Wednesday, December 15, 2004
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CONTENTS:Coral Gables receives prestigious planning recognition
Coral Gables receives Preserve America Community Award
New stores coming soon to Miracle Mile
Plaque Dedication Ceremony at Ruth Bryan Owen Park
Coral Gables Police Department on track for staffing goals
Floridiana 2004 Award goes to Coral Gables employee
Holiday block party on Biltmore Way
The Biltmore Hotel celebrates the holidays
Junior Orange Bowl Parade comes to Coral Gables
Village of Merrick Park Hosts Holiday Events
Coral Gables Police Explorers conducts toy drive
511: the new transportation information hotline
Get connected to e-News
Garbage, recycling and trash collection schedule for the holidays
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Coral Gables receives prestigious planning recognition >>> The City of Coral Gables Planning Department received first place for Outstanding Zoning Effort for a Municipality in the category of Outstanding Urban Design Guidelines or Study by the Florida American Planning Association Gold Coast Section Annual Award. The honor was bestowed to the City for the recently adopted Mixed Use District 3 (MXD3) and the new Coral Gables Mediterranean Style Bonus Regulations which were based on the 2002 Florida Charrette. The City of Coral Gables, which drafted the provisions without the use of consultant services, is the only City within Dade County to receive this impressive award.
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Coral Gables receives Preserve America Community Award >>> The City of Coral Gables was honored when First Lady Laura Bush designated it recently among the nation's newest Preserve America communities. The Preserve America initiative is a new White House effort that encourages and supports community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of America's priceless cultural and natural heritage. Coral Gables received this honor for its commitment to preserve its local heritage.
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New stores coming soon to Miracle Mile >>> Residents, business owners and tourists alike will have yet, another reason, to shop, dine or leisurely stroll down Miracle Mile during the holiday season and the New Year. In the coming months, an array of stores, ranging from tea houses, to ice cream stores will be making Miracle Mile and the surrounding streets their home. Shoppers looking to move quickly and efficiently around the adjacent streets, can access the Coral Gables Trolley's new expanded route along the Biltmore Hotel, Monday through Friday beginning at 1:30 p.m. For additional parking alternatives, look for the new Museum Parking Garage, situated along Aragon Avenue. To view a video clip that discusses the future of downtown Coral Gables, click here.
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Plaque Dedication Ceremony at Ruth Bryan Owen Park >>> Join the City of Coral Gables as it celebrates a plaque dedication ceremony in honor of environmentalist and congresswoman, Ruth Bryan Owen. The ceremony takes place on Tuesday, December 21 at 4 p.m., at the Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Boulevard, on the northwest corner of Bird Road and Granada Boulevard. Bryan Owen, a resident of Coral Gables, was the first women elected to Congress and was Vice President of the first Board of Regents of the University of Miami from 1925 to 1928. She also worked with Marjory Stoneman Douglas to help create Everglades National Park. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 305-460-5093.
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Coral Gables Police Department on track for staffing goals >>> The City of Coral Gables Police Department is on track for its expected hiring goals for 2005. Future vacancies are expected during the coming year due to normal fluctuations and retirements. The City, however, remains optimistic that it can be fully staffed by the end of 2005 in order to meet and surpass its original goals. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Coral Gables Police Officer, contact the Employee Relations Department at 305-460-5519.
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Floridiana 2004 Award goes to Coral Gables employee >>> Police Department Victim Advocate Coordinator, Katia Castellanos, was the recipient of the Floridiana 2004 Award last week. This honor was conferred by the Cuban Woman's Club (CWC), an organization that provides guidance to women of all nationalities through workshops and presentations in the community. Castellanos was recognized for excelling in her professional field as well as her leadership in community services.
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Holiday block party on Biltmore Way >>> The City of Coral Gables will continue to celebrate the holidays by hosting a block party along Biltmore Way. Featured activities include music, inflatable climbing walls, bounce houses, arts and crafts, face painting, pictures with Santa Claus and even a 50-foot Saber Tooth Slide, which is sure to be the highlight of the season. The continued celebration takes place on Saturday, December 18, from 2 to 5 p.m. along the 400 block of Biltmore Way, in front of City Hall. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
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The Biltmore Hotel celebrates the holidays >>> Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at the historical Biltmore Hotel. From musical performances to storytelling and culinary delights, the Biltmore is decking its halls with merriment and spreading good cheer throughout December. Featured holiday activities include holiday storytelling, tours of the Biltmore, and horse and carriage rides through scenic areas of the City Beautiful. For more information, call 305-445-8066.
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Junior Orange Bowl Parade comes to Coral Gables >>> Wear your red, white and blue and join the Junior Orange Bowl Parade in its patriotic theme of Celebrating America. Bring your family and take part in the festivities on Thursday, December 30 at 7 p.m. as a diverse mix of floats, giant inflatable balloons, and marching bands from around the country help to make this event a one-of-a-kind tradition. The parade begins in front of City Hall and travels through Miracle Mile. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 305-662-1210.
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Village of Merrick Park Hosts Holiday Events >>> The Village of Merrick Park invites you to bring your families and participate in very festive holiday events. Bring a blanket and enjoy Holiday Movies Under the Stars from Thursday, December 16 through Thursday, December 23 at 6:30 p.m. Then, on Saturday, December 18 through Friday, December 24, take holiday photos by the Christmas tree with toy soldiers and a North Pole elf. Both events, which are located at the Village's Gardens, located between Ponce de Leon Boulevard and LeJeune Road are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.villageofmerrickpark.com or call 305-461-2311.
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Coral Gables Police Explorers conducts toy drive >>> The Coral Gables Police Explorers will be conducting a toy drive to benefit the New Life Family Shelter, an organization that provides various services to many needy people throughout the year. Help make the holiday season special for underprivileged children by donating new and unwrapped toys to the Coral Gables Youth Center located at 405 University Drive. Donations will be received until December 17. For more information, call 305-460-5637.
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511: the new transportation information hotline >>> Make your commute a breeze with 511, the new travel information service available in Coral Gables. By dialing 511, BellSouth land line customers and wireless customers of AT&T Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Nextel, Sprint Wireless and Voicestream are able to obtain free around-the-clock, real time traffic and road condition updates within the City. For more information, call 305-470-5349 or log on to www.smartraveler.com.
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Get connected to e-News >>> The City of Coral Gables continues to remember the courageous military who are deployed and serving in Iraq. If you know any individuals stationed in Iraq who would like to be included in future editions of the City Beautiful electronic newsletter, e-News, please send their e-mail addresses to e-news@coralgables.com.
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Garbage, recycling and trash collection schedule for the holidays >>> The City of Coral Gables hopes to provide efficient high quality waste collection services at all times. In order to effectively carry this out, the City would like to remind its residents that the garbage, recycling and trash collection schedule will not change during the holiday season. For more information, call 305-460-5346.
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