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
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José Abreu to receive Excellence in Tourism Award
J
osé Abreu has been Director of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department since 2005, responsible for Miami-Dade County’s top economic engine: Miami International Airport (MIA) and the County’s system of four general aviation airports. His leadership has helped MIA reach record numbers, with more than 38 million passengers and two million tons of cargo in 2011. MIA also became the top U.S. airport for international flights in 2012, with nearly 1,300 weekly flights now serving 85 foreign destinations. Abreu oversees a $6.4 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that has doubled the size of terminal space at MIA, making it the largest current terminal expansion program in the U.S. During his tenure, the CIP’s 1.7-millionsquare-foot South Terminal was completed and opened in 2007 to now serve near-
Wyland and Students Join for Once in a Lifetime Art Project
Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center students with Wyland
BY CHANTAL GLOOR
O
JOSÉ ABREU –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––
See
ABREU, page 4
n May 3rd and 4th, internationally acclaimed artist, Wyland, partnered with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce to highlight water conservation through a celebration of arts, culture, and education with local elementary school students on South Beach. Over the course of two days, Wyland painted with 200 students from six of the feeder pattern schools, Hebrew
Academy and the FIU College of Architecture + the Arts in front of the 410 Lincoln Road Mall store. On the first day of the Wyland Mural Art Project, a press conference was held to announce Laguna Beach, California as the winning city for his National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Miami Beach residents, Miami-Dade Public Schools representatives and visitors all gathered in awe as Wyland and the students painted aquatic animals on the 10 foot tall by ––––––––––––––––––––––– See
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Phone: 305-669-7355
Letter from the Chair BY JASON LOEB Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber
Green is a trend here to stay. Environmental preservation has never been a more pertinent topic and it should be particularly emphasized in a beautiful city like Miami Beach. As Chamber members, we have been working hard to raise our business and social causes, and under the leadership of the Arts & Culture Council, we’re now committed to protecting our natural resources as well. Earlier this month, a new partnership with the Wyland Foundation commenced with a two-day production that drew artistic inspiration from our city’s natural beauty. More than 200 students from the six feeder pattern schools of Miami Beach joined the renowned artist himself to learn the importance of preserving all forms of waters, from our oceans, to channels, to rain drops. Wyland and his new “Youth Ambassadors for the Planet” then put their new learnings into action, painting two large-scale murals of scenic landscapes. The program was a great success and the kids were energized in fun and creative ways. Over the course of the event, I was able to spend a lot of time with Wyland to understand his mission of “Arts, Community, Conservation”. What more beautiful way to honor the environment than through art? His passion takes him on journeys around the globe, and we’re so blessed to have his award-winning work within our very own city. As one of the 21st century’s most influential artists, we have much to learn from his success of combining work and passion with a love for the very environment in which we work and live. Even more exciting, our new relationship will continue, as we have made the student mural initiative an annual program. We look forward to working with him and his team to meet the Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. I hope, that the new Wyland/student murals, remind us of our individual roles in conservation and the vast potential our combined efforts hold in maintaining our island paradise for generations to come.
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May 17 - 20, 2012
May 17 - 30, 2012
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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
RAJ SINGH Chairman of the GMBHA Raj Singh, a Certified Hospitality Administrator, (CHA) is the long term General Manager of the historical and famous Sea View Hotel located on the ocean in Bal Harbour. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA), a professional association of hotel general managers and senior executives representing 160 hotels and over 350 allied members. Prior to assuming the office of Chairman, Raj Singh served on the executive and cochaired the government committee for the association. Prior to his current position with the GMBHA, Raj Singh was an active member of the South Florida chapter of the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Association (HFTP) where he held the office of President and Chairman of the Board and is a former Certified Hospitality Account Executive (CHAE). Singh started his professional career over three decades ago after graduating with a degree in economics and attending hotel school in Bad Hofgastein, a resort town close to Salzburg, in Austria. After, several internships in Europe he transferred to the hospitality program at Florida International University and earned a second major. He has held positions of general manager, controller, front office manager in various resorts and restaurants including The Doral Country Club and the Doral Saturnia International Spa Resort. He has served on the resort and budget
RAJ SINGH
committees of the Village of Bal Harbour. A recipient of a proclamation from then Mayor Ferre making him an honorary citizen of Miami Beach in recognition of community service early in his career led to his motivation and involvement in a positive way towards community service. His community service extends to his membership in the Bal Harbour Rotary Club where he has contributed to service projects both local and international; Singh lives in Bal Harbour with his wife Neeta and his two children Bianca, a University of Michigan junior and Arman, a student at Miami Country Day School.
Miamii Beach h News
6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355 • Fax (305) 662-6980 PUBLISHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grant & Michael Miller ASSOCIATED PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy Donner WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albie Barnes, Roberta Bergman, Beatriz Brandfon, Celia Canabate, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diane Chasin, Enrique Chau, Sharon Christian, Lori Cohen, Dianne Maddox, Denzil Miles, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Diane Sedona Schiller, Georgia Tait, Walter White PROOF DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Vavrek PRODUCTION GRAPHIC ARTISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Ortega, Cristian Ortiz, Catalina Roca, Marie Scheer, Isabel Vavrek PUBLISHER EMERITUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Miller We will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs. If you send us anything, please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material. Every issue of the Miami Beach is fully copyrighted, and all property rights, including advertisements produced by Community Newspapers. Using artwork and/or typography furnished or arranged for/by us, shall be the property of Community Newspapers. MILLER PUBLISHING and COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS are proud to publish the following newspapers: Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Community Newspapers, Coral Gables News-Tribune, Cutler Bay News, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Miami Beach News, Miami Gardens, Opa-locka Review, Palmetto Bay News, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun, West Park News. See us at www.communitynewspapers.com
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45 foot wide mural. The canvases attracted many spectators to Lincoln Road to admire as the masterpieces unfolded. Wyland played his Blues Planet music while painting local marine life indigenous to South Florida, a manatee on the first canvas and a wright whale on the second. This project taught the students the importance of the role these mammals play in our delicate eco-system. Before each of the schools painted, Wyland encouraged the students to save the planet by being environmental conscience and to avoid wasting our precious water. In April as a prelude to this project, each school received a 3 foot rain barrel, which was decorated using Wyland stencils and placed outside to collect water as a conservation exercise for the 4th graders. Since the students had been studying these marine animals, they were thrilled to paint along his side to showcase everything they had learned to promote water conservation worldwide. The children filled the canvas with jelly fish, starfish, sea turtles, and
all types of fish. The educational component of this project help students grasp the critical issue for water conservation in a fun filled way. While mixing colors, Wyland said, “Without blue, you can’t be green.” The Chamber’s Arts and Culture Council partnered with the Wyland Foundation to encourage educational efforts in our community through the arts to highlight water conservation and sustainability. The proceeds from the Wyland Mural Art Project will be divided amongst the following charities: City of Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council, the Miami Beach Chamber’s Education Foundation, and the Wyland Foundation. The Wyland Mural Art Project sponsors included Aetna, FastCare, FIU College of Architecture + the Arts, Fratelli la Bufala, Gallery Art, Mango’s Tropical Café, Costco, The Sagamore, the South Beach Group, BDI Construction, Moss and Associates, Prestige AV, as well as the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.
May 17 - 30, 2012
ABREU, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ly 25 percent of MIA’s passengers. South Terminal was a 2008 design excellence award recipient from the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the “Project of the Year” award winner from the Miami-Dade chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Abreu’s leadership also resulted in the successful reorganization of the North Terminal Development Program, which was expedited to save two years and approximately $200 million of construction. North Terminal is now 95 percent complete with a total completion date of early 2013. In 2011, the Construction Owners Association of America selected North Terminal as its annual Project Leadership Gold Award Winner, COAA’s highest honor. Additionally, North Terminal was among 35 winners in Engineering News-Record Southeast magazine’s 2011 Best Projects competition and won the 2012 award for Best Overall Terminal Concession Program from Airport Revenue News magazine. Prior to his July 2005 appointment as Aviation Director, Mr. Abreu served for two and a half years as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) under Governor Jeb Bush. In his role, he oversaw the operation of FDOT including seven districts and the Florida Turnpike Enterprise encompassing the entire state, 7,500 employees and an annual budget of $9 billion. Prior to his position as Secretary, Mr. Abreu served 18 years in progressively senior positions at FDOT, including eight years as District Six Secretary for MiamiDade and Monroe counties. Abreu has served on a number of boards, including the United Way Executive Board, the University of Miami and the Association of Cuban-American Civil Engineers. In March 2008, he was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve on the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB), during the Bush Administration. He is a Fellow of the American Society of
Civil Engineers. Mr. Abreu has received numerous awards including: the 1996 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Miami College of Engineering; the 2000 Wilbur S. Smith Award; the National Highway Engineering honor; the 2004 Civil Government Award, presented by the American Society of Civil Engineers; and the Florida Engineering Society (FES) award for outstanding service to the profession in the category of government. He was also named one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics” in 2003 by Hispanic Business magazine and one of the Top 25 Newsmakers of 2007 by Engineering News-Record magazine. In 2009, he received the Wright Brother’s Award presented by the Greater Miami Aviation Association and in 2010 he received the International Achievements Award presented by World Trade Center Miami. In 2011, he was named one of “Miami’s 75 most influential people in politics, business sports and arts” by Poder magazine and received the Bob Graham Architectural Awareness Award presented by the American Institute of Architects. In 2012, he was presented with the “Person of the Year” award by the Florida Customs Brokers &Forwarders Association, Inc. Abreu holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Miami and is a licensed professional engineer and certified engineering contractor.
Abreu is the recipient of the Excellence in Tourism Award, which will be presented to him during the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 90th Annual Dinner Gala on June 2. The award is given to notable individuals or organizations whose insight, leadership and nobility have contributed significantly to the tourism industry in Miami Beach. PortMiami Director Bill Johnson and Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Bill Talbert have also been recipients.
May 17 - 30, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Buyers finding less to choose from as luxury property prices increase People think the hottest activity in South Beach takes place at the clubs, but Miami Beach and the Greater Miami area are also seeing the residential real estate market heating up, as well. As prices of luxurious homes and condominiums here begin to rise after years of decline, the inventory of available properties has begun to shrink. Low interest rates for those using financing and a strong influx of foreign investors paying cash have created an interesting scenario for those who have been considering buying a luxury property in Miami Beach. Fewer properties on the market results in an increase in what sellers may expect for their property, and locally, prices have been experiencing steady growth. In Miami-Dade, the median sales price of condominiums surged 40.4 percent to $131,950 in February compared to a year earlier, according to the Miami Association of Realtors. The median sales price of single-family homes rose 19 percent to $175,000. The accelerated demand for bankowned properties and improvements in the processing of short sales has resulted in rapid absorption of listings, and has contributed to rising prices in South Florida. Still, the bulk of purchases continue to be from buyers who pay with cash, and many of them are international purchasers. Other data supports the increase in sales activity as prices started to stabilize and are now inching upwards. In 2009, the year many consider the bottom of the market, there were 42 luxury waterfront homes sold in Miami Beach, with an average per square foot price of $702. By 2011, that number reached 75, at an average per square foot sales price of $769. Along with my business partner, Sandra Osorio (The Alex and Sandra Team), we specialize in luxury real estate and work out of the Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate’s Miami Beach Office. We have both noticed a decided increase in activity within the higher end of the market, particularly from international clientele. We speak with many Brazilians, Canadians, Russians – people from around the world who are seeing that this local market is really an excellent opportunity to own a piece of paradise here on the Beach, and that now is the time to act. The international allure of life in Miami Beach means countless celebrities, sports
Aleksandra Marzec ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
stars and entertainers from all around the world choose to either live here full time, or enjoy a trip to their vacation home or condo here, and the real estate market reflects that. Recent sales of some of Miami Beach’s most luxurious homes and condominiums include retired tennis star Anna Kournikova’s Sunset Island estate for $7,425,000 and Ricky Martin’s North Bay Road home for $10,600,000. Other star-studded real estate news shows Rosie O’Donnell just listed her Star Island estate on the market for $19,500,000, after having paid $6,750,000 for the 11,000 square foot home in 1999. In fact, Star Island has seen several ultra-luxe properties change hands in the past 6 months. Two vacant home sites were recently sold for a little more than $8,000,000 each, and 29 Star Island Drive, home to famous shoe designer Donald Pliner, was recently put on the market for $19,999,999. We have such a vibrant and cosmopolitan vibe here, with events like Art Basel, Mercedes–Benz Fashion Week, and so many more – it’s no wonder so many people want to call Miami Beach home. The affluent know where to invest and how to do it wisely, and many are seeing that today’s local real estate climate means now is the right time to act. As the summer heat looms just around the corner, the Miami Beach luxury real estate market is also showing many positive signs of heating up as well.
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Sara’s Homestay Quality Student Housing Around the World
May 17 - 30, 2012
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Mount Sinai President and CEO The $outh Florida Gaming Repor t Steve Sonenreich visits North The Decision Beach Elementary School BY ISADORE HAVENICK
Mount Sinai president and CEO, Steve Sonenreich, visited North Beach Elementary School on May 7th to speak to Mrs. Schwartzbaum’s third grade class for Health Awareness & Career Week. The students learned about the many different job opportunities that are available within a hospital setting and asked insightful questions about how a hospital functions.
Over the last few weeks the papers have been full of articles about the latest Florida Supreme Court decision and how it opens up the floodgates for gambling proponents statewide. Let’s set the record straight. The action taken by the Florida Supreme Court was actually a non decision. The state’s highest court chose not to hear an appeal of a lower court decision which allowed for a slot casino to be built at the Hialeah Racetrack. The narrow interpretation of this non action was that a casino is legal and will be built in Hialeah. The broad interpretation is that the legislature has
the absolute power to determine where and under what conditions casinos will be allowed in the state. An opinion issued by the Attorney General, Pam Bondi, would seem to clarify the broad interpretation as it states that an act of the legislature is required for an expansion of gaming to take place. The epicenter of the simmering debate is whether or not the legislature has already taken an action that will allow expansion beyond the city limits of Hialeah. The Attorney General says no while some of the most respected parimutuel attorneys in the state say yes. I think we can expect a legal challenge followed by clarifying legislative action in 2013. When the dust settles Governor Scott is likely to endorse a county by county decision based on the will of the voters. What a novel approach!
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The 2012 Elayne Weisburd Excellence in Education Awards
Dr. Martin Karp Miami Dade School Board
Michael Aller and Chairman Jason Loeb
Jacqueline Adler, Biscayne Elementary School; Olga Bichachi, Treasure Island Elementary School; Gussie Bowen, Miami Beach Senior High School – Elayne Weisburd Excellence in Education Winner; Jose Alvarez for Dorothy Brochey from Nautilus, Middle School; Benjamin Groff, South Pointe Elementary School; Sharon Heath, Fienberg
Michael Aller and Chairman Jason Loeb addressing guests at luncheon –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Friday, May 13th, 2011, began like any normal South Florida Spring Day for the Judging Committee made up of Chamber City of Miami Beach Quality of Education Chair, Karen Rivo; Chamber Education Council Chair, Maia Mediavilla from Atlantic Broadband; Maria Guadamuz, AAA Locksmith; Sheila Duffy Lehrman, Tropic Survival and Bob Balsam, Miami Beach Convention Center, proudly managed by Global Spectrum. They came to the Chamber’s Boardroom to judge the 8 nominees from the Miami Beach Senior High’s feeder pattern schools: Dorothy Brochey, Nautilus Middle School; Benjamin E. Groff, South Pointe Elementary; Sharon Heath, Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center; Jacqueline Adler, Biscayne Elementary; Anat Schwartzbaum, North Beach Elementary School; Onil Rodriguez, Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center; Gussie Bowen, Miami Beach Senior
High School and Olga Bichachi, Treasure Island Elementary School. It turned out to be an exceptional day: they had already read the applications filed by each of the educators, signed and approved by the administrators at each school. They had an idea of what each of the teachers was like and what they had done at his/her school to deserve the nomination. But they had no idea what kind of passion for education each of these outstanding people had in their hearts. It was only the beginning of our Annual Elayne Weisburd Excellence in Education Awards Event. The judges chose their winner and this year, they also designated a special judges’ award, sponsored by Bob Balsam, Global Spectrum, to be presented at the Awards Luncheon held Friday April 27th at the Palms Hotel & Spa, sponsored each year by FPL. Sponsors have been so much
Olga Figueras, Acting Principal, Miami Beach Senior High School, Christopher Bargado, Winner – Gussie Bowen, Karen Rivo, Chairman, CMB Quality of Education Committee and Charmaine Williams, Miami Beach Senior High School.
a part of this event annually and this year was no exception; the Chamber could not have produced this event without the generous contributions of the Palms Hotel and Spa, Mangos Tropical Café, Office Depot, Pasha’s, Lucky Strike and the Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Company. What a great day it was, School Administrators, Educators, Business partners and Community members gathered together to honor the best of our Miami Beach Senior High School’s Feeder Pattern. Dr. Martin Karp spoke to the crowd and Mayor Matti Bower, a staunch supporter of local education addressed the assembly. Everyone was excited to see Sharon Heath honored with the Special Judges’ Award for 18 years of dedication to the special needs students at Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center and Gussie Bowen from Beach High honored with the Elayne Weisburd 2012 Excellence in Education Award.
Mayor Matti Herrera Bower
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May 17 - 30, 2012
Wyland Mural Art Project on Lincoln Road
Sherwin William Paint for the Wyland Mural Art Project
Food Sponsor Fratelli la Bufala
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHANTAL GLOOR
Costco
Hebrew Academy with Wyland Wyland painting the first canvas on May 3rd
Students painting with Wyland Press Conference for Wyland’s National Mayor Challenge for Water Conservation with Miami Beach Chamber Chairman Jason Loeb and Jerry Libbin, President and CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber
Wyland painting manatees in front of 420 Lincoln Road
See more photos next page
May 17 - 30, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Wyland Mural Art Project on Lincoln Road
Sami Loeb and Morgan Loeb painting with Wyland
Murray Brown, Sydney Brown, Liz Brown and Murray Brown offering Wyland a personalized drawing
Wyland Painting a manatee
Wyland Youth Ambassador, Guy Snell, painting a turtle Treasure Island Elementary school with Wyland
Student’s signing a thank you card for Wyland
Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center students with Wyland
See more photos next page
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May 17 - 30, 2012
Wyland Mural Art Project on Lincoln Road
South Pointe Elementary Student learning about Water Conservation from Wyland Second Mural painted on May 4th
4th grade students painting with Wyland
Students painting sea creatures for the Wyland Mural Art Project Sponsor Ken Hendel, Gallery Art, and Wyland
Biscayne Elementary students painting on the mural
Wyland Foundation Team (L-R) Youth Ambassador, Guy Snell, Patti Romo, Wyland, Gino Beltran and Steve Creech
Toyota Prius c Hybrid for the winning city of the National Mayor Challenge for Water Conservation
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHANTAL GLOOR
May 17 - 30, 2012
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‘ECOMB’s 2012 GreenRaiser’ WHAT: The Environmental Coalition of Miami & the Beaches (ECOMB), one of MiamiDade County’s leading non-profits promoting sustainability, is hosting its annual fundraiser: the 2012 GreenRaiser. As part of this eco-chic celebration, ECOMB will honor our community’s best environmental leaders working to ensure a more sustainable community with the annual Emerald City Award. The GreenRaiser celebrates “living the green life” with an experiential evening showcasing the glamor of green. This year’s GreenRaiser is set at the newly renovated SKYDECK, which boasts spectacular views of South Beach including Lincoln Rd and the Atlantic Ocean. The GreenRaiser will bring together a variety of people, products, and practices of sustainability in an exciting evening of music, silent auction, raffle prizes, eco friendly cocktails and bites and more. This event aims to create awareness for Miami and Miami Beach’s environmental issues, and serve as ECOMB’s main fundraiser. It will enable ECOMB to continue implementing initiatives to protect and preserve our local community’s ecosystem as well as initiate efforts towards the restoration of its new environmental education center: The Miami Beach Center for the Environment.
7:00 - 8 PM|VIP Reception 8:00 - 11:00 PM|Sustainable Celebration 9:00 PM|Emerald City Award Ceremony TICKETS: Available through http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/235743 2012 EMERALD CITY AWARD RECIPIENTS: BUSINESS CATEGORY: • Whole Foods Market South Beach • Deco Bike INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY: Jeff Burnside, NBC 6 Environmental Reporter Sam Van Leer, Urban Paradise Guild Executive Director MEDIA Journalists: for press interviews and more information please contact: ECOMB’s Executive Director, Luiz Rodrigues, 305-534-3825, luiz@ecomb.org ECOMB’s Program Director, Maura Reilly, 305-534-3825, maura@ecomb.org Frances Albán – PR, 786.200.4315, frances@albancommunications.com
WHERE: SKYDECK | 605 Lincoln Road | Miami Beach | FL | 33139
ABOUT ECOMB: ECOMB, an environmental not-for-profit organization founded in 1994, is dedicated to the promotion of environmental sustainability and the preservation of our community’s ecology.
WHEN: Friday June 1st, 2012
To learn more about ECOMB, visit www.ecomb.org.
www.communitynewspapers.com
Barbara Buxton, J.D., LL.M. Florida Attorney
Nursing Home Medicaid • Elder Law & Estate Planning Florida Medicaid Planning & Eligibility Asset Protection • Wills, Trusts, Living Wills Powers of Attorney • Guardianships Probate: Estate Administration
Serving Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties Tel.: 305.932.2293 Miami-Dade County 954.760.7077 Broward County www.buxtonlaw.com
May 17 - 30, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Software development company releases the First 3D Mobile application for the Real Estate Industry
Eyal Weinstein and Jonathan Oleinick
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Evolution Ventures (Evolution), a Miami Beach-based software development company, has released a first of its kind iPad and web-based application named Sage that transforms the way real estate agents can show, sell and lease real estate. Evolution’s application was developed for residential, retail, and office real estate. Residential Sage, specifically developed for the high-rise residential market, provides real estate agents with a dynamic presentation tool to more beautifully and effectively display information to clients. The application incorporates the company’s revolutionary, patent-pending 3D building visualization system, which enables information such as pricing to be dynamically overlaid on a building’s computer model. The technology is an innovative way to display information that tends to be presented in long and confusing lists. In addition, the application is used to present building videos, area maps, amenities, floor-plans and details about the unit inventory, as well as other content. It is exclusively available to the sales teams of Evolution’s clients and is currently being used by Trump Soho in New York City, The Residences at W South Beach in Miami Beach, Marquis Residences, and BrickellHouse in Miami, among many others. Evolution’s application suite is also
used by the retail and office markets with clients including national companies such as Edens and Inland Real Estate Corporation. “We have an innate understanding of what the real estate industry needs in order to function more efficiently. Sage is a powerful sales tool that allows agents to give engaging multi-media presentations to buyers and renters of residential units. It helps differentiate the property in a crowded marketplace,” says Jonathan Oleinick, co-founder of Evolution Ventures. ABOUT EVOLUTION VENTURES Evolution Ventures (Evolution) is a Miami Beach-based software development company founded in 2007 by Eyal Weinstein and Jonathan Oleinick. Leveraging nearly two decades of combined real estate and software experience, Evolution has created technology solutions to reimagine some of the real estate industry’s critical processes. Their mobile and 3D visualization software products offer simple, elegant, and intuitive software solutions that improve the way real estate developers, owners and agents communicate their offerings to prospective buyers and tenants. Evolution’s products are targeted to residential, retail and office real estate. For more information, visit www.evolutionv.com.
Never Pay Another Expensive Repair Again
Ly Espinol
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ECOMB:
One-Stop Shop Recycling Drop-Off Station For Electronic Waste, Batteries, Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and all other recyclables. WHAT: ECOMB HAS JUST MADE IT A LOT EASIER FOR EVERYONE TO RECYCLE! The Environmental Coalition of Miami & the Beaches, ECOMB, in partnership with the City of Miami Beach, eTronic eWaste (www.etronicewaste.com), EcoBatt (www.ecobatt.net) and Smart At Bulbs (www.smartatbulbs.com) is pleased to announce the opening of Miami-Dade County’s first One-Stop Shop Recycling Drop-Off Station for all types of electronic waste, batteries and compact fluorescent light bulbs at its new Miami Beach Center for the Environment. The Center also accepts all other types of Single Stream Recyclables - glass, plastic, metal, paper, cardboard, magazines, junk mail, phone books, etc - for those businesses and residents that do not have a recycling program, thanks to an agreement established between the City of Miami Beach and our local waste haulers: Choice Recycling, General Hauling, Waste Management and WSI. With ECOMB in the “hood”, it’s now easy to be part of the green movement. All you have to do is call ECOMB’s office or stop by to visit us. WHY: Because the average American throws out seven and a half pounds of trash each day! And it all ends up at the landfills, where it just sits, compacted, buried, taking up space ... forever. Recycling is important because it helps keep our resources plentiful, not only for us but for our future generations: our chil-
dren, grandchildren, and so on ... WHERE: Miami Beach Center for the Environment 210 Second Street and Collins Court (alley between Washington & Collins Ave.) Miami Beach, Fl 33139 TIME: • GENERAL RECYCLABLES = SINGLE STREAM (glass, plastic, metal, paper, etc): 24 HOURS A DAY BATTERIES, • ELECTRONICS, CFLs: from 10 am to 5 pm, but call first to make arrangements. ABOUT ECOMB: ECOMB, a 501 (c) (3) founded in 1994, is dedicated to the promotion of environmental sustainability and the preservation of our community’s ecology. ECOMB’s Executive Director Luiz Rodrigues · Phone: 305-534-3825 · luiz@ecomb.org ECOMB’s Board of Trustees President Jeffrey Forster · jeff@ecomb.org
Educating People. Engaging our Community. Effecting Environmental Change.
See us online at:
www.communitynewspapers.com
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IL TORRE Brick Oven Brooklyn Style Pizza Subs • Salads • Burgers
May 17 - 30, 2012
Miami Beach Family & Sports Chiropractic Center: Fix the pain and get back in the game
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Miami Beach Chamber Pillar Members Dr. Todd Narson and Dr. Corey Narson
Those with an active lifestyle can’t afford to be sidelined by pain – and that’s why so many active people choose the Miami Beach Family & Sports Chiropractic Center to help keep them in the game. Led by Drs. Todd and Corey Narson, Miami Beach Family & Sports Chiropractic Center is one of the nation’s leading sources of expertise in the area of sports medicine. Dr. Todd Narson is one of only 30 Diplomates of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, and is the only South Florida chiropractor who has been granted an International Chiropractic Sports Science Diploma (ICSSD) by the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (F.I.C.S.) He was recently selected to the international sports medicine team for the 2011 Pan American Games. Likewise, Dr. Corey Narson is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, and has been credentialed as an on-site treating physician for major sporting
events beach volleyball, triathalons, professional NASCAR and was a chiropractic medical board examiner for the State of Florida. “I don’t consider someone who is simply out of pain to be healthy. I want them to be pain free, energetic and feeling great when they’re active and having fun-That’s what life is all about. Anyone can he pain free when they sit on the couch” Dr. Narson says. A recent example of a patient who is a new mom and had been an avid runner & triathlete. She became sidelined in October because of a foot injury. With the help of the Miami Beach Family & Sports Chiropractic Center, she recently returned to training for a marathon this summer . We understand that not everyone is an athlete, so they use their knowledge in chiropractic & sports medicine to help all their patients, not just the athletes. So come to Miami Beach Family & Sports Chiropractic Center to fix the pain. But don’t stop there. Get back in the game!
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Grand opening!
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May 17 - 30, 2012
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NOW OPEN IN SUNNY ISLES BEACH PY HAP R HOU
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Kosher 101, you are what you eat
Nowadays many people tend to take care of their metabolism and their body in different ways. The healthy eating trend seems to be institutionalized and internationalized in modern society to take care of the body. What do You eat?, what’s your diet? How many times do you eat during the day?, Am I fat?, I am a vegetarian and you? , do you go to the gym? These questions have become a part of everyday dialogue and ultimately people seem to agree that a correct way of eating raises your self-esteem and makes you feel better. Protein shakes, juices, salads and a good balanced diet creates a kind of body stimulation that helps people maintain emotional balance and makes them happy. We belong to a generation that responds to external stimulus such as the physical appearance, money, work and obligations, and also to a generation accustomed to eating out and rarely at home. Knowing how to choose where to eat and what to eat is a crucial issue to give our body the energy necessary to inspire us to continue with our daily activities. There are different eating options and one of them is categorized as kosher. Did you ever wonder what does the word kosher mean?, and everything involved in this process?. Did you ever wonder how can this influence your eating choices?. Let’s see. This term etymologically means fit, proper. The term Kosher has to do with the form of preparation of certain foods and ingredients that are used for proper hygiene under the laws of “kashrut.” This is a very general and simple explanation of the term and philosophy Kosher. The way the cows and calves are raised is very important as they give the animal the most humane way of death without suffering any. We do not mix meat and lactose because of the nontoxic digestive process for the body. Another very important detail is the thorough cleaning and inspection process they go through with fruits and vegetables. Vegetables are examined with a magnifying
glass and light for better hygiene. Also, the kitchen has very special guidelines and usually have two different grids one for meat and poultry and another for fish, just as the pans that are used do not mix meat or fish. All these details make Kosher food the best quality as it arrives at your table. You can know that it has undergone a rigorous review to ensure a completely healthy and delicious experience every time. But it is not required to be Jewish or religious to be or eat kosher. By extension the term is applied simply to care and diet that helps us to have a healthy diet and healthy living. Anyone who loves their body and cares for their physical and mental health, should try to keep in mind these tips for optimal digestive process. One of the few restaurants in Miami Beach where the food goes through this process is WesT AvenUe CaFe, a Kosher restaurant in the heart of south beach, located at 959 West Avenue.
General Manager Pablo Lucero has managed to unite the Jewish sector and its local clientele with many fresh food options. The extraordinary atmosphere, clean and elegant site that has this dream sums up the modern concept of what is kosher, which attracts a different choice every day with a more demanding audience seeking higher quality food. Visit our website at www.westavenuecafe.com or follow us on Facebook, for reservations call 305-534-4211.
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Summertime in Miami Beach BY KEITH MENIN
Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority Board Member To some, the summertime may be considered the slow season in Miami; however, with so many great events coming up this season, our summer forecast seems to be heating up fast! Before you know it, Fourth of July will be here and we’ll be enjoying some of Miami’s best fireworks displays while spending time with family and friends. The City of Miami Beach puts on a spectacular fireworks show, held on 8th street and Ocean Drive, and has become a city-wide tradition. Miami Swim Week kicks off with lots of great events and fashion shows, where designers showcase their swimwear and resort collections. As a Miami native, I know I get excited for the Mercedes Benz Swim Week, and flaunt our beautiful city, people, beaches, and of course fashion.
What better way to spend the hot summer days cooling off at the beach or by the pool, such as Lucy’s Cantina Royale. For those who don’t know this Baja style Taqueria it is located in the back of Shelborne and open to the public off South Beach’s famed boardwalk. If you are a local embracing the summer heat or visiting us through the months of August you won’t want to miss the opportunity to savor the city’s most sought after cuisine during Miami Spice Restaurant Month. The Miami Spice Program is sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and allows diners to enjoy Miami’s top restaurants’ signature dishes with an incredibly affordable prefixed menu. Of course I encourage all of you to visit Vesper American Brasserie where our Chef will be presenting some of its signature dishes. Between the excitement from all the pool parties, fashion events, and restaurant hopping, Miami Beach is sure to keep you busy all summer long!
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Healthy guide to enjoying our Miami Beach Summers BY CHARLOTTE LIBOV
Six years ago, when I arrived in Miami Beach in December as a refugee from frigid New England, each day unfurled blissfully. Then, one May day, as I emerged from my West Avenue condo for my customary walk to the old “music” Starbucks on Lincoln Road, , I was assaulted by a blast of suffocating heat. My eyes began to tear, my face turned beet red, and I nearly passed out before reaching my destination. That’s when I learned that staying healthy in the summer here requires a whole different skill set than in winter, starting with your eyes. We treat our shades as a fashion accessory, but they are required year around and especially in the summer. The sun radiates Ultraviolet-A (UVA) and Ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. You know these rays damage your skin, but did you know they also make your eyes vulnerable to cataracts, skin cancer of the eyelids, and, most important, macular degeneration, which is the biggest cause of age-related blindness? Well, it turns out that our eyes are even more vulnerable behind dark shades, my
radiation is allowed in, the effect can be even more damaging, he noted. As long as your shades are labeled “UV” protection, you’re okay. So pick whatever fashionable shades you want, but make sure that the lenses bear a label that reads “UV protection.” And, whether you spend $19 or $999, go with a brand you trust. Leave the bargain knockoffs from China in the bin.
Cover up with light clothes to block sunburn –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Miami Beach optometrist Meir Ben-Nissan told me. “When you use dark glasses, your pupils open wider, to let in more light. So, if
SUNSCREEN Yes, you know sunscreen is de rigueur, but are you applying enough? According to a recent survey, four out of five of us aren’t. Experts say you must apply the equivilant of a shot glass full of sunscreen on your skin daily. This means that relying on the sunscreen in your foundation isn’t enough. You also need to wear sunscreen daily, even during our rainy season, because the sun’s radiation beams through clouds. Speaking of sunscreen, new FDA regulations that to into effect in next month allow for products to be labeled “broad spectrum.” Choose these because they passed tests proving that they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. (In the past, sunscreens protected mostly against UVB rays, no matter how high the SPF, even though the UVA rays are the more dangerous. And, speaking of SPF, choose a product labeled at least 15. Also, don’t bother looking for products labeled “sunblock,” “sweatproof” or “waterproof,” anymore because such labeling was misleading and is now prohibited. “Water resistant” is okay, though, as long as the products pass FDA muster. HYDRATE Since we’re comprised mostly of water, just the tiniest dip in body’s your water content can affect your metabolism, leading to an increased heart rate, body temperature, sleepiness and dizziness. To stay hydrated, drink one to three cups of water before heading outside, and then continue drinking water at 20-minute intervals or so, while you’re exercising, and drink water afterwards as well. And not only water
If you’re sunbathing, be sure to limit your time outdoors and also apply plenty of sunscreen.
Hydrate with this –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– counts; choose foods that contain water like the aptly named “watermelon.” Avoid alcoholic beverages, though, as they are dehydrating. Water is best, of course, but even caffeinated drinks, like coffee and colas count, despite what you may have heard. And, I know how we love our cocktails, but alcohol is dehydrating, so save the mojitos for Happy Hour, not the noonday sun.
(Photos by Charlotte Libov)
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Mount Sinai Medical Canter UNIDAD of Miami Beach, Inc. hosts annual Women’s Forum The Customer and You Program
Mount Sinai Medical Center, in conjunction with The Miami Beach Commission for Women, is proud to present the 2012 Women’s Forum. The event is an evening of discussion, for women (and the men who love them) and by women, to enlighten and enrich their lives and health. Lectures, presented by Mount Sinai physicians, will address topics that are of interest to women’s health. Dr. Veronica Rodriguez McCloskey, Mount Sinai cardiologist, will discuss hormone replacement therapy and heart disease. Dr. Belen Esparis, director of the Mount Sinai Sleep Center, will address sleep apnea in women from pregnancy to menopause. Dr. Vivian Birnbaum, primary care physician at both Mount Sinai Aventura and Miami Beach, will discuss osteoporosis. Dr. Elsa Orlandini, clinical psychologist, will present a woman’s
The Customer and You Program is an innovative training program organized by UNIDAD of Miami Beach, Inc. and delivered by instructors from Florida International University who provide customer training to the staff of local businesses, particularly those serving tourists and visitors. The trainings motivate employees to provide the highest level of customer service. Trainings take place at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, hotels, restaurants, the Miami Beach Career Center and other local businesses. The program serves to train local business employees to enhance the perception visitors have of Miami Beach. This training is free of charge to Miami Beach hospitality employees. The Customer and You Program is funded by the Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority’s Tourism Advancement Program. The program provides training to some 420 participants annually. To date, thousands of Miami Beach employees from dozens of local businesses have received The Customer and You Program training. With this program, UNIDAD of Miami Beach, Inc., aims to make employees more competitive in the workplace by enriching
take on meeting sexual needs and reaching sexual fulfillment. Attendance to the event is free to the public. Refreshments and snacks will be provided in addition to door prizes. Don’t miss out on this educational and entertaining event! The Mount Sinai 2012 Women’s Forum will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd, from 6pm – 8pm, in the Founders Meeting Room (1st floor of the Warner Building). Mount Sinai Medical Center is located at 4300 Alton Road. Parking will be validated for those who park in lots H and I. To RSVP, please call 305-674-2600.
THE DONOWAY CENTER FOR CANCER TREATMENT AND PREVENTION Surgical Oncology Associates of South Florida Robert B. Donoway, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.O. Surgical Oncology & Breast Surgical Oncology Practice Specializing in Cancer of Breast, Pancreas, Liver, GI Tract, Melanoma, Sarcoma, Thyroid and Parathyroid, Cancer Prevention and Risk Assessment, Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgical Oncology, Endocrine, and Laparoscopic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Image Guided Tumor Surgery, Genetic Cancer Counseling
ROBERT B. DONOWAY, M.D. Medical Director Institute for Breast Cancer Prevention
21110 Biscayne Boulevard • Suite 400 • Aventura, FL 33180 3800 Johnson Street • Suite 400 • Hollywood, FL 33021 17884 N.W. 2nd Street • Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
Phone: 954.986.6366 • 305.682.4993 • Fax 954.986.4355 www.TheDonowayCenter.com
their employability and skills and to help make Miami Beach a destination remembered not only for beaches and palm trees, but also for incredible customer service! Participating businesses gain a reinforced understanding of the importance of customer service to their business and to the broader community. Course sessions include the following top ics: • How to develop a customer service guide for your organization • How to manage attitudes and emotions to ensure consistent positive and excellent service • Turn customer complaints into profits • Advance your service and attitude skills • Mastering the art of making a good impression And many other services and skills In addition to the already scheduled dates, if an organization has 20 or more participants, UNIDAD will bring the seminar to you! To sign up for the program or for more information, contact Raymond Adrian, Director of Operations, at 305-867-0051 or radrian@unidadmb.org. or go online at www.unidadmb.org
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Community Association Beat
Renting foreclosed units improves Assoc. cash flow BY MITCH DRIMMER, CAM Community Association Manager
Has it been too long a time since your condominium association or HOA has last seen a payment for a particular unit or a group of units? Board members should realize that these units should not be classified simply as “delinquent” but more specifically as “non-performing.” Inventory that’s been ‘put on the shelf’ needs to produce revenue and the only way that can be done is for your association to foreclose and lease those units. This is a hard business decision to make but with banks are generally not taking back foreclosed units these days. Your association should not let these units stay empty and creating further debt. The rental market is especially hot now and, if handled properly by real estate professionals, leasing foreclosed units can be the ticket to stabilizing your association’s cash flow. The first step: have your collection agency or attorney move forward quickly to foreclose and take intervening title to any delinquent units in your association, giving the association the right to lease those units, regardless of rental restrictions on existing owners contained in the condominium or HOA’s governing documents. Many lawyers agree that if an association forecloses and takes intervening title on a unit, it is not obligated by restrictions that might otherwise impede an individual unit owner. The next step is to engage a professional real estate company to ready and market each unit, screen potential tenants, then maintain the unit and collect rent, acting as landlord on behalf of the association. “Necessity is the mother of invention” and many real estate companies have developed
programs especially designed to fill this role. They’re out there and eager to manage units-in-distress properly. Thus if your board may collectively dread the idea of being a landlord, many reliable property management companies will perform this responsibility by charging a reasonable percentage of the unit’s rental as a fee. Reputable management companies will have rental programs ready to serve a client association in this regard. If your board members fear unit rentals means losing control and having undesirable tenants in their communities, be assured that credible and responsible real estate property managers thoroughly screen rental occupants. In addition, your board has a right to refuse any application presented by the management company. In fact, this provides your association with even more control over renters than over those who may purchase a foreclosed unit. Like it or not, taking title to foreclosures in your community is a smart way to improve cash flow and keep your community maintenance fees down. If unable to rent those units, good-paying owners will continue to have to make up shortfalls created by delinquencies. Remember, that’s how communities begin to lose their value due to inadequate cash flow that reduces services or requires increased maintenance fees. Isn’t it time your Board of Directors should take positive action to get these units foreclosed and rented out — and get the operational funds they represent coming in once again? Mitch Drimmer, a licensed CAM and an instructor at FCAP, is Vice President of Association Financial Services, an accredited collection agency specializing in finance, business process outsourcing, and community association management. For more information, visit <www.associationfinancial.com> or tel. 305-677-0022, ext. 804.
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Full Service Immigration Law Firm Celebrates Opening
BY WILLIAM D. TALBERT III, CDME
How’s Business RECORD ARRIVALS AT ‘THE NEW MIA’ (MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) FOR MARCH 2012 Passenger arrivals at MIAMI International Airport (MIA) increased in March 2012 with international passenger arrivals up +12.1% and domestic arrivals up +10.7% when compared to the same month last year. Total arrivals increased in March 2012 by +11.4%. INTERNATIONAL MIA PASSENGER ARRIVALS March 20112 865,228
March 2011 771,821
% Change +12.1%
DOMESTIC MIA PASSENGER ARRIVALS March 2012 959,052
March 2011 866,031
% Change +10.7%
TOTAL MIA PASSENGER ARRIVALS 012 March 20 1,824,280
March 2011 1,637,852
% Change +11.4%
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MIA) NOW OFFERS PASSENGER REWARD PROGRAM MIAMI International Airport has partnered with Thanks Again LLC, an Atlanta based loyalty program provider, to offer a rewards program that gives passengers and employees the chance to earn extra airline miles when shopping or dinning at MIA. Customers can earn one mile for every dollar spent when shopping or dinning with participating merchants, and travelers also have the opportunity to earn up to 25,000 bonus miles every 90 days based on cumulative registered card purchases at more than 170 airports and 25,000 local businesses in North America. To enroll in the rewards program for free, visit www.ThanksAgain.com/MIA/. TWO SOUTH BEACH HOTELS RECOGNIZED AMONG “TOP 25 TRENDIEST HOTELS IN U.S.” BY 2012 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE HOTEL AWARDS Congratulations to our GMCVB partners, Dream South Beach and Mondrian South Beach which were both recently recognized among the Top 255 Trendiest Hotels in the U.S. by the Travelers’ Choice Hotel Awards according to TripAdvisor.com! For more information on the awards, visit www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cTrend. MAY IS MIAMI MUSEUM MONTH The cultural scene in Greater Miami and the Beaches is unique and diverse. During May, celebrate Miami Museum Month. This is an incredible opportunity to experience the area’s inspiring museums. During Miami Museum Month, all visitors and locals will be offered “Buy One, Get One Free” admission at participating museums, as well as opportunities to participate in events throughout the month. For details, visit www.MiamiMuseumMonth.com.
By y Ann n Lino A newly formed full service immigration law firm, The Hermanni Law Group, celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and cocktail party on the terrace at their Coral Gables location where guests enjoyed great food, drink and a live band on April 20. The impetus for creating this firm came from Kurt Hermanni, who had gained a great reputation as a skilled, honest and extremely competent international lawyer dedicated exclusively to the practice of immigration law. Hermanni remembers a time when a client’s friend called from New York to help his detained nephew get a bond from an immigration judge in Krome Detention Center. Thereafter, the family only wanted him despite the added travel expenses. That level of trust and dedication has propelled the Hermanni Law Group to handle cases throughout the United States. That is not hard to understand as there are so many cases of immigrants being victimized by less principled and trustworthy attorneys. Passionately committed to serve his clients, Hermanni has developed relationships that have dramatically increased his client base through satisfied client referrals. Seeing the growing demand, Hermanni decided to better serve his growing client list by creating this new firm with a group of outstanding lawyers all of whom have a general competency in general immigration law but also specialize in various critical areas. While Hermanni is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, his entire team his fluent in English and Spanish. The firm is currently comprised of five full-time house attorneys: Kurt Hermanni, Senior Partner; Norma Lorenzo, Managing Attorney; and Associate Attorneys Erica Perez-Luque, Kerry Anne Donohue, and Karamat Qayum. The Hermanni Law Group currently represents numerous international companies throughout the world, with clients in Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, in support of their employees’ short-term or long-term placements in the United States. Additionally, the firm represents clients facing immediate removal from the United States and those seeking asylum, Cuban Adjustment and adjustment status. Successful representations have focused on defense of marriage fraud claims and cases involving violence against women. The firm’s distinguished clientele includes a former South American President and his family, several foreign dignitaries, a former military General, military attaches, professional athletes, and foreign investors from China, Serbia, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain and Italy. The Hermanni Law Group is located at 2655 LeJeune Road, Ste. 800, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Ph: 305 640-8222 or Mobile 786-271-6699. Visit our website at www.legalizationlawyer.com.
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Acqualina Resort & Spa launches specialty wedding site A dream destination wedding at South Florida’s romantic oceanfront venue is just a click-away with acqualina’s quintessential microsite Acqualina Resort & Spa has launched, acqualinaresort.com/weddings, a distinctive wedding site providing couples with flawless access to customizable details necessary to plan and execute the wedding of their dreams at South Florida’s luxurious oceanfront destination. Known for its sprawling location along the glistening Atlantic Ocean, Acqualina’s stunning backdrop meets its match with impeccable food and the utmost-level of service, proffering itself as the resort of choice for the most discerning guests looking for their dream fairytale wedding. Dedicated to creating a consummate, stress-free wedding weekend teeming with celebration and romance, Acqualina’s convenient new online wedding planner features userfriendly navigation menus, providing brides and grooms with information on the latest wedding packages and offers, venue details, flexible menu options, an inspirational flash photo gallery, wedding tips, guest testimonials, answers to couple’s most frequently asked questions and exclusive tips from Acqualina Resort & Spa’s on-site Wedding Expert, Susan Wesselhoft.
Susan Wesselhoft carries over twenty years of hospitality experience having spearheaded events for distinguished leaders in the industry, including Wolfgang Puck, Ian Schrager and Barton G.
Wesselhoft and her knowledgeable team skillfully tend to every detail of wedding arrangements, guiding couples through every step of the process and turning their visions into realities. Visitors to the web-
site are greeted with the “Plan Your Wedding” option and iHotelier booking options on every page, bridal spa specials at the award-winning Acqualina Spa by ESPA and access to invaluable industry insight from Acqualina’s own wedding professionals on how to ensure that their special day becomes a lifelong memory. Acqualina’s wide array of personalized services matched by its exquisite location provides an unmatched setting for both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. A bevy of elegant indoor and outdoor settings, including poolside cabanas, oceanfront lawns, and Mediterranean-inspired rooms with scenic wrap-around terraces, along with the resort’s attentive staff, come together for an unparalleled wedding experience. Present as an intimate resort with grand amenities, away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach, Acqualina is the destination of choice for wedding day bliss.
To learn more about weddings at Acqualina, visit acqualinaresort.com/weddings.
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Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run sets new participation marks BY MAYRA HERNANDEZ
When Team FootWorks begin planning the 2012 Corporate Run series, the magnitude of this year’s races could not have been imagined. With more than 29,000 runners and walkers from more than 1,100 companies, the Corporate Run has broken all previous records with the largest number of participants and companies since the first 1,300 participants took to the streets of Miami 27 years ago. “When we first began producing this race almost three decades ago, we never dreamt that it would become as large as it has,” said Hans Huseby, race director. “It is a testament that more and more companies are embracing health and wellness initiatives for their employees. “We’re excited to see folks lacing up their sneakers in support of the Corporate Run’s goal to promote health and fitness and increase camaraderie in the workplace.” The tri-county race series awarded prizes to the top finishers at each race. Miami’s top finishers were Andrew Letherby, 15:18, and Erica Huerta, 18:53. For the third year in a row, a portion of the race series proceeds will benefit the South Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross.
In the upcoming weeks, Team FootWorks will present the organization with a check for more than $29,000. The Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series attracts more than 1,100 South Florida Companies and incorporates a special competition to award the overall men’s, women’s and co-ed teams in 20 different industries. Every year, the run is open to employees of businesses, corporations, government agencies, financial institutions and non-profits — regardless of company size. Known as “Florida’s Largest Office Party,” everyone is encouraged to participate and join their company team to walk or run as a group. Often this is the first step towards greater health and wellness among South Florida employees and their companies. Sponsors of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run series included the local South Florida Mercedes-Benz Dealers, American Airlines, BB&T, Aetna, Baptist Health, Club Med, Sharp, UPS, Pearl Izumi, Motorola, Southern Waste Systems and more. For more information including ways to get involved in the 2013 series, contact TeamFootWorks at 305-666-RACE (7223) or visit <www.mercedesbenzcorporaterun.com> or <www.teamfootworks.org>.
Walkers and runners take to the streets of Downtown Miami as part of the record-breaking 2012 Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run series. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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