8.23.2012 Miami Beach News by Community Newspapers

P u b l i s h e d i n c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h T h e M i a m i B e a c h C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– C o n n e c t i n g L o c a l B u s i n e s s e s s i n c e 1 9 5 8

AUG. 23 - SEPT. 5, 2012

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Miami Spice Returns Residents Vote Yes O to Resort Tax bill

rganized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), presented by American Express and sponsored by Stella Artois and BACARDI® Rum, South Florida’s wildly-anticipated summer culinary celebration, Miami Spice Restaurant Program is set to run from August 1 through September 30, 2012 with a recordbreaking 171 participating restaurants. New to the program this year is an attractive, second pricing option, allowing many more of Miami and The Beaches’ top dining destinations to participate in Miami Spice. “Miami Spice is a very exciting time of year for Greater Miami and The Beaches,” says Steve Haas, board chair of the GMCVB and owner of City Hall – The Restaurant. “It’s an effective way to support restaurant businesses during our slower season and gives foodies countless reasons to dine out.” During this one-of-a-kind culinary event, destination restaurants will offer discounted, three-course, prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus featuring a choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. This year, Miami Spice will consist of two restaurant groups: Luxury Dining and Fine Dining. Luxury dining restaurants will offer three course prix-fixe lunches at $23 per person, dinners at $39. Fine dining restaurants will feature menus at $19 for lunch, $33 for dinner. (All menus exclude tax and gratuities) New to the Miami Spice program this year are 53 restaurants:

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See

RESTAURANTS, page 4

Community leaders come together to celebrate Vote YES on 502 victory. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY CHANTAL GLOOR

ver the past 10 years the business community has consistently supported the concept of renovating the Miami Beach Convention Center as a vital resource to the local economy. On August 14th, voters came together and overwhelmingly passed the penny increase to the resort tax which will directly fund the modernization of this regional center. Local Business leaders from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association,

Miami Beach Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce as well as residents from the community formed a coalition to support the ‘Vote YES’ #502 campaign to pass this long awaited initiative. Efforts by the coalition to educate the Miami Beach citizens were met with success when it was passed 67% to 33% on Tuesday, August 14th. Miami Beach residents where asked whether they will allow the City Commission to raise the resort tax by up to one penny for the improvement of the Convention Center. The educational aspect of the ‘Vote Yes’ campaign was ––––––––––––––––

See

VOTE YES, page 4

Phone: 305-669-7355

Letter from the Chair BY JASON LOEB Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber

Recently, Miami Beach voters approved a 1% tourist tax increase, specifically in the form of a resort tax. This is a small enough increase to have minimal impact on our tourists, yet accumulated, will greatly contribute to the improvement of our community. The initiative is anticipated to bring in over $9 million annually, which will be used exclusively for funding the planned improvements and ongoing upkeep of the Miami Beach Convention Center. In my 17 year history with the Chamber, this is certainly among my proudest moments for the organization. In the beginning we faced many challenges, naysayers and warnings that such a proposal would never pass. It was collaboration that allowed us to override these initial sentiments - our members not only worked with each other, but branched outside the chamber to other impacting organizations and community leaders to build upon its strength. Many thanks to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority, Miami Beach Hotel Association, Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce and the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for their partnership and support in making this happen. Because of everyone’s hard work, we can move forward in the development of transforming the Convention Center into a state-of-the-art facility representative of our city’s international influence and appeal. The Convention Center is already home to some of the world’s most renowned events - Art Basel Miami Beach, Miami Beach International Fashion Week, Miami Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Miami Boat Show, ArteAmericas, as well as major meetings and expos hosted by elite institutions across key industries - all of which bring additional cache to our sunny paradise. As the region’s third largest economic force (just behind the airport and seaport), fulfillment of the neces–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See

LETTER, page 4

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Aug. 23 - Sept. 6, 2012

Aug. 23 - Sept. 5, 2012

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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

ALBERT MERTZ

General Manager, SLS Hotel South Beach Albert Mertz, from bility being to instill the parMexico City, Mexico, has a ent company, sbe’s, culture to great interest in and deep the East Coast and spearheadappreciation for exploring ing the launch of what is to diverse cultures around the come for an ever growing world. His affinity for globbrand. His knowledge of the al discovery was awakened industry and unique skill set during his childhood, much have been instrumental in of which he spent traveling spearheading several property abroad with his family openings in various countries around the globe. Mertz’s around the world, including worldly experiences and Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, understanding of cultural Spain, Korea, and numerous values, coupled with his U.S. cities, including New keen business sense at an York, Texas, Washington DC ALBERT MERTZ early age, ultimately led him and of course Miami, where he to a career in the hospitality industry. He is has opened some of the highest profile passionate about the industry and prides hotels which have come in to the market himself in not only being a leader of a beau- year after year. tiful property, SLS Hotel South Beach, but Mertz’s extensive industry background also being a key part of the community, and unrivaled knowledge of the Miami marwhich is equally important. “If you do not ket makes him the perfect fit for his current see yourself as part of a community and also position as General Manager for SLS Hotel create and build a culture, in our case the sbe South Beach. With a strong penchant for culture, there is no sustainability,” says education, he considers himself a leader, Mertz. “If there is no base to the business mentor, innovator, brand ambassador and model it will not succeed.” Mertz is a firm source of support for his colleagues. Mertz believer in establishing his team as the brings forth a positive attitude, talent and finest in the nation to assist in showcasing motivation in all aspects of his life, a printhe Miami market. ciple that aligns perfectly with the sbe phiMertz has worked at various first class losophy. In his current position, he hopes award-winning hotels throughout his to bring guests a level of hospitality yet to career, including companies like the be seen in South Beach, evoking love, loyMandarin Oriental Hotel Group, The Ritz- alty and unsurpassed levels of service. Carlton Hotel Group, Andre Balazs Mertz obtained his Bachelors in Science Properties, Loews Hotels and W South from The University of Houston. He also Beach Hotels & Residences, and of course received a graduate certificate from RMIT. now the newest property in Miami Beach, He lives in Miami Beach with his wife SLS Hotel South Beach, the latter responsi- Christina and children Michel and Julia.

Miamii Beach h News

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RESTAURANTS, from page 1

LETTER, from page 1 –––––– sary renovations and expansion are critical to enhancing our offerings, fulfilling our mission to provide for our citizens and attract new tourists with a viable and vibrant community. I would like to give another huge thank you to our supporters and to those who worked so diligently on the Chamber’s behalf. This is an important first step, and

we still have a long way to go in the implementation of the new tax and realizing our vision for the Miami Beach Convention Center. However, our teamwork and actionable passion assure me that we’ll only continue our journey to success. At your service, Jason Loeb

VOTE YES, from page 1 ––––– to stress that this is a tax on tourists, and not one paid by residents. With over 13 million tourists and visitors that stay in the Miami Beach hotels each year, it is estimated that this tax could bring close to $10 million annually for renovations and improvements. The tax will not be collected until a redesign plan of the building is implemented. Miami Beach is an ever evolving city and the voters supported that the Convention Centers needs to be upgraded to compete in today’s market. Currently Miami Beach ranks in the top three destination cities, however, the convention center ranks 30 nationally. Several

conventions, such as IBM, will not come back to the facility, because it is inadequate and cannot accommodate for the technological and physical needs of an expanded convention. Although the Convention Center currently attracts world renowned shows such as Art Basel and the Boat Show it is important for them to seek out more business to come to Miami Beach. Along with the Resort Tax being passed, the incumbent Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez won a full term and Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle was re-elected into her sixth term.

Aug. 23 - Sept. 5, 2012

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Altamare Restaurant Amalfi on the Beach Amuse Restaurant & Lounge Azzuro Italian Restaurant & Bar Baoli Miami Barceloneta Bistro Bianca Bloom Bongo’s Cuban Café Cibo Wine Bar Copper Chimney CRAVE De Luca Food & Wine Deco Blue Restaurant & Lounge Dominque Bistro Club Edge, Steak & Bar Fifi’s Flame Caffe and Grill Front Porch Café Green House Organic Food Restaurant Il Bolognese J &G Grill Jean Paul’s House Juvia La Cote at Fontainbleau La Gloutonnerie Lantao Kitchen & Cocktails Larios on the Beach Luca Bella Family Style Italian Macchialina Taverna Rustica Maya Tapas & Grill – Ocean Maya Tapas & Grill - Lincoln Mesa Venezuelan French Cuisine Mixtura Restaurant – Coral Gables Mixtura Restaurant – Miami Beach Off the Hookah Miami Piazetta Marketplace and Restaurant Pubbelly Seasons 52 Terraza The Dome Restaurant and Caviar Bar The Dutch The Federal Food Drink & Provisions TIKL Raw Bar & Grill (Opening August 2012) Toscana Divino in Miami Tutto’s Mare Miami Tuyo UMI Uvas Restaurant Vesper American Brasserie Villa Azur Restaurant & Lounge Werner Staub’s Peppermill Restaurant Wynwood Kitchen & Bar More than 158,000 Miami Spice meals were served last year and the GMCVB expects to surpass that number due to the expanded format, still-growing list of participating restaurants, media and marketing partnerships as well as special city-wide summer promotions that overlap Miami Spice. For an up-to-date list of participating restaurants, menus, and scheduled events, visit the Miami Spice Restaurant Program’s dedicated website: www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com.

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Aug. 23 - Sept. 5, 2012

MBVCA in our community BY JEFF LEHMAN

Vice Chair Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) Long an advocate for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community, the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) was recognized and rewarded for their advocacy and support by the MiamiDade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) on June 23rd with the Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award. Miami Beach, one of the most progressive cities for the LGBT community recently developed the Pink Flamingo Program, a partnership between the MDGLCC and the LGBT Visitor Center on Miami Beach to educate area hoteliers, tour companies and other travel-related businesses on the needs of LGBT travelers and provide incentives to hoteliers who wish to offer LGBT travelers special deals. The MBVCA via financial grants also annually sponsors gay-friendly events including the White Party, Winter Party, Miami Beach Gay Pride, the Miami

Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Aqua Girl. “The Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority’s impact cannot be measured jus in absolute dollars,” said Steve Adkins President, Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Steve is also the Co-Chair of the VCA. “For many LGBT organizations, whether or not their even will take place from year to year is a func tion of the grant money they receive from the MBVCA. Over the years, the many LGBT organizations hosting events on the beach, from White to Winter Party, Aqua Girl, Gay Pride and the Gay & Lesbian Film Festival are all examples that withou the VCA, they would find it financially dif ficult to continue, let alone expand their offerings.” On Saturday June23 the MDGLCC host ed its 11th Orange Gala in celebration of Miami Dade’s thriving LGBT community The event is dedicated to recognizing busi nesses, organizations and individuals who have made outstanding efforts to suppor and contribute to the advancement of the LGBT community. Honors are bestowed on organizations whose commitment to diversity is unwavering in their inclusion of the LGBT community.

Aug. 23 - Sept. 5, 2012

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BY WILLIAM D. TALBERT III, CDME

HOW’S BUSINESS Record Demand for Travel to Greater Miami and the Beaches Remains Strong in June 2012 Resulting in Incre a s e s i n Greater Miami’s Tourist-Related Ta x C o l l e c t i o n s In June 2012, the 2% Food and Beverage tax collections from hotels in MIAMI-Dade (excluding MIAMI Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside) generated $ 4 9 0 , 3 7 4 compared to $ 4 0 9 , 6 6 9 in 2011, an increase of + 1 9 . 7 % . The Convention Development Tax (CDT) collections for Greater MIAMI and the Beaches of $ 3 , 9 0 6 , 2 9 5 compared to $ 3 , 4 2 3 , 2 9 5 for the same period last year represent a + 1 4 . 1 % increase in June 2012. The Resort tax collections (excluding MIAMI Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside) totaled $ 1 , 2 9 7 , 7 4 6 compared to $ 1 , 1 7 0 , 3 0 0 in 2011 for an increase of + 1 0 . 9 % .

2% FOOD and BEVERAGE TAX COLLECTIONS June 2012 $490,374

June 2011 $409,669

% Change +19.7%

CONVENTION DEVELLOPMENT TAX COLLECTIONS June 2012 $3,906,295

June 2011 $3,423,295

% Change +14.1%

RESORT TAX COLLECTIONS June 2012 $1,297,746

June 2011 $1,170,300

% Change +10.9%

PORTMIAMI NEWS… At PortMiami, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), also known as Harriet, has completed the first of what will be two tunnel tubes under Biscayne Bay linking PortMiami with the mainland. This marks the half-way point in the boring process. After traveling 4,000 feet under the bay, Harriet will now be turned around and will start the dig back towards Watson Island. Each tunnel tube will carry two-lanes of traffic under Government Cut. The PortMiami Tunnel is expected to be completed in May 2014. MAKE TIME TO PAMPER YOURSELF DURING MIAMI SPA MONTH Greater Miami and the Beaches is renowned for luxury spas that are ranked among the “Best Spas in America,” and are the favorites of spa connoisseurs throughout the world. Celebrate with us during August 2012 as we feature the fifth annual Miami Spa Month where you can enjoy special treatments for $99 at Miami’s premier spas. For Spa Month participants and other exciting details, visit www.MiamiSpaMonth.com. MIAMI SPICE IS IN FULL SWING! The GMCVB’s highly anticipated MIAMI Spice Restaurant program runs through September 30, 2012 with a record-breaking 179 participating restaurants. During this one-of-a-kind culinary event, restaurants offer discounted, three-course, prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus created by world-renowned chefs featuring a choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. New this year, MIAMI Spice consists of two restaurant groups: Luxury Dining and Fine Dining. Luxury dining restaurants will offer three course prixfixe lunches at $23 per person, dinners at $39. Fine dining restaurants will feature menus at $19 for lunch, $33 for dinner. (All menus exclude tax and gratuities) For a list of participating www.iLoveMIAMISpice.com.

restaurants, menus and more

details,

visit

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Aug. 23 - Sept. 5, 2012

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Fitch Ratings once again upgrades Miami Beach Mount Sinai Medical Center New York-based rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Mount Sinai Medical Center’s bond ratings status from BBB- to BBB. Over the past few years, Mount Sinai has continued to generate increased, positive revenues and effectively manage expenses year after year. The upgrade reflects Mount Sinai’s continued improvement of operating performance and significant expense reduction while expanding into multiple locations, including satellite offices in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Aventura and Key Biscayne. The Mount Sinai Heart Institute has developed into one of the state’s strongest cardiovascular service lines, which has resulted in continued strong performance of the hospital’s cardiac surgical volume. Mount Sinai has the best cardiac surgery survival rate in Florida among institutions that perform the highest volume of complex procedures, captures the largest market share of valve surgeries in Florida, and has the best heart attack survival rate in the state, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Hospital Compare data. In addition, births and emergency department visits have continually increased over the last several years.

Aerial view of Mount Sinai Medical Center ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Additional positive rating factors are Mount Sinai’s solid market position as the only hospital on Miami Beach and one of a select few statutory teaching hospitals in the state of Florida. Mount Sinai’s out-

standing medical staff provides award-winning care in its centers of excellence, including cardiology, cancer, and neuroscience. The medical center’s ongoing recruitment of high quality, experienced

medical staff and its strong community support from donors also made a positive impact on its rating upgrade. Steven D. Sonenreich, Mount Sinai’s President and CEO, attributes the medical center’s success to the board of trustees, its donors and medical staff who embrace the hospital’s mission. “Mount Sinai was established 60 years ago, with the help of visionary community leaders who responded to the need for a new hospital on Miami Beach,” Sonenreich said. “Philanthropy continues to play a role today as does our focus on delivering results-driven academic care that is both high quality and cost efficient.” According to Fitch Ratings, by June 30, 2012, Mount Sinai held $186.6 million of unrestricted cash and investments, equivalent to about 154 days cash on hand – an increase of 63 days since 2008. The upgrade from Fitch Ratings continues to reflect Mount Sinai’s improved operating performance, as also reported back in March when Moody’s Investors Services upgraded Mount Sinai’s outlook to stable at a higher-level rating. Additional information about Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida is available at www.msmc.com.

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Aug. 23 - Sept. 5, 2012

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An international intern perspective at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce

BY ASTRID CONCONNE

I have had the pleasure of interning for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for the past 3 months, and I am thrilled to share my experiences with you. My name is Astrid Conconne, and I am a third year student in a Martinican business school called Ecole de Gestion et de Commerce de la Martinique (EGCM). I am originally from Martinique, in the French West Indies, where I have lived for the past 20 years. I was offered the opportunity to come to the United States by the Miami Beach Chamber to be an International Business Development Intern and to learn about economic development in South Florida and the partnerships that can be made between Miami and my home country. I started my college career by studying the importance of Marketing, Merchandising, Sales, Spanish, English, Caribbean Economy, Management, Accounting, and much more, to prepare me for this type of internship. Immediately after I was informed that I was required to fulfill an international internship, I thought about coming to the United States, and specifically coming to the world renowned metropolitan city of Miami Beach. I felt so lucky to get in touch with Ms. Chantal Callen Gloor, the Director of Operations of Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, who also supervises all interns for the organization. We scheduled a Skype interview and I started my internship on June 6th, 2012 and will complete my internship on August 24th, with the Champions of Business luncheon at the Forge as my last networking event. Interning for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce has offered a great opportunity

for me to ameliorate my English language skills along with my business writing skills. This internship is particularly important for foreign students because it gives us the ability to discover and integrate into the business community in South Florida. By participating in several networking events, I was able to meet professionals from all types of organizations, which gave me a better understanding of the business ethic in this area. Through my daily administrative tasks in Marketing, Membership and Public Relations, I learned how to multi-task in the same effect manner that the Chamber staff does. The 10 full time employees at the Chamber execute 250 events per year, 3 websites, 3 different Business Boards, 9 Business Councils, the Miami Beach News publication, a Radio Show, and not to mention over 1100 members. Thanks to their motivation, creativity, and mentorship, I was able to learn the importance to building relationships to help the community grow. I assisted in organizing some fantastic events such as the 3rd Anniversary INcard Celebration, Pillar Reception at Delano, General Networkers such as Chamber Idol and one at Texas de Brazil, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lunch with an Expertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; luncheons at Cafe Avanti, and much more. Thanks to all these events, I made several valuable business contacts that I will take back with me to Martinique. I truly had an unforgettable experience and I will come back in February for the final stages of my international internship. I would like to give a special thank you to Mr. Jerry Libbin, President & CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber, the amazing Ms. Chantal Callen Gloor, Director of Operations, my supervisor, and Ms. Ana Cecilia Velasco, COO of the Miami Beach Chamber, and all the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce staff. I can be reached at conconne.astrid@gmail.com, should you need any information about Martinique.

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Arts at St. Johns presents Teens for Equality and Dancing with My (Mother’s) Body Arts at St. Johns, a Miami Beach arts program, has long been known for its eclectic and diverse presentations. Two upcoming summer performances reflect the organization’s unique take on the arts as a means of expression, empowerment, social justice, and human rights. Thursday, Aug. 22, 7 pm: The “Teens for Equality” Performance Ensemble presents its premier performance with the launch of “Be Who You Are.” The mission of the ensemble is to give a visible platform for area youth — to express their talent and personality and to take a stand on social issues such as human injustice, bullying, environmental concerns, teen sex, and gay/straight issues. The youth, a select group ages 13 - 19, will perform in song, dance and acting, as well as the spoken word. The evening’s performers are the project’s youth leadership group, which is the nucleus for growing a larger performance troupe for future performances. The project is directed by Lloyd Reshard, Interim Executive Director of Arts at St. Johns, along with Christina Alexander as Drama Coach and Hamilton Gutierrez as Music Coach and Pianist. After the performance, there will be a reception to meet the youth, director, and coaches and to talk about how youth can be an influence for social change. “Be Who You Are” is premiering at the iconic St. Johns United Methodist Church, one of two “Reconciling” Florida Methodist churches (meaning that the church openly welcomes ALL people regardless of race, sexual orientation, physical capability, or economic status). This project has received a City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Gala grant. The performance is free, but by invitation only. To be placed on the Invite List, contact Lloyd Reshard at 786-309-1275 or

The Youth For Equality team

Carol Hoffman-Guzman, Arts at St. Johns Founding Director & President of the Board ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

by email artsatstjohnsMB@gmail.com. Location: 4760 Pine Tree Dr, 33140. Parking is onsite and free. Sunday, Sept. 9, 2 pm. Tiffany hanan Madera presents “DANCING WITH MY (MOTHER’S) BODY,” an exploration of power, nurturance, belly dance and the body. Tiffany was one of the first Artistic Directors at Arts at St. Johns, where she launched the Dance Empowerment Project. Over the years, this project used Middle Eastern dance as a means of personal discovery, empowerment, reflection, and creative unblocking. The September performance is a rigorous exploration of identity, the body and the ever-evolving relationship of mother and daughter. Through dance, dramaturgy and personal narrative, plus identity construction and empowerment, hanan brings the performers into a deeply personal conversation with their own bodies, through the connection with the Universal Mother. Performers have prepared dances, monologues and responses to readings and research, plus improvisation with guest

Tiffany Hanan Madera.

(Bradley Marshall Photography) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

artist Carlota Pradera and butoh dance with Helena Thevenot. The performance features work-in-progress pieces created in a month-long workshop, with solos by advanced student performers and a performance by the dance troupe Fusion Gitana, directed by Zizi Zabaneh.

Admission is $10; $5 for Seniors and Students. Location: 4760 Pine Tree Dr, 33140. Parking is onsite and free. www.artsatstjohns.com – Arts at St Johns has been a member of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce since the organization was formed over 12 years ago.

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Chamber Idol at FDR in Delano

Michael Ritz rocking out to “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” Judge Richard Rey and his band Ovrhol

Judging panel: Richard Rey, Felix Vega and Sara Smith

Contestant Hana Dolgin struts her saxophone skills

Chamber President Jerry Libbin delivers some laughs with his “At the Bottom of the Sea”

Carlos Lerman entertains with guitar and vocals

Former Vegas crooner Holly Idol winner Tasha Giuda sings an Alicia Carroll woos the crowd Keys classic

MC Jeff Green interviews Carlos Lerman

The audience roars with applause inside FDR Room at Delano

Rona Witek and her CometAds crew

PHOTOS BY CHANTAL GLOOR

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Miami Beach Chamber’s General Networker at Texas de Brazil

Roger Simon, Valerie Kevorkian and Joe Conway Chantal Gloor, Larissa Brown and Tasha Giuda

Jocelynn Carlos, Cindi George and Virginie Diez

Stewart Stewart and Dena Stewart Specialty hors d’oeuvres

PHOTOS BY TASHA GIUDA Guests networking at Texas de Brazil

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FPL CORNER

Aug. 23 - Sept. 5, 2012

Local Adventure Camp students visit Grand Teton National Park

FPL Marks Hurricane Andrew Anniversary as a Time to Remember, Learn and Prepare

On Aug. 24, Florida and the nation will observe the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, one of the most dramatic and devastating natural disasters in modern history. For those who lived through the storm and witnessed its incredible destruction first hand, this month is a time of solemn remembrance. And for everyone across the state of Florida and all along the Eastern seaboard and the Gulf Coast, Andrew’s anniversary is an occasion to learn from the past and to recognize the unpredictable and powerful nature of hurricanes, along with the absolute necessity of good planning and preparation throughout every hurricane season. When Andrew struck just south of Miami, it made landfall with peak sustained winds of 165 miles per hour, and gusts of up to 175 mph. Now classified as a rare Category 5, the hurricane pushed a massive storm surge up Biscayne Bay, and delivered more than 7 inches of rain along the core of its path. Damages from the storm totaled more than $25 billion dollars throughout the Bahamas, Florida and the Gulf states, with thousands of homes lost and many more damaged. FPL’s storm preparedness and recovery processes were also significantly challenged by Hurricane Andrew. As crews worked feverishly to restore power after the storm, FPL developed and perfected some of the systems now in place to map storm damage and to estimate restoration times. “At FPL, hurricane preparation is now part of our daily operations, every day we’re not in a storm we’re preparing for one. On this anniversary, we urge our customers to prioritize disaster planning too,” said Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution. “We are always working to help the communities we serve prepare for the next storm. Every year we make multi-million dollar investments in our infrastructure to make it more resilient.” In the past two decades, advances in technology have changed every step in the hurricane preparation and recovery process. New forecasting tools allow for more frequent assessments of a storm’s path and intensity, and better computer modeling has improved accuracy, especially on the intensity front. At the same time, technology has altered the way that information is communicated before, during and after a hurricane. Today, storms can be tracked online, on mobile devices, through social media outlets, and of course through traditional media sources. FPL has harnessed technology to enhance the way that it communicates with customers before and after hurricanes, and the way that it pre-positions restoration crews and models the damage to its system from a storm. To help with preparation, FPL offers customers a wealth of information and tips on its website, www.FPL.com. After a hurricane, FPL offers constant updates and information about the power restoration process through its website, which is mobile friendly, and through Twitter (www.twitter.com/insideFPL), Facebook (www.facebook.com/FPLconnect) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/FPL). FPL’s blog (www.FPLblog.com) is also an important source of news. “But the fact is, while much has changed since Andrew reached our shores,” said Hardy, “one simple truth remains the same: hurricanes carry with them a potentially overwhelming destructive power, and when a major storm hits, power will be interrupted, trees will fall and water will rise. Floridians must understand this fact and make every preparation for it.”

Students from Miami are pictured at Grand Teton National Park. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY JOE PETRICK

Twelve students traveled from Miami to Jackson Hole, WY for 10 days of outdoor adventure and exploration. The Miami students, joined by two students from Atlanta, GA and three adults, stayed at the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools from July 21 to 30, spending their days exploring Grand Teton National Park and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. Guided by instructors from Teton Science Schools, the Miami students investigated topics such as glacial ecology, wildlife ecology, and wilderness skills by exploring the landscape of Grand Teton National Park. Students also had the opportunity to canoe on String Lake and Leigh Lake, hike to Phelps Lake and Inspiration Point, and participate in community service work by building bluebird nest boxes to help improve bird nesting habitat in Jackson Hole. A highlight of the experience in Wyoming was a three-day backpacking trip in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness to Alaska Basin and their ascent to Static Peak (11,303 feet) in Grand Teton National Park. Students also enjoyed spending a day honing their rock climbing skills with Exum Mountain Guides at Hidden Falls. These shared experiences had a powerful influence on many students that they shared on their final night of the program. Students said that the rock climbing experience helped them to overcome fear of heights and anxieties, and enabled them to take on more challenges in their daily lives. Spending 10 days without electronics proved difficult for some but raised their awareness of just how much they have come to over-depend on electronics. Students also said that they saw new leadership qualities in each other that developed

through overcoming physical and emotional challenges. They acknowledged the support that they received from other members of their team and made commitments to take what they have learned and apply these new skills to overcoming challenges in their lives back home. “It was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience. It helped improve my confidence and helped me to erase my fear of heights,” said Zack, one of the students. Higher Grounds Teton Adventure Camp founder Dr. Gary X. Lancelotta, is the director of Child Psychology Associates in South Miami. The Higher Grounds Teton Adventure Camp is an extension of a weekly rock-climbing group aimed at keeping kids off electronics and overcoming obstacles in their lives. Dr. Lancelotta, who organized and ran the trip for the third year this summer, has provided this select group of students with a memorable Grand Teton adventure. “There were a number of challenges along the way,” Dr. Lancelotta said. “For some it was the challenge of hiking seven and a half miles up to 9,600 feet elevation in the Alaska Basin [which took eight hours], or facing the fear of completing all five pitches of rock climbing (climbing 300 feet) at Hidden Falls, or the challenge of nailing Static Peak at 11,300 feet, or managing the fear of surviving sleeping in a tent in a wild mountain storm, or learning how to problem solve with peers. “Regardless of what each boy received, a seed was planted that will hopefully grow to help them in whatever challenges lie ahead this coming year and in life.” For more information about Teton Science Schools’ programs, visit online at <www.tetonscience.org> or contact Joe Petrick at 1-307-734-2786 or by email at <Joe.Petrick@tetonscience.org>.

Aug. 23 - Sept. 5, 2012

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The $outh Florida Gaming Repor t

Questioning Taxation On Tuesday, August 14th Miami Beach voters passed a measure that raises the resort tax by up to one percent to fund renovations of the aging Convention Center. The monies raised are dedicated solely to improving this building. While many view this as a way to let tourist dollars pay for a more modern facility, others might see this as a counter measure to Gentingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposed resort destination casino project. While Miami Beach politicos are staying in their no casino gaming foxhole, a brave number might have

peeked out to survey the landscape and determined that something needed to be done. While Genting is stumbling their way to a gaming proposal either in the legislature or through a state- wide referendum, Miami Beach might have just fortified their castle. A new or renovated facility on the beach with or without a hotel component remains attractive to major gaming companies. Perhaps entirely by accident, beach voters might have left the door open to gaming. This might be one tax that pays dividends for years to come.

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Food Truck & Music Fest Craze comes to Miami Beach

North Shore Bandshell on September 19, October 17 and November 14 Miami Beach’s North Shore Park Bandshell & Ocean Terrace will dress in the typical, characteristic Latin flavor of the North Beach area to welcome the Miami Beach Food Truck and Music Fest on Wednesday nights this fall. The events take place on September 19, October 17 and November 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at the North Shore Park Bandshell on Collins Avenue and 73 Street. The food and music fest will feature the popular mobile food trucks, free entertainment and participation by area restaurants. The salsa sounds of the Marlow Rosado y La Riqueña’s nine-piece band will kick off the festival on September 19. Entertainers for the other festival dates will be announced soon.

“It is a great neighborhood and we’re looking forward to having people come and enjoy good food, good music, and the beautiful beach and also hoping to entice neighboring residents to come and discover the charm of North Beach,” said Miami Beach Acting Assistant City Manager Max Sklar. The popular food truck lineup includes the following: Ms. Cheezious, Sakaya Kitchen, Gastropod, Health Nut on Wheels, Dolci Pecati, Sugar Yummy Mama, Garcia Brothers Seafood, La Camaronera, Moty’s Grill, Latin Burger, Mangia Mia and Bocaditos. They will be offering varied menus from burgers and seafood to healthy bites and ethnic dishes. For more information, visit www.mbculture.com.

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Advice for getting through a divorce BY DEBBIE MARTINEZ

Divorce Coach

This is a dating question. I am currently dating a man who appears to be very attentive and sends me flowers on a regular basis and always wants to be with me, but not in a controlling way. My daughter says he is stalking me. Now I’m confused. To Miss Lucky Lady; the only confusion is with your daughter. She is confusing stalking with good old-fashioned courting. Girls today aren’t used to guys treating them like ladies and, in my opinion, that’s a shame. It sounds like this man of yours is showing you how much he appreciates your company and, quite frankly, he’s wooing you. Explain to your daughter that stalking is when a woman doesn’t want the attention and has asked him to leave her alone and he doesn’t. Let your relationship with him be a shining example to your daughter on how she should be treated. My son constantly refers to himself as the “man of the house.” I joke with him about it, but I’ve noticed that he takes it seriously. Is this a bad thing? It happens when the man of the house leaves and the son voluntarily places himself in that role or, unknowingly, the parent realigns the family dynamics and places him there. Either way, it’s not healthy for the child or the parent. Yes, we as single parents can always use the extra help, but in the framework of the child helping the parent and not as an equal. It adds stress to their lives and can rob them of some of their childhood. Let them be children, they have plenty of adult years ahead of them. It seems to me that my children are misbehaving more now than before the divorce; not anything really bad or even specific, but

I feel more unrest in my home. Any ideas? Sometimes when we are trying to heal our own wounds, we inadvertently overlook our children’s. Not tending to their hurt and confusion can make them act out. Also, divorce can be very overwhelming and perhaps consistency with rules and attention and love isn’t what it was when you were married. My suggestion is just to look at these things without being judgmental with yourself and make a course correction. What is PAS? PAS stands for Parental Alienation Syndrome. This is when the child aligns with one parent to the point where they don’t want to see the other parent. The feelings they express often reflect the feelings of the parent they are aligning themselves with. The parent could have expressed these feelings directly or indirectly to such a point that the child takes them on as his own. If you feel that this is happening, consult your attorney and seek the help of a therapist for both you and your child immediately.

NOTE TO SELF: I express myself in loving and positive ways DEBBIE’S LIBRARY – The Love They Lost by Stephanie Staal Debbie Martinez is a Certified Divorce Life Coach. She has given workshops on divorce and women’s issues and has offices in South Miami. For more information, call 305-984-5121 or go to <www.thepowerofdivorcecoach.com>.

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Baptist Health Summer Academy introduces students to healthcare

Pictured (l-r) Juan Ramirez; Joseph Arrunategui; Angela Campo; Rocio Olive; Anthony Noel; Raina Walker, and Nurse Clinician Lamberto Hernandez, RN. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY RAQUEL GARCIA

Vasisth Sewnarainsukul remembers being hospitalized at age 10 for a mysterious chronic stomach ailment ultimately diagnosed and treated. The experience sparked the curiosity of the 16-year-old Miami native to find out more about a possible future as a medical scientist. School for Advanced Studies senior Sewnarainsukul is one of 72 recent graduates of the Baptist Health South Florida Summer Health Career Academy. Eleventh and 12th grade area high school students, as well as some already in college, spend a week shadowing doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to get a first-hand look inside the world of modern healthcare. “When I was 10 years old I spent a while in the hospital,” Sewnarainsukul said. “I am 100 percent okay now, but ever since I was young I wanted to learn more about the medical field. The program helped me figure out the complexity of hospitals and how much is going on at one time.” The Health Care Academy was started in 2007 to foster student interest in healthcare careers and to motivate community youth to prepare for a professional future. Participants observe live surgeries, tour the Electronic Intensive Care Unit in Doral (where all critical care patients are monitored additionally), receive CPR training, learn wellness initiatives, and some even witness a live birth. Student Program manager Marsha Tejeda said the academy demonstrates Baptist Health’s commitment to the future work force. “We understand there are many choices for

careers and we hope to motivate students to do well in school and prepare for the future. It’s fun to watch the excitement of the kids.” Five separate one week programs are offered at Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital and Homestead Hospital. To date more than 360 students have graduated from the program now in its sixth year, and some chose healthcare professional futures as a direct result of their academy experience. Class of 2012 Health Academy student Sewnarainsukul was particularly impressed with the temperament of surgeons and staff during a complex robotically assisted surgery. ‘“They were not tense,” he said. “They knew what they had to do and did it well. The staff was super nice and the surgeons were making jokes and relaxed. It was amazing because the robotic arm made four tiny holes to check if the patient was okay instead of making a large incision.” Baptist Health’s Career Academy works with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, healthcare academy magnet programs, and area private schools to promote the annual summer program and the children of hospital staff are also encouraged to apply. “Our big initiative is to draw local kids from each service area,” Tejeda said. “These are high achieving students. They are serious students who come in ready to spend a week with us full time every day from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.; they love it.” To find out more about Baptist Health’s Summer Academy contact Marsha Tejeda at 786-527-9162 or email <marshat@baptisthealth.net>.

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Jean Marc Calvet selected official MIFF poster artist BY TERE ESTORINO

The Miami International Film Festival (MIFF), produced and presented by Miami Dade College, has selected internationally renowned, French-born, Nicaragua-based artist Jean Marc Calvet as the poster artist for its 30th edition, which will run Mar. 1-10, 2013. Calvet was the subject of director Dominic Allan’s documentary, Calvet, a hit at MIFF 2012 where it screened as part of the Knight Documentary Competition. The film recounts the painter’s journey from savvy street kid to Cannes bodyguard who abandoned his wife and son, robbed a Miami mobster, hid out in Central America and, at the age of 38, overcame a gruesome drug addiction in an extraordinary metamorphosis through which he began to paint. Eight years later, Calvet’s intricate paintings now sell for five figures. In creating the MIFF 2013 poster, which he calls Miami Juice, Calvet said, “This is primarily a message of hope... go out of the dark and into the light! The central personage is filled with cinematic references: projectors, stars, cameras, red carpet, outlaws, explosions, etc. “The character’s eyes are shaped like camera shutters and inside the mouth are a number of distinctive elements referencing the Miami International Film Festival of today: buildings, cine-cameras, palm trees, the sea and, of course, a ‘pretty’ blonde in the middle,” he added. “Jean Marc’s image perfectly captures the theme we have chosen to celebrate the wild, fascinating 30-year history of MIFF: Every character under the sun/ Todos los

2013 Miami International Film Festival poster

personajes bajo el sol,” said Jaie Laplante, MIFF executive director. “Jean Marc has captured our emotions and anticipations as we complete our third decade and look forward with excitement to our fourth.” Calvet began painting at a point in his life when severe crisis metamorphosed into a form of redemption and rebirth. With no previous training, he discovered the need to paint by complete chance. Not only did it save him; it changed his life. Art is his catharsis and his evolution has been astounding. For him, it is about exorcising the insanity of his past and slapping down on canvas the dirty truth of life. He paints 14 hours a day, seven days a week in Nicaragua where he currently is based. Calvet was one of six winners of the VII Biennale of Nicaraguan Arts in 2009 selected to represent Nicaragua at the Biennale of Central America in Panama in 2010. This past March, Miami Dade College’s (MDC) renowned Art Gallery System, in collaboration with Monkdogz Urban Art Gallery, the Americas Collection, and the Miami International Film Festival, presented Jean Marc Calvet’s exhibition, “invasion invasión l’invasion,” at MDC’s National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower. The well-received exhibition featured 33 large-scale paintings and an installation of miniature sculptures, marking Calvet’s first solo exhibition at the Freedom Tower. Details on the 2013 Miami International Film Festival program will be released in January 2013. Jean Marc Calvet’s official poster, Miami Juice, is available at <www.miamifilmfestival.com>.

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LOOKING FOR PART-TIME WORK? The Aventura News is looking for an energetic, happy person who would like to make some extra spending money every week. So, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for something to do, in between taking the kids to school or right before you tee-off on the golf course, then the part-time position in our advertising sales department just might be right for you. The opportunity entails you calling neighborhood retail stores, real estate agencies, car dealers and restaurants and helps them promote their businesses through advertising in the Aventura News and Sunny Isles Beach Sun. If you have 15-20 hours a week available and you want to earn $300 - $500 per week on a part-time basis, then e-mail Michael Miller at Michael@communitynewspapers.com or call 305-669-7355 ext. 249.

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