Wednesday, July 25, 2007
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CONTENTS:Commissioner Withers Appointed To State Board
Coral Gables Is Best-Managed City According To SunPost
Metal Roof Permit “Application Window” Open Until October
Fire Department Re-Awarded Class One ISO Rating
Fire and Police To Hold A Joint Training Exercise This Saturday
Top Performers, Business People Also Picked as Best of 2007
Discussion Tomorrow On University Metrorail Station Overpass
Residents Can Water Lawn Two Days A Week
Historical Resources Department Moves To City Hall
Call DERM For Environmental Complaints
Traffic
Events Roundup
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Commissioner Withers Appointed To State Board >>> Coral Gables Commissioner Wayne “Chip” Withers received official confirmation from Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt that he has been appointed to the State’s Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Advisory Council, which operates under the auspices of the Department of Health. The three-year Advisory Council term is effective from July 1, 2007 until July 1, 2010. Florida’s Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Advisory Council was created during the recently concluded 2007 Legislative Session. The 23 member council is comprised of members appointed by the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Council provides input and advice to the Department of Health on public communication and education initiatives regarding smoking and tobacco use.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Coral Gables Is Best-Managed City According To SunPost >>> The July 3rd edition of The SunPost brought good news for City leaders. This special issue highlights the treasures of Miami and the beaches and Coral Gables was selected as the Best-Managed City. Editors of the publication wrote that “Coral Gables resident love their government. That point was made obvious when all three incumbents were re-elected to office…” Other Coral Gables best that made the list include:
> Best Shopping Oasis: Village of Merrick Park, 358 San Lorenzo Avenue
> Best Gables Jewelry Store: Carroll’s Jewelers, 365 Miracle Mile
> Best Romantic Restaurant in Coral Gables: Two Sisters Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency, 50 Alhambra Plaza
> Best Restaurant of the Year & Best Caribbean Food: Ortanique, 278 Miracle Mile
> Best French Restaurant: Pascal’s on Ponce, 2611 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best French Bistro in Coral Gables: Le Boudoir, 169 Miracle Mile
> Best Fusion Restaurant: La Cofradia, 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Power Lunch: Tarpon Bend, 65 Miracle Mile
> Best Wheat Pizza: Miami’s Best Pizza, 1514 South Dixie Highway
> Best Eat-Till-You-Explode-Sushi: Taisho, 2522 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Salad: Christy’s Restaurant, 3101 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Fajitas & Guacamole: Taco Rico Tex-Mex Café, 473 S. Dixie Highway
> Best Hotel Bar: The Biltmore Hotel’s Poolside Bar, 1200 Anastasia Avenue
> Best Musical: “I Love You Because,” Actor’s Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile
> Best Insurance Adjusters: East Coast Public Adjusters, 224 Palermo Avenue
> Best Concierge Real Estate Service: Platinum Properties International, 357 Almeria Avenue
> Best Ladies Night: Alcazaba Lounge, 50 Alhambra Plaza
> Best Department Store Invation: Nordstrom, Village of Merrick Park
> Best Place for Guayaberas: Guayaberas, Etc., 270 Miracle Mile
> Best Custom Wedding Dresses: Rene Ruiz, 2700 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Luxury Autos: The Collection, 200 Bird Road
> Best Anti-Aging Spa: Essence Medical Spa, 760 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Dog Food and Accessories: Dog Bar, 259 Miracle Mile
> Best Piano Selection: Piano & Art Galeria, 1560 S. Dixie Highway
> Best Silk Flower Retailer: Emilio Robba, 358 San Lorenzo Avenue
> Best Place for Quick Cash: Gables Pawn & Jewelry, 1734 S.W. 57th Avenue
> Best International Beauty Brands: GBS Beauty Supply, 380 Miracle Mile
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Metal Roof Permit “Application Window” Open Until October >>> The City Commission gave the final OK last week to the processing of standing seam metal roof permit applications for single family residences located in South Gables, east and/or south of South Dixie Highway/U.S. 1, subject to criteria. The Ordinance allows the submission of metal roof permit applications for a 90 day time period from July 17, 2007 to October 17, 2007. City staff will then return to the Commission within 180 days of the Ordinance’s adoption with a progress report on metal roofs, at which time the Commission may provide further direction. Applications are filed with the Building and Zoning Department at City Hall on the third floor. For more information on metal roofs, click here.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Fire Department Re-Awarded Class One ISO Rating >>> Good news for property owners: the Fire Department has maintained its Class One Rating from the Insurance Services Offices (ISO), which translates in reduced insurance premiums for residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Coral Gables. According to ISO, the Coral Gables Fire Department demonstrated that it is keeping with the community’s demand, deserving a Class One Rating for offering exemplary fire protection. The ISO analysis evaluates three major features: fire alarm communications, water supply and the department itself. In addition to the ISO Class One Rating, the City of Coral Gables was also recently re-accredited by the Center of Public Safety Excellence and is only one of eight fire-rescue departments in the country to have achieved both of these highest recognitions.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Fire and Police To Hold A Joint Training Exercise This Saturday >>> If you hear a lot of commotion coming from the University of Miami this Saturday, it’s not a real life drama episode, it is only a test. The Coral Gables Fire and Police Departments in conjunction with the University of Miami will hold a critical incident response exercise at UM Campus on Saturday, July 28, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. A dozen local law enforcement agencies, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the FBI, and all local Fire Rescue agencies from Miami-Dade County, as well as area hospitals will participate. Fire rescue personnel, along with helicopters and SWAT teams will conduct a series of mock exercises to evaluate a coordinated response in mass casualty situations such as the recent shootings on the campus of Virginia Tech University. Florida universities and colleges have been invited to attend and observe the exercise. The activities will take place between Stanford Drive and Granada Boulevard, and Ponce de Leon Boulevard to Campo Sano Avenue. Students entering this area will be asked to present UM-issued identification. For more information, contact the Police Department at 305-460-5401.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Top Performers, Business People Also Picked as Best of 2007 >>> Congratulations to the following people from Coral Gables who were also among the selected Best of 2007 of The SunPost:
> Best Comic Performance, Male: Matthew Glass, “Romance,” GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Avenue
> Best Show Stopper: Gary Marachek singing “I am what I am,” La Cage Aux Folles, Actor’s Playhouse
> Best Dramatic Performance, Female: Lisa Morgan, “Golda’s Balcony,” GableStage
> Best Dramatic Performance, Male: David Perez-Ribada, “The Pillowman,” GableStage
> Best Costume Design: Ellis Tillman, “White Christmas,” Actor’s Playhouse
> Best Theater Scenic Design: Jeff Quinn, “White Christmas,” Actor’s Playhouse
> Best Philantropic Realtor: Nancy W. Batchelor, Esslinger Wooten and Maxwell, 1360 S. Dixie Highway
> Best Marketer and Branding Agent: Piper Rothan, P.A., Keyes Company, 2423 Le Jeune Road
> Best Fear-Free Dentist: Rene Piedra, 4649 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Psychic: Doreen Adams, 3160 Le Jeune Road
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Discussion Tomorrow On University Metrorail Station Overpass >>> Miami-Dade Transit will hold a public meeting tomorrow, July 26, from 4-7 p.m. to discuss its plan to construct a pedestrian overpass over U.S.1 at the University Metrorail Station. The pedestrian overpass was designed as a safe and efficient means of providing pedestrian access across U.S. 1 to the Metrorail facility. The meeting will take place at the Holiday Inn University of Miami, Alhambra Meeting Room, 1350 S. Dixie Highway in Coral Gables, beginning with an open house at 4 p.m. and a presentation at 6 p.m. For more information, call 305-375-5453.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Residents Can Water Lawn Two Days A Week >>> Thanks to the recent rains in Miami-Dade County, the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board has modified the water restrictions affecting the City of Coral Gables. Residents and businesses can now irrigate the landscape two days per week, four hours per day, as follows: Addresses ending in odd numbers can irrigate on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.; addresses ending in even numbers can do so on Thursdays and Sundays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. All other outdoor water uses, such as low-volume pressure cleaning, hand-watering, and car and boat washing are no longer restricted. For more information, call the WASD Waterline at 305-448-SAVE (7283) or click here.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Historical Resources Department Moves To City Hall >>> The Historical Resources Department, responsible for the historic home designation process and the Coral Gables Merrick House, has moved to the second floor of City Hall. The staff is occupying the former offices of the Planning Department which has now relocated to the 427 Biltmore Way. For any inquiries to the Historical Resources Department please call 305-460-5093; the Planning Department can be reached at 305-460-5211.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Call DERM For Environmental Complaints >>> The Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) responds to environmental complaints and emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The following situations should be reported to DERM immediately: Liquid waste discharges or spills into storm drains, street drains, parking lot drains, waterways or onto the open ground; Tanker trucks dumping waste into manholes, drainage structures, waterways, or on the ground; Any spill or discharge to the environment of suspected (hazardous) waste; Chemical spills or dumping incidents; any dumping of chemical drums or containers or abandoned drums; Discharge or spills of gasoline, oil or waste hydrocarbons; fuel fumes in drainage structures or manholes; Discharge or spills of pesticides; any dumping of pesticide containers; Sewage overflows from any source; Smoke or dust emissions from any facility; Any severe odor or vapor that affects the eyes and/or breathing, or results in skin irritation; Turbid (cloudy) water in any waterway, canal, or Biscayne Bay; Removal, cutting or bulldozing of trees, including mangroves in coast (particularly during the evenings or on weekends); Fish kills (numbering more than 50 fish in one general location); Any dredging or filling in or along Biscayne Bay. Call the DERM Complaint Desk at 305-372-6955. Environmental Crimes may be reported to the Miami-Dade County Police Department Environmental Crimes Unit at 305-477-1616.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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.
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 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.
July 25: Get ready for another exciting bout as Chef Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile and Chef Adam Votaw of Chispa square off in the next Battle of the Chefs Summer Series. The cooking challenge starts at 7 p.m. at La Cuisine Gourmet located at 50 Aragon Avenue. A $15 donation is encouraged. Call 305-442-9006 for more information.
July 25: The Biltmore Hotel is holding another delectable Cellar Club culinary event on Wednesday. Chef Philippe Ruiz will create unique dishes that celebrate the sunny cuisine of southern Italy, France, Greece and Spain. Regional wines will be selected by Sommelier Sebastien Verrier for every dish. This Mediterranean Wine Themed Dinner will take place at the Palme d’Or Restaurant, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, at 7 p.m. Cellar Club and Premier members pay $89, non-members pay $109. For more information or to make reservations, call 305-913-3203.
July 26: The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce announces a special evening of Italian Food and Wine Tasting at Mia Cucina, 105 Miracle Mile. The event, sponsored by Mia Cucina and the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast, will start at 6 p.m. and offer individuals a great opportunity to network with the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce. Included in the activities that evening, is a cooking show. The cost of admission is $30. Make your reservations online by clicking here.
July 26: The Lowe Art Museum presents another edition of Taiwanese Film Nights sponsored by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami. On Thursday at 7 p.m., see the film “Yi Yi,” by Edward Yang. Refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. with the screening taking place at the Storer Auditorium, 5250 University Drive, at the UM School of Business. This event is free. For more information, call 305-284-3535.
July 26 – 29: Fresco Productions and the University of Miami, Department of Theatre Arts presents the new musical Reconstructing Mama. This comedic play shows the dynamics of a dysfunctional family. The musical is based on a book written by Stephen Svoboda, a professor in the Theatre Arts Department of the University of Miami. The play is a living tribute to his childhood. Catch the opening performance on Thursday at 8 p.m. for a cost of $30 which includes a meet and greet with the cast, Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission on the these days except for Thursday is by donation. Reconstructing Mama will play at the Hecht Studio Theater located on the second floor of the Department of Theatre Arts, 1231 Dickinson Drive. For more information, call 305-342-9616.
July 27: New Acropolis Cultural Association is hosting a lecture on the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Learn more about this ancient art at the New Acropolis, 320 Miracle Mile, at 7:30 p.m. Admission for adults is $7 and $5 for students with proper identification. Call 305-461-5758 for more information, or click here.
July 28 & 29: It has been said that
butterfly watching is one of the fastest growing recreational activities
in the country. See what all the buzz is about and attend
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Butterfly Days. The
weekend event focuses on identifying different butterflies, learning about
conservation and of course, butterfly watching. A special brunch will take
place at the Veranda Restaurant located at the Visitor Center from 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m., however, a slew of events and activities for young and old will
continue until 3:30 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and
$10 for children ages 6 to 17. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler
Road. For more information, call 305-667-1651 and to make reservations for
the brunch, call 305-256-8399.
July 29:
The Lowe Art Museum continues its celebration of Chinese culture with an
Origami Puppet Show to be held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3
p.m. This event is part of the Sunday afternoon storytelling program and
will include a hands-on origami art activity for children ages 4 through
12 and families. Admission for the puppet show is $3 for children ages 4
and older and free for parents. The Lowe Art Museum is located at 1301
Stanford Drive. For more information, call 305-284-3535 or click here.
August 2: Renowned pianist, conductor and teacher Leon Fleisher is holding his first Florida recital in decades as part of the Coral Gables Congregational Church Summer Concert Series. Fleisher was forced into retirement suffering from focal dystonia, a neurological affliction that affected his right hand. After undergoing treatment, Fleisher is back with music from Bach, Stravinsky, Leon Kirchner and Dina Koston. The concert will be held at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-448-7421, extension 33.
August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Every Thursday night enjoy live music poolside at the Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. This month, the high energy rock group Outereach will take the stage. Live performances start at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. For more information, call 305-445-1926.
Through August 5: See William Shakespeare’s
famous play Julius Caesar at New Theatre. The dramatic
political play is set in Rome in 44 B.C. and explores power, honor and
fate. The production will be featured Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at
8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. All performances cost $40. New Theatre is
located at 4120 Laguna Street. For more information or to purchase
tickets, call the box office at 305-443-5909 or click here.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
For e-News en español, click here.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - -