JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2010
SEC investigates city’s parking garage bonds
Weed and Seed hosts Community Health, Fitness and Safety Awareness Day
BY JASMINE BERRY
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s of Monday, July 19, the City of South Miami is under formal criminal investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding bonds for a parking garage erroneously deemed to be tax exempt. Tax-exempt bonds allow for the buyers of the bonds to earn interest without paying taxes. Two subpoenas have been issued to former City Attorney Luis Figueredo, who was fired in August 2009. Subpoenas have also been issued to former Finance Director Matilda Menendez, and South Miami City Attorney Laurence Feingold believes there are more to come. Feingold presented this information at the commission’s July 20 meeting, much to the dismay of fellow commissioners. A lease agreement from December 7, 2001, between Mark Richman, owner of Mark Richman Properties, Inc., and
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INVESTIGATION, page 3
Read in Rio de Janeiro South Miami resident, Silvia Rosen, and her husband, Alec, (who is taking the photo), recently visited friends in Rio de Janeiro and took South Miami News along on their trip. Thanks guys for taking us along.
Coach Tim Harris, Senior Program Coordinator for the University of Miami football program, planted “seeds of hope” for the future. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY ERIN N. JENKINS
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Godspell was a hit, now Area Stage Company prepares for Rent BY NANCY EAGLETON
The colorful cast of actors in Area Stage Company’s production of Godspell received standing ovations.
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rea Stage Company presented the rock musical, Godspell, based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, at Riviera Theatre on U.S. 1 in Coral Gables during three performances held July 9 – 11. The production was directed by John Rodaz and produced by Maria Banda-Rodaz of Area Stage Company. The musical included 14 talented actors on stage with a host of local theater professionals behind the scenes, including choreographer, music director, set designer, costume director and stage manager.
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GODSPELL, page 5
outh Miami Weed and Seed invites all South Miami residents to participate in the “Community Health, Fitness, and Safety Awareness Day” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 31 at the Gibson-Bethel Community Center, 5800 SW 66 Street. The event will showcase local resources and healthcare providers from the South Miami community and feature demonstrations by several participating organizations who work to develop healthier, stronger communities. South Miami Hospital will be providing healthcare screenings, chair massages and other services. The South Miami Drug-Free Coalition will also host an information booth and prescription medicine collection. Bring your expired or unused prescription drugs to be disposed. Other partners in the program include South Miami Children’s Clinic, Main Street Children’s Dentistry, Miami-
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WEED & SEED,
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