Wednesday, August 8, 2007
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CONTENTS:City Presents Budget Workshop To Commission
Gables Amenities Critical To Property Market Values Stability
Adult Activity Center Opens Up At University Baptist Church
Admission To Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Is Free on Sundays
Police Reports Available On-Line
Looking For More Gables Historic Homes
Recycle Used Motor Oil To Protect The Environment
Avoid Being Hit By Lightning
Free Storm Alert Service Available
Traffic
Events Roundup
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City Presents Budget Workshop To Commission >>> Facing the mandate of the State Legislature to reduce property taxes, the City Manager made a presentation on July 18 to the City Commission about the fiscal budget that begins October 1, 2007. The recently approved House Bill 1B reduces county, city, and special district property taxes in fiscal year 2007-2008 and limits growth in these taxes in future years to the growth in Florida’s economy. The City Commission approved to advertise a rolled-back Property Millage Rate of 5.478 which represents a 12.27 percent Property Tax Rate decrease from the current millage rate of 6.150. On an average assessed value of $552,559 property taxes would be reduced by approximately $354. City administrators are finalizing various proposals for budget reductions which will be presented at the next budget workshop scheduled for August 29. Public hearings to discuss the 2007-2008 budget are scheduled for September 11 and 25 after 5 p.m. at City Hall.
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Gables Amenities Critical To Property Market Values Stability >>> The Washington Economics Group completed a recent study about future property price changes in the City of Coral Gables. The forecasting model will help the municipality estimate future annual tax revenues, important information that is needed for the outlook of the City’s economic conditions. According to the study, the momentum of prior year sales of single-and multi-family homes, and the offering of the well-known Coral Gables amenities and services were the most significant drivers in the market value analysis, which resulted in increased prices from 8 to 12 percent. The unique market conditions of 2000-2006 caused an unusual 31 percent increase in average commercial property prices. The forecasting model predicts that real estate rates will decline in 2008 due to favorable inflation performance. Results of the model suggest that 2008 and 2009 will likely be a period of below trend growth in average prices for single- and multi-family homes, impacting the growth of property tax revenues for Coral Gables. The model also suggests that the amenities and services that the City of Coral Gables provides are critical to maintain stability and growth in property values.
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Adult Activity Center Opens Up At University Baptist Church >>> The City’s senior residents now have a place to gather for activities and events. Many of the senior activities and events that use to take place at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center have been moved to the new Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church located across from the Youth Center at 624 Anastasia Avenue. Several rooms at the Church were leased by the City to house the senior programs. Among the upcoming activities, make sure to mark your calendar on Monday, August 13th. A free Blood Pressure Screening is being sponsored by CarePlus Health Plan from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the new Adult Activity Center. Although the center is already getting much use, the Formal Grand Opening is not until Wednesday, October 3rd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information on that event will follow as the date approaches. To find out how you can volunteer at the new center, call 305-460-5609.
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Admission To Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Is Free on Sundays >>> Yes, you read it right! Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is giving visitors free access to the garden every Sunday during the month of August. If you’ve never seen the garden, now is the perfect time to walk through the lush landscape and take in the natural beauty this 83 acre tropical paradise has to offer. Fairchild Garden is named after Dr. David Fairchild, the nation’s foremost economic botanist and founder of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Plant Introduction Section. Many of the plants found at Fairchild Gardens were collected and planted by Dr. Fairchild himself, including the giant African Baobab tree near the historical Gate House Museum. The garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road.
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Police Reports Available On-Line >>> The Coral Gables Police Department has implemented a “Police to Citizen” (P2C) webpage that allows citizens to retrieve copies of police reports on-line, free of charge. Citizens can conveniently obtain needed documentation through the Internet, and also view a map of crimes in neighborhoods or obtain printouts of current crime statistics. The webpage also contains links to Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s sexual offender database and Florida State statues. To visit this page, click here.
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Looking For More Gables Historic Homes >>> Thank you for those who responded with interest in having their historic homes showcased in a new Coral Gables Television’s show. Producers of CGTV are still looking for more homeowners that will allow the filming of the home to showcase the architectural style and beauty of the property. Homeowners will also be interviewed for the program. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Maria Rosa Higgins Fallon at 305-460-5205 or via e-mail at mfallon@coralgables.com.
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Recycle Used Motor Oil To Protect The Environment >>> Waste oil dumped illegally is a serious problem because it can contaminate our drinking water supply. The county’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) works with the City of Coral Gables to protect drinking water from all sources of contamination. According to the American Petroleum Institute, 60 percent of the people dispose of it improperly. It only takes one gallon of used oil to contaminate over one million gallons of water. If you are planning on changing the motor oil of your vehicle, here are important tips to remember: Use a funnel to ensure the motor oil does not spill on the ground; Place a drain pan under the car beneath the oil filter to avoid spillage; Don’t let oil drip onto the grass or dirt because it eventually makes it into our drinking water; Use a durable, tightly closed container that is designed to hold petroleum products. This will prevent spills during transportation and storage; Don’t forget about the oil filter. It is environmentally unsafe to toss old, oil-saturated filters in the garbage. If you find used oil or other chemicals illegally dumped anywhere, call DERM’s 24 hour hotline at 305-372-6955.
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Avoid Being Hit By Lightning >>> Lightning kills more people in the United States than any of the more spectacular disasters such as tornados, floods and hurricanes. When it strikes a person, lightning can stop the heart, cause serious burns, damage the nervous system and stop breathing. Despite all of these life-threatening effects, the majority of those who receive medical attention survive. The best way to avoid being killed by lightning is to avoid being struck. Lightning bolts can reach more than 10 miles away from a storm, so if you’re not right under a storm it does not mean you are safe. Since thunder can only be heard at a distance of three to four miles, it is possible to be hit by lightning before you even know a storm is nearby. So if you're outdoors during this thunderstorm season, pay attention to the weather: It could save your life. When a thunderstorm approaches, here are some safety precautions to follow: Go inside a home or large building, if you can; Avoid using electrical appliances such as telephones, computers, or television sets; If no building is available, try to get into a car. The metal frame will conduct the lightning safely into the ground; If stuck outside, do not take shelter under a tall, isolated tree; Stay away from open water; If you are trapped in an open field and you feel your hair stand on end, lightning is about to strike. Drop to your knees and bend forward putting your hand on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground. Hopefully, these precautions will keep you alive and enjoying one of nature's most spectacular sights for a long, long time.
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Free Storm Alert Service Available >>> If you want to keep up on the weather, especially to find out if a thunderstorm is coming, there is now a service that will send messages to mobile phones, e-mail and pagers. Provided by Miami-Dade County, the free service called Miami-Dade Alerts! sends immediate notifications about approaching storms, terrorist alerts or other man-made threats to electronic devices. Users can request messages in English, Spanish or Creole, set do-not-disturb hours and limit the alerts to a specific zip code. To register for this service, click here.
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between S.W. 16 Street and South Dixie Highway: Intermittent lane closures continue to take place daily (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) at various locations between S.W. 16th Street and S. Dixie Highway/US-1 while workers complete minor roadway improvements that include concrete, signalization and paving work. Lanes on adjacent side streets will also be affected by this work. Please note that at least one lane will remain open at all times. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained and motorists will be allowed to turn left at major intersections. For more information, please 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.
August 9 – 15: The Miami Jazz Film Festival begins its series on August 9 with the Florida Premiere of an intimate and deeply moving tribute to jazz diva Anita O’Day in “The Life of a Jazz Singer,” at 7:30 p.m. All movies take place at the Bill Cosford Cinema at the University of Miami, 1252 Memorial Drive. After the opening film, all ticket-holders are invited to a free celebration featuring The Nicole Yarling Quartet at The Grape at the Village of Merrick Park, 360 San Lorenzo Avenue. All WDNA members and persons under 18 enjoy free admission. The festival runs until August 15. For tickets, call 305-662-8889. To view a schedule of films, click here.
August 11 – September 9: GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel and the author of the Broadway hit Pillowman, Martin McDonagh, introduces the entertaining play Lieutenant of Inishmore. The play is about an Irish militant seeking to avenge his dear pet cat's death. Show times are Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. with tickets costing $35, and Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at a cost of $40. For more information, call the box office at 305-445-1119.
August 11: Learn several traditional Italian techniques that are essential in Italian dining. Chef Jordan Marano of Tuscan Steak-South Beach will offer an interactive culinary demonstration and Pol Roger Champagne Luncheon at the Biltmore Hotel. Guests will not only learn some great cooking techniques but enjoy a delicious Tuscan-influenced lunch accompanied by Winston Churchill’s favorite Champagne, Pol Roger. This special luncheon will start at noon at the Alhambra Ballroom in the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, for the price of $48 for Cellar Club and Premier members and $60 for non-members. Please reserve your spot by calling 305-913-3203.
August 15: You don’t have to travel to the Pacific Northwest to experience some of that area’s fine cuisine. The 1200 Courtyard Grill at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, will be serving up delicious dishes and wine selections from that region. The Washington/Oregon Wine Themed Dinner will take place at 7 p.m. with Cellar Club and Premier members paying $59 and non-members paying $75. To make your reservations or for more information, call 305-913-3203.
August 16: Taylor Eigsti is a pianist, composer, and bandleader and he is only 22 years old! See and hear why his jazz album was one of the top five in National Radio Airplay for several weeks. Eigsti will be performing next Thursday for you at Coral Gables Congregational Church at 8 p.m. as part of the Summer Concert Series. The church is located at 3010 De Soto Boulevard. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-448-7421, extension 33.
August 16 – September 9: George Bernard Shaw brings us his version of the mighty tale of Joan of Arc. The dramatic play adapted and directed by Patrick Flick and titled Saint Joan is similar to the original story but Shaw’s version has a very different ending. Be sure to catch this production at New Theatre on 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.
August 17: A study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center showed that laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a heart attack. On the next Lunch & Listen series, seniors are invited to a humorous presentation by the Director of Assisted Living at the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged, Michael Brodie. Don’t miss this special presentation titled “Laughter, the Best Medicine” to be held at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. A free lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by the lecture. Reserve your seat by August 15 by calling 305-460-5609.
August 20: Movie Mondays are back! Enjoy a
movie in the company of friends at the new Coral Gables Adult Activity
Center at University BaptistChurch. At 1 p.m., see the 1968 classic,
The Producers. Actors Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder come up
with a musical flop yet find a way to oversell shares of it and make off
with the profits. Refreshments will be served and, best of all, Movie Days
are free. The new senior center is located at 624 Anastasia Avenue. For
more information, call 305-460-5609.
August
22: The Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University Baptist
Church is looking for volunteers for many of its programs. A meeting will
be held on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for all those interested
in volunteering at the City’s new senior center. This is
a great opportunity for seniors to become active, physically and socially,
in their community. The Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church
is located at 624 Anastasia Avenue. For more information, call
305-460-5609.
August 22: Calling all young aspiring actors
and actresses, Miami Childrens Theater is looking for performers ages 10 –
21 to work in the production company’s latest play, Snow White and
the Seven Dwarfs. Auditions will be held on Wednesday, August 22
from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center
Theater at 405 University Drive. Bring a one minute comedic monologue. For
more information, call 305-274-3595.
August
23: Hop aboard a bus at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center
bound for the Jewish Museum of Florida located in Miami Beach. Once there,
tour the exhibit “Mosaic: Jewish Life in Florida” which includes over 500
photographs and artifacts that depict Jewish life in Florida since 1763.
Then tour “The Art of Aging” exhibit which pays tribute
to elders. Featured are works of multi-generational artists from North
America, Israel and England in painting, sculpture, photography, fiber,
mixed media and video depicting the complex and diverse aspects of aging.
The bus will depart from the Youth Center, 405 University Drive at 10 a.m.
and return at 12:30 p.m. The cost of admission and transportation is $5
for residents and $6.25 for non-residents. Please register by August 16 by
calling 305-460-5609.
August 30: Don’t
miss this opportunity to see some famous Miami landmarks in a very unique
setting. Seniors are invited to take a popular Miami Duck
Tour, an amphibious vehicle which gives you an up-close look at
the some of the homes of the rich and famous by splashing into Biscayne
Bay. Residents pay $35.95 and non-residents pay $44.95. The fee includes
transportation, tickets and parking. You can enjoy lunch at a local
restaurant at your own expense. Please register by August 20th by calling
305-460-5609.
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