Wednesday, April 19, 2006
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CONTENTS:New Noise Ordinance Regulates Loud and Annoying Sounds
Utility Service Task Force Wrapping Up Recommendations
Residents Help To Beautify the Gables
City Receives Budget Presentation Award
Gables Theaters Dominate in Carbonell Awards
Police Athletic League Teaches Important Values to Youth
Replenish Your CashKey at Convenient Locations
Traffic Watch
Cultural Roundup
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New Noise Ordinance Regulates Loud and Annoying Sounds >>> Coral Gables recently strengthened the City’s noise ordinance which regulates unreasonable and disturbing sounds that disrupt the comfort and peace of others. The new law establishes in addition to the nuisance provisions, a 100 feet radius beyond which a violator shall be cited for violation of the ordinance. The new law prohibits the sounding of horns or other signaling devices on any vehicles on streets or public places, except in cases of danger warnings. Also against the law is the playing of music by bands, orchestras, musicians, any radio, television, musical instrument or other device that disturbs the quiet and comfort of the neighborhood between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Certain exceptions apply for special events approved in advanced by the City of Coral Gables. Excessive noise produced by animals, birds, vehicle’s exhausts or mufflers are also prohibited. Construction noise that disturbs the peace of the neighborhood is prohibited between the hours of 6 p.m. - 7:30 a.m. from Monday to Thursday, between the hours of 6 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. on Saturdays, between the hours of 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, and on holidays. The use of commercial maintenance equipment which creates loud noises is also restricted during those hours and within 100 feet of any residential area. Any person in violation of the new ordinance may be assessed a fine of not less than $150 per violation, per day. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.
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Utility Service Task Force Wrapping Up Recommendations >>> The seven-member task force created last year to review the post-hurricane performance of the utility services is finalizing its immediate, short-term and long-term recommendations to the City Commission. The Utility Service Task Force began biweekly meetings in January to evaluate and discuss ways of improving the reliability service of Florida Power and Light, Comcast and Adelphia cable services, and Bellsouth. The recommendations will focus on improving services for the residents of Coral Gables, whether it is through underground wiring, modifications to franchise agreements, or alternate sources of energy. The Task Force’s report will include recommendations that will continue for months, if not years, to be implemented. In anticipation of these recommendations, the City of Coral Gables would like to thank Committee Chairman Enrique Lopez, John E. Anderson, Thor Bruce, Richard DeWitt, Juan Galan, Jay Peter Martin, and Jorge E. Otero for volunteering their time and talent in accomplishing this monumental task.
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Residents Help To Beautify the Gables >>> Congratulations to Fernando Menoyo, Stuart I. Meyers, Mr. & Mrs. David Levine, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Palahach, and Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Needle for doing their part at improving the aesthetics of the City. These proud homeowners were the recipients of the City’s Landscape Beautification Awards, an annual recognition that selects the best properties in Coral Gables that follows the tradition of displaying exceptionally manicured landscape properties. This year, a total of 28 nominated properties were evaluated by the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board, volunteer members charged with making recommendations to the City Commission regarding landscaping in Coral Gables. This year’s best examples of beautiful landscape can be found at 2509 Anderson Road, 6988 Sunrise Drive, 5340 Fairchild Way, 6934 Sunrise Place, and 10300 Sabal Palm Avenue. For additional information, contact the Public Service Department at 305-460-5131.
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City Receives Budget Presentation Award >>> The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) announced that the City of Coral Gables has received the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget. The award reflects the commitment of the City of Coral Gables to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, Coral Gables had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines such as policy documentation, financial planning, operational guide, and communications. Congratulations to the entire staff of the Finance Department for achieving this award. For additional information, contact the Finance Department at 305-460-5276.
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Gables Theaters Dominate in Carbonell Awards >>> Congratulations to local theaters GableStage and the Actor’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, for taking home the most honors during the regional Carbonell Awards held last week in Broward County. Best Play went to “Frozen,” a production of GableStage about the aftershocks of a child’s murder. The play received top honors in the drama category with Joseph Adler winning for Best Director, Gordon McConnell for Best Actor, Lisa Morgan for Best Actress, and Best Lighting Design going to Jeff Quinn. The musical “Aida,” a contemporary take on the epic tale of the love between a soldier and an enslaved princess produced by the Actor’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theater, received the Best Musical award, with Best Director honors going to David Arisco, Best Actress to Desmon N. Walker, Best Musical Direction to Eric Alsford, and Best Choreography to Barbara Flaten. The musical “Beauty and the Beast,” also from the Actor’s Playhouse, won the Best Supporting Actress for Lourelene Snedeker’s performance. The awards verify that theater is gold in Coral Gables, so please support your local companies and check the upcoming performances at GableStage, located at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., and at the Miracle Theater located in the heart of downtown Coral Gables at 280 Miracle Mile.
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Police Athletic League Teaches Important Values to Youth >>> Consider getting involved with the City of Coral Gables Police Athletic League (PAL), a juvenile crime prevention program that teaches today’s youth important lessons that will carry through life. The goal of PAL is to build friendship and trust among police officers and City youth by providing opportunities to interact in a positive environment such as sports and community service. The program is based on the belief that youngsters, if reached early enough, can develop a strong positive attitude toward police officers as they journey through life. Planned activities include boating, swimming, baseball, basketball, spring and summer camps, and other community service. For additional information on how to get involved, contact PAL at 305-460-5637.
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Replenish Your CashKey at Convenient Locations >>> If you use the convenient CashKey to pay for parking in the City of Coral Gables, please remember that you can replace an exhausted CashKey at various locations throughout the City. When the amount programmed on the CashKey is exhausted, you may return it to the Parking Department on the second floor of 2801 Salzedo Street to replenish the CashKey for additional credit amount of $25, $50, $75 or $100. You can also exchange the CashKey for another one with a credit amount of $25 only at the following locations: Publix at 2551 Le Jeune Road; the Offices of the Business Improvement District at 224 Miracle Mile; Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, 224 Catalonia Avenue; Coral Gables Finance Department at 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center at 405 University Drive; or Le Provencal at 382 Miracle Mile. If you encounter any problems when trying to replenish or exchanging your CashKey, please contact the Parking Department at 305-460-5540.
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Traffic Watch >>> Construction on the Ponce de Leon Median Improvement Project is currently in its final stages, with construction of the median now underway. Areas around the construction area have been barricaded, and “No Left Turn” signs are still in place. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution while driving around the construction zone.
Two roadway improvement projects on Le Jeune Road may also impact traffic. The work involves installing a new water main along Le Jeune Road from SW 8 Street to Altara Avenue, as well as improvements to paving, curbs and sidewalks. The work will be performed around the clock and will involve some lane closures. Construction around Coral Gables High School will be completed during the summer to minimize impacts to the school. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times during construction. For more information on this Florida Department of Transportation project, click here, or call Public Information Manager Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410 or Project Administrator Marlon Lobban at 305-970-7476.
In other construction-related news:
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The Granada/Bird Road project has been approved by
Miami-Dade County. Improvements to the area include increasing the number
of northbound lanes on Granada Boulevard and Bird Road to help alleviate
traffic congestion in the early mornings.
The following event-related street closures may also impact
traffic:
> The
final day of the Coral Gables Antiques Market, presented by The Globe Café
& Bar, takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. along the 300 block of
Alhambra Circle on April 30. For more information, click
here.
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Cultural 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 boyhood 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 is located at 907 Coral Way. For more information, call 305-460-5361.
April 20: The University of Miami Frost School of Music and 88.9 WDNA Public Radio present the University of Miami Salsa Orchestra, performing the music of Lecuona, Matamoros, Gillespie and others. Special guest is Grammy Award nominee Sammy Figueroa, percussion. Perhaps the only Latin big band in South Florida, the University of Miami Salsa Orchestra includes 19 instrumentalists, eight singers, and a library of more than 60 big-band arrangements that range from traditional salsa to Latin Jazz and fusion. The event takes place at 8 p.m. at the UM Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive. Admission is a $10 donation to benefit the UM Frost School of Music and 88.9 WDNA Public Radio. Visit www.wdna.org or call 305-284-5813 for more information.
April 22-23: The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will host the 28th Annual Bromeliad Show sponsored by the Bromeliad Society of South Florida. The show features plants for sale by numerous nurseries and an annual competition of the best bromeliads which visitors have free access to admire in the auditorium. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 Senior citizens 65 and older, $10 for children 6 - 17, and free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. Fairchild admission includes admission to the Conservatory and Whitman Tropical Fruit Pavilion at no additional chargeThe show will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables.
April 22: The Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents its 15th Annual “Reach for the Stars” Gala at 7 p.m. at the Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile. This is a major fundraising event for this theatre group, to benefit the Actors’ Playhouse Endowment Fund. More than $300,000 in live and silent auction items include international and domestic airline and hotel travel packages, cruises, dinners at fine South Florida restaurants, jewelry, fine art, spa visits, artwork, and more. Tickets are $75 per person. Visit www.actorsplayhouse.org or call 305-444-9293 Ext. 609 for more information.
April 23: The Miami Bach Society will present at 4 p.m. the final concert of its 2005 – 2006 season. Titled Music of Celebration and Praise, it will feature five cantatas and one motet by the Baroque era’s most renowned composer, Johann Sebastian Bach. The concert will take place at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 464 North East 16th Street, Miami. Tickets to the concert cost $25 general admission or $35 preferred admission, when ordered in advance, but cost $5 more when purchased at the door. All students up to and including the age of 21 are admitted free. Students above the age of 21 are admitted for $5 with a student identification card. For more information or to order tickets, call the Miami Bach Society at 305-669-1376 or visit its website at www.miamibachsociety.org.
April 28: The Women’s Business Network of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce will host at 7:30 a.m. “Coffee & Couture,” a Spring Fashion Show at Nordstrom at Village of Merrick Park, 4310 Ponce de Leon Blvd. The event features breakfast and a preview of the hottest looks for spring. Admission is $20 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. Advanced payment is required by April 25. For more information, contact 305-446-1657 or visit www.coralgableschamber.org.
April 29: The Miami Classical Guitar Society presents the International Guitar Masters and Laureates Series, with Roberto Aussel from Argentina/France performing at 8 p.m. at St. Philips Episcopal Church, 1142 Coral Way. For more information, call 305-412-2494 or send an e-mail message to mcgs_guitar@hotmail.com.
Through April 29: Theatre for Young Audience at the Actors’ Playhouse presents The Klemperers’ New Clothes, an award-winning musical “homespun tale” loosely based on the original children’s story, The Emperor’s New Clothes, by Hans Christian Anderson. The Actors’ Playhouse is located at 280 Miracle Mile. Times and ticket prices vary. For more information, call 305-444-9293 or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org on the Web.
April 30: Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children presents Florida’s Singing Sons Boychoir, South Florida’s most recognized youth vocal organization, in “Something to Sing About.” Tickets are $12 adults and $10 children. For more information, visit www.sundaymusicals.org on the Web or call 305-271-7150.
April 30: The Chopin Foundation of the United States presents a solo recital by 18-year-old pianist Jacek Kortus, named Youngest Finalist of the 2005 International Chopin Piano Competition held last autumn in Warsaw, Poland. The recital is free and takes place at 3 p.m. at the Granada Presbyterian Church, 950 University Drive. For more information, call 305-868-0624 or visit www.chopin.org on the Web.BACK TO TOP
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