One of Miami’s Community Newspapers _______________________________________ Supporting local businesses since 1958
South Miami
JULY 7 - 13, 2009
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Local area schools double donations for the American Heart Association BY LEE STEPHENS rea schools recently participated in the annual “Jump Rope for Heart” fundraiser for The American Heart Association and raised thousands of dollars for the cause. Ludlam Elementary raised $6,902; Coral Reef Elementary raised $10,280; Riviera Day School raised $7,355; St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School raised $7,044. This educational fundraiser, held in schools across the country for 30 years, teaches children the importance of living heart healthy lifestyles while raising funds and awareness for the American Heart Association. Heart Disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States today. The money raised funds for important research and to educate within the community, and also help schools pre-qualify for grants and purchase new P.E. equipment. Children as young as Kindergarteners jumped rope and participated in outdoor games to raise money. This year, Vivian Conterio, a mom and Marketing
Fire Rescue visits kids at South Miami Hospital
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–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See
DONATIONS, page 7
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Between putting out fires and running emergency medical calls, Coral Gables Fire Rescue personnel managed to squeeze in some time to go by South Miami Hospital and show the kids what they are all about. The children not only got to try on the fire gear, but they also learned about the different equipment that is used to help people in their time of need. (Photo courtesy Coral Gables Fire Rescue)
Atlantic Broadband announces biggest expansion in HD BY LEE STEPHENS tlantic Broadband just announced its biggest-ever advance in high definition service with the launch of 12 new HD channels throughout its southeast Florida system. Atlantic Broadband is the cable and broadband provider in South Miami and several other MiamiDade communities. Even more HD
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channels will be coming later this year. The new channels make Atlantic Broadband HD service an even better value, compared to satellite and phone company TV services, with their extra HD access charges and satellite’s HD equipment costs. “With Nielsen research showing that more than one out of three homes now –––––––––––––––––––– See
BROADBAND, page 7
PA: Preliminary roll confirms significant decline in values BY PATRICK SMIKLE he July 1 Preliminary Tax Roll has confirmed a substantial decline in the countywide taxable value of existing properties in Miami-Dade County of 13 percent, excluding new construction value. Compared to 2008, taxable value of existing properties declined by $31.8 billion. When adjusted for new construction of $8.4 billion, the 2009 countywide taxable value came in at $222.1 billion, a net decline of $23.4 billion or 9.5 percent. These figures, contained in the 2009 Preliminary Tax Roll released on July 1 by Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia, verify a countywide taxable value of $213.8 billion of existing properties, as compared to $245.6 in 2008. The decline was offset by the $8.4 billion in new construction value, which were projects started during the real estate expansion cycle and completed in 2008. These figures directly reflect market value declines throughout MiamiDade County and confirm a trend, which had been projected in the June 1 estimates issued by the Property Appraiser. Value changes in selected local municipalities are (before new construction, adjusted to include new construction):
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SOUTH MIAMI -10.0%, -9.3% CORAL GABLES -7.5%, -5.3% CUTLER BAY -20.6%, -19.7% PALMETTO BAY -10.4%, -9.7% PINECREST -7.2%, -5.5% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See
VALUES, page 3