Wednesday, August 9, 2006
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CONTENTS:Sign Up For Pay By Cellphone Parking Program
Restoring Matheson's Natural Beauty
Get Involved With Sister Cities Program
Prepare Your Business For Hurricanes
City Offers Small Business Seminars
Spice It Up In Coral Gables
Garden Club Tackles Next Project
"On The Scene" Showcases Summer Fashion Trends
Choose Your Favorite Afterschool Activity
New Book On Coral Gables Coming Soon
Take A Boating Safety Class To Minimize Accidents
Hurry To Register For Smoky Mountain Show Trip
Traffic Watch
Cultural Roundup>
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sign Up For Pay By Cellphone Parking Program >>> As announced previously, the City of Coral Gables has entered into an agreement with a new vendor to provide the same service of paying for parking through the use of a cellular phone. The new vendor, Clancy Systems International, Inc. is a 20 year-old company headquartered in Denver, Colorado and San Juan, Puerto Rico. This company is currently installing informational decals in Coral Gables parking meters to implement the new service. Customers can now register to use this service at www.parkinghelp.com. Click on the "sign up" link and you will be guided through the application process. An annual member fee of $5.95 will be charged at the time of registration. After the user has entered and submitted the registration information, the member will be sent an e-mail with a temporary membership dashboard card and a member number. A permanent dashboard card will be sent in the mail. The member will also receive a four-digit PIN number via e-mail which is needed when parking. Customers must display the membership card on the vehicle's dashboard or from the rearview mirror. When parking, users must call 1-888-310-PARK (7275) or 888-350-PARK (7275) for Spanish. An automated attendant will ask members for their member number from their dashboard card, the meter number and the four-digit PIN number. Members are billed automatically at the end of the month for all parking activity plus a 10 percent convenience fee. Members can also log-on to www.parkinghelp.com at anytime to view monthly statements. For additional information, please contact the City of Coral Gables Parking Department at 305-460-5540.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Restoring Matheson's Natural Beauty >>> If you drive, walk or ride bike through the southern section of Coral Gables on Old Cutler Road near 136th Street, you'll notice a lot of activity. A major restoration project is well underway at the R. Hardy Matheson State Preservation Area and Chapman Field. For the past six weeks, crews with heavy machinery have been mulching non-native plants bordering Bella Vista Avenue, Red Road and S.W. 136th Street. The area will be replanted with Spartina spartinae, a native coastal wetland grass. Miami-Dade County workers have also removed fill from the Snapper Creek canal that was dumped on its north bank. As part of the restoration efforts, crews are currently excavating the shoreline, planting more mangroves and historic wetlands. This phase of the project should be completed by October 9th. Future plans include adding a wide paved bike trail and a viewing dock at the end of the canal to take in those beautiful Coral Gables sunsets. For more information on the restoration project, call the Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Department at 305-755-7800.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Get Involved With Sister Cities Program >>> What do Aix-en-Provence, La Antigua, Granada, Provence of Pisa and Quito have in common? They are all sister cities of Coral Gables. The City of Coral Gables is not only proud to have the Best Overall Sister Cities Program in the nation, but it also wants you to be more involved in the program. If you were born or have a connection with any of these countries and want to know more about the cultural, social or business events connected with these cities, please click here to fill out an on-line questionnaire that will send your information to the Coral Gables Sister Cities Program. The information provided will be used only to keep you informed of activities for the Sister City of interest . For additional information, contact Olga M. Garcia at the City of Coral Gables at 305-460-5220.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Prepare Your Business For Hurricanes >>> The Coral Gables business community can also be severely affected by natural disasters like hurricanes. Loss of power and the inability to come to work for days can affect business profits, and the employee's pocketbook. How fast you can reopen for business depends on the restoration of power, access to roads, and the condition of your commercial facility. A business plan must be in place to ensure that your company and your employees are protected from unpredictable emergencies. Talk to your employer to familiarize yourself with your company's disaster preparedness plan, what is expected of you and your employees and learn how to protect your business for at least the first 72 hours. As part of the Disaster Preparedness Plan, the City of Coral Gables works not only to protect the residential areas, but also the important business districts. Prior to the arrival of a storm, the City of Coral Gables protects areas, especially in the downtown district, from potentially dangerous construction site debris. Code Enforcement Officers are immediately dispatched to close down construction zones when a hurricane is coming. In the aftermath of a storm, the City of Coral Gables will deploy police units to patrol the business districts to ensure public safety and prevent disturbances. The Florida Division of Emergency Management has launched a tool that will help businesses, of any size, to better prepare by creating a Business Disaster Plan. This on-line plan will show you the steps to save time and money in preparing your business for a disaster and important contacts and information in your area for use. To access this important information that can save your business from disaster, click here.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
City Offers Small Business Seminars >>> The City of Coral Gables and Florida Atlantic University's Small Business Development Center present a series of informative seminars to assist small business owners. The free two-hour seminars take place at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, beginning 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, August 17 the topic is "Financing your Small Business." Come and learn how to get money to start or expand your business and all about conventional financing, government guaranteed programs, pre-qualification programs, unconventional financing and guerilla financing. On Thursday, September 21 an "Introduction to the Business Plan" offers a comprehensive business plan for starting and growing a successful small business. On Thursday, October 19 find out if "Owning a Business Is Right for You." On Thursday, November 16, the seminar is "For Women Only: How To Jumpstart Your Business" and learn new marketing initiatives, growth strategies to give your business a boost. The last seminar takes place on Thursday, December 14 on "How to Obtain SBA Loan" to learn the complete process, from beginning to end. To reserve your spot, please contact Jessica Wotherspoon at the City of Coral Gables Development Department at 305-460-5314 or jwotherspoon@coralgables.com.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Spice It Up In Coral Gables >>> The 5th Annual Miami Spice 2006 Restaurant Month is now in full swing until the end of August. The event, where dozens of restaurants across South Florida offer cuisine at a special price, is a great opportunity to savor incredible three-course meals prepared by some of the top chefs in the industry. Fifteen Coral Gables restaurants are participating in this year's event with specially planned menus that included a selected variety of appetizers, main course and desserts for almost half the regular cost. Enjoy lunch for $20.06 and dinner for $30.06, excluding tax and gratuity. The following are a list of restaurants in Coral Gables participating Restaurant Month:
> 1200 Courtyard Grill: The Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue (Dinner)
> Cacao Restaurant: 141 Giralda Avenue (Lunch & Dinner)
> Carmen the Restaurant: David William Hotel, 700 Biltmore Way (Dinner)
> Chispa Restaurant & Bar: 225 Altara Avenue (Lunch & Dinner)
> Christy's: 3101 Ponce de Leon Boulevard (Lunch & Dinner)
> La Cofradia: 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 110 (Lunch & Dinner)
> Norman's Miami: 21 Almeria Avenue (Dinner)
> OLA Steak & Tapas: Village of Merrick Park, 320 San Lorenzo Avenue (Dinner)
> Ortanique On The Mile: 278 Miracle Mile (Lunch & Dinner)
> Pascal's on Ponce: 2611 Ponce de Leon Boulevard (Lunch & Dinner)
> Red Fish Grill: 9610 Old Cutler Road (Dinner)
> Restaurant Brana: 276 Alhambra Circle (Lunch)
> Restaurant St. Michel: Hotel St. Michel, 162 Alcazar Avenue (Lunch & Dinner)
> Two Sisters: Hyatt Regency, 50 Alhambra Plaza (Lunch & Dinner)
> Venivici: 2312 Ponce de Leon Boulevard (Lunch & Dinner)
Support your favorite Coral Gables restaurant until August 31st. For more information, click here.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Garden Club Tackles Next Project >>> Just a few months after seeing the culmination of their efforts in the unveiling of the George Merrick Statue in front of City Hall, members of the Coral Gables Garden Club are tackling their next project with the same enthusiasm. Members are now focused on completing a City entrance on S.W. Eighth Street and Ponce de Leon Boulevard. The Garden Club, whose mission is to beautify the community of Coral Gables, wants to continue the work that George Merrick started. Following the wishes of the City founder, the Garden Club has overseen the completion of an entrance on Coral Way and Red Road, and a second one on Douglas Road and Miracle Mile. The third proposed entrance has pedestrian access on the east and west sides of Ponce de Leon Boulevard with a clock tower in the median. The architecture firm of Revuelta Vega Leon created the design and will oversee the construction free of charge along with Riviera Development and contractor Vinny Torri. The Garden Club is now organizing several fundraising efforts in hopes of giving the S.W. Eighth Street and Ponce de Leon Boulevard entrance into Coral Gables the attention and importance it deserves. If you would like more information on the project, please call 305-661-2416.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"On The Scene" Showcases Summer Fashion Trends >>> Summertime in Coral Gables brings an unbearable hot tropical climate - but with the new season emerges a fabulous collection of hot summer fashion trends. Watch Coral Gables Television's original programming On the Scene where personal stylist Alexander Hernandez takes viewers on a fashion rollercoaster in search of the most luxurious styles within the chic boutiques of Coral Gables. From stylish guayaberas, to cocktail dresses and fashionable shoes and eye wear, On the Scene will give you the scoop on what to wear to make the right impression. Tune in to Channel 77 if you have Comcast cable or to Channel 97 if you are an Adelphia subscribers to watch Coral Gables Television. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Choose Your Favorite Afterschool Activity >>> The school bell will ring again on Monday, August 14 for the start of the new school year and many parents are looking for afterschool activities for children. Stop by the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center to enroll your child in one of the many athletic programs such as Kix 4 Kids Soccer designed for children from 3 to 12 years of age. The program meets Monday afternoons at Phillips Park of Wednesdays at Jaycee Park. For those who prefer the arts, the Youth Center also offers a number of dance programs for children such as ballet, jazz and hip-hop for ages 3 to 14. Dance classes are offered in weekly afternoons, depending on the selected class. Now is the time to also register your child to take a ceramics, arts & crafts, or fine arts class, available in the fall for ages 3 to 14 years old. For additional information, pick a Parks and Recreation Leisure Guide or contact the War Memorial Youth Center at 305-460-5600.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
New Book On Coral Gables Coming Soon >>> Arcadia Publishing announces the publication of Coral Gables, a new soft book cover in the "Images of America" series that will include 128 pages and 187 photographs with the complete history of the City of Coral Gables. The book is written by Coral Gables resident Seth H. Bramson, founder of the Miami Memorabilia Collectors Club and owner of the largest private collections of memorabilia including Coral Gables materials from the early 1920s. A book launch will take place on Monday, September 25, 6:30 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, contact 305-757-1016.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Take A Boating Safety Class To Minimize Accidents >>> On Saturday, August 19 the Coral Gables Police Department's Marine Patrol Unit will offer a State of Florida Approved Boating Safety Course at the Cocoplum Yacht Club, 6500 Prado Boulevard. The Saturday 8 a.m. course is open to adults and children and will include training material, books, certification card and lunch. Knowing the boating basics can prevent tragic accidents. Florida State Statue requires that any person 21 years of age or younger must complete an approved Boating Safety Course and carry proof when operating a vessel with an engine greater than 10 horsepower. The cost of the course is $20. Please pre-register since class sizes are limited. For more information call the Coral Gables Police Department's Community Affairs Unit at 305-460-5401.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hurry To Register For Smoky Mountain Show Trip >>> Coral Gables seniors who like to remain active can register by September 3 to a seven-day, six nights trip to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee for only $620 per person, double occupancy. You will explore the Great Smoky Mountains on a guided tour and spend some quality time at the world-famous Dollywood, Harrah's Casino and dinner shows "The Miracle" and the "Golden Age of Las Vegas." The price includes motor coach transportation, lodging, 10 meals and a fun trip you won't want to miss. For more information, contact Helen Barnfather at 305-460-5609.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Traffic Watch >>> Construction on the Ponce de Leon Median Improvement Project is currently in its final stages. Landscaping on the median has been taking place for the last month with the addition of Date Palms completing the planting by the end of the week. Crews are working on milling existing concrete crosswalks and resurfacing while new updated traffic signal poles are installed. This part of the project is scheduled to be completed no later than August 15. Areas around the construction zone 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.
> The southbound corridor of Le Jeune Road from just north of Bird Road to just past Altara Avenue in Coral Gables will be closed. Barrier walls will be placed on the west side of the median on Le Jeune Road for a lane shift of the southbound traffic to the northbound side with one lane in each direction. Watermain installation work will be performed along Le Jeune Road between Bird Road and Altara Avenue. The north entrance of the Coral Gables High School parking lot located on Le Jeune Road will be permanently closed while the work is being completed. The southernmost entrance to the high school parking lot will be open and accessible for all local school traffic.
> Be advised that there are traffic backups in this area so plan on adding a few extra minutes to your commute time or use an alternate route. The City of Coral Gables Police Department is fully aware of the situation being caused by the construction. Traffic officers in the area have been assigned to help relieve any traffic congestion that may occur. Officers are also on the look out for drivers speeding through neighborhoods trying to get around the construction and are helping to minimize all effects possible on neighboring streets.
> The northbound corridor on Le Jeune Road will be closed from S.W. 9th Street to S.W. 14th Street. Barrier walls will be placed on the east side of the median on Le Jeune Road for a lane shift of the northbound traffic to the southbound side with one lane in each direction. Watermain installation work will be performed along Le Jeune Road between SW 9th Street and SW 14th Street. Detour signs and access for local traffic from Le Jeune Road to the east side streets will be posted at various locations. Direct access to and from Le Jeune Road will be provided for S.W. 13th Terrace and S.W. 13th Street. Local traffic on side streets of SW 9th Street through SW 15th Street, except SW 11th Street will have access to area via S.W. 41st Avenue. Access for local traffic only for S.W. 11th Street will be provided through the work zone.
> Single lane closures will occur at the south sideof Bird Road at the intersection of Palmarito Street from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. while workers perform drainage installations. Work on the project has been delayed because of the recent rain. For more information on any of the above listed projects, please contact Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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.
August 10: The Coral Gables Congregational Church Summer Concert Series presents classical guitarist Christopher Parkening, on Thursday, August 10 at 8 p.m. Parkening is celebrated as one of the world's preeminent virtuosos of the classical guitar. Don't miss a chance to hear this extraordinary artist in a solo recital of masterworks for the guitar. The Coral Gables Congregational Church is located at3010 De Soto Blvd., directly across the street from the Biltmore Hotel. Individual tickets are $25. For additional information, contact 305-448-7421, ext 33 or click here.
August 10: Seth Mnookin, contributing editor at Vanity Fair and former senior writer for Newsweek will discuss his new book "Feeding the Monster: How Money, Smarts and Nerve Took a Team to the Top" on Thursday, August 10, 8 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue. For more information, call Books & Books at 305-442-4408 or click here.
August 10-13: The Miami Jazz Film Festival presents 14 documentary films, short features and vintage cartoons on jazz to be shown at the Bill Cosford Cinema at the University of Miami. The festival begins with the Florida Premiere of "Music is my Life, Politics, My Mistress. The Story of Oscar Brown Jr." tomorrow, August 10 at 7 p.m. The festival is presented by 88.9 FM WDNA Public Radio. Tickets $5 for 88.9 FM Members and Students, and $6 for the general public. For a list of the upcoming films, click here.
August 17: Barnes & Noble presents a Reading Group for readers in Spanish at 7:30 p.m. The book to be discussed is La Eternidad del Instante by Spanish author Zoe Valdez. The event is free and open to the public. Barnes & Noble is located at 152 Miracle Mile. For additional information, contact 305-446-8627.
August 18: Food columnist Viviana Carballo, author of Havana Salsa: Stories and Recipes will share the memories of her childhood and the many memorable meals that have nourished and delighted her life this Friday, August 18, 8 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue. Also, enjoy live music in the bookstore's beautiful Mediterranean courtyard every Friday night from 7-11 p.m. For more information, call Books & Books at 305-442-4408 or click here.
Through August 26: Enjoy a uniquely delicious exhibit featuring the new works of 21 South Florida artists in "A Well Dressed Mango," an art exhibit at miArte Gallery, 85 Merrick Way. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment. For more information, click here.
Through August 27: New Theatre is hosting the South Florida Shakespeare Festival for the month of August that will include a couple of adaptations of William Shakespeare's masterpieces: The Winter's Tale and Much Ado About Nothing. Performance times and dates vary so call New Theatre for more information at 305-443-5909. The New Theatre is located at 4120 Laguna Street. Tickets are $40 per person but full-time students under the age of 25 pay $15 with proper identification.
Through September 3: Experience suspense, fear and a hearty laugh all in one play. The Mystery of Irma Vep comes to The Actors' Playhouse at Miracle Theatre. See why newly wed Lady Enid is having such a tough time adapting to life in her new home especially when a portrait of her husband's previous wife starts watching her every move. Catch the show on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $37.50 per person. To purchase tickets call the Box Office at 305-444-9293, extension 1. Dates may change in August so call that number for more information.BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For e-News en espaņol, click here.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - -