an appointment to visit the BEFOREourtime showroom, please go to BEFOREourtime.com. During July and August, they will offer a 15% discount on their exclusive B22 Fragrance purchases as well as any rentals when mentioning this article.
Tia Bowman, BEFOREourtime Retail Group, Head of Operations, is a New Yorker and has lived in Miami Shores for over 15 years with her son and daughter.
