Wednesday, June 14, 2006
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CONTENTS:Pay By Cellphone Parking Program Continues With New Vendor
Best Of City Life In Coral Gables
Pay By Cellphone Program Is Nationally Recognized
Coral Gables Helps Sister City Of Cartagena, Colombia
City Presents Hurricane Preparedness Workshop June 22
Coral Gables Businesses Get Help For Hurricane Preparation
Pets Also Need Attention During Hurricane Season
Share Your Best Father's Day Story
Going Once, Twice, Sold!
Spend Your Fourth Of July Around The Biltmore Hotel
Prevent Your Car From Being Stolen
Learn About Boating Safety
Traffic Watch
Cultural Roundup
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Pay By Cellphone Parking Program Continues With New Vendor >>> The City of Coral Gables has entered into an agreement with Clancy Systems International, Inc. to substitute the previous electronic payment provider after their service came to an end at the end of May. The switchover is expected to be completed no later than July 15. All users of former PayMint system were informed of the suspension of service via electronic mail and any outstanding customer service concerns will be addressed by the company. The service with Canada-based PayMint was terminated after the company could not resolve telecommunications issues that were causing overcharges to subscribers. Clancy Systems is a 20 year-old company headquartered in Denver, Colorado and San Juan, Puerto Rico which provides parking fee payment systems in San Francisco and Richmond and other parking services to approximately 175 municipalities, colleges, airports and transit authorities. Customers must register at www.park-by-phone.com to switchover to Clancy Systems. Further information will be provided in upcoming e-News regarding new member sign-up and user fees. The switchover to the new electronic payment provider will be at no cost to the City. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Parking Department at 305-460-5540.
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Best Of City Life In Coral Gables >>> In addition to the announcements made in the last e-News for the best of choices for culture and entertainment, a number of other shops and restaurants were selected as Best of City Life 2006 of the Miami New Times. The following Coral Gables own were among this year's top picks:
> Best Restaurant in Coral Gables: Norman's, 21 Almeria Avenue
> Best French Restaurant: Palme D'Or, The Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue
> Best Under-The-Radar Restaurant: Vida! Bistro & Wine, 1915 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Restaurant for Intimate Conversation: Pascal's on Ponce, 2611 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Juice Bar: Gables Juice Bar, 230 Almeria Avenue
> Best Coffeehouse: Café Demetrio, 300 Alhambra Circle
> Best Dish Available Just Once A Month: Lasagna at Bugatti, 2504 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Pizza Joint: Spris Pizzeria, 2305 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Steak House: Ola Steak, 320 San Lorenzo Avenue
> Best Service In A Restaurant: La Cofradia, 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Ste 110
> Best Bakery: Le Bodouir, 169 Miracle Mile
> Best Healthy Fast Food: Giardino Gourmet Salads, 30 Giralda Avenue
> Best Paella: La Dorada, 177 Giralda Avenue
> Best Bloody Mary: Archie's Pizza, 167 Giralda Avenue
> Best German Bar: Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way
> Best Martini: Biltmore Bar, 1200 Anastasia Avenue
> Reader's Choice for Best Bookstore: Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue
For more information contact the Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.
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Pay By Cellphone Program Is Nationally Recognized >>> Despite the temporary suspension of the Pay By Cellphone Parking Program, this initiative has been recognized as one of the best programs nationwide. The City of Coral Gables has already secured a vendor that will continue this popular service next month. This month, the United States Conference of Mayors awarded the program an Honorable Mention in the City Livability Awards Program for cities smaller than 100,000 people. The City of Coral Gables was among 20 other award-winning municipalities selected as having outstanding initiatives that enhance the quality of life of all citizens. When introduced in August of last year, the Pay By Cellphone in Coral Gables was the nation's first program of its kind. It is expected that close to 4,000 subscribers who visit or work in the City of Coral Gables will continue to pay for parking through the convenient use of their cellular phones. For more information on the program, contact the City of Coral Gables Parking Department at 305-460-5540.
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Coral Gables Helps Sister City Of Cartagena, Colombia >>> Sisters are known for looking out for each other and helping in any way possible. That's exactly what the City of Coral Gables did when Sister City Cartagena, Colombia was in need. The Cartagena Institute of Fine Arts, dedicated to preserving and promoting music in various genres for cultural enhancement, was short on musical instruments. With no available funds to purchase instruments, the head of the University, Sacra Nader, sent an urgent plea to the City of Coral Gables. The City's International Affairs Coordinating Council tapped all of its resources and secured 17 musical instruments that were donated by the University of Miami's School of Music. The two flutes, five clarinets, five saxophones, four cornets and a trombone were shipped to the school to the delight of students and their professors. The City of Coral Gables is happy to have made a difference in the lives and education of students through our Sister Cities International Program. This program allows Coral Gables to enter into a business, cultural and educational relationship with other cities around the world that possess the same Mediterranean character as Coral Gables. The City of Coral Gables has similar sister cities relationships with Aix-en-Provence, France; Granada, Spain; La Antigua, Guatemala; Province of Pisa, Italy; and Quito, Ecuador. For additional information on the Sister Cities Program, contact Olga M. Garcia at 305-460-5220.
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City Presents Hurricane Preparedness Workshop June 22 >>> Don't miss this opportunity to learn what you can do to prepare for the next big storm. The City's Public Safety Committee, a group of citizen volunteers created last October to facilitate community awareness in matters of public safety, will host a free Hurricane Preparedness Workshops on Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m. at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Come learn how to prepare to survive on your own for the first 72 hours after a storm and what you can expect from your local government during this emergency time. Don't get caught unprepared to face this year's possible storms. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables. For additional information on the workshop, or to find out more information on the Public Safety Committee, contact Anna Garcia at the Coral Gables Police Department at 305-460-5637.
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Coral Gables Businesses Get Help For Hurricane Preparation >>> The City of Coral Gables has a vibrant business community that can also be severely affected during the hurricane season. To assist in their preparation, the City of Coral Gables is hosting a free Hurricane Preparedness Seminar for the Small Business Owner, on Monday, June 19, from 2-4 p.m. at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. The event is presented by Florida Atlantic University's Small Business Development Center and the American Red Cross. Seating is limited, so please R.S.V.P. by tomorrow Thursday, June 15 by contacting Jessica Wotherspoon at 305-460-5314 or jwotherspoon@coralgables.com. In addition, 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.
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Pets Also Need Attention During Hurricane Season >>> As part of yourfamily disaster plan, it is important that youdon't forget about your pets. Make sure that your pets are current on vaccinations, have a collar with identification and have a current photograph in case the pet is separated from you. Know what to do with your favorite pet in case of evacuation. Last year, Miami-Dade County opened its first ever Pet-Friendly Hurricane Evacuation Center at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition, Sunshine Pavilion, 10901 S.W. Coral Way. This year, a new pet shelter has been added in Highland Oaks Middle School, 2375 N.E. 203rd St. To participate, domestic household pet owners residing in a hurricane evacuation zone must pre-register and must stay with their pets. For additional information, call 3-1-1 or 305-468-5900.
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Share Your Best Father's Day Story >>> The stories are coming in to be shared with the rest of the world. There is nothing more powerful than the special memory one treasures about our fathers and sharing those moments with loved ones during Father's Day. The City of Coral Gables wants to make June 18th an extra special day by sharing the following endearing stories that have been submitted about our beloved fathers. Do you have a special memory of your father or a lesson that you learned from him that you treasure? Do you have a special story about your dad that is worthy of sharing with the world? Share those remarkable moments by sending your most endearing stories and photographs about your father to e-news@coralgables.com. The City's website will post these stories to share with the community. For more information contact the City of Coral Gables Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.
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Going Once, Twice, Sold! >>> Let the bidding wars begin. Starting tomorrow you can own a part of the City of Coral Gables by bidding on one of the dozens of items being auctioned. The City uses hundreds of vehicles, specialized machinery, and equipment in the day-to-day operations. When the equipment gets old, the City auctions it off online. The site will have dozens of things up for bid including heavy machinery such as loader cranes, garbage trucks, fire trucks, police cars, the popular Harley Davidson police motorcycles, a 28-foot police boat, a wave runner, and lawn maintenance equipment to name a few. The Police Department is contributing an array of jewelry from the vault of confiscated items, while the Parking Department will offer a selection of international coins collected from parking meters. One of the oddest items in this year's auction is a gold tooth. The public can view the items and bid on them starting tomorrow, June 15th and new items will be added on June 22nd, 29th and July 6th. You must complete a short and free online registration before being allowed to participate in the auction. All the proceeds from the event are deposited into the City's General Fund. For more information or to register, click here.
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Spend Your Fourth Of July Around The Biltmore Hotel >>> Golf and tennis tournaments, carnival rides and fun activities for children, live symphonic music, and spectacular fireworks: plan to have a blast at the City of Coral Gables classic Fourth of July celebration. The Firecracker Open Golf Tournament at the Biltmore Golf Course begins with 7 a.m. check-in. Then the Stars and Stripes Doubles Tennis Tournament takes place at the William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center with an 8:30 a.m. check-in. The carnival begins at 4 p.m. followed by live music from the Greater Miami Symphonic Band at 7 p.m. and the best fireworks show in town beginning at 9 p.m. The Biltmore Hotel is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue. For information on the golf tournament, call 305-460-5366 and for the tennis tournament call 305-460-5360. For information on the event, contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5620.
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Prevent Your Car From Being Stolen >>> A vehicle is stolen in the United States every 20 seconds and most auto thefts occur from 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. The Citizens Crime Watch of Coral Gables, together with the Coral Gables Police Department, has valuable information on how to keep you car from being stolen this summer. As recommended by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal. The first layer is to use common sense: An unlocked vehicle with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to any thief, regardless of which anti-theft device you use. The second layer of protection is to have a visible and audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. The third layer of protection is to have a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. The final layer of protection is having a tracking device which emits a signal to a police or monitoring station when the vehicle is reported stolen. These devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. For more information on tips to stop a car thief in his tracks, contact the Coral Gables Police Department Community Affairs Unit at 305-460-5401.
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Learn About Boating Safety >>> Do you know how fast you can navigate through City waterways or on what side you should pass other boats? Knowing the boating basics can prevent tragic accidents. The City of Coral Gables is taking proactive measures to minimize boating accidents by offering Boating Safety Classes. This Saturday June 17 and on July 15th and August 19th, 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. 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.
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Traffic Watch >>> Construction on the Ponce de Leon Median Improvement Project is currently in its final stages, with construction of the median now underway. Areas around the construction area 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 Gable 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.
> 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 side of Bird Road at the intersection of Palmarito Street from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. while workers perform drainage installations. The work is scheduled to take two more weeks. For more information on any of the above listed projects, please contact Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410.
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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.
June 1 - July 2: Take part in City Theatre's 11th season of Summer Shorts. The original short plays were divided into two, 2-hour programs: Program A which will show Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., and Program B with performances on Fridays June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 5:30 p.m. Summer Shorts is not suitable for children. All performances will be held at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre at the University of Miami at 1312 Miller Drive. Tickets are $35 and available by phone at 305-365-5400 or click here to purchase online.
June 15: On Thursday at 8 p.m. the Coral Gables Congregational Church Summer Concert Series will present Munich-born violinist Arabella Stenbacher. The 24 year-old violinist and a Joseph Joachim International Violin Competition prize winner will provide a great evening of music from some of the most famous composers in the world. The Coral Gables Congregational Church is located on 3010 De Soto Boulevard. Admission is $25. Call 305-448-7421 or click here for more information.
June 15: Is the grass greener on the other side? Will Carpenter has made a career out of painting South Florida landscapes. His Suburban Landscapes Exhibit will be on display at the Gilded Hand at 165 Aragon Avenue from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Maybe your house and front yard were the subject of Carpenter's paintings! For more information call 305-442-1445.
June 17 - July 29: Calling all children and the young at heart. The Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents No Dogs Allowed, a musical adapted from the award winning children's book. The show celebrates family life and the quirky events that happen to them during a family outing. The story was written by Sonia Manzano who is best known as "Maria of Sesame Street." Catch this whimsical performance every Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Actors' Playhouse Theatre at 280 Miracle Mile. Admission is $12. Call 305-444-9293 for more information.
June 17 - September 10: The Lowe Art Museum celebrates equality for girls in schools with the exhibit Game Face: What Does a Female Athlete Look Like? On display will be 182 photographs featuring well-known and amateur athletes. The Lowe Art Museum is located in the University of Miami Campus on 1301 Stanford Drive. For more information, exhibit hours and admission prices call 305-284-3535.BACK TO TOP
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