CBS4 News Magazine

Back To School:

How Much

Homework

Help To Give

Your Kids CBS News MagaziNe

COR aL gaBLes eDiTiON S E P T E M B E R 2 012

CBS4 News Magazine Now available in

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Contents Back To School: How Much Homework Help To Give Your Kids

The kids are back in school and that means homework and big projects but how much work should you do to help your kids do well in class?

07

08

Empty Nest Divorce Rate Rising

Debbie Jenkins thought she’d be married forever. But it wasn’t meant to be. The 52-year-old mother divorced her husband after two decades of marriage.

11

Pinecrest, Coral Gables & Key Biscayne or Pick up the

CBS4 Newspaper

The Magic City’s Metrorail now rolls into Miami International Airport. The new super sophisticated Metrorail station opened for business recently and some passengers couldn’t wait to board and ride.

14

Whooping Cough On The Rise In South Florida

Students in Broward and Miami-Dade public schools are required to do it. Doctors warn against skipping it. Despite those facts, fewer South Floridians are getting vaccinations for whooping cough.

18

Are Smart Electrical Meters A Smart Choice?

With the help of millions of dollar in federal funding, Smart Electric Meters are being installed in South Florida and nationwide as part of a national initiative to set up a so-called “Smart Energy Grid”. More than 3-million have already been installed on South Florida houses, condos and businesses but some customers who have the device want it removed.

22 Follow us!

All Aboard: Metrorail Now Goes To Miami Int’l Airport.

FDA Approves First Pill To Help Prevent HIV

A drug that reduces the chances of getting HIV is about to hit the market and that’s great news for South Florida which leads the nation in new HIV case rates.

24

Costa Rica: Paradise Lost

In 2007, Warren Bennet believed he found paradise. Located along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the 665 acre property is complete with waterfalls, lakes and natural streams, as well as birds and butterflies in every color imaginable.

at over 1500 locations in Dade and Broward including every Publix!

CBS4NewsMagazine.com [ 4 ] September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables

38

Calendar of Events

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Empty Nest MIAMI (CBSMiami.com)

Divorce Rate Rising

Reporting Cynthia Demos

Debbie Jenkins thought she’D be marrieD forever. but it wasn’t meant to be.

“I had my family and my children to help me through it,” she said.

The 52-year-old mother divorced her husband after two decades of marriage.

“Emotionally, physically we just couldn’t relate to each other anymore,” explained Jenkins.

“We have to accept things as they are, not as you wish them to be,” insisted fifty something Thatia Cuchera. She ended her marriage last year.

“I decided to take the risk on myself and take a chance on myself,” Cuchera said.

These women have plenty of company. Since 1990 the divorce rate has doubled to 1 in 4 for couples over age 50. And researchers found after age 40 it’s often the wife who wants the divorce.

“People are no longer willing to compromise to live an unhappy life just for the sake of a marriage,” said divorce attorney Barry Wineberger. He also explained how important longevity is to this trend. “We are all living longer. Spending four decades, five decades, six decades with the same person is becoming more difficult.”

Rachel Sussmen counsels couples and says there are other reasons. “Women in their 40’s and 50’s and 60’s feel very youthful, And if you’re in a marriage that your needs aren’t being met we have choices today.”

Researchers found this generation of women has more financial independence. And baby boomers put an emphasis on individual happiness.

Should you live 2 people unhappily or as roommates under the same roof? Why should you have to live that way?

Financial adviser Jeff Landers cautioned that splitting up later in life can be complicated.

“With timing, issues become very, very critically important, because people who are in their fifties or maybe early sixties when timing is right around the corner,” said Landers.

But for these new divorce’s, it’s time to enjoy their independence “I was there to take care of everybody’s needs and I just feel like it’s my time now.”

What really has changed is what’s inside of me and I feel so much more confident and so much more sure of myself.”

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 7 ]

Back To School:

How Much

Homework

Help To Give

Your Kids Reporting Lisa Petrillo

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) —

The kids are back in school and that means homework and big projects but how much work should you do to help your kids do well in class?

According to the experts, it’s important for you not to do your kids big projects.

“The problem is we are not letting our kids be independent and also the teachers end up not being able to tell what we did versus what our kids did,” explained Stacy DeBroff, CEO of MomCentral.com.

DeBroff said this dilemma is a hot top on her website because many parents say they don’t want to see their kids stressing out and overwhelmed.

“Often times the teachers say I want to see the struggle, I want to see the mistakes, otherwise I don’t know how to dive into the classroom and work on grammar or spelling or helping with a book report or poster.”

DeBroff said for parents, it’s all in the preplanning when it comes to projects.

First step, create a timeline that eliminates leaving everything until the last minute.

“The things that create so much anxiety are when we don’t know what our kid’s timeline is, so create one. This is an example where we are helping them, so we are saying okay what do you need; you need a box of balls? Some string?

So that we don’t have the scramble the night before,” explained DeBroff.

The next step is to have a box filled with supplies ahead of time.

“This is an example of having cool crafts out like duct tape or magic markers or highlighters so that kids can feel even if they are not artsy, there’s a way to make those projects look terrific and it’s not a lot of work and you can help them set up for that.”

Next, keep a basket handy that the kids put

their nightly homework in. You’ll know what’s due but you won’t be doing the work.

“What you realize is that kids need to stand on their own and even though it’s so tempting for us to help them, really they learn to do their best when we’re cheering them on answering questions and brainstorming next steps but not being the doers.” Stressed DeBroff.

You can get more back to school tips from DeBroff’s book called “The Mom Book Goes To School” or visit her website.

“What you realize is that kids need to stand on their own”

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 9 ]

MIAMI (CBSmiami.com)

Metrorail Now Goes To Miami Int’l Airport All Aboard:

The Magic City’s Metrorail now rolls into Miami International Airport.

“It’s only going to create more connectivity and allow for people to get to and from (the airport) easily, more conveniently and cheaply,” said Irene Ferradaz with Miami-Dade Transit.

The new super sophisticated Metrorail station opened for business and some passengers couldn’t wait to board and ride.

“I think it’s great you know especially when you come for a short period of time,” said Ariel Eskenazi who was visiting from Panama.

The train goes from Dadeland south to the airport in about 30 minutes shuttling through sixteen stops.

“Miami is going to rank up there with some the great cities because were interconnected and we finally got it done,” said

U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Community leaders hope the new airport line will be an economic engine for tourism and business industries, shuttling air passengers to downtown hotels and the financial district.

“If you have no time to rent a car or wait for a bus, it’s very convenient that you can just sit and go,” said Sergil Putsoy.

It’s projected 9000 riders will board the metrorail to and from the airport everyday.

Come 2013 there will be more transportation options; construction of a hub with Tri-rail, Amtrak and Greyhound is already underway. More than three quarters of the $506 million project was funded under the half penny sales tax.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 11 ]

MIaMI (CbsMiami.com)

Ground Broken For

New Brickell coNdo Tower Ground has been broken for the newest high-rise to dot the Miami skyline.

The BrickellHouse, located at 1300 Brickell Bay Drive, will be a 46 story luxury condo with a fully automated parking garage. Newgard Development Group said nearly 90 percent of the units have already been sold. They add that this is the first “luxury residential tower” to go vertical in the Brickell district since the 2008 real estate boom.

“Brickell is coming back and what it means is that people are already betting on Miami again,” said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado.

Once completed, the BrickellHouse will be one of the largest developments in the Brickell financial district.

“This is a sign that we are sending to every investor, Miami is a good investment,” said Regalado.

The 374 unit tower will have cutting edge designs including an automated parking garage.

“You basically come in, drop off your car, and the system will park the car by itself,” said Harvey Hernandez, president of the Newgard Development Group. “When you are ready to leave, from your phone or your iPad or from a phone call you call for your car and it will be waiting for you in two minutes.”

The $170 million project is scheduled to be completed in 2014.

“This is a sign that we are sending to every investor, Miami is a good investment”

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 13 ]

Whooping MIAMI (CBSMiami.com)

Cough On The Rise In South Florida

“More and more people are choosing not to vaccinate their children” StudentS in Broward and Miami-Dade public schools are required to do it. Doctors warn against skipping it.

Despite those facts, fewer South Floridians are getting vaccinations for whooping cough, and CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald reports cases in 2012 have skyrocketed.

For Jan. 1 – July 9: • Miami-Dade County: 26 confirmed, 10 probable (2011: 32 confirmed) • Broward County: 26 confirmed, 2 probable (2011: 1 confirmed) Source: Aaron Keller, Public Information Specialist for Fla. Dept. of Health Note that Miami-Dade’s 26 confirmed cases don’t include cases to be reported during the remainder of 2012.

“More and more people are choosing not to vaccinate their children,” said Dr. Peter Antevy, pediatric emergency physician at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood. “That leaves their families really exposed.”

Also known as pertussis, whooping cough is a contagious respiratory disease that spreads when those with the infection cough or sneeze near others. One sign of whooping cough is a cough that doesn’t subside within a few days.

For kids, teenagers, adults and the elderly, pertussis can merely be a bad cough. However, the risk of contagion is still high because it lasts for about three months. Some people try to continue their day-top-day life at school or work without realizing they’re putting others at risk.

In more extreme cases, whooping cough can lead to pneumonia, seizures, shock, even death.

Children younger than 1 are the most vulnerable, said Antevy, the hospital physician.

Though the coughing can be minimal or absent in infants, whooping cough can still cause pauses in breathing, Dr. Paula Thaqi, director of the Broward County Health Department, said by email.

The number of cases spike every two to three years, with the last major surge in Florida occurring in 2009. According to the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Epidemiology, Florida had 497 cases that year.

On the lower end of the spectrum, 2010 and 2011 had 328 and 312 cases, respectively.

From the beginning of this year to July 7, the state Department of Health has confirmed 273 cases.

Nationwide trends mirror those in South Florida. This year alone — through June 16 — there have been 13,946 cases across the United States, a twofold increase since 2011.

Medical experts say whooping cough is highly preventable with a vaccination, which includes administering DTP vaccines to children in five different doses: at 2 months old, 4 months, 6 months, between 15 and 18 months, and between 4 and 6 years.

One option is vaccinating the child with Tdap late in the mother’s pregnancy or immediately after birth, a strategy doctors call cocooning. Medical professionals also recommend having all other members of the immediate family vaccinated.

However useful they can be, vaccinations are not entirely

flawless, medical professionals explain.

“Pertussis vaccines are very effective, but no vaccine is 100 percent effective,” Thaqi said. “With pertussis circulating in the community, there is a chance that a fully vaccinated person, of any age, can become infected.”

One reason many parents refrain from vaccinating their kids: they fear detrimental side effects.

Eleven years ago, Wendy Callahan from Hawthorne in Central Florida, had her 2-year-old son vaccinated for whooping cough.

He subsequently experienced seizures eight times a day for three months, she said.

Callahan blames the increase in whooping cough cases on the vaccine itself.

“Not only are they dangerous, they do not work,” she said.

“You can’t poison yourself into health — vaccines are absolute poison.”

Though she does not have formal medical training, Callahan said she regularly reads medical journals about vaccines. She encourages parents to bypass school mandatory vaccinations for their children by requesting religious exemptions.

Of the 312 cases in Florida last year, there was no record of vaccination in 54.5 percent of them.

“I have seen deaths from pertussis in my years,” Antevy said, “and it’s very sad to see a child die from a preventable disease.”

MIAMI (CBSmiami.com) –

Midwest Drought

Hitting Wallets of South Florida

Reporting Al Sunshine

Food Shoppers As a small businessman with a family of five, the last thing Doral’s Giovanni D’Angelo wants to hear about is higher food prices.

“It’s rough, we’re a family of five and already as it is we’re paying $150$200 a week on groceries…hopefully not man!” D’Angelo said.

But according to the latest federal food forecasts, the Midwest drought will raise food prices about 5% next year.

One of the biggest crops hit? Corn.

Illinois farmer Bob Bleurer told CBS News, “they’re going to go up; they’re going to go up big time. This country lives on corn.”

And that’s expected to drive up the price of almost everything.

Beef prices are forecast to rise possibly as much as 5% next year, with cereal, dairy and eggs up about 4%.

Southwestern cattlemen are already selling off their cattle.

For the short term..beef prices could actually drop according to Scott Shellady who adds, “ Cattle will go to slaughter because they can’t afford to feed ‘em, so you’ll have meat prices actually go down in the short term, but in the long term — when there’s no cattle left — you’ll see meat prices climb.”

For now, prices around South Florida remain stable.

Florida is a big cattle and produce grower.

State Agriculture officials say local price hikes may be less here than other parts of the country.

But for shoppers like Giovanni, the news out of the Midwest means he may have to start planning right now to start cutting back spending somewhere else.

He says “I’m going to cut back in other areas. You have to eat. We’ll have to manage however we can”.

Making the possible pinch of rising food prices even worse for families all over South Florida? Gas prices are rising too as wholesale prices recently started climbing.

But salaries and take home pay remain stalled. So stretching food budgets next year may get even tighter than it is now.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 17 ]

Are Smart Electrical Meters

A Smart Choice?

Reporting Al Sunshine

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com)

with the help oF millions oF dollars in Federal FUnding, smart electric meters are being installed in soUth Florida and nationwide as part oF a national initiative to set Up a so-called “smart energy grid”. more than 3-million have already been installed on soUth Florida hoUses, condos and bUsinesses bUt some cUstomers who have the device want it removed.

“there’s absolUtely no evidence that smart meters are saFe bUt on the other hand there’s no strong evidence that smart meters are dangeroUs,” So, can smart meter’s “data calls” even be tracked and Using wireless technology, the meters allow power measured? companies to know how much electricity you’re using in real Dr. Faisel Kallem teaches electrical engineering and time. For customers, the so-called high-tech Smart Grid is computer technology at Florida International University. With aimed at tracking electricity and saving money. his help, CBS4 measured the signals coming out of local smart “Through this technology, you can go online and manage meters, including tracking the power meter’s signals through your electric usage,” explained FPL spokesperson Elaine his home’s concrete walls into his den.

Hinsdale, “But in South Florida and across the country, some Testing also found smart meters typically put out less elecconsumers are concerned about alleged health concerns over tromagnetic waves than other household appliances. the Smart Meters wireless signals. There are also concerns “We did have some readings and found out the readings are about privacy issues and wireless signals possibly being less than the FCC set regulations,” said Dr. Kallem. hacked, allowing them to be turned off without you or the The Florida Public Service Commission said it is monitoring power company knowing about it.” consumer complaints over Smart Meters statewide.

Isaiah Brock is a retired Air Force Sergeant who lives in FPL said it’s on track to complete Smart Meter installation South Miami-Dade. over the next several months for its’ Florida customers.

He says shortly after FPL installed smart meters in his neighFor now, it says it will delay Smart Meter installation or borhood, he started feeling sick and added, “It caused me to remove them if customers have any concerns. lose sleep. It caused me to have a whole bunch of headaches.

Several other electric companies around the country are I couldn’t get my work done because I was constantly feeling already charging customers to remove them and are considsleepy and tired.” ering extra monthly charges for any customers who need to He blames the wireless transmissions from the new meters. have their older meters documented by a meter reader every “I think it’s come from either the radiation or the micromonth, instead of relying on the Smart Meter wirelessly transwaves, that’s what these things put out when they have the mitting their readings. smart meters in there,” said Brock.

Dr. Kallem worries about another ‘feature’ of the wireless Brock asked FPL to remove his new smart meter and replace meters. If we can track and intercept the meter’s signals, it with an older model. Several neighbors also asked that their hackers can too. smart meters be replaced.

“In simple language if a hacker wants to intercept the FPL agreed. The power company has confirmed it has communications and modify it, modify the reading as, they can replaced about 35-hundred smart meters after customer modify it before sending it to FPL. That’s wireless and that complaints. is the nature of wireless communications,” said Dr. Kallem.

FPL insists the new meters fully meet all federal safety FPL says it uses special encryption technology to protect standards and put out less electromagnetic radiation than customers’ data and keep it out of unauthorized hands. other common household appliances.

“Smart meters are safe and we ensure our customers’ data “Studies have shown the radio frequency of smart meters is protected and secure,” said Hinsdale. are safe. Smart Meters are safe, the signal strength is minisHowever, the FBI posted a 2010 national warning about cule compared to the other radio frequency devices in our smart meter fraud by hackers in Puerto Rico. homes,” said FPL’s Hinsdale.

Still, some public health experts like the University at Albany’s Dr. David Carpenter say “in soUth Florida and across the there’s a continuing health debate over smart meters’ transmissions. coUntry, some consUmers are concerned Critics say they can affect some especially sensiaboUt alleged health concerns over the tive customers.

At least one California Community has already smart meters wireless signals.” passed an ordinance prohibiting the Power Company there from installing any more Smart Meters until there have been more safety studies.

“There’s absolutely no evidence that smart The power company there estimated its’ losses could meters are safe but on the other hand there’s no strong approach $400 million dollars a year. evidence that smart meters are dangerous,” said Dr. Carpenter.

And even now the Internet is packed with articles about “The evidence is now becoming very clear that certain people smart meter hacking and intercepting their wireless technology. are very sensitive to electromagnetic fields and they expe“There is no such thing as 100% security so that means given rience things like headaches, reduced memory functions, time anything can be hacked,” said Dr. Kallem, who added sometimes confusion, sometimes abnormal heartbeat and hackers might even be able to turn off your home’s electricity. that’s a concern.”

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 19 ]

Miami Unveils New

MIAMI (CBSmiami.com)

Car Sharing Program

Miami is the fifth location in the United States and OptiOns fOr transportation the 14th city worldwide to have the car2gosharing around the city of Miami are growing. A car program. sharing program called car2go is placing 240 Smart Cars “The success of car2go around the world to date around Miami city streets for people to use and share shows that we are in a time that demands and calls for collaboratively. new mobility solutions in urban settings, and we are thrilled “It’s easy, it’s convenient, said Liza Walton who came out in to be working with the City of Miami and the Miami Parking Miami to test drive. “The cars are everywhere.”

Authority to bring the next generation of car sharing to the It’s an eco-friendly program where drivers pay a onetime $35 people who live in, work in and visit Miami,” said Nicholas Cole, dollar membership fee. Members then receive access to cars president and CEO of car2go with a simple swipe North America. of their membership According to research the “it’s is a great way tO get arOund Brickell card over a small average renter drivers 8-10 computer placed Or if yOu’re just gOing tO the design miles within the city. The cost under the windshield district fOr the evening,” said waltOn.”yOu of a rental with car2go is 38 of the car. Next, the can have dinner and a cOuple cOcktails cents per minute. In Miami doors unlock, the the average cost of that trip and caB Back.” driver keys in their is about $12 dollars. personal pin number “We take care of all of the and off they go. The cost associated with parking, fuel, maintenance and insurance, cars can be driven anywhere. said Katie Stafford who is the spokesperson for car2go. “You’re “It’s is a great way to get around Brickell or if you’re just really just paying for the amount time that you use the car.” going to the design district for the evening,” said Walton.”You Smart Car can be returned to any legal parking spot in the can have dinner and a couple cocktails and cab back.” city if Miami. The company says the cars are easily tracked Cars are available 24 hours a days. They can be used for through their website or on individual smart phones. as long as the driver needs it, without having to commit to a For more information go to car2go.com return time or location.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 21 ]

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami.com) –

FDA Approves First Pill To

Help

Prevent

HIV

Reporting Ted Scouten

[ 22 ] September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables

A drug that reduces the chances of getting HIV is about to hit the market and that’s great news for South Florida which leads the nation in new HIV case rates.

The Food and drug adminisTraTion has approved Truvada, the first drug shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

A 3-year study showed a daily dose cut the risk of infection 42-percent, when accompanied by condoms and counseling.

It’s a milestone in the 30-year battle against the virus that causes AIDS. “I think it’s something that should have been done a while ago,” said Rob Rowe.

Gilead Sciences Inc. has marketed Truvada since 2004 as a treatment for people who are infected with the virus.

While many people are excited that the pill will reduce the risk of infection, others worry this could make things worse because people will revert to reckless, dangerous sexual behavior.

“They’re going to think that they don’t have to use protection, that’s what it’s all going to be about,” said Brian Benway.

“I’m very happy that Truvada has been released by the FDA,” said Dr. Sheetal Sharma.

Dr. Sharma works with Broward Health System and the Broward House Service agency. As an HIV specialist, he’s thrilled with the new prevention tool. But, he knows Truvada is not 100% effective in cutting the spread of HIV and does nothing to stop sexually transmitted diseases.

“The downside is that don’t drop your guard regarding safer sex practices because syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, genital warts, hep c infections could still come in,” said Dr. Sharma.

Dr. Sharma said he’s also worried that some people might think you can just pop a pill before risky sex and be okay.

“That’s a terribly wrong perception,” said Dr. Sharma, “Patients will want to do that, ‘Oh well, this is the evening before pill’, but it won’t work that way.”

Health officials are hoping insurance will cover Truvada, which costs about a thousand dollars a month, now that it has FDA approval.

“What we really need is a vaccine that would completely wipe out any chances of getting the disease and we really need to find a cure,” said John Fama.

Health experts agree that the bottom line has remained the same for the last three decades; prevention and safe sex remain the keys to stopping the spread of HIV.

“The downside is ThaT don’T drop your guard regarding saFer sex pracTices because syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, geniTal warTs, hep c inFecTions could sTill come in,”

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 23 ]

Costa Rica: MIAMI (CBSmiami.com)

Reporting Jim DeFede

Pa r a di s e Lo s t In 2007, Warren Bennet believed he found paradise. Located along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the 665 acre

property is complete with waterfalls, lakes and natural streams, as well as birds and butterflies in every color imaginable. “Anybody that wouldn’t love that place has got to be crazy,” said Bennet, who first visited the development in 2007. “After I went and viewed the property, I wanted to invest even more money.”

An oil rig worker in the Gulf of Mexico, Bennett invested more than $200,000 in the project known as Hacienda Matapalo. The president of the development company was David Matluck.

Laura Gdowik, who worked for Matluck for nearly five years as a sales representative, estimates there are at least 200 individuals who invested in Matluck’s company, Pegasus Star Limited.

Total amount she said was given to Matluck – close to $21 million.

“It crushes my heart every day,” she told CBS4’s Jim DeFede.

Since 2007, not a single home has been built nor has a single deed been issued.

“I am here today speaking with you because I would love for all the clients involved in this project to get restitution,” she said.

Bennet also said he was frustrated.

[ 24 ] September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables

“I don’t want to lose over $200,000 that I worked hard for in other countries,” he said, his exasperation evident. “Lord knows man, blood, sweat and tears to get to that point. And then lose all of it. I don’t know how else to say it man.”

Even Gdowik bought into the project, investing more than $60,000 as a down payment on a $330,000 condo that was supposed to have been built more than a year ago Asked where she thinks her money went, Gdowik responded: “Jim, if I knew that, I’d like to get it back.”

New Jersey physician Joseph Cervone invested more than $200,000 with Matluck.

“Is this mismanagement or is there something fraudulent going on?” he asked.

While Matluck was a marketing genius, Gdowik said the key

“I think the money went on their lavish lifestyles, on partying, on fancy cars, on fine China, on trips.” to the development was Michael Starkey, the company’s vice president for sales and investments. Starkey developed a way in which the folks who didn’t have the cash to invest in Hacienda Matapalo could instead tap into their 401ks and retirement accounts to finance the purchase.

“Michael was able to help these people see that they could use their IRA to do this,” Gdowik explained.

“He said ‘Man you can use your IRA’, so I did that, I signed it all away,” added Bennet.

Videos on the Hacienda Matapalo website assure investors that using their retirement money is a good way to guarantee their future “Has Wall Street stolen your future, recoup those losses by seeking out better alternatives,” exclaims an announcer on one of the videos. “Replace those unstable, losing investments in your retirement accounts with appreciating, income producing and more stable investments like real estate. Learn how Hacienda Matapalo, a gated community on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast, can give you both financial freedom and peace of mind in a place they call paradise.”

Of course there is no “gated community.” The images used in the video are either computer generated or architectural drawings of the as yet un-built development.

“I thought it would be a nice investment for my grandchildren, something to leave them,” said Bernadine Dest, a 68-year-old occupational therapist.

When CBS4 News first spoke to Dest, she came to provide moral support a friend and co-worker who had invested more than $100,000 with Matluck.

During that first meeting, she told us her money was safe. She explained how Michael Starkey showed her how to take $30,000 out of her retirement account and move it into a trust where the money would be held. Dest, who works two jobs, said she was assured if she ever changed her mind about the investment she could just take the money back.

“I didn’t lose anything yet,” she said.

Documents obtained by CBS4 News tell a different story. The records show that as soon as Dest deposited her money into the equity company in 2007, the money was transferred to Pegasus Star Limited – the company controlled by Matluck and Starkey.

When we gave copies of these papers to Dest she was crestfallen.

Adding insult to the experience, she now realizes she has been paying $350 a year since 2007 to the trust company, a company recommended by Starkey, to manage an account containing just $1.

“I’m sick, I’m sick,” Dest said, holding back tears. “This was for my grandkids.”

She said she’s been distraught ever since she learned the truth. She’s afraid to tell her husband, who is seriously ill with a heart problem.

“He’s going to have a fit,” Dest said. “I just hope something can be done. There are a lot of trusting people out there.”

The contracts signed by Bernadine and the others do allow

the developer to use their money for whatever expenses the developers deems necessary.

But the agreements also state that if the developer doesn’t complete the project by a certain deadline, then the developer has to refund the money. Most if not all of those deadlines have long since passed and when Warren Bennett and the others say they have asked for their money back – they say they’ve been told there is nothing left.

“Where’s the money? Where is this money?” asked Gdowik.

“Why today have they not built one single solitary home? What do you do with $21 million?

Diann Feleppa, another investor in the project, has her theories.

“I think the money went on their lavish lifestyles, on partying, on fancy cars, on fine China, on trips,” she said, adding that Matluck and other company officials flew to China several years ago claiming they were looking for material that could be used in the project.

“David told me, ‘Oh they can get stuff really cheap in China’,” Feleppa said.

Joe Cervone, the New Jersey physician, said at this point he doesn’t think he’ll ever get his money back.

“I’m still able to work thank God, my wife is still able to work,” he said. “But you know, we’re really interested in trying to prevent this from happening to other people. With David still trying to borrow money from us a couple of months ago, I’m just concerned that this is going to happen to someone else that may not be as well equipped to earn a living anymore.”

“Everyone that invested in Hacienda Matapalo, they sold them a dream, that’s my bottom line,” said Bennet.

And what did they deliver?

“Nothing,” he said, “nothing but a bunch of broken promises.

Hoping to find answers, CBS4 News visited the building on Oakland Park Boulevard that, according to Hacienda’s website, is the home to Pegasus Star Limited. But we found no sign of the company inside.

Both David Matluck and Michael Starkey denied our repeated requests for an interview.

In emails to investors, Matluck claimed the money was spent on costs associated with the project but he has refused to provide an accounting of where the money went.

The Hacienda website announced that there was now new ownership in the company and that Matluck was out.

The new owners, a Costa Rican company, claim Starkey remains with the company to help guide them through the transition.

It is not clear if any of the existing investors, like Warren Bennet and Bernadine Dest, will have their contracts honored or will be offered refunds.

The website claims the new owners are still hopeful the project can be built.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 25 ]

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com)

Eat Your Way to a

Flat Belly Reporting Cynthia Demos

Call it a spare tire, a pot belly or muffin top.

Belly fat plagues millions of men and women, but some say you can minimize your middle by eating certain foods.

Mary Morin lost 20 pounds, but she’s still working hard to improve her abs.

“I try to do sit ups and crunches,” said Mary.

“If I had to guess I’d say 90 percent of women complain about that area,” said Jayne Drew, a personal trainer.

39-year-old Alexa Moulder says it’s especially difficult after becoming a mom.

“It’s a tough area to fix,” said Alexa.

Research has shown there are health risks associated with belly fat. It can increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers.

Exercising can help, but Nutritionist Nicolette Pace says you can whittle your middle by eating the right foods.

“You’ll get flavor, you’ll get freshness, you’ll get vitamins, you’ll get everything you need to help bust that belly fat,” said Pace.

Pace says leafy greens and high fiber veggies, like artichokes and celery, can help detox your digestive system and flatten your belly.

Citrus fruits, especially lemons and grapefruits, are a super food for weight loss. They’re high fiber and contain compounds that can trim your middle.

“Each of them has some level of plant or phytochemical within it that gives it an extra edge,” said Pace.

Yogurt and fermented dairy products with probiotics help regulate the digestive system to flatten your belly. Look for active cultures on the label.

Pace also recommends aromatic herbs like sage, thyme, ginger, and garlic.

“Each of them not only produces tremendous amount of flavor, but is also containing these plant chemicals that have been found to improve fat metabolism,” said Pace.

While certain foods may help you be less bloated, Dr. Lisa Ganjhu is skeptical about being able to pinpoint just fat around the waist.

“You may lose weight in your belly, but for the most part it’s hard again to just target to that one area, unless you get liposuction,” said Dr. Ganjhu.

If you’re not ready for surgery, some research has shown that tea helps curb appetite, and green tea specifically contains chemicals that rev up fat burning.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 27 ]

Miami’s Best Tennis Courts And Clubs Beloved in Miami for a great workout and overall fun game, tennis options abound in this city. Courts and clubs overflow with fantastic instructors and amenities everyone loves, but it’s that little special something some clubs have that others just don’t that keeps the crowds coming back. Whether it’s a first lesson or a hard-core competition, the city’s best courts and clubs will make anyone feel like a pro.

Crandon Tennis Center www.miamidade.gov/

Price: $4 hard court for adults/$6 evening/$3 for juniors/$4 evening/$7 clay courts for adults/$3 juniors/$11 grass courts for adults/$7 juniors/all prices per person per hour.

This expansive facility offers 26 courts (including seven lighted courts) to accommodate players at any skill level. The center employs USPTA/USPTR-certified instructors for its top-rated tennis programs. Players may participate in the World Team League for a taste of professional play, or take lessons at the center to build up to tougher games. The top players in the world come to the Crandon Tennis Center every year for the Sony Ericsson Open, a 12-day tournament offering exciting tennis competitions. Crandon’s summer camps and after-school programs make it a great family option as well.

Coral Oaks Tennis Club www.coraloakstennis.net

The highlight of the Coral Oaks Tennis Club is its active events calendar. From early morning tennis clinics to evening doubles matches, members suffer no shortage of tennis options. Coral Oaks offers single, family and junior memberships perfect for any player. Its social events promote a family friendly atmosphere. Highly trained instructors, certified by the USPTA/USPTR, offer private lessons and hold team practices for group skill building.

North Shore Tennis Center www.gsibollettieri.com

Price: $5 resident court fee/$10 non-resident court fee/priced per person, per hour.

North Shore Tennis Center’s 10 new clay courts and two hard courts are all lighted for play, and a full-service on-site pro shop guarantees players have all the necessary equipment for a great game. The center offers great programs for all ages, including tournament training. It also serves as the site of elite tennis tournaments. Its fantastic tennis program is legendary in the tennis community.

Tropical Park Tennis Center www.tropicalparktennis.com

Price: $3/$4 after 7 p.m./$2 youth/after 7 p.m. regular rates apply/rates are per person, per hour.

Tropical Park Tennis Center offers year-round programs, private lessons, and individual and group sessions. Players may call or go online to reserve any of Tropical Park’s 12 lighted tennis courts. Reserve multiple courts for group lessons, parties and tournaments as well, with pricing catered to each group’s court needs. Its on-site pro shop provides a great selection of products for the convenience of its patrons.

Brickell Tennis Club www.cliffdrysdale.com

Brickell Tennis Club’s convenient location near downtown Miami allows for easy access, especially for players who live or work in the area, and anyone using public transportation.

Players will be wowed by the state-of-the art tennis facility, including its seven Har Tru courts. With a specialty in tennis clinics, instructors here expertly teach and train players of all skill levels. Patrons can expect a supreme experience in an excellent facility, highlighted by superior accommodations and expert staff.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 29 ]

MIAMI (CBSmiami.com)

Seafood

Misrepresentation

Ripping Off Consumers At The Market Reporting Al Sunshine

The invesTigaTion inTo suspected seafood labeling fraud around South Florida is reportedly underway by the Oceana Foundation, an International Marine Conservation group.

It’s believed the group may be just a few days away from confirming a major consumer problem for South Florida Seafood lovers: The next time you go shopping for your favorite fish, you might be paying too much for a meal and end up with something completely different than what’s on the menu.

South Miami’s Benjamin Enizondo knows when he goes shopping for fish or goes out for a seafood meal around town, it doesn’t always taste right.

He worries he doesn’t always get what he pays for.

“Sometimes you don’t, it depends on where you go,” said Enizondo.

So what’s the problem?

It’s called seafood misrepresentation: Distributors, restaurants or markets substituting cheaper fish for the more expensive ones. In effect, getting higher prices for cheaper fish and boosting their bottom line.

CBS4 News first exposed the problem back in 2007.

It’s still a problem today, according to local researchers.

And that’s why Chef Sam Kim, a Doral Restaurant operator, says he only buys fish from reputable wholesalers and tries to see the whole fish himself to avoid over-charging his customers with the wrong seafood.

To see the latest problem here first hand, international researchers just finished collecting and analyzing dozens of fish samples selling at local markets and restaurants.

Dr. Mahmood Shivji is the research director of Nova Southeast University’s Oceanographic Center.

He tested our samples 5 years ago.

He’s also a research consultant on this latest study which reportedly confirms our original findings: That in many cases you could be paying high prices for cheaper fish and never even know about it.

He says it’s still a problem here.

“Yes, disappointingly, seafood substitution in the S. Fla. market is still quite high even 5 years later after all the exposure this problem has received thanks to reports like yours,” said Shivji.

Misrepresenting seafood and charging higher prices for cheaper fish is against both state and federal laws.

But unlike several years ago when there were numerous cases filed, state prosecutors now apparently do not consider this a priority. There have been no formal fraud charges for several years now.

So what’s the best advice for local seafood lovers?

If at all possible, buy a whole fish and talk over your concerns with your seafood market or restaurant operator.

If the fish doesn’t taste right and you don’t like what you’re being told, buy your seafood someplace else.

He told CBS4 Chief Consumer Investigator Al Sunshine when that happens the consumer is basically getting shafted”.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 31 ]

Best Breakfast Joints in south florida

Mom always said that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. But for most of us during the week, we rush off to work after having a cup or two of coffee and maybe a bowl of cereal or toast. When the weekends roll around, a breakfast out can be a real treat but where do you go to avoid the typical breakfast burritos and greasy fast food fare.

Well check out our top picks and you won’t be disappointed.

First Watch

www.firstwatch.com The First Watch is probably the first thing you should hit on a Saturday or Sunday morning if you want to get your day started right.

Located across from the Sawgrass Mills Mall in a strip shopping center, First Watch’s menu includes a variety of traditional favorites to please both those watch their weight and those who love to fill up. Their pancakes (the blueberry pancakes are incredible) are about the size of a dinner plate and only two will satisfy most appetites.

Original Lots of Lox (305) 252-2010

It’s old fashioned deli and everything tastes great. The restaurant is family owned and everyone makes you feel like you’re a part of the family. This place is known for its staples – omelettes, bagels with cream cheese, potatoes and coffee. Oh, did we mention the lox – it’s incredible.

Front Porch Cafe (305) 531-8300

Walking around South Beach can build up quite an appetite so head on over to the Front Porch Cafe at 14th Street and Ocean for a different kind of breakfast. For example, try the Mediterranean Omelet – smooth goat cheese mixed with spinach and herb sun-dried tomatoes tucked inside a perfectly cooked omelette. The service however can be a little unpredictable, some times good, some times not so good.

S&S Diner

(305) 373-4291 From delis to diners, who doesn’t love a food diner style breakfast and S&S does it right. The joint has a 50’s diner style feel and can only hold around 18 people. There are no tables or booth inside, just a U-shaped counter which customers sit around. The breakfast menu is simple and homey. If you are not sure what to try, check out the gypsy omelette with potatoes or the ham and cheese omelette. The only real drawback is that the place is cash only!

Bagels N More

www.bagelsnmore.net Buried in the corner of a shopping plaza, Bagels N More can be a little hard to find. It’s a small shop with only a couple of tables and a sofa/coffee table setup, plus three tables outside. But their fresh made bagels are worth the drive if you are tired of the store-bought or chain variety. If you need something egg-y to go with your bagels, why not try the spinach and feta cheese omelette with pesto – very tasty. On your way out be sure to pick up a couple of pear fruit tart made with the almond paste – you won’t regret it.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 33 ]

CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami.com)

Time Running Out For

Reporting Vanessa Borge

Creative Cuisine

At

Popular Pop-Up Restaurant South Florida FoodieS have a unique opportunity. A young chef is changing South Florida’s palate with unusual ingredients that have food lovers salivating.

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli’s pop-up restaurant is the Eating House, located at 804 Ponce de Leon Blvd. in Coral Gables, but don’t wait too long to try it out.

Before this pop up is taken down, customers can enjoy some of the chef’s most creative culinary concoctions.

Items making an appearance on the menu include “Mac & Cheese” with roasted pumpkin & cornbread crumbs; roasted bone marrow with ropa vieja & tostada cubana; Japanese eggplant with banana miso & vanilla salt; sea scallops with smoked guava & maduro puree; strawberry shortcake – basil ice cream & crunchy meringue and “Birthday Cake” with cake batter mouse & whipped chocolate.

There’s also brussel sprouts your kids will want to eat. They’re sautéed in sesame oil and topped with a fried egg. In the mood for some pasta, try the pasta carbonara kicked up a bit with chunks of back and another fried egg on top.

Giorgio enjoys using unusual ingredients.

He’s got a dessert called “Breakfast” made with a panna cotta base topped with a mousse made of captain crunch cereal.

Giorgio is changing South Florida’s culinary scene.

“That’s why we went with the name Eating House because we didn’t want people to associate it with a regular restaurant,” explained Giorgio. “You pour your own water here and eat off paper napkins, but you may be eating foie gras.”

At 26 years young, Giorgio is determined to pave a new path for future chefs where ever he can.

“We will set up a restaurant in the middle of the street, as long as we get to cook and do what we want,” he said proudly.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 35 ]

DAVIE, Fla. (CBSMiami.com) —

Operation

Medicine Cabinet Aims To Lower

Drug Problems

While some residents might have missed out on spring cleaning, the Broward Sheriff’s Office gave residents a second chance.

While officers didn’t clean out anyone’s closet, they did help make space in their medicine cabinets.

Operation Medicine Cabinet, which took place in Davie, gave residents an opportunity to turn in unused or expired prescription medication.

In exchange, residents received a $5 gift card.

In its fifth year, the free event also enabled residents to dispose of additional items, including personal documents, check stubs, credit card offers, receipts and other paperwork containing personal information.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office website, the BSO’s Homicide Unit investigated 53 overdose death cases in Broward County between June 2010 and May 2011: • 79% of those deaths were overdoses by prescription drugs.

• 85% of these deaths were accidental; 15% were intentional suicides.

BSO offers these tips to parents who take medication: • Monitor your medicine cabinets.

Count how many pills you have and make note of the date when you should expect to refill your prescriptions. Be aware that kids may obtain these drugs from medicine cabinets while visiting friends or family. Restrict the availability of these substances within your home.

• Talk with your child about drug use.

Help him or her understand that misused prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs.

When used in combination with other substances, such as alcohol, prescription drug use can be fatal.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 37 ]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS / SEPTEMBER 2012

CORAL GABLES

Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival (from 9/29/2012 to 9/30/2012) http://coconutgrovepumpkinpatch.com A variety of fun activities for the whole family, including a true pumpkin patch in the center of all the action with more than 2,000 pumpkins! Plus, kids will enjoy the hay maze, kids fun zone with rides & inflatable attractions, a dress-your-own scarecrow village, food booths, and on-going shows on the main stage. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Design for a Living World

Flamenco Puro and Tango Argentina (9/29/2012) - www.claritafilgueiras.com Spain and Argentina’s hearts beat together as one in this passionate evening of the hottest art forms: Flamenco and Tango Argentino. The most exciting show in Miami, exploring connections between two elegant genres.

With Master Artists: Tango dancers Eddy Hernandez, Veronica Trill, and Bandoneon player David Alsina, Flamenco guitarist/singer Cristian Puig, percussionist Romulo Bernal, and award winner-choreographer Clarita Filgueiras.

Miami Spice Restaurant Program (from 8/1/2012 to 9/30/2012) www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com If you’re visiting during August or September, don’t miss a chance to savor some of our area’s most spectacular cuisine. Greater Miami and the Beaches’ top restaurants offer mouth-watering meals at incredible savings.

Gables Gallery Night (9/7/2012) www.artcircuits.com Monthly open house on the first Friday of each month showcases local galleries. Enjoy outstanding exhibitions, free refreshments and complimentary continuous shuttle buses between galleries.

(from 7/26/2012 to 10/26/2012) www.coralgablesmuseum.org This internationally acclaimed exhibit features intriguing works from 10 of the world’s most renowned designers, including Isaac Mizrahi, Kate Spade New York, Yves Béhar and Maya Lin. In developing the exhibit, The Nature Conservancy invited these designers, plus Ted Muehling, Stephen Burks, Abbott Miller, Hella Jongerius, Christien Meindertsma and Ezri Tarazi, to create usable objects from sustainable materials sourced from around the world. The collection of stunningly beautiful designs, including clothing, furniture, accessories and more, is on display in the exhibit, along with the photographs of award-winning photojournalist Ami Vitale, who documented the people and places associated with the project.

Wheelin’ Dealin’ Food Fest

Saturday Nights at the Winery

(9/15/2012) www.magiccitycasino.com Invite family and friends to enjoy the best of Miami’s food trucks with gourmet food options that will rock your taste buds.

5-10 p.m.

(9/15/2012) - www.schneblywinery.com Schnebly Redland’s Winery features a lively Saturday happy hour with live entertainment, tropical wine tasting set amid a beautiful tropical environment with fish ponds and a waterfall.

Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy (9/9/2012) http://www.triathlontrilogy.com The Trilogy International will feature a 1/2 mile swim, 20 mile bike, and 5.2 mile run and all finishers will get a limited edition Trilogy International Finisher medal. All finishers will get series points towards the international Trilogy series championship. All races begin at 7 a.m.

GableStage at the Biltmore: Ruined

(from 9/8/2012 to 10/7/2012) www.gablestage.org Winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards. This probing work about the resilience of the human spirit during times of war is a searing variation on Brecht's Mother Courage, translated to a brothel in the conflict-torn Congo. By Lynn Nottage, the author of Intimate Apparel, a GableStage hit in 2006.

Miami International Wine Fair (from 9/14/2012 to 9/16/2012) http://www.miamiwinefair.com Guests have the opportunity to taste more than 1,500 different wines from 20 countries. Hundreds of renowned importers, distributors and retailers participate every year in the Fair's innovative Buyers Program that guarantees exhibitors meetings with relevant potential buyers from all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Miami Soccer Festival

(from 9/29/2012 to 9/30/2012) http://www.miamisoccerfestival.org The annual Miami Soccer Festival exists to promote, celebrate and share "The Beautiful Game" of soccer with the community of Miami and beyond within a healthy family environment. A full range of youth, adult and co-ed teams play in various 11v11, 7v7 and 5v5 tournaments whilst a popular mix of local bands perform live on stage. Additional entertainment includes Soccer 5 Live tricks, juggling, world record attempts, soccer walk, get in the game fitness and fun, and a full range of food from around the worlds within the soccer village, which also features soccer merchandise, soccer games and a FIFA tournament played on PS3 and Xbox, and special guest appearances over the two days.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 39 ]

BEFORE

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Rubber Flooring

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HIALEAH (CBSMiami.com)

Telemundo Sued Over

Venezuelan Telenovela

HialeaH-based Telemundo, the second largest Spanish network in the U.S., is being called a thief.

LaTele Television, a Venezuelan TV network, sued Spanishlanguage media corporation Telemundo Communications Group, claiming it stole its popular 1989 telenovela “Maria, Maria.”

If true, this would be a departure from Telemundo’s long-held practice of producing most of its own telenovelas. In 2011, 85 percent of the network’s telenovelas were filmed at its studios.

The Venezuelan network said Telemundo’s hit show “El Rostro de Analia” (The face of Analia) may be set in Los Angeles in the early 2000s, but otherwise it’s the same convoluted story as LaTele’s earlier show, according to a complaint filed June 10 in federal court in Miami. The complaint accuses the Hilaleahbased Telemundo of violating the Venezuelan copyright of “Maria, Maria.”

The suit alleges any differences are cosmetic, “specifically aimed at masking that ‘El Rostro’ is, in fact, simply ‘Maria, Maria’ updated and repackaged in a different setting.”

The same author also penned both tales, which are of course grounded in the classic telenovela pillars of betrayal, amnesia and switched identities.

In both shows, two women drive over a cliff in a car that explodes. One woman is presumed dead. The other is badly

disfigured and has amnesia, and the two women’s identities are mixed up. The survivor’s face is reconstructed to look like the woman thought dead — which leads to plenty of confusion when it is revealed that both women actually survived the crash.

“LaTele’s claim that Telemundo infringed on an alleged copyright it purportedly has in a telenovela is completely without merit,” Telemundo said in a statement. The company said it “will vigorously defend itself from these baseless claims in court.”

LaTele attorney James Sammataro said his client waited more than two years to sue because the company hoped to have a working relationship with Telemundo.

“Look, when you are the producer of telenovelas, the last thing you want to do is sue the second largest Spanish-language broadcast company in the U.S.,” he said.

LaTele sought copyright protection in Venezuela in 1991 but not in the U.S. until 2010, a year after “El Rostro” aired. U.S. law, however, recognizes the earlier Venezuelan copyright under international treaties, the lawsuit states.

LaTele alleges “El Rostro” has been extremely profitable for Telemundo and has been rebroadcast in countries around the world. LaTele is seeking unspecified damages. No hearing dates have been set.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 41 ]

Getaway Guide:

Key Largo One Tank Trip To

If a sagging economy and steep gas prices are keeping you from a European vacation or a trip to the Grand Canyon, don’t despair. Travel to Key Largo, just 60 miles and a world away. Enjoy warm ocean waters, exotic wildlife and unique restaurants for an experience guaranteed to knock you right out of that daily grind.

Spend a day enjoying experiences that your friends up north can only dream of —and do it on only one tank of gas.

Getting There

To get there, take the Florida Turnpike south toward Key West. At Florida City, the Turnpike merges into U.S. 1, which is also called Federal Highway. Head south until you reach Key Largo. Other transportation options include Greyhound Lines, which has a bus route to Key Largo, and the Keys Shuttle, which operates from both the Miami and Fort Lauderdale International Airports. Because parking in Key Largo is challenging, you may want to consider alternative means of transportation such as taxis, bicycles and shuttles. All in all, expect to be on the road about an hour and a half.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Caribbean Watersports & Enviro Tours

Dolphins Plus

The Buzzard’s Roost Restaurant

(305) 451-6300 www.pennekamppark.com Price: $8 per car/$29.95 snorkeling per adult/$24.95 per child younger than 18/plus equipment rental.

Bursting with vibrant colors and teeming with marine life, America’s only living barrier coral reef, which extends from Key Biscayne to the Dry Tortugas, is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring and unforgettable sights. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers boats that carry snorkelers to the reef as well as equipment rental and knowledgeable guides. Take the 9 a.m. boat if you can because a discount coupon, available on the Internet, will save you $3 on the morning trip. Other boats leave at noon and 3 p.m. If you don’t like snorkeling, take a short trip on one of the park’s glass bottom boats. Swimming beaches and camp sites are also available in this wheelchair-accessible park. Visitors to the park or to other parts of Key Largo should know that public transportation is limited and they will need to take a taxi if they don’t have a car or bicycle.

www.dolphinsplus.com Prices: $185 for 25 minutes in the water/$79.95 photo package.

Swimming with dolphins, some of nature’s most intelligent and social animals, creates memories that will last a lifetime. At Dolphins Plus, dolphins are not housed in cramped, concrete tanks. Rather, the animals at this facility, which is devoted to the conservation of marine mammals, live in a seawater-filled canal adjoining the Atlantic ocean. Dolphin swims are by reservation only, so be sure to call ahead.

The African Queen

www.caribbeanwatersports.com Price: $60 enviro tours per adult/$45 per child.

Located only five miles away from the state park, Caribbean Water Sports & Enviro Tours offers daily two-hour trips to Everglades National Park in small zodiac-style boats that allow you to get closer to the mangrove islands than you could in standard vessels. About 25 percent of the time, dolphins or manatees will swim close to the boat, giving you a chance to see these magnificent creatures at home in their own world. You may also spot bald eagles and great white herons. The crystal-clear water near the resort is perfect for even inexperienced snorkelers, and delightful little seahorses and starfish keep everyone entertained. During summer afternoons, snorkeling among mangrove stands gives visitors an opportunity to see sponges growing on tree roots. If you are more adventurous, you may want to rent jet skis or try parasailing. Call ahead for reservations.

www.holidayinnkeylargo.com Movie buffs and Humphrey Bogart fans may be interested in seeing the boat featured in the African Queen. Located at the Holiday Inn docks, the vessel is currently being restored. While there are no guided tours, there is plenty of information about the boat and what happened to it after the famous film was made. Viewing the boat is free, but if you’re staying in town for the night, Holiday Inn offers an inexpensive option.

The Floating Inn, Kona Kai Resort, Gallery and Botanic Gardens, and Diver’s Cove, however, offer more unique, intimate stays.

www.keysdining.com/buzzardsroost If you are hungry and eager to be out of the midday sun, enjoy waterfront dining at the Buzzard’s Roost Restaurant, located at the Garden Cove Marina. Specialties include lobster, surf and turf, and homemade desserts in addition to an extensive wine list and a full-service bar. Sunday brunch offers everything from standard American fare to eggs sardou. Also a bit of a tackle shop, this restaurant has everything you’ll need to hit the water after you scarf that delicious lunch.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 43 ]

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com)

South Floridians Turn To

Sound Therapy For Healing

The number of people Trying alTernaTive medicine has exploded in The pasT 10 years. now, abouT 35 percenT of americans Try alTernaTive medicine before TradiTional medicine. people in souTh florida are trying something called Sound Therapy. Believers said it brings out your positive energy.

How does it work? It works with the help of a didgeridoo, an ancient aboriginal Australian instrument, one of the oldest wind instruments in the world.

Harmonic healer, Joda Cook uses it to practice sound therapy also known as vibration healing.

“I put positive in and get the negative energy out of the body,” said Cook.

He can sense where the tension is.

“Sometimes I get to a certain part of the body and it feels like there’s a hand there holding it. Let’s me know that body needs more attention,” said Cook.

Sue Monuse suffers from depression and anxiety.

She believes she can feel the didgeridoo working on her different chakras and energy points.

“Relaxing and tingling. It balances my whole energy,” Monuse said.

In the past five years Sue has replaced a slew of pills with alternative healing and said she no longer suffers side affects.

The ancient device is made of bamboo and at the top where the healer blows in air, it is covered by beeswax.

Monuse said she doesn’t just get balance from the didgeridoo but also from crystals through medical chin gong.

Mao Ardissone who owns the Ayama Yoga Healing and Arts Center in North Miami said, “Everything in nature vibrates and has a sound and the color adds a form of vibration.”

Ardissonne has been practicing Chinese medicine for a decade and said each crystal vibrates differently and should be paced near areas that need to be rebalanced.

Also, he said Thai massage helps realign the body. It’s a kind massage, meets yoga meets chiropractor.

Ardissone actually realigns a patient using his hands and feet and twisting the client on the floor. Charlie Himmelstern is a client who has severe scoliosis.

“What changes is the tension between the bones and the muscles,” Himmeslstern said.

Clients opting for alternative treatments to realign, readjust and refocus are trying alternative steps before traditional.

“I’ve had people tell me I know you’re blowing out but it feels like you’re pulling things out of me,” said didgeridoo expert, Cook says.

This serves as a testament that something is changing for the better.

The procedures will run you about $80 an hour.

September 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 45 ]

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✴ Birthday Parties ✴ Cooking Classes ✴ Summer Program ✴ Play Dates ✴ Cake Decorating Classes & a variety of Workshops

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