Wednesday, March 21, 2007
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CONTENTS:City To Test Biodiesel Fuel In Fleet
Your Tax Dollars At Work: Capital Improvements
City To Ask Input Regarding Metal Roofs
Coral Gables Represented In National League Of Cities
City Finds Home For Senior Center
Seniors Exempted From False House Alarm Fines
Out With The Old, In With The New
City Salutes Best Employees Of The Year
Reduce Your Risk Of Becoming A Victim
Looking For Historic Clues
Take Your Best Shot Of Fairchild
Traffic
Events Roundup
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
City To Test Biodiesel Fuel In Fleet >>> The City of Coral Gables is a leader once again among local municipalities, this time by using environmentally friendly biodiesel fuel that reduces emissions significantly in City vehicles. Biodiesel, made from palm oil, is a clean burning alternative fuel. Two weeks ago, Coral Gables signed an agreement with SolarDiesel Corporation to partner in a pilot program that will test a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel in City's trucks. Biodiesel fuel has a significantly superior energy balance over petroleum diesel and reduces net carbon dioxide emissions, carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals. It is considered to be the best greenhouse gas mitigation strategy for today's medium and heavy duty vehicles. As part of the agreement, the City of Coral Gables will test the biodiesel blended fuel in three vehicles for a period of 60 days and keep fueling records. If satisfied with the vehicles' efficiency, the City can add vehicles to the pilot program for up to six months. After the pilot program, the City will consider using this alternative fuel in the municipal fleet. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Your Tax Dollars At Work: Capital Improvements >>> Each year beginning in October, the City of Coral Gables establishes an annual budget for the year ending the last day of September. This budget provides the funding to meet the strategic goals and objectives set by the City Commission. For Fiscal Year 2006/2007, the budget includes a total funding of $6.2 million for capital improvements, three times the amount budgeted as compared to $2.4 million from last year. The first $2.2 million will be spent on roadway improvements to resurface and rebuild City streets, the replacement of a sanitary sewer force main on Old Cutler Road and the upkeep of stormwater drainage. The City is also borrowing $4 million from the Sunshine State Governmental Financing Commission to tackle some long-awaited capital projects which includes the remaining renovation of the Water Tower, the kitchen replacement and rooms remodeling of the Merrick House, the replacement of seven Biltmore cart path bridges, the repair of the Miracle Theater Marquee, and the restoration of historic columns of Country Club Prado. These monies will also go toward other important citywide improvements such as sidewalk repairs, the re-pavement of alleys, on-going traffic calming, ADA compliance of facilities, the construction of a cinema shell for the Museum Garage, the relocation of police lockers and structural repairs in the Police building, code compliance of the maintenance storage facility and the upgrade of the audiovisual equipment at City Hall Commission Chambers. For a detailed look at this year's City of Coral Gables budget, click here.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
City To Ask Input Regarding Metal Roofs >>> In the upcoming weeks, the City of Coral Gables will conduct a public outreach efforts throughout the City to gather citizen input regarding whether metal roofs should be allowed on single family residences within City limits. The current Zoning Code does not allow all types of metal roofs. Presently copper metal roofs are permitted. Those that presently exist are a result of properties that were annexed into the City from the County and were permitted pursuant to the County regulations. In the past year, proposed amendments to allow these types of roofs have been discussed by the Planning and Zoning Board, the Board of Architects and the Historic Preservation Board, with each board presenting conflicting recommendations. In order for the City Commission to give a final vote on the issue, the City plans to hold a series of publicly noticed workshops to solicit input from residents, architects, building trades and other interested parties. A Metal Roofs Advisory Committee, composed of five appointed members from the above boards will be formed to offer their unified recommendation to City Commission on May 22, 2007. Stay tuned for upcoming information on e-News regarding upcoming dates and locations of public workshops regarding metal roofs.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Coral Gables Represented In National League Of Cities >>> The National League of Cities has appointed Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick to two prestigious leadership groups, ensuring that the City of Coral Gables is included in national discussions on democratic governance and university communities. Coral Gables is now represented in the Panel on Democratic Governance which seeks to improve local democracy by engaging with citizens in responding to the community needs when presented with challenges such as increased costs and increasing demands for services. The panel helps cities solve problems in areas such as public finance, land use and development, and issues of equity and inclusiveness. Coral Gables will also be active in the National League of Cities' University Communities Council, a voluntary group of elected officials from municipalities with a university within its borders. The council's objectives are to assist cities in gathering, sharing and analyzing information about problems and opportunities that are unique to university communities. It also serves to foster a spirit of cooperation between universities and municipalities.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
City Finds Home For Senior Center >>> In 2005, senior resident Kirk Landon made a pledge to donate $250,000 to the City of Coral Gables for the creation of a senior citizen center. After more than a year of intense search for a location that can accommodate senior needs, the City has found the right place at the University Baptist Church. Located at 624 Anastasia Avenue, the church will be the site for lectures, classes, and meetings geared toward the senior population. The church will make room available for senior programs during the daytime, four days a week. The City is planning to offer computer classes, a coffee club, arts programs, memory book classes, board games and library hours. Existing senior programs like Movie Days and Tea & Talk will now be held at the church, while others will remain at the Youth Center until a full transition is completed this Fall. For more information, contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Seniors Exempted From False House Alarm Fines >>> Coral Gables seniors who have a problem with accidentally tripping home security systems, potentially facing fines for repeated false alarms, got a welcome financial break. The City Commission approved last week a resolution to waive beginning April 1st the false alarm fines for seniors who are 70 years of age and older. Currently, residents who inadvertently set off home alarms do not get charged for the first two incidents, then pay $50 for the third false alarm, $100 for the fourth one, and $200 each time after that. For more information, contact the City of Coral Gables Finance Department at 305-460-5280.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Out With The Old, In With The New >>> The Office of the City Clerk has spearheaded a program for records management in the City of Coral Gables, providing standards and requirements to govern the life cycle of Florida's public records, ensuring that only necessary records are kept. Records that have historical significance are prevented from destruction. From the start of the current effort, the City of Coral Gables has documented the destruction of approximately 17 million pieces of paper, about 8,680 cubic feet of records or 151 tons of paper. If laid end to end, this collection would reach 3,288 miles, the distance between Coral Gables and Alaska. According to the Florida Department of State, the destruction of this collection has saved the City $217,000 in administrative and storage costs.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
City Salutes Best Employees Of The Year >>> Congratulations to 2006 City Employee of the Year Jessica Wotherspoon, Firefighter of the Year Michael Conners, Robert De-Korte Memorial Award Recipient Lt. Agustin Diaz, and Police Officer of the Year Velier Zaccheo. At a special luncheon held at the Country Club of Coral Gables honoring the Employees of the Month, Jessica was selected as the Employee of the Year for her hard work and dedication to Coral Gables. She joined the City two and a half years ago as a Passport Specialist/Collections Clerk at the City Clerk's Office and later transferred to the Development Department. Firefighter Michael Conners, who works with his dog "Hobbes," was selected for meritorious job performance, especially during the recent activation to a structural collapse in a high rise building. Lieutenant Agustin Diaz, in charge of the Police Bicycle Patrol Unit, was recognized for taking other responsibilities which have contributed to increased efficiencies within his unit. Officer Velier Zaccheo, who leads the Police Motorcycle Unit, was selected for the dedication to law enforcement, especially during a routine traffic stop that resulted in the arrest of two individuals with a criminal past. The City of Coral Gables is very proud to honor this outstanding group of employees.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Reduce Your Risk Of Becoming A Victim >>> Although there has been an 11 percent reduction of auto thefts since 2002, last year more than 500 vehicles were stolen in Coral Gables. Education and awareness are the best preventive measures against auto theft, but there are many other things you can do to reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen. Remember to park in well-lit areas and close all windows, lock all doors, and take your keys with you. Never leave your vehicle running while unattended and remove your keys while refueling. Keep all valuable items out of sight and locked up. Park with the front wheels turned sharply to the right or left, and apply your emergency brakes making the vehicle difficult to tow. Activate all installed anti-theft devices. If you have a garage, park your vehicle in the garage, and lock it for extra security. Do not leave your vehicle registration, title or driver's license or a spare key inside your vehicle. Keep a copy of the Vehicle Identification Number and your driver's license number in a safe place so in the event your vehicle is stolen, you can provide this information to police.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Looking For Historic Clues >>>
The Historic Homeowners Association of Coral Gables wants you to get a
clue. On Saturday, March 24, families and groups can dash from clue to
clue for the first Family Scavenger Hunt of Coral Gables Historic Sites,
from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. starting at the patio of the War Memorial Youth
Center. This event is part of Dade Heritage Days. Bring your best
Sherlock Homes mind to go through locations around the City using clues
and a map to find the historic locations and win prizes. Participants will
be grouped in families with kids 12 and under with parties of up to five
people, or parties of teens or adults 13 ages and older of up to four
people. There is a registration cost to participate. For more information,
please contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at
305-460-5605.
BACK TO TOP
- -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
Take Your Best Shot Of
Fairchild >>>
Amateur photographers can participate until May 6 in Fairchild Tropical
Botanic Garden first annual photography competition. Take the best
shot at the beautiful Coral Gables gardens in one of the six categories:
landscapes, close-ups, art, daytime, nighttime and wildlife to win a spot
in Fairchild's 2008 calendar and win the grand prize of having the cover
photo. The Photo Contest is open to amateur photographers only.
Participants can enter as either young adults (up to 22 years old) or
adults (23 years old and up), and can submit up to three entries per photo
category. All photos must be taken at Fairchild. Photos may be submitted
on paper and digitally. Fees are $10 for Fairchild members and $15 for
non-members. To see the complete rules, click
here.
BACK TO TOP
- -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road from
Mendoza Avenue (SW 16th Street) to US-1: Expect delays in the
area as intermittent lane closures of Le Jeune Road and side streets take
place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Crews are trying to
complete drainage, lighting, signal and pedestrian improvements. Drivers
will have access to all major intersections of Le Jeune Road including the
turning lanes. For more information, contact Carlos Sarmiento at
305-499-2410 or through e-mail at carlos.sarmiento@dot.state.fl.us.
BACK TO TOP
- -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
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. For a list of art galleries in Coral Gables, click here.
Next At The Farmers Market: The Coral Gables Farmers Market takes place on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until March 31, in front of City Hall. Enjoy fresh produce, baked goods and plants. On March 24: "Tai Chi in the Park" with Master Al Agon from Perfect Balance at 8 a.m.; "Taking Care of Pests and Diseases Organically" gardening workshop presented by Andres Mejides of Elfin Acres Organic Farm at 9 .m.; a cooking demonstration by Chocolate Fashion at 10 a.m., and the Coral Gables Fire Department will teach children how to survive a fire with the 'Stop, Drop and Roll' program. Sparky the Fire Dog will be on hand to help at 11 a.m. On March 31: On the final day of the Farmers Market, enjoy the Grand Finale Chefs' Picnic hosted by the American Institute of Wine and Food. South Florida's finest chefs will team up with the area's purveyors of fine produce and foods for a special sampling with a modest charge. Classic cars will be on display and children will have fun as baby farm animals arrive at Merrick Park. The event starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. For more information, contact 305-460-5311.
March 22: The next Tea & Talk hits the road to learn more about the senior housing centers and the needs for seniors. The free luncheon and lecture will be held at the Westin Colonnade, 180 Aragon Avenue, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guest speaker, author, teacher and consultant Ligia M. Houben will be talking about senior housing alternatives in Coral Gables in the hopes of empowering attendees with information so the right choices can be made for future housing. Please reserve your seat today by calling 305-460-5600.
March 22: The group Friends of the Libraries is hosting the event Music and Society in Brazil Reception and Lecture. Tracy Devine Guzman from the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures will talk about the music of Brazil and the country's historical and political context. Through a multimedia presentation starting at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Guzman will show how Brazilian music and nationalism share an evolving relationship. The event will take place at the Otto G. Richter Library, 1300 Memorial Drive, located on the University of Miami campus. Make your reservation by calling 305-284-4026.
March 22: The University of Miami Frost School of Music and 88.9 WDNA Jazz Radio invites everyone to enjoy a night of Jazz Vocal Ensemble with the Frost Symphony Orchestra and special guest Kevin Mahogany. The event will take place at the Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, at 8 p.m. Donations of $15 are accepted and will benefit 88.9 WDNA public radio and UM Frost School of Music. For tickets or more information, call 305-284-5813.
March 29: See the archaeological treasures excavated in Israel during the last century and its relevance to Jewish life and the birth of Christianity in the exhibition Cradle of Christianity. The artifacts that form part of the exhibition have never before been on display on U.S. soil. A bus leaves the War Memorial Youth Center at 11:30 a.m. and stops for a quick lunch before reaching the museum for a tour at 2 p.m. The entrance and transportation fee for the event is $37.75 for residents and $47.25 for non-residents. Reserve your seat today by calling 305-460-5609.
March 29: The numerous restaurants that line Giralda Avenue will take their delicious dishes to the street for the Fourth Annual Coral Gables Wine & Food Festival. Giralda Avenue between Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Galiano Street will close with dozens of restaurants and wine shops taking over the street preparing hors d'oeuvres, tasty dishes and wines from around the world to sample. Proceeds from this event will benefit the American Lung Association and the University of Miami's Asthma Clinical Research Center. The honorary chairman for this event is Marc Buoniconti, Development Advisor for the International Bronchitis Center & Ambassador for the Miami Project To Cure Paralysis. Tickets for the event costs $40. The festival starts at 7 p.m. with live music and ends at 9 p.m. For more information call 1-800-LUNGUSA or 954-524-4657 or click here.
March 30: Public schools are out on Friday for a Teacher Planning Day but that doesn't mean you need to make plans on missing work. Leave your children in good hands with Club P.L.A.Y. at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. The program 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 even go on a field trip. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
March 30 - April 1: See some of the most exotic and colorful orchids in the world when you visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's International Orchid Festival. Local, national and international vendors will be selling thousands of orchids and there will be several displays, lectures and demonstrations on how to care for an orchid plant. Admission to the festival is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for children ages 6 through 17 and free for kids ages 5 and younger and Fairchild members. The gates open at 9:30 a.m. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. For more information, call 305-667-1651.
March 31: Experience an Old Time Dance at the historic Barnacle House located in Coconut Grove. The Flying Turtles Band will provide the music, just bring your dancing shoes. Rae Newoman will call out dance steps that were popular in the 1800s such as circles, squares, contras and waltzes. Meet at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, at 5 p.m. and hop on a bus to the State Park. The fee for the event which includes transportation is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. Please make your reservation by March 24th. Call 305-460-5609 for more information.
Through March 31: Come and enjoy the company of other business professionals after work for Business Gatherings at the new restaurant at the Westin Colonnade "Hoja Nueva." Throughout the month of March, Hoja Nueva, 180 Aragon Avenue, will be treating you to live jazz and complimentary appetizers. For more information, call 305-569-6511.
April 1: The Miami Pioneers/Natives of Dade will host their monthly meeting beginning at 2 p.m. at the Central Christian Church of Coral Gables, 222 Menores Avenue. Roger Hammer, author of "Everglades Wild Flowers" and "Florida Keys Wild Flower" will talk about the time when South Florida was under water, the early human and natural history of the area, to the periods of growth and development. For more information, call Joy N. McGarry at 305-665-2311.
April 1: Lace up those sneakers and sign up for the national MS Walk taking place in Coral Gables on Sunday. More than 1,000 people are expected to participate in this year's 6.2 mile walk which starts at City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, at 9 a.m. with a check-in time of 7:30 a.m. For more information, call 1-800-FIGHT-MS.
April 1: Get your helmets, knee pads and bike ready to go because the Gables Cycling Celebration continues on Sunday. The 12-mile long ride starts off at Ponce de Leon Middle School, 5801 Augusto Street, at 10:30 a.m. with a scenic ride through beautiful Coral Gables at a pace of about 12 miles per hour. The ride will end at 2 p.m. Coral Gables Police will escort riders to avoid stopping for traffic lights and stop signs. The Cycling Celebration is a community service project of the Coral Gables Rotary Club and is held every first Sunday of the month. For more information, contact Calvin from Bikes To Go at 305-666-7184.
April 1: One of the leading tenors in opera takes the stage at the Gusman Concert Hall at the University of Miami. German-Canadian tenor Michael Schade will perform with pianist Justus Zeyen on Sunday at 4 p.m. as part of Sunday Afternoons of Music. The Gusman Center Hall is located at 1314 Miller Drive. The cost of tickets is $40 for adults, $32 for seniors and $10 for students 22 years of age or younger. For more information, call 305-271-7150.
April 2 - 6: Children love having a week off from school for Spring Break, but it's important to still keep them busy. Club P.L.A.Y., offered at the War Memorial Youth Center keeps your children ages 5 through 12 busy with fun activities while you are at work. The children will participate in sports activities, field trips and games, but the best part is that there is no homework. The Spring Break camp will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with early drop-offs starting at 7:30 a.m. Space is limited to only 120 campers so make sure you sign up early by calling 305-460-5600 or registering online at www.playgables.com. The fee for resident members is $130, $173 for residents, $130 for non-resident members and $216 for non residents.
April 3: Celebrate the rich Hispanic origins of coffee at Starbuck's Latin American Coffee Festival. The festival will block the west side or southbound lane of Ponce de Leon Boulevard between Miracle Mile and Andalusia Avenue as several Latin American singers take the stage. Booths will line the street with coffee samples from unique regions of Latin America, coffee products for sale and cooking demonstrations. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in conjunction with the launch of Starbuck's newest coffee, Brazilian Impanema Bourbon. The event is free.
Through April 29: The next Open Air Antiques
Market presented by the Globe Café will be held on Sunday, April 1st from
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. During that time Alhambra Circle will close for just one
block east of Le Jeune Road so antique dealers can line the street with
booths full of furniture, fashion, jewelry and special memorabilia. Mark
you calendars! The next Antiques Market will be held on April 15th &
29th. For more information, call 786-269-1331.
BACK TO TOP
-
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
For e-News en español, click here.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - -