Wednesday, February 23, 2005
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CONTENTS:Election Update: Part 1 of a Series
Help Keep Our Pet-Friendly Streets Friendly
Meeting Schedule Update for Zoning Code Rewrite
Annual Candlelight Homes Tour to be held Feb. 25
Farmers Market: March Update
Historic Merrick House Reopens; Tours Resume
Free Exporting Seminar to be held on March 1
Toyota Indy 300 Kickoff Party Set for March 3
Spend Sunday on the Mile
Tropical Baroque Music Festival Returns to South Florida
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Election Update: Part 1 of a Series >>> On Tuesday, April 12, the City of Coral Gables will hold a Special Municipal Referendum Election where Coral Gables voters will be asked to vote on two proposed changes to the City Charter. These suggested changes were developed by the Charter Review Committee, a group of citizens who met periodically last summer to review the City Charter and recommend updates where the Committee felt necessary. After a series of public hearings, the Committee proposed the following: to change the Mayor's term from two years to four years, and to raise the threshold for formal bidding on public works projects from $7,500 to $25,000. Over the next few weeks, the City will use mailers, public service announcements on Channel 77, and this spot in e-News to post in-depth, impartial information on the proposed Charter changes and updates on polling locations and hours. Stay tuned.
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Help Keep Our Pet-Friendly Streets Friendly >>> There is no question that the City Beautiful's tree-lined streets are the perfect backdrop for a stroll with our furry friends. And yet, the City occasionally receives complaints from residents who note that some people leave their dogs' waste behind, or walk pets on City golf courses. To keep Coral Gables parks and streets friendly to all, the City asks that dog-walkers follow these rules: dogs must wear collars or harnesses and be kept on a leash at all times while out in public; dogs should not enter public recreational areas such as City parks, playgrounds or golf courses, and dog owners must pick up after their dogs. Police and Code Enforcement Officers have the authority to enforce these rules, and those who don't follow the rules may face fines. There are exceptions for blind or handicapped people who use dogs for assistance in day-to-day activities. Please help keep our streets friendly to all walkers - both the two-legged and four-legged kind. For more information, call the City's Building and Zoning Department, 305-460-5226.
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Meeting Schedule Update for Zoning Code Rewrite >>> Citizens and other interested parties: come to City Hall and become part of the future of Coral Gables. The rewrite of the Coral Gables Zoning Code - the laws that determine what the City looks like - is winding down to be considered by City Commissioners in August, but there are still several public hearings ahead and City leaders are asking for your input. Here are the dates: Feb. 23, March 16, April 20, May 18, and June 15. The meetings are at 6 p.m. at the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way. The Zoning Code rewrite will also be discussed at the following City Commission meetings: April 26, June 28, and July 26 or August 9, where the City Commission is scheduled to hear the item. City Commission meetings start at 9 a.m. and are held at the City Commission Chambers. For more information, call the Planning Department, 305-460-5211, or visit www.coralgables.com.
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Annual Candlelight Homes Tour to be held Feb. 25 >>> Come to the Venetian Pool at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 for an evening of history and elegance as the City of Coral Gables and its Historic Preservation Board host the Annual Candlelight Homes Tour. The tour starts at 6:30 p.m. at the pool, 2701 De Soto Blvd., and departs by trolley for a guided tour of historic homes in the City. After that, participants are brought back to the pool for an elegant reception and buffet-style dinner. Tickets are $60.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. Proceeds benefit the Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. To make reservations or for more information, call Betty Perez at the City's Historical Resources Department, 305-460-5093, or by e-mail at bperez@coralgables.com.
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Farmers Market: March Update >>> The ever-popular Farmers Market, now underway in The City Beautiful, offers fresh produce and free workshops for the public. The market runs through March 26th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front steps of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, and concludes with a "Grand Finale" picnic on the 26th. Here is the March schedule of 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. The classes are taught by Al Agon of Perfect Balance. At 9 a.m., local experts talk about gardening: on March 5, it's "Healthy Palms," on March 12, it's "Butterfly Gardening," and on March 19, it's "Tropical Fruit Trees." At 10 a.m., local chefs share a few cooking tips. On March 5, chefs from Le Provençal Restaurant share their expertise, on March 12, chefs from Caffe Abbracci Restaurant take the stage, and on March 19, the cooking demonstration is by chefs from Ortanique On The Mile. At 11 a.m., the kids get to have their own fun. On March 5, the Coral Gables Fire Department will present its "Stop, Drop & Roll" program, where kids learn what to do in case of a fire and get to meet firefighters and Sparky the Fire Dog. On March 12, kids explore the world and learn where Coral Gables' Sister Cities are located on the World Map, presented by the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. On March 19, children can plant a seed and have pictures taken with Peter Rabbit from Beatrix Potter's beloved book series, in an event hosted by Books & Books. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 26, bring the family for the Grand Finale Picnic, hosted by the American Institute of Wine & Food. Market-goers will get to sample dishes from South Florida's finest chefs for a small fee. Music in the park is by Juan Areco, and classic and antique cars will be on display. Baby animals from The Little Farm will be on hand to entertain kids and adults alike. For more information, call the City's Development Department, 305-460-5311.
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Historic Merrick House Reopens; Tours Resume >>> The City of Coral Gables and its Merrick House Governing Board are pleased to announce that the historic Merrick House, the boyhood home of Coral Gables Founder George Merrick, is once again open for public tours. One of the most historically significant homes in South Florida, the house features beautiful architectural details created from local materials such as coral rock and Dade County Pine. A team of craftsmen and historical experts recently restored the house to its original 1906 beauty. Starting on Sunday, Feb. 27, tours will resume at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon. The Merrick House is located at 907 Coral Way. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for senior citizens (ages 65 and older), and students with a valid ID; $1 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children ages 5 and under. For more information, call Mary Agnes Beach at the City's Historical Resources Department, 305-460-5095.
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Free Exporting Seminar to be held on March 1 >>> The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is holding an "Exporting of Services" seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. March 1 at the Country Club of Coral Gables, 997 N. Greenway Drive. Among the topics on the agenda: how to export services internationally, and how to select the best markets for export services. The seminar is free, but participants are asked to reserve a seat in advance. For more information, call Andrea Montoya at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, 305-577-5460, or e-mail her at amontoya@greatermiami.com.
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Toyota Indy 300 Kickoff Party Set for March 3 >>> Come to downtown Coral Gables from 5 to 11 p.m. March 3 for the Toyota Indyfest, a kick-off party for the Toyota Indy 300 taking place March 4-6 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. The outdoor festival is free and open to the public, and will feature show cars, interactive games, live entertainment and opportunities for driver autographs. The Indyfest takes place along the 300 block of Alhambra Circle, between LeJeune Road and Salzedo Street. Alhambra Circle will be closed from 11 a.m. March 3 to 2 a.m. March 4 in connection with the event. For more information, call the Homestead-Miami Speedway, 305-230-5024.
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Spend Sunday on the Mile >>> Bring the family to Miracle Mile on March 6 for a day of music, art and delicious foods. The "Sun Day on the Mile" event, organized by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, brings a Latin jazz and art festival to downtown Coral Gables. Now in its seventh run, Sun Day on the Mile is part of the Carnaval Miami series of events, which includes Calle Ocho. Be sure to visit the artists' pavilion, as well as the wine and food pavilions, where restaurants from Coral Gables and surrounding areas will be serving up their best dishes. The festival runs along Miracle Mile, from LeJeune Road to Douglas Road. Ponce De Leon Boulevard will be closed for two blocks north and south of the Mile from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday, in connection with the event. The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana and its charitable foundation have been serving the needs of South Florida's children for more than 27 years. For more information, call the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana at 305-644-8888.
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Tropical Baroque Music Festival Returns to South Florida >>> The Miami Bach Society brings its week-long series of concerts back to South Florida from March 6 through March 13. The Tropical Baroque Music Festival VI features performances by world-renowned musicians, set in beautiful venues throughout South Florida. Among the artists: Frank Cooper, musician, educator and art historian from Coral Gables; the Szczecin University Choir from Poland, and Auser Music from Coral Gables' Sister City of Pisa, Italy. The festival closes with its traditional "Fireworks Concert" at the Biltmore Hotel on Sunday night, March 13. Ticket prices range from $25 to $50 if purchased in advance, and $35 to $75 if purchased at the door. Students through age 21 are admitted free. Festival passes are also available. The Miami Bach Society was founded in 1984 by a group of parishioners at The Coral Gables Presbyterian Church to organize concerts in celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Johann Sebastian Bach. Since then, the Society has grown and performs an average of four concerts a year. For more information, call the Miami Bach Society at 305-669-1376, or visit www.miamibachsociety.org.
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