Wednesday, July 13, 2005
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CONTENTS:City Workers are Cleaning Up Debris After Hurricane Dennis
Gables Among America's "Sexiest Suburbs"
Public Works Moves to SW 72nd Avenue
Mosquito Control Update
City Takes Steps to Alleviate Future Flooding
Police Department Builds New SWAT Vehicle
Police Department Offers Self-Defense Classes
5-1-1 System Helps Drivers Avoid Traffic Jams
Visit Downtown Gables for "A Summer Well Spent"
Arriving in Three Days: Harry Potter!
Traffic Watch
Cultural Events Roundup
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City Workers are Cleaning Up Debris After Hurricane Dennis >>> Strong winds from Hurricane Dennis knocked down close to 19 large trees in Coral Gables, in areas such as Maynada Street and Hardee Road, 1300 Block of Blue Road, 6600 Granada Boulevard, 400 Block of Miller Drive, and 8600 Old Cutler Road. Public Service crews have cleared all debris that were blocking roadways, and have ground crews working in the north, central and south portions of the City, with bucket trucks and backhoes, until all the litter is cleared. Because of the increased volume of debris, the City asks that you don't overload the cleaning task force by placing extra trash on the swales. The City will have regular trash and recycling pickup this week. Remember, that if you place out for collection more than one cubic yard of combined household refuse and yard waste, the City may charge for the excess amount. To report tree issues related to the storm winds, please contact the Public Service Department at 305-460-5135.
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Gables Among America's "Sexiest Suburbs" >>> Those who are familiar with the tree-lined streets, stately Mediterranean-style homes, fabulous plazas and fountains, and trendy downtown gathering spots in Coral Gables already know it. Soon, millions of viewers across the nation will, too: Coral Gables is one of America's "Sexiest Suburbs." Bestselling author and real estate magnate Barbara Corcoran will feature Coral Gables when she presents "America's Sexiest Suburbs" July 20 on the hit ABC talk show, "The View." Tune in at 11 a.m. that day and hear Ms. Corcoran discuss America's top suburbs with the show's star-studded panel: Barbara Walters, Joy Behar, Meredith Vieira, Star Jones and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Don't miss it!
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Public Works Moves to SW 72nd Avenue >>> The Coral Gables Public Works Department has moved to its new offices at 2800 SW 72nd Avenue, in Miami, and all Public Works business is now being conducted out of the new location. The offices at the former location of 285 Aragon Ave. are now closed to the public. For more information, call 305-460-5000 or send an e-mail message to publicworks@coralgables.com.
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Mosquito Control Update >>> Not that they ever need an excuse to bite people, but mosquitoes have taken advantage of the recent rains to come out in full force. That's because they must have water to develop, and lay their eggs on water or moist soil that may flood. Upon hatching, they go through several stages of development and emerge as adult mosquitoes in about one week. What's more, Miami-Dade County is home to about 45 species of mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are becoming a nuisance in your neighborhood, please report it directly to the Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control Department at 305-592-1186. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. They will send out inspectors and mosquito control spray trucks to treat the area with insecticides.
Want to stay clear of their stingers? Here are some tips from the Miami-Dade
County Mosquito Control Department:
>
Empty standing water in old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container that
can hold water.
>
Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels and potted
plant trays at least once a week, if not more often.
> Use mosquito repellents when necessary and
follow label directions and precautions closely.
> DEET is the most effective mosquito repellent.
The 20-30% concentration works well for most people. Use according to label
directions, and do not apply to infants. Citronella and Avon's Skin-So-Soft can
be used, but are not as effective as DEET.
> One can avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors
during peak mosquito biting times (usually dusk and dawn). If going outside,
wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, and avoid shaded grassy or wooded areas.
Light colored clothing attracts fewer mosquitoes than other colors.
> Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if
you venture into areas with high mosquito populations.
> Most of the bug zappers or other control
devices for sale are not effective in controlling mosquitoes.
> If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning
in effect, stay inside in the evenings, when mosquitoes are most active.
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City Takes Steps to Alleviate Future
Flooding
>>>
From June 17 through June 20, South Florida experienced torrential rains that
caused flooding in some areas. The City experienced some minor flooding on
Granada Boulevard by the Granada Golf Course, caused in large part by a number
of nearby buildings pumping water from basements into the public right-of-way.
A similar scenario emerged on Biltmore Way and Hernando Street, where some
buildings along Biltmore Way were pumping storm water from garages out into the
street. At the same time, private discharge of water plus the torrential rains
temporarily overloaded the drainage system. Flooding in other areas was caused
by catch basins that were clogged with debris, and City workers were dispatched
to clear those areas. City workers will attend to high-priority areas first, so
people who can clear minor drain blockages on their own are encouraged to do
so. Building managers are on notice that it is illegal to dump storm water onto
the public right-of-way. With hurricane season approaching, Code Enforcement
Officers will be patrolling commercial areas to make sure everyone complies.
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Police Department Builds New SWAT
Vehicle
>>>
Based on a design of their very own, the Coral Gables Police Department
recently transformed a 2005 Freightliner 18-foot box truck into the
Department's newest emergency response and negotiation vehicle. Lt. Edward
Hudak and Officers Alex Costello and William Barrow of the Crisis Management
Unit were the brains behind the project; PRIDE Enterprises, which uses prison
workers, provided the manpower. The result: a fully-equipped mobile
communications center that has its own power source and houses the high-tech
tools and specialized electronics needed by police experts handling crisis
situations. Because the vehicle is completely self-contained, police estimate
that response times to crisis incidents will drop by 30 to 40 minutes. No
taxpayer money was used to build the vehicle; total funding for the project
came from forfeited assets. For more information, call Lt. Hudak at
305-442-1600.
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Police Department
Offers Self-Defense Classes
>>>
The Coral Gables Police Department will be offering self-defense classes for
women and children in July and August. The R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense)
classes for women are taught by certified police instructors and provide basic
education on awareness, risk reduction and avoidance, and physical defense
tactics. The class culminates with a simulation exercise in a controlled
environment, with instructors and students wearing protective gear. Cost is $65
per person. Classes will be held at the Coral Gables Police Department, 2801
Salzedo St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 18, 20, 25 and 27, and from 9 a.m.
to 2 p.m. on July 30. R.A.D. Kids teaches children ages 8 to 12 similar skills.
Cost is $50 per child, with discounts for families with more than one child
attending. Both classes are limited to 20 participants, so call early to
register. For more information, call Sgt. Mike Frevola at 305-460-5401 or
contact him by e-mail at mfrevola@coralgables.com.
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5-1-1 System Helps Drivers Avoid
Traffic Jams
>>>
If you've ever thought, "Boy, it would have been great to know about that
accident before I took this route," Sunguide 511 South Florida is for you. The
Sunguide 511 system, now second only to San Francisco in call volume, combines
incident reports from various sources and provides up-to-the-minute route-based
traffic information by phone or on the Web. The system recently logged its five
millionth caller, and customer surveys show it has one of the highest customer
satisfaction ratings in the country. A new, voice-activated system is in the
works. During the 2004 hurricane season, 511 provided valuable information to
drivers who were evacuating their communities. With the 2005 hurricane season
already upon us, it will no doubt play a crucial role once again. Why not give
it a try? Just dial 5-1-1 on your cellphone or visit
www.511southflorida.com before getting on the road.
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Visit Downtown Gables for "A Summer
Well Spent."
>>>
What do you call a 20% off sale or a Gift with Purchase in downtown Coral
Gables? "A Summer Well Spent." Come to Miracle Mile and the downtown area
throughout the month of July and find incredible savings, an abundance of great
merchandise, free gifts with purchases and exciting offers at participating
stores and restaurants. Pick up a "Summer Well Spent" card, which includes a
coupon, at participating stores to receive great discounts and gifts. For a
chance at winning a big prize, visit the Coral Gables Business Improvement
District website and fill out an entry form for a chance to win a $1,000
Downtown Coral Gables shopping spree. For more information, call 305-569-0311
or visit www.shopcoralgables.com on
the Web.
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Arriving in Three Days: Harry
Potter!
>>>
On July 16th, Harry Potter fans everywhere will be lining up to get their hands
on a hot-off-the-presses copy of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- the next book in the popular series. Children at the Youth Center will begin
to celebrate on Friday, July 15th dressing up as their favorite book character.
You too can participate at a Harry Potter bash, complete with wizard costumes
and magical activities for children and adults. Come to downtown Coral Gables
on Friday, July 15th, and you'll have two parties to choose from: both Books
& Books at 265 Aragon Ave., and Barnes & Noble at 152 Miracle Mile, are
holding Harry Potter countdown festivities. At Books & Books, the fun
starts at 9 p.m. with music, games and magic until 12 a.m., when the new book
is officially unveiled. Pre-order a copy of the book and your name will be
entered into a drawing for a free weekend for four at the historic Merrick
Suite at the Biltmore Hotel. Festivities at Barnes & Noble also start at 9
p.m., with movies, dress-up for aspiring wizards, and other magical activities
for fans. Call Books & Books at 305-442-4408 or visit them at
www.booksandbooks.com on the Web. Call Barnes & Noble at
305-446-4152 or visit them at www.barnesandnoble.com
on the Web.
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Traffic Watch
>>>
Construction on the Ponce de Leon Median Improvement Project continues, so stay
tuned for regular updates on possible traffic disruptions in every edition of
e-News. The following measures are being implemented along Ponce due to
construction:
> Sidewalk construction on the intersections
along the east side of Ponce has begun, starting at Alcazar Avenue and heading
south.
> During this time, the four traffic lanes on
Ponce will be shifted to the west, temporarily blocking parking on that side of
the street.
> Left turns are allowed only at the Miracle
Mile and Alhambra intersections of Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
> Left turns at the remaining intersections
continue to be restricted, and police continue to enforce the "No Left Turn"
signs.
> The Trolley stops along Ponce at Valencia
Avenue, Miracle Mile, Alhambra Avenue and Minorca Avenue have been temporarily
suspended.
> The valet service adjacent to Houston's, at
the corner of Ponce and Miracle Mile, has been moved to Miracle Mile.
>
Alleys perpendicular to Ponce and within the boundaries of the construction will be monitored
to make sure vehicles aren't blocking the alleyways.
Here are other projects that may impact traffic:
> Construction begins on the 400 block of
Palermo Avenue to alleviate flooding. This will last for about a month.
> A sewer line is being installed on Ponce de
Leon Avenue between Merrick Circle and Riviera Drive for a new development at
Riviera Drive and Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Most of the work is being done at
night, but there will be partial lane closures during the day.
> Paving and drainage work is underway at
Mendavia Avenue.
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Cultural Events Roundup
>>> The following is a list of
upcoming events put on by recipients of the Coral Gables Cultural Grant. Event
schedules are subject to change, so please call the organizations directly in
advance of a show.
> June 2-Aug. 25:
Coral Gables Congregational Church Community Arts Program, 2005 Summer Concert Series - seven
concerts on Thursday evenings, 8 p.m. at the Church, 3010 De Soto Blvd. For
information, call 305-448-7421 or visit
www.coralgablescongregational.org on the Web.
> June 9-Aug. 28: The Shakespeare Project,
featuring Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, and Macbeth,
at the New Theatre, 4120 Laguna St. Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 1
p.m. Ticket prices vary. For information, call 305-443-5909 or visit
www.new-theatre.org on the Web.
> June 25-July 30:
Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, musical, Actors'
Playhouse Theatre for Young Audiences, 280 Miracle Mile. Every Saturday at 2
p.m. Tickets $10 for children; $12 for adults. For information, call
305-444-9293 or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org
on the Web.
> July 6-Sept. 4:
The Big Bang, musical, at Actors' Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile.
Schedule and ticket prices vary. For information, call 305-444-9293 or visit
www.actorsplayhouse.org on the Web.
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