Wednesday, June 27, 2007
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CONTENTS:No Fourth Of July Fireworks At Biltmore This Year
Next Commission Meeting Takes Place At Biltmore Hotel
City Prepares For Budget Cuts
Tree Trimming Can Now Be Done By Qualified Contractors
Get Your Passport At Coral Gables City Hall
Is July 7, 2007 Your lucky day?
Visit Mural At Coral Gables Library Branch
Use Pesticides Safely At Home
Protecting Your Home Against The Wind
Traffic
Events Roundup
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No Fourth Of July Fireworks At Biltmore This Year >>> Due to the ongoing restoration of the Biltmore Golf Course, the City of Coral Gables regrets to inform you that “A Gables Fourth,” the fourth of July celebration of music and fireworks at the Biltmore Hotel will be suspended this year. The City of Coral Gables expects to bring back the event in 2008.
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Next Commission Meeting Takes Place At Biltmore Hotel >>> The next City Commission Meeting will not take place at Coral Gables City Hall. Instead, the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting of Tuesday July 17 will be held at the Merrick Room at the Biltmore Hotel of the Conference Center of the Americas beginning at 9 a.m. The Budget Workshop scheduled for Wednesday, July 18 beginning at 9 a.m. will also take place at the Merrick Room. The temporary change of venue is due to the ongoing work being completed at City Hall Commission Chambers which is getting an upgrade of audio visual equipment, new carpet and a new ADA accessible speaker podium.
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City Prepares For Budget Cuts >>> All City Departments have been asked to present a five and 10 percent reduction budgets for the 2007-2008 fiscal year and explain the services that will be cut in response to the property tax reform passed in the State Legislature in recent weeks. The tax package adopted mandates a rollback in local government tax rates to present levels and additional cuts of up to nine percent. It also gives voters the chance in an election next January to decide whether they want deeper cuts through an expanded homestead exemption. Public safety services and schools are not exempt from the tax cuts. The City of Coral Gables will present a budget workshop on Wednesday, July 18, at 9 a.m. at the Biltmore Hotel to discuss the budget reduction. City Commission has until September to approve the budget for the fiscal year that begins October 1, 2007.
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Tree Trimming Can Now Be Done By Qualified Contractors >>> As part of its yearly vegetation management program, the City of Coral Gables trims trees that are located on the public right of way. Now, after issuance of a permit, the City of Coral Gables will allow limited trimming of trees on the public right of way by private qualified contractors. If you’re a resident who cannot wait for the tree trimming service provided free of charge by the City of Coral Gables and would rather pay for a privately qualified contractor, the steps are simple: obtain an Application for Authorization for Permit Issuance from the Public Service Department by calling 305-460-5131 or pick one up Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2800 S.W. 72 Avenue. Permits for tree trimming will only be issued to licensed tree trimming companies which meet certain City standards. Once approved, the application needs to be forwarded to the Public Works Department also located at 72 Avenue in order to actually permit the work through that office. Only after this permit is issued, can the private contractors proceed with the tree trimming services in accordance with the limited specifications outlined in the permit application process. Work may only be performed by, or be directly supervised by, an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.All debris from the trimming of trees must be removed by the contractor. Failure to obtain a proper permit to trim trees on the public right of way or trimming trees not in accordance with the approved application may result in fines up to $500 per day.
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Get Your Passport At Coral Gables City Hall >>> If you need to get a passport, and don’t have time to wait in line, come to Coral Gables City Hall where a Passport Acceptance Facility is available on the first floor. Applicants must bring proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity and two photographs, which can also be taken there. The Office of the City Clerk is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 pm. to process passport applications which are now taking up to 12 weeks due to record breaking demand. On June 8, the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced that U.S. Citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region, who have applied for but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007. Residents can check the status of applications by clicking here. The passport application fee for children 15 years old and under is $82; fee for adults is $97. For additional information, contact the Office of the City Clerk at 305-460-5351.
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Is July 7, 2007 Your lucky day? >>> In numerology, seven is filled with mysticism and is thought of the most significant number. We have seven days a week, seven notes on a musical scale and Seven Wonders of the World. The arrival of the luckiest day of the century, which happens to fall on a Saturday, will come right after the Fourth of July. So do you know what you’ll be doing this July 7? Here are some suggestions to begin your day: visit the seven historic wonders of Coral Gables: Merrick House, Venetian Pool, City Hall, Biltmore Hotel, Water Tower, Douglas Entrance, and the Coral Gables Country Club. Have a seven course meal at one of the finest restaurants in Coral Gables and don’t forget to play the lottery. Share with us what you’ll be doing on this lucky day by sending an e-mail to e-news@coralgables.com. Although the lucky 07/07/07 will never come around again in our lifetime, you can still look forward to next year’s 08/08/08.
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Visit Mural At Coral Gables Library Branch >>> If you go to the Coral Gables Library on 3443 Segovia Street, stop by the Margaret M. Beaton Room to admire the Coral Gables Mural, one of the city’s best kept art secrets. The Coral Gables Mural is the artwork of the late artist Kay Pancoast whose mosaic of tiles depicts the very essence of the City of Coral Gables. The mural is a map of painted tiles that showcase the Biltmore and Douglas Entrances, the Chinese Village, the Merrick House, City Hall and Tahiti Beach, among other City landmarks. The mural also has impressions of trees found in Coral Gables such as Caribbean pines, large ficus trees, live oaks and royal palms often found at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Pancoast’s murals can also be found in banks and hotels of Massachusetts and Connecticut and in Orlando and Boca Raton.
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Use Pesticides Safely At Home >>> One fourth of the pollutants found in rivers and streams nationally originate from residential use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. In this summer rainy season, many homeowners will begin to use pesticides in backyards to kill or prevent the growth of insects, as well as herbicides and fertilizers to control plants. These materials, if not used correctly, can enter into the storm drain system through illegal dumping, run-off from excessive lawn irrigation, and from heavy rains. From there the pesticides can be discharged directly into our waterways. If you must use pesticides in your home, please be careful. Environmental damage can be caused by using pesticides in excess, spilling it on a surface such as sidewalks or driveways to later be washed away by rainfall. The following are important tips to remember when applying pesticides in the backyard: Wear long-sleeved shirt, long pants, boots, rubber gloves, goggles and a hat for protection; Never apply pesticides on a windy day or when rain is in the forecast; Calibrate the sprayer to apply the correct amount and concentration of pesticides; Do not water the landscape after applying the pesticide and clean up spills immediately. Do not leave pesticides where a child or pet may come in contact with the liquid. The same common sense should be applied when using herbicides and fertilizers.
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Protecting Your Home Against The Wind >>> During a hurricane, homes may be damaged or destroyed by high winds and high waves. Debris can break windows and doors, allowing high winds inside the home. In extreme storms, the force of the wind alone can cause weak areas in your home to fail. Installing storm shutters over all exposed windows and other glass surfaces is one of the easiest ways to protect your home. Cover all windows, French doors, sliding glass doors and skylights. There are many types of manufactured storm shutters available. Plywood shutters made at home, if installed properly, can offer a high level of protection from flying debris during a hurricane.
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between Southwest 16th Street and South Dixie Highway: Expect lane closures at various locations on Le Jeune Road between the hours of 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. – 5:30 a.m. Crews are in the final stages of construction which includes minor concrete work, signalization improvements and roadway resurfacing. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Side streets adjacent to Le Jeune Road may be affected by the work. For more information, contact Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410 or via email 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 may feature musicians for your entertainment. For a list of art galleries in Coral Gables, click here.
Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays: Promote relaxation after a hard days work with the gentle postures and breathing techniques of Yoga. Basic Yoga is offered at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Create harmony in your body, mind and spirit. Members pay $11 for a single class or $41 for four classes, residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes, and non-residents pay $19 per class or $69 for four classes. The Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
Mondays: The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center has created a special yoga class just for seniors. Yoga for Seniors is meant to build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination in the older generation. The class will be held on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the classroom next to the Fitness Center. Wear comfortable clothing, don’t eat two hours prior to the class and bring a towel. Registration is required at the front desk before attending the class. The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. Classes cost $11 for members or $41 for a series of four classes. Residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes. Non-residents pay $19 a class or $69 for four classes. Call 305-460-5600 for more information.
June 27: New York Times journalist Joseph B. Treaster has created a book that will help youngsters understand the power of hurricanes. First person accounts, basic hurricane science and numerous illustrations help to give children ages 10 and up a better idea of the dangers surrounding hurricanes. Treaster will be on hand at Books and Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, at 7 p.m. to answer your questions about his new book Hurricane Force: In the Path of America's Deadliest Storms. For more information contact the bookstore at 305-442-4408.
June 27: The renowned chef of the Biltmore Hotel's Palme d'Or Restaurant is creating a French Themed Wine Dinner where French wines will compliment specially prepared dishes. The one of a kind gastronomic experience will take place at the Palm d'Or Restaurant at 7 p.m., 1200 Anastasia Avenue. Cellar Club and Premier Members pay $89, while non-members pay $109. Reserve your seat by calling 305-913-3203.
July 5: The Coral Gables Congregational Church 2007 Summer Concert Series brings you vocalist/pianist Loston Harris. Harris with his Trio (piano, drums and trumpet) will offer guests a blend of traditional jazz, gospel and blues. The concert begins at 8 p.m. at Coral Gables Congregational Church located at 3010 De Soto Boulevard. Admission is $35 in advance and $40 at the door. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 305-448-7421, extension 33.
Through July 8: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden invites you to an art exhibition presented by The Tropical Botanic Artists. The 33 original art works by 17 local artists will be on display at The Gallery located on the premise, 10901 Old Cutler Road. You can view the exhibit for free with the price of admission which is $20 for adults, $15 for children 6 through 17 and free to children 5 and younger. The garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call 305-667-1651.
July 11 – September 2: The Actors' Playhouse is bringing back famed satirical songwriter Tom Lehrer with the play Tom Foolery. See Lehrer's twisted take on a number of issues through his remarks and songs. Performances are held Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday matinee at a cost of $38.50; and Friday and Saturday evenings for $46. For information on specific times, call the box office at 305-444-9293. The Actors' Playhouse is located at 280 Miracle Mile.
Through August 27: The Coral Gables Branch Library of the Miami-Dade Public Library System has a special art exhibit now on display. Pradeep Dalal’s Photomontages from his “Malabar Hill” and “Go West” series depict different time periods, textures and photographic genres into one image. The exhibit is located in the Margaret M. Beaton room at the Coral Gables Branch Library, 3443 Segovia Street, and is available for viewing during library hours. For more information, call 305-442-8706.BACK TO TOP
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