Wednesday, January 10, 2007
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CONTENTS:Zoning Code Rewrite Approved By City Commission
Coral Gables Television Is Small But Powerful Station
Restoration To Exterior Of Water Tower Has Been Completed
Farmers Market Starts This Weekend
Support The Greening Of The Gables
Nominate A City Employee For Exceptional Services
Enroll Now In Lifeguard Certification Classes
Military Professionals Stay In Touch At Army Navy Club of Coral Gables
New Garbage Collection Vehicles Hit The Streets
Purple Heart Hero Returns Home
Traffic
Events Roundup
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Zoning Code Rewrite Approved By City Commission >>> The City Commission approved yesterday the rewrite of the City's Zoning Code, completing an ambitious two-and-a-half year project. During this time, the Coral Gables Planning Department worked with consultant Siemon & Larsen and all City departments in assessing, reviewing, reorganizing and reformatting the existing code. The end product is a Code that is user friendly and incorporates numerous innovative planning and zoning concepts. Several drafts of the rewrite were prepared after meeting with City officials, the Planning and Zoning Board, property owners, developers, architects and many interested persons in the community. Over 50public hearings and workshops were completed since the Zoning Code rewrite process began which included the participation of the City's Economic Development Board, Historic Preservation Board, Parking Advisory Board, Landscaping Advisory Board, Board of Architects and Board of Adjustment. City staff received more than 200 written comments by interested parties who participated in this process. To view the final Zoning Code rewrite and mapping, click here.
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Coral Gables Television Is Small But Powerful Station >>> Much like the mythical triumph of David over the mighty Goliath, Coral Gables Television (CGTV) is the small but powerful station that could. CGTV is the proud winner of five 2006 Davey Awards judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA) honoring outstanding creative work from the best small firms worldwide. The 2006 Davey Awards received more than 3,500 entries from ad agencies, interactive agencies, production firms, in-house creative professionals, graphic designers, design firms, and public relations firm. Coral Gables Television won a Gold Davey Award for the 2005 Annual Budget Video "Coral Gables: An Exceptional City," and a second Gold Davey for its original programming, the half-hour Coral Gables lifestyle and entertainment show, "On The Scene." The television powerhouse also received three Silver Davey Awards for "Visions From the Past," a documentary on the history and future of the MacFarlane Historic District;" the live production of "A Gables Fourth," a concert of patriotic music held on the grounds of the Biltmore Hotel on July 4th; and the informational video "Weathering The Storm," which educates residents on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.
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Restoration To Exterior Of Water Tower Has Been Completed >>> The City of Coral Gables famous Water Tower is looking much better these days, thanks to restoration work being completed on its exterior façade. After the 2005's intense hurricane season, the Water Tower suffered damage on five exterior panels, creating unsightly holes in this historic landmark. On August, the City began repairing the damaged panels creating a new structure with galvanized material and putting new drywall on top with a fresh coat of paint. The first phase of the tower restoration was finished in November. The cost of the restoration was $85,200 for which the City expects reimbursement from state and FEMA funding. The City will also continue with a second restoration phase of the tower's interior, concentrating on the refurbishment of the stairs. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Public Works Department at 305-460-5001.
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Farmers Market Starts This Weekend >>> Enjoy the fresh Florida produce and the nation's best weather with the first weekend of the Coral Gables Farmers Market, every Saturday from now until March 31. Starting at 8 a.m. with Tai Chi in Merrick Park across from City Hall, market goers can expect more of the popular gardening workshops at 9 a.m., followed by cooking demonstrations at 1o a.m. and children activities at 11 a.m. The Farmers Market takes place on the corner of Miracle Mile and LeJeune Road, offering free parking on the municipal garage located at Andalusia Avenue and Salzedo Street. For a complete schedule of the events, please contact the City of Coral Gables Development Department at 305-460-5310.
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Support The Greening Of The Gables >>> The Coral Gables Community Foundation is partnering with the City to finish replacing all of the trees lost during the 2005 hurricane season. The Foundation's "Greening of the Gables" initiative looks to raise money to replace trees in public right of ways, specifically in the business district of the City starting with the 200 and 300 block of Alhambra Circle. The Coral Gables Community Foundation will host a grand gala at the Biltmore Hotel complete with a silent auction to establish a Greening of the Gables Fund. (Read more about the gala in the events section of e-News.) To date, the Landscape Services Division of the Public Service Department has planted 1,600 Coconut Palm, Oak, Mahogany and Silver Buttonwood trees in public right-of-ways and medians in residential areas of Coral Gables. The complete restoration of right-of-ways to its former glory, including the price of the trees, was approximately $450,000. For more information on the Greening of the Gables initiative call 305-446-9670.
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Nominate A City Employee For Exceptional Services >>> Have you had a great experience recently dealing with an employee of the City of Coral Gables that went out of the way to assist you? Then show your appreciation and gratitude by nominating the person as an Employee of the Month. Each month, the City salutes the best employee for the commitment to provide exceptional services to residents, businesses or visitors. The winner for the month is recognized at a City Commission meeting and a Rotary Club luncheon and has the opportunity to be a superstar and be selected as the City of Coral Gables Employee of the Year. All regular, full-time employees are eligible for the nomination. Residents should complete a nomination form and e-mail it to vlawson@coralgables.com. To get a copy of the form, click here.
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Enroll Now In Lifeguard Certification Classes >>> Do you need a job in the New Year with flexible hours? Have you ever thought of being a lifeguard and work at the most beautiful pool in Miami-Dade County? If you said yes to these two questions, you must enroll in the Venetian Pool Lifeguard Certification Classes offered February 22-25 and March 15-18. Participants will learn cutting edge training with the best aquatic professionals in the country. To enter the class you must swim 200 yards without stopping, tread water for two minutes with hands above water, and retrieve a 10 pound weight from the bottom of the pool. The class includes textbooks, lifeguard training, professional rescuer CPR, AED, Oxygen Administration and First Aid Training. Classes fill up fast so register today. For class hours and fees, please contact Tukz Taaca at 305-460-5306 or by e-mail at ttaaca@coralgables.com.
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Military Professionals Stay In Touch At Army Navy Club of Coral Gables >>> If you are an active, on reserves, a former or retired military officers from any of the service branches, you can get together with other likeminded professionals to exchange ideas, discuss experiences and build business and personal relationships at the Army Navy Club of Coral Gables. Membership is open to all Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, Merchant Marines or NOAA personnel. Membership is not limited to Coral Gables residents. While most members reside in Miami-Dade County, any South Florida officer can join. The Club is hosting its Winter Ball on January 20, 7:30 p.m. at the Coral Gables Country Club, 997 N. Greenway Drive. Cost is $85 per person for non-members. For more information on how to join or attend the ball, contact retired Captain E.J. Mazzei at 305-446-5348.
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New Garbage Collection Vehicles Hit The Streets >>> In theupcoming days, you will notice a new fleet of garbage and recycling trucks driving through the streets of Coral Gables to help keep the City looking beautiful. The vehicles are part of the new and improved fleet that will improve the efficiency and safety of garbage and recycling collection. The four new recycling trucks are streamlining the recycling pickup process and eliminating the old and bulky trailers. The five new garbage trucks compliment the new fleet of trucks that are making it safer for employees to do their job. Long gone are the days where garbage collectors had to hang off the back of the truck during the collection route. The newly purchased vehicles are designed with larger air conditioned cabins which easily accommodates four employees. The trucks were also modified to be "tree friendly," decreasing the chances of tearing off branches while driving under the large hanging canopies of trees found in most of the City's streets.
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Purple Heart Hero Returns Home >>> Congratulations to 22 year-old Coral Gables resident Eduard Alba, who has returned safely home after his four-year service in the U.S. Marines in Iraq. Alba didn't come home alone. He came back with a Purple Heart, received after life threatening injuries he suffered during a violent insurgents attack at Abu Ghraib prison, in Iraq. Alba, who went to Coral Gables Elementary, Ponce Middle and Coral Gables High, was also a Coral Gables Police Explorer during his teenage years and hopes to be a Gables Police Officer some day. To honor his courage and service to the country, Coral Gables Elementary presents every year the Eddy Alba Award to a graduating fifth grader who demonstrates leadership and courage much like this hometown hero. To view a photograph of Eduard Alba, click here.
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road from Southwest 8th Street to Mendoza Avenue (Southwest 16th Street): Good news, all northbound lanes on Le Jeune Road between Southwest 8th Street and Southwest 16th Street are now open. Only the outside lane on the southbound side of Le Jeune Road remains closed as crews work to install lights in the area. Access to all businesses and residences will be maintained at all times.
> Le Jeune Road from Mendoza Avenue (Southwest 16th Street) to Alhambra Circle: A traffic shift remains in place on the southbound side of Le Jeune Road in the area of Mendoza Avenue (Southwest 16th Street) until Alhambra Circle with one lane open in each direction. Contractors for Florida Department of Transportation are performing drainage, lighting, sidewalk, curb & gutter work and resurfacing operations on the northbound side of Le Jeune Road. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained at all times, however drivers can expect delays in the area.
> Le Jeune Road from Andalusia Avenue to Bird Road: The outside southbound lane of Le Jeune Road is closed to traffic Andalusia Avenue and Bird Road between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Workers are now performing concrete, lighting, drainage and resurfacing operations. Residents and businesses will have access to the area at all times. For more information, please contact Carlos Sarmiento at (305) 499-2410 or via e-mail at carlos.sarmiento@dot.state.fl.us.
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Events Roundup >>> Here is a partial list of upcoming cultural events in Coral Gables. Please call ahead to confirm, as dates and times may change. For a complete list of events in Coral Gables, click here.
Ongoing: The historic Merrick House, the family home of Coral Gables founder George Merrick, is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays for tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. The tour of this charming home built of coral rock, still home to the artwork and early possessions of the Merrick family, lasts about 45 minutes. Tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for senior citizens (ages 65+) and students with ID; $1 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. The Merrick House, a remarkable example of South Florida architecture, is located at 907 Coral Way. For more information, call 305-460-5095.
First Friday of The Month: Art lovers flock to Coral Gables the first Friday of every month for Gallery Night. Boasting dozens of galleries, Coral Gables is the premier destination for art and cultural events. The City offers free trolley service to most of the galleries locations from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some galleries will feature musicians for your entertainment. There will be no parking enforcement during Gallery Nights on the months of January, February and March of 2007. For a list of art galleries in Coral Gables, click here.
January 15: Public schools are out on Monday but that doesn't mean you have to worry about who will stay with your children. Club P.L.A.Y. at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, is open to children ages five through 12 for your convenience and peace of mind. The camp is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with Youth Center members paying $20, residents paying $27 and non-residents paying $34. The kids will spend the day playing and go on a field trip. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
January 17: The University of Miami Frost School of Music is holding a Jazz Concert to celebrate the lives of two grand jazz performers: Jeanette Russell and Ray Sauerwein. Join other music lovers on Wednesday at 8 p.m. for the concert at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall located at 1314 Miller Drive. The performance is free to the public. For more information, call 305-284-6477.
January 17: Wednesday night at 8 p.m., music will fill the University of Miami Frost School of Music as lyric soprano Alexandra Marie and Maestro Alfredo Munar perform various songs from well known Latin American composers at the Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall, 5501 San Amaro Drive. Admission to the event is $20 with advanced purchase and $25 at the door. Admission for seniors and students costs $15. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 305-538-4075.
January 17 - February 11: Off Broadway's most recent musical sensation, I Love You Because, sets the pace for life's romantic sketches on relationships in the 21st century. This Florida premier being held at the Actors' Playhouse explores the rules and nuances of romance and learning how to love someone, not in spite of their differences. Performances will be held Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $38.50 for weeknights and matinees, and $46 for Friday and Saturday evenings. The theatre offers a 10 percent senior discount rate the day of performance and $15 student rush tickets 15 minutes prior to curtain, with identification. The Actors' Playhouse is located at 280 Miracle Mile. Tickets may be purchased through the box office at 305-444-9293, or on line by clicking here.
January 18 - February 11: New Theatre is proud to showcase the world premier of Sin Full Heaven, a tale full of drama, despair and love. The play is the creation of Ricky J. Martinez. It deals with a tyrannical father, a desperate daughter and her search for fulfillment in life. Performance days are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. with selected Sundays at 5:30 p.m. New Theatre is located at 4120 Laguna Street. Ticket prices are $35 for Thursday and Sunday evenings, $40 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday matinees and $15 for students with proper identification. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 305-443-5909.
January 19: Relax and enjoy a night of cocktails, dinner and music during the "Greening of the Gables" Gala. Greening of the Gables is an initiative created by the Coral Gables Community Foundation to plant thousands of trees, bushes and other foliage in public right of ways, parks and downtown areas. The cost of the event is $500 per person with proceeds going toward establishing the Greening of the Gables Fund. The gala will take place at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Coral Gables Community Foundation at 305-446-9670.
January 19: Parents rarely get a moment on their own, so next Friday leave the kids at the War Memorial Youth Center and spend a night out on the town. Children ages five to 14 can enjoy a Slumber Party every third Friday of the month while you take the night off! The theme for this sleep over is Scavenger Hunt. Pizza and breakfast will be served while kids have fun with special activities throughout the night. The sleepover starts on Friday at 7 p.m. until Saturday at 11 a.m. The cost for Youth Center members is $24, residents pay $30 and non-residents pay $37. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
January 21: Three musicians unite to show you through their music their love of chamber music. Pianist Slawomir Dobrzanski, violinist Blanka Bednarz and cellist Cheung Chau are called the Atma Trio. All three will perform at Granada Presbyterian Church, 950 University Drive, at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tours are breaking attendance records but you don't have to pay a thing to hear their magical melodies because the performance is free thanks to the Chopin Foundation. For more information, call 305-868-0624.
January 21: Take an informative and beautiful Tour of Coral Gables on Bike with well known historian Dr. Paul George. His famous bike tour will take you on a scenic ride along back roads and lush tree-lined streets lined with historic buildings, themed villages, Mediterranean fountains and plazas. The tour starts at the steps of the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, at 10 a.m. The price for members of the HMSF is $17 and non-members pay $22. For more information, call 305-375-1492.BACK TO TOP
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