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JANUARY 24, 2011
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TRIBUNE
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay Pilots Association celebrating centennial of service BY YANEISY BLANCO
T
he Biscayne Bay Pilots Association, the association of harbor pilots serving the Port of Miami’s maritime traffic needs and a member association of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association, has announced that 2011 marks 100 years of collaboration with the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County in the growth of the local maritime industry. To commemorate the occasion, the pilots have published a history book, authored by Captain Andrew D. Melick, chronicling their role in the events that led to the establishment of Miami as a port town at the turn of the 20th Century and the evolution of the city and its seaport since. The book is edited by Miami historian Dr. Paul George. “Forty-four harbor pilots have played an intricate role in the development of Biscayne Bay as a major seaport over the last century,” said Captain John Jacobsen, chair of the Biscayne Bay Pilots Association. “We are honored to be celebrating our collaboration with the Port of Miami and our contribution to the safety, environmental integrity and economic development of this beautiful port city.” There currently are 16 pilots serving within the association, all of whom graduated from federal or state maritime academies and sailed on oceangoing vessels for many years, typically a decade or more, before training to become harbor pilots. Most of them hold unlimited master’s licenses in the merchant marine. Harbor pilots in Miami have safely handled the navigation of hundreds of thousands of ships during the past century; they currently pilot approximately 7,000 ships sailing in and out of Biscayne Bay annually. Miami pilots stand 12-hour watches on a rotating schedule and are open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. “The Port of Miami joins the Biscayne
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PILOTS, page 3
This spud’s for you in show at Miami Children’s Museum
Miami Science Museum gets $75,000 grant from Chase BY DAISY CABRERA
BY WOODY GRABER
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he call has gone out and famil i e s throughout South Florida won’t want to miss “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head,” a new interactive exhibit now open at the Miami Children’s Museum on Watson Island. Sponsored by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the exhibit is scheduled to run through May 15. The much-loved Mr. Potato Head character will lead young visitors and parents on a number of fun and educational adventures. From trips to outer space to jungle safaris and archeological digs, each activity will provide children with engaging learning experiences. The exotic and fanciful exhibit is designed to develop school readiness and academic skills for young children, focusing Explore the oceans with Mr. Potato Head in “Spud Overboard” exhibit. on literacy, problem solv––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ing, mathematics, science and social studies. It is based on developmental milestones set by the National Association ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See page 3
SPUD,
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he Miami Science Museum (MiaSci) recently was awarded a $75,000 grant by Chase to implement the Girls SPICE (Science Program Inspiring Creative Exhibits) project. The grant will allow the museum to work with Charles R. Drew Middle School’s Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program to implement an after school and summer program targeted to female students in grades 7-8. The Girls SPICE project addresses the need to cultivate diversity in preparing the next generation of female scientists. “Our nation’s need for a world-class science and technology workforce has never been greater, requiring that all members of our population have the opportunity and the resources to pursue successful science and technology-related studies and careers,” said Judy Brown, EdD, senior vice president of education, Miami Science Museum.
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MUSEUM, page 3