Wednesday, January 26, 2005
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CONTENTS:Farmer's Market February Update
City Prepares to Educate Voters
About City Charter Amendments
Community Leaders Commended for Their Service
Voters Show Up in Force at November Elections
New Businesses Arrive in Downtown Area
New Law Protects Life and Safety in Coral Gables
Honoring the Founders of Miracle Mile
Making Our Streets Safer
Seniors' Outing to Fairchild Tropical Botanical
Garden/Lunch at Joe's
Romance Under the Stars at Venetian Pool
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Farmer's Market February Update >>> The ever-popular Farmer's Market returned to The City Beautiful on Jan. 15 with fresh produce and free workshops for the public. The market runs Jan. 15th through Mar. 26th, from 9 a.m. to Noon on the front steps of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way. Here are February's events: Tai Chi in the park --- free Tai Chi classes for the public --- is at 8 a.m. Saturdays at Merrick Park, across from City Hall. At 9 a.m., local experts talk about gardening: on Feb. 5, it's "The Proper Care of Orchids," on Feb. 12, "Introduction to Bonsai," on Feb. 19, the workshop will be announced soon, and on Feb. 26, it's "Grow Your Own Herbs for Holiday Cooking." At 10 a.m., local chefs share a few cooking tips. On Feb. 5, "It's Not Low-Carb, It's Right Carbs, and in MINUTES," on Feb. 12, it's "Wine for Lovers," on Feb. 19, chefs from Mundo Restaurant take the stage, and on Feb. 26, chefs from the Biltmore Hotel's 1200 Courtyard Grill share their expertise. At 11 a.m., the kids get to have their own fun. On Feb. 5, Winnie the Pooh visits the market, on Feb. 12, the Coral Gables Youth Center will offer a fun Valentine's Day activity, on Feb. 19, the pig from "If You Give a Pig a Pancake," by Laura Numeroff, makes an appearance, and on Feb. 26, kids get to learn about the people who make our community safe, and try on real uniforms, with help from Bobbie Kalman's book, "Community Helpers from A-Z." For more information, call the City's Development Department at 305-460-5311.
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City Prepares to Educate Voters About City Charter Amendments >>> The City Commission approved a public education campaign to inform Coral Gables voters about the two proposed amendments to the City Charter, which will appear in the Special Election Referendum of April 12, 2005. Voters will be asked whether the City should increase the threshold for formal public bid of Public Works projects from $7,500 to $25,000, and whether the City should change the current two-year Mayor's term to four years. The City plans to educate the public on the details of the proposed changes through e-News, CGTV, public service announcements and speaking engagements throughout the community.
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Community Leaders Commended for Their Service >>> The following Coral Gables residents and leaders, Charter Review Committee Chairperson Mikki Canton, Eibi Aizenstat, Carlos Diaz Padron, Estrella Fajardo Gonzalez, Thomas Logue, Leslie Lott, and Robert Zahner, were recognized by City officials for their efforts and participation in the Charter review process. The group was appointed by the City Commission, City Manager and City Attorney to review the City Charter and, after 13 public meetings, recommended placing the two proposed amendments to the Charter on the upcoming April referendum.
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Voters Show Up in Force at November Elections >>> Statistics recently released by the Office of Miami-Dade County Elections show that 83 percent of registered voters in the City of Coral Gables participated in the Presidential election of November 2. More than 23,000 people, out of approximately 27,000 registered voters, cast their votes at the recent election. The next time electors will be asked to vote will be at the Coral Gables General Election and Special Referendum of Tuesday, April 12, 2005.
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New Businesses Arrive in Downtown Area >>> Business Improvement District Executive Director Mari Molina presented a first quarter review to City Commissioners recently, announcing the following new store and restaurant openings in the area: Anacapri Restaurant; Guayabera's, Etc.; Montea Tea House; Saladworks; Tarpon Bend Restaurant, and Schakolad Chocolate Factory. Other businesses expected to open up shop this year are: Vivai Furniture, Fleming's Steakhouse, Cold Stone Creamery, Max's Grille, and Benihana. For more information, visit the BID's website at www.shopcoralgables.com.
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New Law Protects Life and Safety in Coral Gables >>> The City Commission recently approved a new ordinance that is expected to protect children from accidentally harming themselves through the use of BB guns, air- and gas-operated guns as well as laser pointers in public and private property. Children under 18 may no longer use these devices unless accompanied by an adult.
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Honoring the Founders of Miracle Mile >>> The area known as the Downtown Overlay District, bounded by Douglas Road (East), LeJeune Road (West), Aragon Avenue and Merrick Way (North), and Andalusia Avenue (South), has a new name. It has now been officially named the Zain/Friedman Miracle Mile Overlay in memory of George and Rebyl Zain and Albert H. Friedman. The Zains developed and transformed what used to be a dirt road lined with pine trees into four blocks of storefronts. Rebyl Zain later became a Coral Gables Commissioner. Albert Friedman, declared "Mr. Miracle Mile" in 1980 by former Mayor William Chapman, co-founded the Miracle Mile Merchants Association in 1954 and served as long-time president of that organization.
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Making Our Streets Safer >>> Speed racers beware: The Special Patrol Section of the Coral Gables Police Department will be conducting surprise traffic enforcement details along Miracle Mile and other target areas. These operations are intended to help save lives by reducing the number of crashes caused by red light runners and other traffic violators.
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Seniors' Outing to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden/Lunch at Joe's >>> Join us on a fun trip to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, followed by a ride to South Beach for lunch at Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant. The garden visit includes a one-hour tram ride to study winter plant exposure. Transportation fee is $17.00. There is no charge for admission to the garden, but donations will be accepted. Each participant pays his or her own lunch expenses. The group departs from the Coral Gables Youth Center at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, and the outing is expected to last until 3 p.m. For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Dept. at 305-460-5600.
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Romance Under the Stars at Venetian Pool >>> Come share a starry evening sky with your loved one at the Venetian Pool from 6 to 10 p.m. on Monday, February 14. Organizers at the historic landmark are offering a Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance featuring delicious food and romantic music for $100 per couple for Coral Gables residents, and $135 for non-residents. Love birds can enjoy dinner, cocktails, dessert and champagne, and later dance to the Sounds of Boogieman George. Reservations must be made by February 9. Please call 305-460-5357 or 305-460-5306.
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