News MagaziNe
CBS4 Investigates:
Undetectable
Fake ID’s CORAL GABLES EDITION MARCH 2012
CBS4 News Magazine
Contents
CBS4 Investigates: Undetectable Fake ID’s
With the ease of the Internet, fake ID’s are now easier than ever to get and harder and harder to detect.
11 17 24
News MagaziNe
CBS4 Investigates:
Undetectable
Fake ID’s CORAL GABLES EDITION MARCH 2012
08
Experts Taking Closer Look At Obama’s Foreclosure Plan
While rebuilding the U.S. economy was a key focus of the president’s address, most home owners may have been more interested in his latest plans to make it easier to find cheap mortgages and prevent foreclosures.
Auction Value Claims Raise Complaints From Buyers
A company which stages liquidation auctions around the state is coming under fire from some people who bid to win, but now claim they were really losers.
ID Theft Overwhelming IRS Offices
Identity theft has become so prevalent in South Florida that local Internal Revenue Service offices have been forced to limit how many customers can enter their offices earlier this week.
Fraud Filters Delay Some IRS Refunds
25 29 37 46 52
Tax payers who filed before January 25th could see their refunds delayed by up to week longer than expected because of new anti-fraud safeguards installed on the Internal Revenue Service’s computers.
Study: Social Media More Addictive Than Alcohol & Tobacco
According to a new study from the University of Chicago, text messaging and checking Facebook and Twitter are just behind sex and sleep on the list of urges that are basically impossible to resist.
Survey: Rich/Poor Conflict Explodes
According to the Pew Research Center, roughly two-thirds of adults believe there is a strong or very strong conflict between the rich and the poor.
Breathe Easier At Miami-Dade’s New Tobacco Free Parks
South Florida families can breathe a little easier at Miami-Dade County Parks thanks to a new policy that bans smoking at more than 40 parks and near all playgrounds and youth ball fields.
Study: Junk Food In Schools Isn’t A Problem
Parents and schools have worried in recent years about the inclusion of junk food in schools; but a new study said all of that worry is for nothing.
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[ 4 ] March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4)-
Traffic Fatalities
At Three-Decade Low In Florida reporting ShAneevA YASSin
Preliminary figures released from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles show crash fatalities fall for the sixth year straight. According to the depArtment, 2,373 people died in traffic crashes on Florida’s roadways. That’s down from 2,444 traffic crash deaths reported in 2010. The number of crash fatalities in 2011 is the lowest the state has reported since 1978 even though the Sunshine State’s population has doubled since that time, according to the department. “The Department’s No. 1 priority is to protect the lives and personal security of our residents and visitors through enforcement, service and education,” said DHSMV Executive Director Julie L. Jones. “While the six-year downward trend is encouraging, we continue our strategic efforts to drive down the number of crashes in Florida and the number of injuries and fatalities that come as a result.” Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among those age 5 to 34 in the U.S., according to a report online by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Understanding that the leading cause of death for so many is preventable, the Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, Col. David Brierton, echoed Jones’ commitment to saving lives. “The men and women of FHP patrol Florida’s highways 24/7 to make them safe,” said Brierton. “Our law enforcement partners and public safety stakeholders are also important to the solution. Motorists can do their part, too, when they buckle up and drive sober.” The Department will publish the final count for 2011 later this year in its annual Traffic Crash Statistics Report 2011. But reports from previous years are available online at www.flhsmv.gov/html/safety.html.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 7 ]
Und
“Pretty mu
ake ID’ s Undetectable MIaMI (CBS4)
CBS4 InveStIgateS:
Fake ID’s From The bars and clubs on South
Fake Undetecta Beach and Brickell, to rap and rock
concertS, from Bank atlantic center to
Bank united center id’S are in demand. the
Battle to prevent fake id’S Being uSed By underage partierS iS aS old aS the lawS
limiting the drinking age.But with the
eaSe of the internet, fake id’S are now
eaSier than ever to get and harder and
harder to detect.
[ 8 ] March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables
detectable
uch everybody had one.”
“They were everywhere. Pretty much everybody had one. If you’re under 21 that’s the only way to get around,” said this young college student who did not want to be identified. As he told CBS4 Investigator Stephen Stock, he got caught by police while trying to use a fake ID that had actually been passed among his underage family and friends. “People make them. People pass them down a lot. I mean, I know eight different people once I turned 21 who used my ID,” the student told Stock. CBS4 Investigates discovered this right of passage for college students wanting to get into bars and clubs has become a national security threat. “They’re getting better. They’re transacting through the Internet. They’re buying them from China. There’s a lot of companies that will provide them for a hundred bucks,” explained David Rivero, Chief of Police at the University of Miami. The same fake ID’s once used to get into bars, have become so easy to get over the Internet and so good at mimicking real ID’s that Federal Homeland Security officials worry terrorists could use them to board airplanes or enter the country secretly and illegally. Carmen Pino is Assistant Special Agent in charge of South Florida’s ICE office. “It is one of the greatest concerns that we have in Homeland Security. It is a great threat to national security. You can order these things online. The Internet offers you the opportunity to buy these, have them shipped right to you, FedEx’ed to your door. And the next thing you know you’ve taken on someone else’s identity and you can do whatever you want and operate in plain sight,” Pino said. In fact, this past June Nigerian-American citizen Olajide Oluwaseun Noibi did just that. Several times Noibi flew on different airplanes all over the United States with 10 different fake boarding passes and ID’s. While later deemed NOT to be a terrorist threat, federal officials admit Noibi’s case shows how easily fake ID’s can threaten national security. Here in Florida ABT officers regularly work the streets to crack down on these fake ids and try to find the source. “It’s a continuous problem,” said Capt. Tom Hagler with Florida’s Department of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco. Hagler showed Stock thousands of fake ID’s seized during recent operations. Officials found that many of these fake ID’s are indistinguishable from real ones. Some so real that even experts have a hard time telling them apart. “With the technology that’s available to them (fake ID makers) and the programs it’s very difficult to detect,” said Hagler. Possession of a fake ID is now a felony here in Florida. As for China, companies there call them “novelty items” and they insist they are not meant to subvert security. But the problem of fake ID’s coming out of China has become so prevalent that the US State Department is now pressuring the Chinese government to put a stop to it.
Fake ID’s e ID’s able “They’re geTTing beTTer. They’re TransacTing Through The inTerneT. They’re buying Them From china. There’s a loT oF companies ThaT will provide Them For a hundred bucks,”
Experts Taking
Closer Look At Obama’s Foreclosure Plan Fixing the housing market and helping families from losing their homes was a key focus for President Barack Obama during the State of the Union address. But Americans are waiting to hear more on the plan. Obama detailed his latest plan to help families stay in their homes until the job market improves. The topic turned into a major campaign debate, and like so many other issues, both sides remain deeply divided. While rebuilding the U.S. economy was a key focus of the president’s address, most home owners may have been more interested in his latest plans to make it easier to find cheap mortgages and prevent foreclosures. “That’s why I’m sending this Congress a plan that gives every responsible homeowner the chance to save about $3,000 a year on their mortgage by refinancing at historically low rates,” Obama said. But it turns out the president’s plan sounds like the same one he proposed last fall that still hasn’t been approved by congress, according to Weston foreclosure expert Roy Oppenheim. “It was nothing new,” he said. “It was kind of just a rehash of old programs.”
At the republican debate, Mitt Romney said the government needs to stay on the sidelines and reverse the latest banking reforms. “You have to get the government out of the mess, governments created the mess,” Romney said. But earlier this Fall, Romney was more blunt. “Don’t try and stop the foreclosure process,” he said. “Let it run its course and hit the bottom… allow investors to buy homes, put renters in them, fix the homes up and let it turn around and come back up.” Oppenheim said not much is being done. “Their platform is to embrace Ron Paul’s policy and that is to do nothing,” Oppenheim said. “They have absolutely no plans, in fact, we’ve gone to their Web site, we’ve called the campaigns, we’ve asked for their formal white papers and none of them have anything subsequently to say about the foreclosure crisis anywhere in the United States.” Fixing the foreclosure problem is expected to remain a hot campaign issue long after the president’s State of the Union address is forgotten, CBS4’s Al Sunshine reported. But there is still no sign of any bi-partisan agreement on how to better keep families from losing their homes.
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March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 11 ]
CBS Investigates:
NearMid-Air
Collision
Over MIA RepoRting Stephen Stock
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 13 ]
VeRy few people know it, but eaRlieR thiS SummeR two laRge commeRcial aiRplaneS neaRly collided oVeR the SkieS of South floRida. cbS4 inVeStigateS haS leaRned that that cloSe call iS paRt of a tRoubling tRend.
in thiS caSe, only calm and quick action by the air traffic controller saved the day. CBS4 Investigator Stephen Stock has, for the first time, the untold story of the heroic actions in the control tower. The air traffic controller watching the skies over Miami maintained incredible cool as near disaster almost occurred on final approach to runways 9 and 8-L. You can hear the air traffic controller seizing control of the situation on an audio recording of the event released by the FAA at the request of CBS4 Investigates. “Argentina 1302,” said the air traffic controller on the FAA audiotape. “You’ve gone through the final (turn) sir… turn back right. There’s traffic on final on the parallel runway.” Despite those warnings from air traffic control, radar images also released by the FAA to CBS4 Investigates show the two dots, representing two large airplanes and about 430 lives on board nearly merge into one in the skies over Doral. The incident is what’s known in the tight circle of aviation controllers as an “NMAC,” a near mid-air collision. “Flight 1302,” said the controller on the audio tape, “You’re not descending. Maintain 3,000 (feet elevation) sir. Just maintain 3,000 and turn right, heading zero, niner zero.” The Argentina Airlines airbus which missed the turn passed right over the top of a landing American Airlines B737. “I need you at 3,000 sir,” said the controller to the Argentina Airlines plane, “climb and maintain 3,000 (feet.) Your approach clearance is canceled.” Molly Welsh was the controller in control who saved the day. It’s her voice you hear on the audiotape. “In the heat of the moment you just keep talking and keep working,” said Welsh, a veteran of 23 years in the control tower. “I quickly tried to tell him to turn back and as I was saying that I realized it was a little too late for that.” At about 3,000 feet the Airbus 340 operated by Aerolineas
Argentinas missed its turn to runway 9 over Doral and kept flying towards a course to land on runway 8-L about a mile away. The Airbus headed straight for an American Airlines 737 on final approach to land on 8-L. It was Welsh’s voice and calm instructions that kept the two planes from colliding, averting disaster by 900 feet. Welsh sat down and shared her story of the August 18th incident with CBS4 Investigates. It’s an incident that has not received any media attention until now. “At first you go “Oh no!” Then you just, you instinctively do something in hopes that it keeps them apart basically,” Welsh told CBS4 Investigator Stephen Stock. “It was a little scary.” “When I looked back and saw he had gone through the final I immediately tried to turn and I said ‘you’ve gone through turn back,’” said Welsh. “As I’m saying this I realize that it’s too late for that. He’s already right where the other aircraft is.” Without Welsh’s quick and effective action to separate the Airbus at the last second the Aerolineas Argentinas flight would have descended right on top of the American jet in mid-air. “They were right on top of each other,” said Welsh. This incident highlights a troubling and growing trend of more and more near mid-air collisions (NMACs) according to Congress’ General Accountability Office. In its report released in October, the GAO found that the rate of the most severe airborne operational errors almost tripled from in the last three years nationwide.
“at fiRSt you go “oh no!” then you juSt, you inStinctiVely do Something in hopeS that it keepS them apaRt baSically,”
“It’s of grave concern,” said Representative John Mica, Republican of Orlando. Mica chairs the US House Transportation Committee. “(It’s) very troubling. You know we’ve been very lucky,” said Mica. Mica worries that this increase in what he calls near misses could end up killing a lot of people if new technology isn’t soon put into place at our airports. “We don’t have technology in place today to make sure that planes aren’t hitting each other either on the ground or in the air,” Mica told CBS4 Investigates. “Congress must pass a transportation bill (and not) stopgap legislation.” CBS4 Investigates also found aviation safety data from NASA indicating that in the last four years at Miami and Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airports there were triple the amount of reported (NMACs) near mid-air collisions as the previous four years. “You’re heart drops down into your stomach whenever something like that happens,” said Welsh. Molly Welsh says she’s fortunate to have been able to stop one such near miss from becoming a disaster. CBS4 Investigator Stephen Stock asked Welsh, “Do you consider yourself a hero?” “No. No. That’s what we do,” said Welsh. “We’re there when things don’t go right.” The FAA says part of the reason these numbers of close calls has gone up is a change in the way these incidents are reported. And the FAA says the United States’ aviation system is the safest aviation system in the world, that 50,000 flights are safely handled every day and correctly points out there hasn’t been a fatal commercial airline crash in three years. The FAA and air traffic controllers say the GAO report shows this new system of reporting errors without retribution or punishment is working and has resulted in a reduction in the number of serious safety incidents on runways. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the union for air traffic controllers, also said in a statement that the vast reported errors in the GAO report do not affect the safety of flights or the traveling public. Critics say if things don’t change soon that could change.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 15 ]
WESTON (CBSMiaMi.COM)
Auction Value Claims
Raise Complaints From Buyers RepoRting Joan MuRRay
A company which stages liquidation auctions around the state, including South Florida, is coming under fire from some people who bid to win, but now claim they were really losers after claiming items they won turned out to worth less than the auctioneers claimed. Dave egnatuk, visiting South Florida from Michigan, thought it would be fun to attend a ‘drug seizure auction’ he spotted in a newspaper ad. His friend, Sue Haven, agreed to come along. “I said sure, I’m up for it,” she remembered. Haven won seven items she bid for at the auction run by Aucor, also known as “Auction Liquidators.” She spent $4,000, but that was nothing compared to what Egnatuk dropped. It was his first auction, he said, and he got caught up in the moment. Egnatuk plunked down $40,000 on artwork and jewelry. After getting the goods, he checked out how well he did, and was not happy with what he learned. Egnatuk said he paid $6,000 for a ruby necklace. But when he had a jeweler appraised the necklace; he was told it was valued at only $1800. “I feel duped. The auctioneer said it was worth $24 thousand,”
he claimed. Havens was also unhappy, claiming she paid $125 for a globe she later saw on eBay for about $35 less. “None of us need to be the victim of people that engage and perpetrate in activity like this,” Egnatuk said. CBS4 could not verify the claims allegedly made by the auctioneers. Repeated attempts to reach the company, with offices in Florida and Georgia, did not get a response. A check with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation found the auctioneer is licensed, but said it had investigated four complaints against them. Coral Springs attorney Adam Altman took matters into his own hands after winning a bid at a different auction for a necklace he claims he was told was appraised at $32,000. When he claimed a later appraisal showed the necklace was worth much less; he said he confronted the company at a subsequent auction and was able to get a refund.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 17 ]
Sneak Peak At
New Hollywood Beach
MargaritavillE Parrot heads may soon be flocking to Hollywood Beach. Developers of the new Margaritaville Hollywood Beach HotelResort have released new renderings of the Jimmy Buffett themed-beachfront oasis. The $130-million dollar resort will be located at Johnson Street on the Broadwalk and across A1A on the Intracoastal Waterway. The resort will be 17 stories and have 349 rooms, along with seven restaurants, several bars, a spa, and retail shops. There’s also a lagoon pool which features a water slide and a “Flo Rider” used to simulate surfing which will be open to the public. The developer expects to break ground in June and rumor
has it that Jimmy Buffett may actually attend but nobody will confirm it for fear the the crowd will get too large. Construction is set to start in July. It’s expected the opening will take place in August 2014. For months, the anticipation of Margaritaville has spurred a frenzy of improvements up and down A1A and the Broadwalk. Restaurants and hotels have been securing grants from the Community Redevelopment Agency’s improvement program to shore up storefronts. The CRA has also fed millions to revamping the Broadwalk, as way to get ready for Margaritaville.
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MIAMI (CBSMIAMI)
American Airlines Offering Free Booze On International Flights
AmericAn Airlines is telling international passengers to “have a drink on us.” The carrier, which has one of its biggest hubs at Miami International Airport, will offer complimentary beer and wine to passengers on flights between the United States and Europe and Asia, as well as some countries in South America. The free beer and wine deal started February 1st for passengers in coach. Beer, wine and spirits have always been complimentary for First and Business class passengers.
[ 20 ] March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables
“Offering complimentary beer and wine to our loyal customers in all classes of service allows American to better align our product offering with fellow oneworld® alliance members and is another example of our commitment to enhance the travel experience,” said Rob Friedman, American’s Vice President Marketing. The move comes as the airline emerges from bankruptcy. America’s parent company, AMR, filed for Chapter 11 protection back in November.
American Airlines To Cut 13,000 Jobs reporting mAggie newlAnd
AmericAn Airlines employees in Miami are anxiously awaiting to find out if they still have a job after the air carrier’s parent company, AMR, announced that they planned to lay off 13,000 workers. The Fort Worth-based airline, responsible for more than half the traffic at Miami International Airport, said layoffs include: • 4,600 Mechanics • 4,200 Fleet Service • 2,300 Flight Attendants • 1,400 Management Positions • 400 Pilots The air carrier did not say how many of those laid off would be in South Florida. American Airlines has about 9,000 employees in South Florida. It operates more than 300 flights a day out of Miami. “It was sad. It was a very sad day,” said Michael McIntosh who has worked for American as an aircraft mechanic for 20 years. When the airline filed for bankruptcy, he feared layoffs would come next. “We all expected it was gonna be bad but we didn’t figure it was gonna be this bad,” he explained. Long time American Air employee George Perez said he’s nervous. “It’s evident there’s going to be some type of layoffs, we don’t know anything yet,” Perez told CBS4 chief consumer investigator
Al Sunshine. “Everybody is a little nervous. The consensus is that everybody is a little nervous.” In a letter sent to employees, AMR CEO Tom Horton wrote that “We have thoroughly analyzed the competition and the industry and what we must achieve is crystal clear. Competing and winning requires a financial improvement of more than $3 billion, and that, in turn, requires significant savings in employeerelated costs – of more than $1.25 billion per year.” According to the letter, all workgroups were cut by 20 percent, including management. “While we are now firmly on a path to a successful growing future, we must acknowledge the near-term pain these changes will require,” said Horton. “That’s especially true because we will end this journey with many fewer people. But we will also preserve tens of thousands of jobs that would have been lost if we had not embarked on this path – and that’s a goal worth fighting for.” Last November, the air carrier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company lost $904 million in December which was more than in the first nine months of 2011 combined. The losses came despite American charging an average of 7 percent more on tickets than in the second quarter, and imposing fees for some previously free services.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 21 ]
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 23 ]
MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.CoM)
ID Theft
Overwhelming
IRS Offices
RepoRtIng al sunshIne IdentIty theft has become so prevalent in South Florida that local Internal Revenue Service offices have been forced to limit how many customers can enter their offices. Sunrise resident Vanessa Dowe spent time off from work to go to the IRS’ Plantation customer service center after finding out her tax ID was ripped off and her tax refund was stolen. “I filed my taxes and got a notice somebody else had used my I-D and got my Tax Refund. I started crying,” Dowe explained. South Florida is considered one of the identity theft capitals of the country. So when tax season starts, it’s not unexpected to start hearing about tax refund scams. But it’s looking like this may be a banner year for the problem. Doral Police supervisor Fatima Nunez also found out her tax identity and refund were stolen. After spending hours at Miami’s IRS office, she thinks the agency just can’t handle the growing number of new cases. “Honestly, I don’t believe they have enough people,” the veteran investigator said. “It took me over 3 hours personally for waiting time at the downtown office and there were 150 people there for the same problem, identity theft, and once you go there and get all the paperwork, it’s a 90-day investigation period.” Doral Police Chief Ricardo Gomez said he’s seen a big increase in tax-related identity theft complaints. He thinks
the problem is much worse than last year. He said the identity thieves are operating in sophisticated groups and are not just kids stealing ID’s. Doral detectives are investigating a recent robbery where the suspects were found with a dozen local tax returns and think they may be part of a very well organized ring. “People need to be very careful about their tax forms, social security number and personal financial information to avoid becoming a victim in the first place,” Chief Gomez warned. The IRS said it has limited resources to investigate identity thefts and apologizes to victims for any long delays. “We can only handle so many people, we do not have unlimited resources,” said IRS spokesman Mike Dobzinski. “We’re doing the best we can. Some people have had to wait in line and we apologize for that.” Miami has been identified as one of the nine national hotspots for the federal government’s new inter-agency task force on tax-related identity theft. Sixteen people were recently arrested statewide as part of a crackdown on tax refund fraud. The IRS said taxpayers who believe their refunds may have been stolen need to contact the agency as soon as possible. You can contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 or at www.irs.gov.
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MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.CoM)
Fraud Filters Delay Some
IRS Refunds
If you thought you were ahead of the game by filing your federal tax return early so you could get your refund faster, think again. Tax payers who filed before January 25th could see their refunds delayed by up to a week longer than expected because of new anti-fraud safeguards installed on the Internal Revenue Service’s computers, according to the Sun-Sentinel. Apparently the new software needed some ‘fine tuning.’ Those who filed after January 26th should still get their refund in about 10 days if they opted to have it directly deposited into a checking or savings account. On the opposite end of the spectrum, for those who like to wait until the very last minute to file there is some good news. The Internal Revenue Service has postponed this year’s deadline for filing federal income taxes until two days later. The IRS said that taxpayers will have until April 17 to file their 2011 returns, thanks to two quirks of the calendar. April 15 falls on a Sunday this year, and the following day is Emancipation Day, which is observed in the District of Columbia. By federal law, District of Columbia holidays affect tax deadlines the same way federal holidays do, giving taxpayers an extra day. People requesting an extension will have until Oct. 15 to file. The IRS says it is expecting more than 144 million individual tax returns to be filed this year.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 25 ]
Homeless Free Rides FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiAMi.CoM)
Ft. Lauderdale To Offer
Out Of Town
reporTing Ted SCouTen
The CiTy of fT. LauderdaLe has come up with a way to help the homeless who have relatives in other parts of the country who are willing to take care of them. The Ft. Lauderdale city commission approved a $25,000 program which will buy them one-way bus tickets out of town. The program won’t cost taxpayers a dime. It’s being paid for by the Florida Law Enforcement Trust Fund, which is money confiscated from criminals. Vice Mayor Bobby DuBose was the only commissioner to vote against the program, saying he believes that there are other ways the money could be used to help the homeless. He said he was also concerned that some homeless people may take advantage of the program and use it as a cheap vacation. Under terms of the program, a participant would only be eligible to receive a free ticket once. Vicki Nugent, who now calls Stranahan Park in downtown Ft. Lauderdale home, never dreamed that one day she would be living on the streets. “I came here because my boyfriend was on the run and I left
Johnstown, Pennsylvania and came here five years and four months ago and I been here ever since,” said Nugent. “I just got stuck. I can’t explain it.” Nugent said she’d be eligible for the program because she has several family members willing to take care of her back home. “I have three younger sisters, my grand children, my daughters and two of my sons,” said Nugent. Sean Cononie, who runs a homeless shelter in Hollywood, said if Fort Lauderdale runs its program the same way Broward County does, and the homeless aren’t forced onto buses to leave, he’s all in favor. “We need to not force the homeless into leaving town. That’s their God given right to be where ever they want to be. But if they want to go home and the city’s willing put them home, I think it’s a great opportunity for both parties,” said Cononie. Nugent, who hopes to one day leave the streets behind, said she’s going to look into it. So far, about 100 homeless people like Nugent have expressed interest in the program.
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MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.CoM)
Study:
Social Media
More Addictive
Than Alcohol & Tobacco
ImagIne a world wIthout Facebook, Twitter, or text messages. If it’s a nightmarish thought, you’re like most people aged 18-25 who are hopelessly addicted to something worse than alcohol or tobacco. According to a new study from the University of Chicago, text messaging and checking Facebook and Twitter are just behind sex and sleep on the list of urges that are basically impossible to resist. In the study, researchers gave BlackBerrys to more than 200 people and then sent the people back out into their normal daily lives. The researchers would message them seven times over 14
hours asking if they wanted to look at Facebook, Twitter, etc. The researchers said out of 10,558 messages, 7,827 reported urges to check social media. Researchers later discovered through interviews that many of the subjects were willing to forgo most other cravings except sex and sleep to check social media. A separate study, according to pcmag.com, reported that people with low self-esteem could be at more risk if they use Facebook. The self-esteem study found that people with low self-esteem posted negative items and that made them appear less likable to their friends. Connect with CBS Miami on our Facebook, Twitter, and Tout pages.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 29 ]
MIAMI (CBS4)
Is The
Alkaline Diet The Next
Weight Loss Fad?
The Alkaline Diet already has some well known supporters, like actress Demi Moore and Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush.
But now AverAge folkS lIke Jan Brehm now follow it, and gives it a thumbs up. “The difference that I feel is night and day,” she explained. This diet is based on the philosophy that we what we eat and drink effects our body chemistry or PH levels, according to registered dietitian Erin Palinkski. Alkaline levels should naturally measure 7.4. The goal is to keep it right there by eating the right foods. “The people that promote the alkaline diet state that by being able to increase your intake of alkaline forming foods, and decrease your intake of acidic foods, you can actually alter the chemistry in your body,” explained Palinski. The intended effect is to improve weight, immunity, and disease prevention. Celebrity nutritionist Dr. Lindsey Duncan, a proponent of the diet, says today’s meals are increasingly acidic and that our bodies are paying the price. He cited the following problems: cardiovascular disease, depression, forgetfulness, poor mood, mind, and memory. The Alkaline Diet requires reducing the intake of some foods that many of us like, such as dairy, meat, sugar, and caffeine. “The general rule of thumb is, the more bitter your foods, the more alkaline,” said Duncan. Some good foods include watermelon, almonds, oranges, and apples. Jan Brehm said the positive benefits were dramatic. “Not only does the fatigue lift, but the mood shifts,” said Brehm. “Energy.” Palinski says that while this diet focuses on many healthy foods, there is no science behind it. She also worries the diet can be limiting. Some people can become too extreme, taking supplements that promise to boost your PH, or ingesting baking soda. “That can make the body too alkaline, and bring it outside of the optimal range, and that can actually have potentially deadly side effects.” Some dieters test their daily PH levels with strips that can be purchased at the drug store.
“The people ThaT promoTe The alkaline dieT sTaTe ThaT by being able To increase your inTake of alkaline forming foods, and decrease your inTake of acidic foods, you can acTually alTer The chemisTry in your body.”
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 31 ]
MIAMI (CBS4)
Manolo Blahnik Launches Line At
Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour Shops RepoRting lisa petRillo
Manolo Blahnik BecaMe a worldwide brand and household name almost overnight, and now there’s good news for South Floridian shoe lovers. Sarah Jessica Parker said it best on “Sex and The City,” and she said it often. “Hello Lover,” said Parker as Carrie Bradshaw, drooling over a pair of Manolo’s in the window. George Malkamus, CEO of Manolo Blahnik Shoes, said the exposure was great for the company. “That was unbelievable for business and our brand because what it did was introduce us to a younger customer and a new customer,” said Malkamus. Malkamus is launching the line at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour Shops for the first time, premiering the Spring collection. You’ll find everything from sparkly shoes to flats, sassy sandals and pretty pumps. One thing you won’t find is a sky high platform. “He doesn’t do platforms,” Malkamus said. “He thinks if you see a woman wearing what he calls chair shoes, when you walk down the stairs everyone is only going to look at the chairs, not the beautiful women wearing them.” Their sticker price is no walk in the park. An average pair of Manolo’s runs from $700 to $900 a pair, and up. Still many women from all walks of life want to walk in a pair of Manolo’s. “There’s a line in the show that Carrie says, ‘I have a closet filled with Manolo Blahnik’s and I can’t afford an apartment,’” laughed Malkamus.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 33 ]
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4)
DO NOT CaLL LisT
Telemarketing Top List Of Consumer Complaints RepoRting Shaneeva YaSSin
The top 10 consumer complaints filed during 2011 were released by The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and many repeated complaints topped the list this year.
the depaRtment Received 41,961 complaints, a nine percent increase over the previous calendar year. While complaints about telemarketing and from “Do Not Call” list subscribers topped the list for the third year in a row, the department takes each complaint seriously in an effort to protect all consumers. “Protecting consumers is one of our top priorities,” said commissioner Adam Putnam. “Because an informed consumer is the best defense against fraud and deception, I encourage Floridians to learn about products and businesses before making purchases or entering agreements.” According to Putnam, Floridians can check the history of a business or file a complaint by calling the department at 1-800 HELP-FLA or visiting our website, www.800HELPFLA.com. THE Top TEn ConSumEr CompLAinTS rECEivEd By THE dEpArTmEnT in 2011 ArE: 1. Do Not Call, 11,769 2. Telemarketing, 7,983 3. Communications, 2,730 4. Real EstateBroker/Salesperson, 1,792 5. Motor Vehicle Repair, 1,773
6. Credit/Banking, 1,726 7. Landlord/Tenant, 1,416 8. Travel/Vacation Plans, 1,682 9. Motor Vehicle Sales/Accessories, 1,168 10. Cable, 898 Of the 41,961 complaints received by the department, 25,187 were successfully closed or resolved. The department’s consumer services team recovered $5,597,163 on behalf of consumers during this time period. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. The call center is staffed with trained analysts who answer more than 218,000 telephone calls and emails annually from consumers and businesses. Staff is able to respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency. Consumers who believe they are a victim of fraud can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) or visit www.800HELPFLA.com.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 35 ]
MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.CoM)
Survey:
Rich/Poor ConfliCt explodeS reporting tim Kephart demoCratiC StrategiSt James Carville created an entire campaign behind the motto of “it’s the economy stupid.” But this year, it may be more than just the economy that helps decide the presidential election. According to the Pew Research Center, roughly two-thirds of adults believe there is a strong or very strong conflict between the rich and the poor. The shift was an increase of 19 percent from 2009 and the biggest gains were among young adults, women, Democrats, and African-Americans. The biggest increases in perceptions of class conflicts happened with political liberals and amongst independent voters. Pew said that the changes may reflect a “growing public
awareness of underlying shifts in the distribution of wealth in American society.” But, according to the Pew survey, Americans are not necessarily ready to direct their anger towards the wealthy. According to the poll, 46 percent said the wealthy got that way “because they know the right people or were born into wealthy families. Forty-three percent said it was because of their “own hard work, ambition, or education.” A recent Gallup survey also found that fewer than half of Americans said reducing the gap between rich and poor is “extremely” or “very important,” compared with more than 8 in 10 who said policies to build economic growth should be a high priority for government.
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March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 39 ]
TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN EVENT SEND AN EMAIL TO:
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South Florida
EVENTS CALENDAR
The MiaMi TaSTe oF BriCkell Food & Wine FeSTival (from 3/24/2012 to 3/25/2012) www.tasteofbrickell.com
This annual event promises a fun-filled day of international music, art, outstanding food and wine, an exotic car show, a health and fitness expo, and a free Kids Zone. More than 50 fine dining establishments from Downtown Miami and Brickell’s core will be featured, along with vendors, sponsors and non-profit organizations that will help bring thousands together to experience an exchange of food and music in the heart of Brickell on beautiful Biscayne Bay. Noon - 10 p.m.
CelTiC CulTural SerieS (4/1/2012 & 5/6/2012)
Celebrating Irish culture, music and history is the objective of the South Florida Emerald Society’s series on the first Sunday of the month from October through June. 4 p.m.
FlaMenCo FeST MiaMi 2012: estrellas del Flamenco (from 3/9/2012 to 3/11/2012) www.arshtcenter.org
Flamenco’s three greatest divas - Carmen Cortés, Rafaela Carrasco and Olga Pericet - dance a thrilling repertory of traditional and contemporary pieces with a company of 15 dancers and musicians. The program will also feature works celebrating Spain’s greatest 20th-century poet and playwright, Federico Garcia Lorca.
BaCardi MiaMi Sailing Week (from 3/4/2012 to 3/10/2012) www.miamisailingweek.com
Bacardi Miami Sailing Week presented by EFG Bank is a six-day experience that gathers the national and international sailing community together in a fun-filled week of regattas, awards ceremonies, parties and cultural exhibits. The historic Bacardi Cup, in its 85th year, and its Star fleet are part of Bacardi Miami Sailing Week.
WreSTleMania axxeSS
The Brain Fair
(from 3/29/2012 to 4/1/2012) www.wwe.com
(3/17/2012) www.themiamiproject.org/brainfair
The ultimate fan experience, WrestleMania Axxess, returns to the Miami Beach Convention Center.It’s the WrestleMania Axxess pass to check out brand new features, exclusively for Wrestlemania XXVIII. Plus: one-of-a-kind memorabilia, live matches and Q&A’s and a chance to get autographs and pictures.
The Brain Fair is a free educational event. Kids of any age can hold a real brain, play with visual illusions, find out if they are a super taster, and build their own neuron. Fun science talks will be on topics such as Exercise and IQ, Sleep Disorders, ADHD, and Building Bionic Humans.
eggSTravaganza: a hop Through Pinecrest gardens (3/31/2012) www.pinecrestgardens.com
The day is filled with “eggciting” activities for the entire family including egg hunts, face painting, balloon art, interactive games, music, pictures with the Spring Bunny, arts and crafts, the petting zoo and much more.
MiaMi BeaCh inTernaTional FaShion Week (from 3/21/2012 to 3/24/2012) http://www.miamifashionweek.com
During the past 14 years, Miami Beach International Fashion Week has evolved into one of the world’s premier fashion events spotlighting designers from all over the world. As the largest international fashion event in the US, Miami Beach International Fashion Week has brought the best in international fashion, beauty, music, cuisine and art to the forefront of the American fashion scene. Throughout the years, this event has showcased designers from Spain, India, Italy, Greece, Canada, Malaysia, Kingdom of Bahrain, Pakistan, Lebanon, UEA, Australia, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central & South America. 6-11 p.m. nightly.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 41 ]
Delano Gets Facelift MIAMI BEACH (CBS4MIAMI.CoM)
South Beach hotel RepoRting Lisa petRiLLo
since it fiRst opened in 1995 under hotelier Ian Schrager, the Delano has maintained its uber-cool reputation, but now the hotel is getting an even greater facelift. It’s the place where tourists and locals come and soak up the atmosphere, and world class designer Phillipe Starke created the first indoor outdoor lobby at the hotel offering a seamless flow between the two. Starck has assembled an international collection of furniture and objects, including works from such renowned artists as Antonio Gaudi, Man Ray, Charles and Ray Eames, Salvador Dali and Mark Newson. Now owned by the Morgans Hotel Group, it just acquired the Light Group, a Las Vegas based company, and the move is giving the iconic hotel a bit of a makeover. Morgans Hotel Group’s vice president JP Oliver said, “It’s a new style of glamour and sophistication. And a new type of marketing arm.” First and foremost is the grand opening of Bianca, the new restaurant, which was once known as the Blue Door and formerly
owned by Madonna. The new look is softer with blonde woods and light textures, and the food is inviting. “The food is indicative of the dining room,” said executive chef Brian Massey. “Organic food, with an Italian flair, prosciutto with burrata cheese, grilled octopus, shaved artichokes with parmesan and salmon carpaccio, for example.” The outdoor spaces were also renovated. The infinity edge pool remains the same. But the pool area is now lined with brand new cabanas and a completely re-figured beach club area, making the backyard feel like a club during the day and night. “It was time for a facelift as the hotel is almost 16 years,” Oliver said. “We want to continue to be the style setters and leaders in the market.” Oliver said despite slower times in recent years for the hotel business on South Beach, 2012 is looking good. “This last year was great and March, moving forward, looks like it will be a record year,” said Oliver.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 43 ]
MIAMI (CBS4 )
The Dangers Of High Tech
Q-R Codes
by Jorge estevez
“you CAn’t reAlly tell whAt InforMAtIon IS Stored InSIde thAt Code untIl After you hAve SCAnned It. And thAt CAn Be BAd”
Jorge ezeta thinks Q-r codes are incredibly convenient. He likes scanning them for more information on a product he might want to buy. “It really helps you make a shopping decision,” said Ezeta. “They store information in the black and white dots, so you can keep a lot of different things in there, telephone numbers, urls, links to web sites, addresses and any kind of text you want.” “That’s really helpful, right?” asked Estevez. “Yes,” replied Ezeta. But what’s not helpful is you can’t really tell what information is stored inside that code until after you have scanned it. And that can be bad, according to Malware researcher Tim Armstrong. “There’s a danger inherent in using these types of systems. They can link to malicious websites or phishing pages just as easily as they can link to legitimate information,” explained Armstrong. Malicious web sites? Phishing pages? Experts say phishing pages are fake versions of legitimate pages and they’re used to collect your login details. developerS “A lot of times they will look identical to Are workIng the legitimate page,” said Armstrong. The criminals set up the codes so that after on proteCtIon they are scanned, the landing page asks you SoftwAre. But to click a link… a link that could hijack your phone and your private information. untIl thAt IS “Links go to all sorts of different other CreAted, Be pages where they can collect user details. They can steal information,” cautioned CAreful. Armstrong. Apps can put your private information at risk and you won’t even have a clue. “The end-user thinks they’re downloading an instant messenger application or a new web browser for their phone,” said Armstrong. “But, in fact, these are just fake applications that are similar to real apps, but in the background they’re stealing your data.” “There’s a lot of personal information on my phone. Everything, phone numbers, contacts, emails, access to my email, access to my bank account,” said Ezeta. Or you might receive a premium rate text message that, when you open it to read it, results in a $5 or $10 charge. “We haven’t seen this type of attack until very recently,” Armstrong indicated. Developers are working on protection software. But until that is created, be careful. Armstrong points out that right now, scanning the code isn’t the problem… it’s when the code sends you to a link that you need to click, that you need to watch out. “Scan them, see where they go first and then make a decision. Be very wary of where these things are leading you. If you see these things out in the wild it may not be the best idea to scan them,” cautioned Armstrong. Jorge will keep scanning magazine ads or food product labels but with more skepticism than before. “Not on a street sign where it says click here for free stuff. That would be a lot riskier,” Ezeta said. Researchers say this problem seems to be stemming mostly from criminals in Europe and Russia in particular.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 45 ]
MIAMI (CBSMIAMI)
Breathe Easier
TobaccoPaFree rks At Miami-Dade’s New
South Florida families can breathe a little easier at Miami-Dade County Parks thanks to a new policy that bans smoking at more than 40 parks and near all playgrounds and youth ball fields. The new policy ensures a healthy environment
cause additional maintenance expenses. Cigarette butts are not biodegradable. Tobacco-free parks include: African Heritage, Arcola, Arcola Lakes, Bird Lakes, Cinco de Mayo Park, Colonial Drive, Continental, Country Village, Deerwood, Devon Aire, Eureka, Eureka Villas, Goulds, Gwen Cherry (YET), Hammocks, Highland Oaks, Jefferson Reaves, Kendale Lakes, Leisure Lakes Park, Little River, Martin Luther King, McMillian, Miller’s Pond, Modello, Naranja Park, Norman & Jean Reach, North Glade, North Trail, Oak Grove, Ojus, Olinda, Ron Ehmann, Ruben Dario, Sgt. Delancy, Soar, South Dade, Southridge, Tropical Estates, West Little River, West Perrine, Westwind Lakes, and Wildlime.
for people participating in sports and other recreational activities within a park setting where they are not exposed to toxic secondhand smoke. The no-smoking policy was already in affect around playing fields but the new policy extends the ban beyond ball fields and includes tobacco-free zones at all community parks where children participate in the Department’s Fit-to-Play after-school program and at all playgrounds in all County parks. “In addition to reducing second-hand smoke exposure, tobacco-free policies encourage young people to make healthy choices,” said Jack Kardys, Director of Miami-Dade Parks. “The more tobacco-free environments a community provides, the fewer opportunities for youth to start using tobacco.” There are also environmental benefits for insti“The More ToBACCo-free envIronMenTS A CoMMunITy tuting a tobacco-free policy. provIdeS, The fewer opporTunITIeS for youTh To STArT uSIng Litter caused by discarded ToBACCo.” cigarette butts diminish the beauty of park facilities and [ 46 ] March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables
Doctors
Vanishing
Smile Lines
Using Patient’s Own Skin
Sue ChaSe iS 69-yearS old. She said her life has been great. She’s had a wonderful husband, kids and grandkids. She’s had a lot to smile and chuckle about. “I laugh all the time,” said Chase. But all those good times have taken a toll on her physically. She said it’s time for those smile lines to go. Enter Dr. Diane Walder, a Miami Beach Dermatologist. “We are just going to take small pieces of skin,” Walder explained. It’s the beginning of a brand new procedure just approved… called Laviv. “This is different from filler or Botox cause you’re actually using your own collagen producing cells to continue making collagen in your skin,” Walder told Demos. Dr. Walder will send these three pieces of skin from behind the ear to a lab. In three months the fiberblast cells will have multiplied and the cells that grow Sue’s very own collagen will be injected into her smile lines. Right now the procedure is only
approved for smile lines. But that is expected to be expanded. “The studies are being done now to apply to neck, arm and eyes.. to go back to skin we had when we were babies,” said Walder. That’s good news for Sue who is interested in more than just those smile lines. “I would love to do my neck cause I don’t want to go under a knife,” said Chase. The procedure is not covered by insurance. It costs $3,000 to get rid of these smile lines, but Sue says it’s worth it. She said she’d rather have her laughs and smiles as memories with no evidence.
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305.402.2176 March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 47 ]
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 49 ]
Your lens is on back-order and now the flash sho
Novice or pro, old school or digital, searching for the best camera store can beco
World Wide Foto www.worldwidefoto.com
A
E
M A E C R T S
Frequented by professionals, World Wide Foto, hands down, is staffed with the most knowledgeable shutterbugs in Miami. They make you glad you came in. Digital or dinosaur, if World Wide doesn’t carry it, they’ll do their best to find it for you. Feel comfortable bringing in or searching for video equipment as well. Stocked with supplies from Perutz film to Heico fixers to Rockland liquid light, it’s worth the trip. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.pitmanphotosupply.com
Bristol’s, often visited by the locals as well as gangs of tourists, marries the latest technology and trends. The best of Nikon, Cannon, Olympus and Cassio are among the frontrunners in this off-the-beaten-path shop. The small staff is knowledgeable and whatever your level of photography enthusiasm, they can assist. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday.
B
Bristol’s Camera
oe is broken? While waiting for parts, your camera was deemed obsolete? ome a hair-pulling experience. Here are some of the best camera stores in Miami.
S
Pitman Photo Supply (800) 252-3008
RES IN M IA TO
A warehouse of photo accessories, services, equipment and a digital color lab, Pitman offers a wide variety to customers at every level. The staff is knowledgeable and can help even when you aren’t exactly sure about your photo needs. Pitman’s abundant in-house stock includes Quantum, Lowepro, Lexar and Nikon. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
I M By Cynthia Roby
Ritz & Wolf Camera Image
www.ritzcameraandimage.com
The service is great and the staff is definitely not camera shy. For a photo shop, Ritz & Wolf steps outside the box in its trendy mall environment with its offerings. Personal photo gifts, netbooks, MP3 players and all things photo related make the list. The best place for the photo-treasure enthusiast, yet something for everyone. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Closed Sunday.
March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 51 ]
Study:
Junk Food In Schools
Isn’t a Problem reporting tim KephArt
MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.CoM)
Parents and schools have worried in recent years about the inclusion of junk food in schools; but a new study said all of that worry is for nothing. According to A study published in the journal Sociology of Education, a survey of roughly 20,000 middle school kids who attend schools with junk food available to them didn’t gain more weight than students who went to schools where junk food isn’t available. The study said that many middle schools sell junk food, especially in schools with a high percentage of poor children. Several states have tried to crack down on junk food by removing soda machines and other snacks from schools. The authors of the study said that how kids eat outside of school goes much further in determining obesity than their eating habits during the school day. Childhood obesity has reached critical levels in the United States. Roughly 20 percent of American kids between 6 and 11 are obese and the percentage of kids who are obese and overweight has quadrupled in just the last 25 years, according to Yahoo!.
Disney
To Set Sail Out Of Miami Wonder no more! Disney Cruise Line is coming in Miami. In a press release, Disney Cruise Line announced it will sail from Miami for the first time on December 23, 2012. Port Miami is a cruise hub long dominated by locally-based Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. The Wonder is re-locating to Miami from Los Angeles and no longer will operate itineraries to the West Coast of Mexico. Through May 2013, the 1,754 passenger Disney Wonder will call Miami home for a series of four- and five-night sailings from Miami to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. The first two Caribbean cruises out of PortMiami will be a six-night trip followed by a seven-night cruise. Rates for the four- and five-night cruises will start at $440 per person, double occupancy, for a standard inside cabin, according to the press release. Disney’s move to Miami means the cruise line will have two home ports in Florida. The first is longtime hub Port Canaveral, where the line began in 1998. Port Canaveral will remain home to the line’s two newest ships, the one-year-old Disney Dream and soon-to-debut Disney Fantasy.
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WANDER ANIMAL HOSPITAL Veterinary Medicine & Surgery Serving Kendall, South Miami, Pinecrest and Perrine Since 1986
the beSt care for your pet! Preventative Medicine · Dermatology · Parasite & Flea Control · Grooming · Diets Radiology · Boarding · Nutritional Counseling Dentistry · Full Laboratory and More!
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Ph: 305-598-1425
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[ 74 ] March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables
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Gift Certificates Available
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monday-saturday, 10-9 sunday, 12-7
Shops At Sunset Place 5701 Sunset Drive, Suite 176 South Miami, FL 33143 305-667-1802 • www.pinkiesnail.com March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 75 ]
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7701 N.W 56 ST ∙ Miami FL 33166
[ 76 ] March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables
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March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 77 ]
To Advertise Contact: 305.477.1699
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[ 78 ] March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables
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March 2012 CBS4 News Magazine Coral Gables [ 79 ]
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE
PAID
Permit #1796 Miami, FL
POSTMASTER - REQUESTED IN-HOME DELIVERY DATE: MARCH 1-10, 2012